Ancient Red Dragon 5e Guide
Gargantuan Dragon, Chaotic Evil
At a Glance
CR
24
Type
Dragon
Size
Gargantuan
Alignment
Chaotic Evil
AC
22 (natural armor)
HP
546 (28d20 + 252)
Speed40 ft., climb 40 ft., fly 80 ft.
Ability Scores
str
30
+10
dex
10
+0
con
29
+9
int
18
+4
wis
15
+2
cha
23
+6
Key Abilities
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6) | 90-foot cone, DC 24 Dexterity save, 26d6 fire damage on a failed save, half on success. |
| Frightful Presence | Each creature of the dragon's choice within 120 feet must succeed on a DC 21 Wisdom save or become <a href="/rules/conditions/frightened-condition-5e/">frightened</a> for 1 minute. |
| Legendary Actions (3/round) | Detect (Wisdom check), Tail Attack (reach 20 ft., 2d8+10), Wing Attack (DC 25 Dex save, 2d6+10, knocked <a href="/rules/conditions/prone-condition-5e/">prone</a>, dragon flies half speed). |
How to Run This Monster
Ancient Red Dragons are arrogant but not stupid. They open with Frightful Presence to scatter the party, then use breath weapon on grouped enemies. They fly out of melee range and use legendary wing attacks to reposition. If seriously threatened, they retreat to their lair where they have legendary lair actions.
Encounter Ideas
This is a campaign-ending boss fight. The lair should be a volcanic cave or mountain peak. Use minions (kobolds, fire elementals) to distract while the dragon focuses on the biggest threat. Give the party environmental options — collapsing pillars, lava flows, or magic items that grant fire resistance.
Loot
A red dragon's hoard is legendary — tens of thousands of gold, gems, magic weapons and armor, spell scrolls, and items stolen from heroes over centuries. Red dragon scales can be forged into +2 or +3 armor.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting legendary resistances (3/day auto-succeed saves)
Common Mistake
Not using the dragon's flight and massive speed advantage
Common Mistake
Underestimating the breath weapon recharge — it can fire multiple times per fight
DM Tips
DM Tip
Give the dragon a name, history, and personality
DM Tip
Use lair actions every round to make the environment fight too
DM Tip
Ancient dragons speak many languages and will negotiate if outmatched
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Ancient Red Dragon — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full stat block
- Ancient Red Dragon — D&D Beyond — Official monster reference
- Ancient Red Dragon — Roll20 Compendium — Structured stat block