Summary
As the next iteration ofDungeons & Dragonsrapidly approaches,Wizards of the Coast is giving players a sneak peek at what they can expect from the updated version of theMonster Manual. A necessary tome when it comes to creating a compelling campaign, the source book is a wealth of knowledge of the various creatures and enemies a Dungeon Master could use to torment their party. While the covers may not give away too much, it’s still exciting to see how the publisher is planning on changing such an iconic part of the game.
PerIGN, the revised 2024 edition ofMonster Manualsports a terrifying image of arguably the most iconicDungeons & Dragonsmonster:The Beholder.
This version of the beast is far more imposing and significantly larger than the version seen on the 2014Monster Manualas its tentacles rear back to attack the adventures, one of whom is Baldur’s Gate legend Minsc and his hamster Boo. On the reverse cover, a group of similarly recognizable monsters leers at the reader;the squad includes a Mind flayer, an Owlbear, and what appears to the eye of a dragon to name a few.
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What’s New In 2024’s Monster Manual?
Revised Rules And Some New Monsters, But The Same Game
Despite unveiling the new cover to teaseDungeons & Dragonsfans, Wizards of the Coast has yet to provide a great deal of information on what players can expect to encounter in the new version of theMonster Manual. IGN notes that based on the back cover,there are a handful of unfamilar foes like the so-called “blob of annihilation” and the “vampire warlock"but thestats of these enemieshas yet to be deterimed. Building up to the book’s release in Febuary 2025, more details will likely be shared.
In terms of what Wizards of the Coast has confirmed, the publisher noted thatnone of the included monsters inDungeons & Dragon’s latest version have had their Challenge Rating (CR) adjusted. Doing so would result in significantly rewrites and likelycause major balance issueswhen paired with the updated ruleset. Additionally, theMonster Manualwill also include more stat blocks for NPCs given how many players felt this aspect was neglected in previous editions.
The next iteration ofDungeons & Dragonsis drawing ever closer and eager players will soon be able to throw their cash at the new bookswhen pre-orders open on June 18. In terms of release dates, thePlayer’s Handbookdrops on September 17, followed by theDungeon Master’s Guideon November 12. Bringing up the year isthe newMonster Manualwhich is slated to arrive on July 27, 2025.
