# How to Use a Monster *Source: Monster Manual (2025), p. 5* Every monster is a font of adventure. In this bestiary of Dungeons & Dragons monsters, you'll discover the weird, the whimsical, the majestic, and the macabre. Choose your favorites, and make them part of your D&D play. Along with the "Player's Handbook (2024)" and "Dungeon Master's Guide (2024)", the Monster Manual is part of D&D's foundation and requires those books. This book is intended for Dungeon Masters (DMs) and provides game statistics for monsters: all sorts of creatures—whether friend or foe—controlled by the DM. Those statistics appear in stat blocks. The book presents the monsters' sections alphabetically, with animals gathered in "appendix A". See the index if you need assistance finding a particular monster. Official D&D adventures refer to the monsters in this book, and you may use these monsters—along with the rules for monster customization and encounter building in the Dungeon Master's Guide—to build your own adventures. Consult "appendix B" for monster lists that will help your adventure building. > [!note] What's New in the 2025 Version? > > This is the 2025 version of the fifth edition *Monster Manual*. If you've read the 2014 version, much of this book will feel familiar, since the fundamental rules and variety of monsters are the same. Much of the book contains new or redesigned elements, and the monsters herein replace versions from older books. Here are highlights: > > - **More Monsters.** The number of monsters has increased to more than 500 stat blocks. > - **New Monsters.** Dozens of new monsters, including more high-level threats, are ready to challenge characters of all levels. > - **Refined Rules.** Every stat block has been updated for ease of use and game balance. > - **Enhanced Stat Blocks.** New stat block design and language prioritize details vital during play. > - **Versatile Groups.** Nonplayer characters now appear alongside other monsters and can represent individuals of any Humanoid species. > - **Improved Organization.** Monsters are now organized alphabetically by their name. Variations on the same monster are grouped together. > - **Expanded Lists.** "Appendix B" collects and expands lists of monster details that appeared in the 2014 "Dungeon Master's Guide". > > Every monster in the 2014 *Monster Manual* appears in this book or has a CR-appropriate replacement detailed in "appendix B". ^whats-new-in-the-2025-version ## Stat Block Overview A monster has a stat block that contains the rules necessary to use it in the game. Stat blocks are divided into the following parts, which correspond with the example stat block, Vampire Familiar:  - **Name and General Details.** The name of the monster is followed by its size, creature type (along with any descriptive tags), and alignment. - **Combat Highlights.** [Armor Class](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/armor-class-xphb.md), [Hit Points](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/hit-points-xphb.md), [Speed](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/speed-xphb.md), and [Initiative](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/initiative-xphb.md) are provided here. - **Ability Scores.** A monster's ability scores, ability modifiers, and saving throws are listed here. - **Other Details.** The monster's Senses, Languages, and CR entries appear here. Additional details appear in some monsters, such as skill proficiencies, Resistances, Immunities, and Gear. If a monster lacks those details, entries for them don't appear. - **Traits.** Monster characteristics that are active at all times or during certain situations appear here. - **Actions.** The monster can take the actions here in addition to those in the "Player's Handbook". - **Bonus Actions.** This section provides a monster's Bonus Actions, if any. - **Reactions and Legendary Actions.** These sections provide Reactions and Legendary Actions, if any. The example monster doesn't include these parts. ## Monster Entries Most of the book is composed of monster sections that have the following parts after a section's title. ### Habitat A monster's habitat entry notes where the monster typically dwells. Lists of monsters organized by habitat appear in "appendix B". ### Treasure A monster's treasure entry specifies whether the monster hoards treasure and the type of treasure it prefers. These preferences are detailed as follows: - **Any.** The monster's treasure hoard can include monetary treasure and any kinds of magic items. - **Individual.** The monster doesn't have a treasure hoard, but it might keep monetary treasure. - **Treasure Theme (Arcana, Armaments, Implements, or Relics).** The monster's treasure hoard features magic items with the noted theme. The "Dungeon Master's Guide" details treasure hoards appropriate for each theme. - **None.** The monster doesn't care about treasure. Any treasure the monster has is incidental. Any treasure a monster has is in addition to equipment listed in the Gear entry of its stat block. The "Dungeon Master's Guide" provides more information on monster treasure. ### Narrative Description After a monster's introductory information come details that apply to the monster wherever it might be found in the multiverse. Customize these details however is appropriate to your adventures. ### Special Lairs Some monsters alter the regions around their lairs. For such a monster, regional effects are detailed in a lair section. The monster's stat block might also include ways in which the monster is more powerful while in its lair. ### Stat Blocks Each entry includes at least one stat block. Stat blocks are explored in the next section. ## Parts of a Stat Block The rules for a [stat block](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/stat-block-xphb.md) are detailed in the rules glossary of the "Player's Handbook" and in this section. ### Size A monster is Tiny, Small, Medium, Large, Huge, or Gargantuan. If size options are presented, you choose the creature's size from those options. See the "Player's Handbook" for information on size. ### Creature Type Each monster has a tag that identifies the type of creature it is. Certain spells, magic items, class features, and other effects in the game interact in special ways with creatures of a particular type. Lists of monsters organized by creature type appear in "appendix B". The game includes the following creature types, which have no rules of their own: - **Aberrations.** are utterly alien beings, such as aboleths, beholders, flumphs, and mind flayers. - **Beasts.** are non-Humanoid natural creatures, like horses and wolves, as well as most giant animals. - **Celestials.** are magical creatures, such as angels and pegasi, with ties to the Upper Planes. - **Constructs.** are magically created creatures such as homunculi, modrons, and shield guardians. - **Dragons.** are scaly beings of ancient origin, such as red dragons and wyverns. - **Elementals.** are beings from the Elemental Planes, such as efreet and water elementals. - **Fey.** are creatures tied to the Feywild or the forces of nature, such as dryads, goblins, and pixies. - **Fiends.** are creatures tied to terrifying Lower Planes, such as balors and hell hounds. - **Giants.** are towering beings with humanlike shapes, like cyclopes, fire giants, and trolls. - **Humanoids.** are people defined by their roles and professions, such as mages, pirates, and warriors. They include members of varied species. - **Monstrosities.** are unnatural creatures with strange origins, such as mimics and owlbears. - **Oozes.** are gelatinous creatures, including black puddings and blobs of annihilation. - **Plants.** are sentient vegetation and fungal monsters, such as myconids, shambling mounds, and treants. - **Undead.** are spirits and the reanimated dead, such as ghosts, vampires, and zombies. ### Descriptive Tags A monster might have one or more tags in parentheses following its type. Such tags provide additional categorization and have no rules of their own, but certain game effects might refer to them. Lists of monster groups related by descriptive tags appear in "appendix B". ### Alignment The alignment specified in a monster's stat block is a default suggestion of how to roleplay the monster, inspired by its traditional role in the game or real-world folklore. Change a monster's alignment to suit your storytelling needs. The Neutral alignment, in particular, is an invitation for you to consider whether an individual leans toward one of the other alignments. The "Player's Handbook" describes the "nine alignments" and "unaligned creatures". ### Armor Class A monster's [Armor Class](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/armor-class-xphb.md) (AC) includes its natural armor, Dexterity, gear, and other defenses. See the "Player's Handbook" for information on [Armor Class](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/armor-class-xphb.md). ### Initiative The [Initiative](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/initiative-xphb.md) entry specifies the monster's [Initiative](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/initiative-xphb.md) modifier followed by the monster's [Initiative](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/initiative-xphb.md) score in parentheses. Use the modifier when you roll to determine a monster's [Initiative](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/initiative-xphb.md). A monster's [Initiative](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/initiative-xphb.md) modifier is typically equal to its Dexterity modifier, but some monsters have additional modifiers, such as [Proficiency Bonus](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/proficiency-xphb.md), applied to that number. If you don't want to roll a monster's [Initiative](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/initiative-xphb.md), use the [Initiative](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/initiative-xphb.md) score as the monster's [Initiative](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/initiative-xphb.md) in combat. [Initiative](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/initiative-xphb.md) is further detailed in the "Player's Handbook". ### Hit Points A monster's [Hit Points](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/hit-points-xphb.md) are presented as a number followed by parentheses, where the monster's [Hit Point Dice](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/hit-point-dice-xphb.md) are provided, along with any contribution from its Constitution. Either use the number for the monster's [Hit Points](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/hit-points-xphb.md) or roll the die expression in parentheses to determine the monster's [Hit Points](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/hit-points-xphb.md) randomly; don't use both. A monster's size typically determines the die used to calculate its [Hit Points](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/hit-points-xphb.md), as shown in the Hit Dice by [Size](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/size-xphb.md) table.  A monster's Constitution modifier is multiplied by the number of Hit Dice it possesses, and the result is added to its [Hit Points](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/hit-points-xphb.md). For example, if a monster has a Constitution of 12 (+1 modifier) and `2d8` Hit Dice, it has `2d8 + 2` [Hit Points](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/hit-points-xphb.md) (average 11). For more on [Hit Points](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/hit-points-xphb.md), see the "Player's Handbook". ### Speed The Speed entry specifies a monster's Speed. Some monsters have one or more of the following speeds: [Burrow](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/burrow-speed-xphb.md), [Climb](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/climb-speed-xphb.md), [Fly](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/fly-speed-xphb.md), [Swim](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/swim-speed-xphb.md). Rules for [Speed](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/speed-xphb.md) and these specials speeds appear in the "Player's Handbook". ### Ability Scores Every monster has six ability scores along with corresponding ability score modifiers and saving throw modifiers. For more information on ability scores and saving throws, see the "Player's Handbook". ### Skills The Skills entry specifies a monster's skill proficiencies, if any. For example, a monster that is very perceptive and stealthy might have bonuses to Wisdom ([Perception](Mechanics/CLI/rules/skills.md#Perception)) and Dexterity ([Stealth](Mechanics/CLI/rules/skills.md#Stealth)) checks. A skill bonus is the sum of a monster's relevant ability modifier and its [Proficiency Bonus](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/proficiency-xphb.md). Other modifiers might apply. ### Resistances and Vulnerabilities These entries list a monster's [Resistances](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/resistance-xphb.md) and [Vulnerabilities](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/vulnerability-xphb.md), if any. See the "Player's Handbook" for more information. ### Immunities This entry lists the monster's [Immunities](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/immunity-xphb.md), if any. If the monster has damage and condition Immunities, the damage types are listed before the conditions. See the "Player's Handbook" for details. ### Gear Monsters have proficiency with their equipment. If a monster has equipment that can be given away or retrieved, the items are listed in the Gear entry. The monster's stat block might include special flourishes that happen when the monster uses an item, and the stat block might ignore "Player's Handbook" rules for that item. When used by someone else, a retrievable item uses its "Player's Handbook" rules, ignoring any special flourishes in the stat block. The Gear entry doesn't necessarily list all of a monster's equipment. For example, a monster that wears clothes is assumed to be dressed appropriately, and those clothes aren't in this entry. Equipment mentioned outside the Gear entry is considered to be supernatural or highly specialized, and it is unusable when the monster is defeated. #### Ammunition and Ranged Attacks A monster that requires ammunition to make ranged attacks carries the necessary ammunition. #### Equipping a Monster with Other Items You may equip monsters with additional gear however you like, using the equipment chapter of the "Player's Handbook" for inspiration. You decide how much of a monster's equipment is recoverable after the creature is slain and whether any of that equipment is still usable. Beware of giving a monster combat-oriented magic items, since those might alter the monster's [Challenge Rating](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/challenge-rating-xphb.md). If you do give a monster a magic item, the monster can have [Attunement](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/attunement-xphb.md) with magic items as noted in the "Player's Handbook". A monster with a class tag after its creature type is considered a member of that class for [Attunement](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/attunement-xphb.md) purposes. > [!note] Running a Monster > > To ensure a monster acts in accordance with its [Challenge Rating](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/challenge-rating-xphb.md), follow these rules during combat: > > - **Special Abilities.** If the monster has a special ability that deals a lot of damage but has a limited number of uses, such as a recharging breath weapon or a spell it can cast only once per day, have it use that special ability as quickly and as often as possible. > - **Multiattack.** If the monster has Multiattack, have it use Multiattack on any of its turns in which it's not using one of its more powerful abilities. > - **Bonus Actions, Reactions, Legendary Actions.** If the monster has Bonus Actions, Reactions, or Legendary Actions in its stat block, make sure it uses them as often as it can. ^running-a-monster ### Senses The Senses entry specifies a monster's [Passive Perception](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/passive-perception-xphb.md) score, as well as any special senses the monster possesses. [Passive Perception](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/passive-perception-xphb.md) and "special senses" are described in the "Player's Handbook". ### Languages This entry lists languages that the monster can use to communicate. Sometimes a monster can understand a language but can't communicate with it, which is noted in its entry. "None" indicates that a creature doesn't comprehend any language. #### Telepathy [Telepathy](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/telepathy-xphb.md) is a magical ability that allows a creature to communicate mentally with another creature within a specified range. See the "Player's Handbook" for more information. ### Challenge Rating [Challenge Rating](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/challenge-rating-xphb.md) is defined in the "Player's Handbook", while guidance on using CR to plan potential combat encounters is in the "Dungeon Master's Guide". Lists of monsters organized by [Challenge Rating](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/challenge-rating-xphb.md) appear in "appendix B". #### Experience Points The number of [Experience Points](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/experience-points-xphb.md) (XP) a monster is worth is based on its CR, as detailed in the [Experience Points](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/experience-points-xphb.md) by [Challenge Rating](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/challenge-rating-xphb.md) table. XP is awarded for defeating the monster in combat or otherwise neutralizing it. Unless a rule says otherwise, a monster summoned by a spell or another magical ability is worth the XP noted in its stat block.  #### Proficiency Bonus A monster's [Proficiency Bonus](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/proficiency-xphb.md) (PB) is determined by its CR, as shown in the [Proficiency Bonus](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/proficiency-xphb.md) by [Challenge Rating](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/challenge-rating-xphb.md) table, and is reflected in saving throws, skills, and other statistics where the monster's exceptional aptitude is a factor.  ### Traits A monster's traits, if any, are features that are active at all times or in certain situations. ### Actions A monster can take the actions in this section or take one of the "actions available to all creatures", as described in the "Player's Handbook". #### Attack Notation The entry for a monster's attack identifies whether the attack is a melee or a ranged attack and then provides the attack roll's bonus, its reach or range, and what happens on a hit. An attack is against one target unless its entry says otherwise. For details on "different kinds of attacks", see the "Player's Handbook". ##### Hit Any damage dealt or other effects that occur as a result of an attack hitting a target are described after the "Hit:" notation. ##### Miss If an attack has an effect that occurs on a miss, that information follows the "Miss:" notation. ##### Hit or Miss If an attack has an effect that occurs regardless of whether it hits or misses its target, that information follows the "Hit or Miss:" notation. #### Saving Throw Effect Notation If an effect forces a saving throw, the effect identifies the kind of save required and then provides the save's DC, a description of which creatures make the save, and an explanation of what happens on a failed or successful save. "Half damage only" on a successful save means the target takes half as much damage (round down) as targets that fail the save, while also ignoring all other parts of the effect. #### Damage Notation A stat block usually provides both a number and a die expression for each instance of damage. For example, an attack might deal 4 (`1d4 + 2`) damage on a hit. You decide whether to use the number or the die expression in parentheses; don't use both. #### Multiattack Some creatures can make more than one attack when they take the [Attack](Mechanics/CLI/rules/actions.md#Attack) action. Such creatures have the Multiattack entry in the "Actions" section of their stat block. This entry details the attacks a creature can make, as well as any additional abilities it can use, as part of the [Attack](Mechanics/CLI/rules/actions.md#Attack) action. #### Spellcasting If a monster can cast any spells, its stat block lists the spells and provides the monster's spellcasting ability, spell save DC (if any spells require a saving throw), and spell attack bonus (if any spells require an attack roll). Unless noted otherwise, a spell of level 1 or higher is always cast at its lowest possible level and can't be cast at a higher level. A monster's spell can have special rules or restrictions. For example, a [green slaad](Mechanics/CLI/bestiary/aberration/green-slaad-xmm.md) can cast the [Invisibility](Mechanics/CLI/spells/invisibility-xphb.md) spell, but the spell has a "self only" restriction, which means the spell affects only the slaad. ##### Spell Components The Spellcasting trait notes whether the monster's spellcasting ignores the need for certain spell components. If any spell components are required, describe the monster's use of Verbal, Somatic, or Material components to signal to characters that it is casting a spell. A monster that requires Material components has them. ##### Casting Times of 1+ Minutes If a spell has a casting time of 1 minute or more yet is listed in a spellcasting action, the monster doesn't cast the spell in just one action unless the action's description states otherwise; the monster must take the [Magic](Mechanics/CLI/rules/actions.md#Magic) action on each of its turns and maintain [Concentration](Mechanics/CLI/rules/conditions.md#Concentration) to cast the spell, as described in the "Player's Handbook". ### Bonus Action If a monster has Bonus Action options, they are listed in this section. See the "Player's Handbook" for details on [Bonus Actions](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/bonus-action-xphb.md). ### Reactions If the monster has Reaction options, those are listed in this section along with their triggers. See the "Player's Handbook" for details on [Reactions](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/reaction-xphb.md). ### Legendary Actions If the monster has Legendary Action options, those are listed in this section. A Legendary Action is an action that a monster can take immediately after another creature's turn. Only one of these actions can be taken at a time and only after another creature's turn ends. The monster can't take a Legendary Action if it has the [Incapacitated](Mechanics/CLI/rules/conditions.md#Incapacitated) condition or is otherwise unable to take actions. The monster has a limited number of Legendary Action uses, and that number is specified in the stat block. The monster expends one use whenever it takes a Legendary Action, and it regains all expended uses at the start of each of its turns. ### Limited Usage Some parts of a stat block have restrictions on the number of times they can be used. Here are the most common ways that usage is limited: - **X/Day.** This notation means the stat block part can be used a certain number of times (represented by X) and that a monster must finish a [Long Rest](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/long-rest-xphb.md) to regain expended uses. For example, a [Reaction](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/reaction-xphb.md) that includes "1/Day" means the [Reaction](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/reaction-xphb.md) can be taken once and that the monster must finish a [Long Rest](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/long-rest-xphb.md) to take it again. - **Recharge X–Y.** This notation means a monster can use the stat block part once. At the start of each of the monster's turns, roll `d6`. If the roll is within the number range given in the notation (represented by X–Y), the monster regains the use of that part, which also recharges when the monster finishes a [Short](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/short-rest-xphb.md) or [Long Rest](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/long-rest-xphb.md). For example, "Recharge 5–6" in an action means a monster can take the action once. Then, at the start of each of the monster's turns, it regains the use of that action if it rolls a 5 or 6 on `d6`. - **Recharge after a Short or Long Rest.** This notation means the monster can use the stat block part once and must then finish a [Short](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/short-rest-xphb.md) or [Long Rest](Mechanics/CLI/rules/variant-rules/long-rest-xphb.md) to use it again.