Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Monster Manual (D&D Core Rulebook)

First thing, overall, I really enjoyed just flipping through and looking at the artwork, some of the dragons have some great full-page images.The stat blocks are much more easy to read with a slightly larger font and a better layout. They actually include initiative and both ability mods AND saves. I also like how, at the beginning of each entry, there is a concise description of the monster, like the Aboleth is an "Ageless Alien Mastermind." They still include the size, type, and alignment but it's in the stat block. I also like how each one has a list of habitats and treasure types (described in the new DMG).Another appreciated difference is the inclusion of more developed NPCs, like Assassins, Bandits, Commoners, Cultists, Gladiator, Guards, Knights, Mages, Nobles, Performers, Pirates, Priests, Scouts, Spies, Toughs, and Warriors. Most of them have two or more varieties with different challenge ratings. It makes things easy when you need stats for whichever level your party might be at. For example, the warrior has Warrior Infantry CR 1/8, Warrior Veteran CR 3, and Warrior Commander CR 10. The Mage has the Mage Apprentice CR 2, Mage CR 6, and Archmage CR12 (and their abilities are kept fairly simple with a limited but versatile range of spells and abilities without getting too complex. (Of course, you can always make an NPC with a character class, but that takes time, and these are meant to be easy to turn to when you need stats for an NPC without a lot of prep.)THe other big difference is many of the entries include helpful and interesting tables to give more detail or variety to the creatures. For example, Kuo-Toa has a table for different community features; the Litch has a table for spirit jars; and the Rober has a table of possible hazards it can drag its prey through.Overall, I'm very pleased with this new edition and look forward to using some of the new monsters in my campaigns, like the Blob of Annihilation, the Arch-Hag, and the Swarm of Larvae.

The Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Monster Manual is everything a Dungeon Master could hope for—comprehensive, well-organized, and absolutely gorgeous. With over 500 creatures, including 75 brand-new monsters, this book is an invaluable tool for crafting thrilling encounters and breathing life (or unholy terror) into any campaign.One of its greatest strengths is its organization. The revised stat blocks and categorization make it incredibly easy to find exactly what you need, whether you’re looking for a terrifying high-level foe like the arch-hag or a unique humanoid NPC to enrich your storytelling. The layout feels intuitive, cutting down on prep time and letting you focus on the adventure itself.But let’s talk about the artwork—because wow. This Monster Manual doesn’t just give you stats; it immerses you in the world with over 300 new illustrations, from awe-inspiring dragon redesigns to eerie, unforgettable creatures that leap off the page. Each piece enhances the lore and personality of these monsters, making encounters feel even more vivid and engaging.Whether you're a veteran DM or just starting your journey, the 2024 Monster Manual is a masterpiece of design and utility. With its easy-to-use format, fresh new creatures, and breathtaking art, this is a book you’ll reach for time and time again—because what’s D&D without a few unforgettable monsters?

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! I’m pretty much new as a Dungeon Master so I wanted to have this book as soon as possible, now that I got it I have no regrets at all. The illustrations are beautiful, don’t think twice if you want to get the book. It has so many monsters that every time you grab it, you’ll find a new one!

It's alphabetic, which seems bad from a certain point of view. It used to be nice to flip through the "Devil" section and learn about all the different Devil monsters... Except 99% of the use of this book isn't something you read, it's something you grab, look up a monster, and reference.If I need a Barbed Devil, I don't want to remember what section it is--I just grab the book and look for B. In the 2014 book, Barbed Devils were in the "Devil" section, but Gelatinous Cube wasn't in any "Ooze" section... Simpler is better. Any other gripes are perfectly solved by the tables in the back: All monsters by Creature Type, by Terrain, and by CR. Just what the doctor ordered.As a reference manual, this book is much better, and I'm a huge fan of the changes.As far as content goes, I like the changes a lot. The stat blocks have less clutter, and the monsters are balanced to better fit 5.5e/5e2024's improved rule philosophies: Lower ACs, higher HP. Simplified multiattacks. Slightly more-punishing monster abilities, but a lot of monsters have lost Saving Throw proficiencies (Dragons are no longer proficient in four damn saves). If you have any doubts, look up why the changes are for the best. I promise it's good stuff. People are just scared of change and harp on perceived flaws. The new rule updates definitely improve the game!