Bugbear 5e Guide
Medium Humanoid (goblinoid), Chaotic Evil
At a Glance
CR
1
Type
Humanoid (goblinoid)
Size
Medium
Alignment
Chaotic Evil
AC
16 (hide armor, shield)
HP
27 (5d8 + 5)
Speed30 ft.
Ability Scores
str
15
+2
dex
14
+2
con
13
+1
int
8
-1
wis
11
+0
cha
9
-1
Key Abilities
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Brute | A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when the bugbear hits with it (included in attacks). |
| Surprise Attack | If the bugbear surprises a creature and hits it with an attack during the first round of combat, the target takes an extra 2d6 damage from the attack. |
| Morningstar | Melee weapon attack, +4 to hit, 2d8+2 piercing damage. |
How to Run This Monster
Bugbears are ambush predators. They hide and wait for the perfect moment to strike, dealing devastating Surprise Attack damage on their first hit. They bully goblins into scouting and trap-setting, then attack when the enemy is distracted or weakened. They flee when clearly outmatched.
Encounter Ideas
Place bugbears as ambush leaders in goblin lairs. They're the 'boss' of a goblin cave. Use their Stealth proficiency (+6) to set up ambushes in rooms the party thinks they've cleared. A bugbear behind a door is a classic surprise. Great early-campaign mini-boss.
Loot
Bugbears take the best loot from their goblin underlings: 2d10 gp, a quality weapon, and sometimes a piece of salvaged armor or jewelry (10-50 gp).
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting Surprise Attack — it only works in the first round if the bugbear surprises the target
Common Mistake
Not using Brute — the damage is already calculated in the stat block
Common Mistake
Playing bugbears as dumb brutes instead of cunning ambushers
DM Tips
DM Tip
Bugbears make great early-game mini-bosses
DM Tip
They lead goblin groups — use them as the 'boss room' encounter
DM Tip
Describe their size and ferocity to intimidate low-level parties
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Bugbear — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full stat block
- Bugbear — D&D Beyond — Official monster reference
- Bugbear — Roll20 Compendium — Structured stat block