D&D 5E Challenge Rating

[Tzarevitch]

Ok. I have my MM now and I've read through it. Does anyone have any idea how you figure out the CR for a monster? There doesn't seem to be any explanation on what the CR numbers comes from nor is there any explanation on how to change the CR if you modify the monster. If I have a hill giant who has the abilities of an 8th level druid, for example, what is it's CR now? How do you figure out the CRs for classed npcs? The MM doesn't give any guidance at all. Anyone know if it is published somewhere or is it supposed to be in the DMG?

 

[Grazzt]

Ok. I have my MM now and I've read through it. Does anyone have any idea how you figure out the CR for a monster? There doesn't seem to be any explanation on what the CR numbers comes from nor is there any explanation on how to change the CR if you modify the monster. If I have a hill giant who has the abilities of an 8th level druid, for example, what is it's CR now? How do you figure out the CRs for classed npcs? The MM doesn't give any guidance at all. Anyone know if it is published somewhere or is it supposed to be in the DMG?

Supposed to be in the DMG from what I've heard. (I think someone from WotC, Mearls maybe, said it.)

 

[Tormyr]

The CR is a mix of hp, AC, damage, resistances, immunities, abilities and special equipment. The DMG will have info on making your own monsters or at least modifying existing monsters. It should also have information about classed NPCs. In the meantime, you will have to use the existing NPCs in the back of the MM (or HotDQ if you have it) and modify them. If you make small changes, it should still work out.

 

[doctorhook]

One more thing: just be sure you aren't considering CR in 5E the same way you would have in 3E and 4E; it's a different concept with different implications now. It'll be nice to see guidelines soon.

 

[Tzarevitch]

I suspected that was the case. Ty. Hopefully the next PDF will contain the rules so we don't have to wait for the DMG.