Summary
Over the last few years,Dungeons and Dragonshas been working towards an evergreen rules refresh for5th Edition’s 10th anniversary. Originally dubbedOne D&D, the2024 facelift ofDungeons and Dragonsbegan with the newPlayer’s Handbookon September 17 and continued with theDungeon Master’s Guideon November 12.
Now, ahead of the newMonster Manual’srelease on February 18,Dungeons and Dragonshas teased the contents of the third and final core rulebook. Over 500 stat blocks, streamlined for ease of use, are available in the book, including 85 brand-new creatures, 40 humanoid NPCs, and variations of familiar monsters, such as the primeval owlbear and the vampire umbral lord and their nightbringer minions. The newDungeons and Dragonsbook powers up high-level creaturesas well, with streamlined attacks, revamped Legendary Actions, and terrifying bosses like the CR 21 arch-hag and the CR 22 elemental cataclysm.
Dungeons and Dragons 2024 Monster Manual Contents
Beyond the statblocks themselves, fans will find tools to help them use these new monsters in games. Most monster listings now contain information about the habitat these creatures are found in, as well as treasure players might find after defeating them. Additionally, the gear used by certain stat blocks is now included, allowing characters to upgrade their own equipment with that of their adversaries. Lists of monsters by habitat, creature type, andChallenge Rating are now found in theMonster Manual, rather than theDungeon Master’s Guide, giving DMs everything they need to populate an encounter in a single book.
New “How to Use a Monster” and “Running a Monster” sections at the start of the book will also help players understand every part of a stat block, and offer practical advice about how the monsters might act. These sections will help DMs of any skill level make the most out of the creatures in the2024 Monster Manual.
Dungeons and Dragons
Created by Gary Gygax, Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop game in which players craft their own worlds and band together to take on adventures through mysterious realms outlined in companion materials. One of the best role-playing games ever made, it has been adapted into a variety of video games and other media.
