AC
13
Initiative
+0 (10)
HP
4
(1d6 + 1)
Speed
30 ft., Climb 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 8 | −1 | −1 |
| DEX | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| CON | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| INT | 1 | −5 | −5 |
| WIS | 7 | −2 | −2 |
| CHA | 3 | −4 | −4 |
Traits
Illumination. The beetle sheds Bright Light in a 10-foot radius and Dim Light for an additional 10 feet.
Actions
Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +1, reach 5 ft. Hit: 1 Fire damage.
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Posted Apr 27, 2025So got a climb speed and resistance to fire, but damage went from 1d6-1 to fully just 1. I feel like they’ve nerfed the giant fire beetle. Absolutely game ruining for me personally
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Posted May 9, 2025Yeah, they really nerfed one of my favorite monsters. Also, the 2014 description stated that they got their names from the fire-like glow from their bioluminescent glands. It makes zero sense for them to deal fire damage or to have fire resistance. The 1 damage does put it in line with other CR 0 monsters, as 1d6-1 has a maximum of 5, which could be over half of a wizard's health, but just make it do piercing.
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Posted Jul 24, 2025Literally unplayable
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Posted Nov 22, 2025So this thing just glows nonstop? It doesn't have the ability to turn its glow on and off?
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Posted Mar 23, 2026I understand those upset with the nerfing of the Giant Fire Beetle, but I believe they made it a very strong option for familiars. They added "or another beast that has a Challenge Rating of 0" to the wording for find familiar in 2024. This means that any mage that lacks darkvision can now have an at will light source and the access to gain true sight at level one. I am a fan.
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Posted Apr 5, 2026Should this beast be small? That seems rather large to me. Would tiny be better? What does the community think?
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Posted May 13, 2026I love having a bug that's the size of a big dog as a familiar
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Posted May 22, 2026It is a giant fire beetle, They should modify the lore so it supports the fire damage like they create heat using friction or something, that could be really cool, KEEP THE MONSTROSITY TYPE, and make the size tiny, getting rid of the giant part of their name and then make a new Giant fire beetle that is CR 1/8 or something and has better health, damage, and light. If they really wanted to they could make more variations depending on their lore like adding a swarm, queen, warrior, exploding beetles, and whatever else possibly being able to make a hole dungeon where the adventurers have to either clear or try not to disturb a large group of fire beetles. This monster could be amazing, they just need a little attention.