When creating a character or monster in Dungeons & Dragons 5e, one crucial component to consider is the Challenge Rating (CR). The CR is a numerical representation of a creature’s overall strength and serves as a guideline for Dungeon Masters (DMs) when designing encounters. This article will walk you through the process of calculating Challenge Rating in D&D 5e.

1. Determine Proficiency Bonus

Firstly, determine the creature’s proficiency bonus based on its total hit dice. Use the following table:

– CR 0 – 1: +2 proficiency bonus

– CR 2 – 3: +2 proficiency bonus

– CR 4 – 5: +3 proficiency bonus

– CR 6 – 7: +3 proficiency bonus

– CR 8 – 9: +4 proficiency bonus

– CR 10 -11: +4 proficiency bonus

– CR 12 -13: +5 proficiency bonus

– CR 14 -15: +5 proficiency bonus

– CR 16 -17: +6 proficiency bonus

– CR 18 -19: +6 proficiency bonus

– CR 20+: +7 proficiency bonus

2. Calculate Defensive Challenge Rating

To calculate the defensive Challenge Rating (DCR) of your creature, follow these steps:

a. Find its effective hit points (EHP) using the provided hit points or by calculating them based on hit dice.

b. Consult the “Challenge Rating” table in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (page 274) and find the corresponding defensive CR that matches the EHP value.

c. Check for resistances, immunities, and defensive abilities, adjusting DCR accordingly – increase DCR by one level for each three resistances/immunities or significant defensive traits it possesses.

3. Calculate Offensive Challenge Rating

Next, calculate the offensive Challenge Rating (OCR) by following these steps:

a. Determine the creature’s average damage output per round (DPR) based on its actions and abilities.

b. Consult the “Challenge Rating” table in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (page 274) and determine the corresponding offensive CR based on DPR value.

c. Calculate Attack Bonus or Save DC for creature’s attack, adding steps 1 and 2 to determine overall OCR, adjusting accordingly for higher/lower values.

4. Averaging Challenge Rating

Finally, to get the overall Challenge Rating for your creature:

a. Add both DCR and OCR.

b. Divide the sum by 2 to get the average.

c. Round the result up or down to get your final Challenge Rating.

With this simple guide, you’re now able to calculate Challenge Ratings effectively for your D&D 5e game. Keep in mind, Challenge Ratings are a guideline but may not always accurately represent the difficulty of an encounter—always playtest and adjust as necessary based on the specific campaign and party.