Quick Links
So you’ve got your hands on the 2025 Monster Manual and you’e been able to see all the differences the book brings with it. Streamlining the process of reading monster stat blocks and finding the perfect monster for every scenario, theDugneons & Dragonsexperience is quite different and much more intuitive.
Given the option, you’ll be able to locate whatever you need for thanks to the classifications provided with the Monster Manual. So, what does the Monster Manual look like and how exactly are the changes classified to amke things easier for the DM? Here’s how to read and organize the 2025 Monster Manual.
Changes To Creature Names And Stat Blocks
One of the first changes you’ll notice is the change to certain monsters in the from the 2014 version of the Monster Manual. Several creaturesnames and stat blocks have been changedin an attempt to ensure they align with what the creature does.
This includes changes such as changing the Giant Poisonous Snake to the Giant Venomous Snake, or an Acoltye to a Priest Acolyte, properly aligning with what you can do with the creature.
You should use the new converted statblock of the creature you’re looking for with the name of the older editions. You’ll need to use the converted stat block name to find the correct creature you want to use.
Monsters Classified By Habitat
One of the easiest ways to find a monster you’re looking for based on your adventure is finding the creature by habitat. The Monster Manual breaks down the creatuers you’ll want to use by habitat.
Bandits, Demilich and Arch Hags
Urban
Rakshasa, Vampire, Ghost
The book has great options if you’re looking for quick creatuers to fill based on the setting of your campaign. Or, if you’re building your campaign you’ve got an easy list of creatures to play with depending on your region.
The Any Habitat section is great for quick creatures to put into any climate.
Monsters By Creature Type
This section works particulalrly well if you’re looking for a specific creature and know what type they are. Mostly for experienced DMs who have mmorized several monsters by creature type after years of using them, it can also be helpful to find out what exactly a creature is classified as.
Undead
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As some creatures have changed, be sure yo identify the proper monster you’re looking for, as they may have a new creature typing.
Monsters By Group
Similar to creature type, group classifies monsters in the Monster Manual bysimilar groups that are not necessarily represented by their names.
This means there may be creatures in groups you were not aware of previously, and if you’re looking for a specific gorup like Angels, you’ll be able to quickly find every creature type under that group, whether it’s inherently obvious they belong there or not.
All the avaialbe gropus are as follows:
Monsters By Challenge Rating
Finally, if you’re looking for a quick monster that’s level appropriate, the best option is to grab a monster by challenge rating from the Monster Manual.
For the most part monsters can be used interchangably despite loaction, appereance group and more. What you really don’t want to ignore when choosing monsters is their challenge rating.
Challenge ratings go from 0 to 30,providing several options for every level of campaign.New higher level monsters have also been addedto ensure you don’t have to use the same high level creatures over and over as previous editions required based on limited options.
Challenge ratings and monster intenstiy has been adjustwd in the 2025 Monster Manual to align with the power players recieved from the 2024 Player’s Handbook. It’s advised that you take a look carefully at the monsters you’re using to ensure your group can handle their new power.
