Monster Manual 2025 Review | New D&D 5E Monsters & Changes Explained!
Dungeons & Dragons 2025 Monster Manual Review – Is It Worth Buying?
The Monster Manual for D&D Is Here
The Dungeons & Dragons 2025 Monster Manual is finally here! I picked up my copy at Rookies Sports Cards Plus in Lowell, Michigan and have spent a good amount of time flipping through its pages. As a longtime TTRPG content creator (since 2012), I purchased this book myself—this review is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.
So, does the new D&D Monster Manual improve on the 2014 version? Is it worth adding to your collection? Let’s dive in!
D&D Monster Manual 2025 Review from YouTube by Master the Game RPG! Make sure you subscribe to the channel for more great Dungeons and Dragons content!
📺 Check out my full video review of the Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual 2024 in the video HERE:
Cover Art & Interior Artwork
The first thing you notice about any book is the cover, and this Monster Manual delivers!
Alternate Cover: The Mindflayer with the tadpole is an amazing choice. This is easily my favorite alternate cover of the current 2024 line of D&D books but might be the best alternate cover they have ever done.
Standard Cover: Features Minsc & Boo fighting a Beholder, a classic nod to Baldur’s Gate. While cool, it’s not my favorite art style. But hey, it does set up that legendary line from the Baldur’s Gate video game:
"Go for the eyes, Boo! Go for the eyes!"
Inside, the artwork is absolutely stunning. A few standout pieces include:
Rakshasa: I finally noticed their hands are backwards this past week—something I somehow missed for years!
Blob of Annihilation: This thing is terrifying. I can’t wait to throw it at my players.
Gibbering Mouther: It used to be a blob of mouths and eyes but looks far more dangerous and horrifying in the new art.
Monster Changes & Improvements
The Dungeons & Dragons 2025 Monster Manual brings some big changes to how monsters function. Here are the key improvements:
1. More Powerful High-Level Monsters
Increased HP, higher modifiers, and stronger attacks—monsters now pack a bigger punch.
Lair actions have changed, and while I prefer the old style, experienced DMs can adjust as needed. There are still lair effects which some are quite powerful in this book like the Dracolich!
2. Fewer Truly “New” Monsters
Over 500 stat blocks, but most are variants of existing creatures rather than entirely new ones.
However, there are some great new additions—Arch Hags for example look fantastic and I can’t wait to use them! Also the Blob of Annihilation is great!
3. NPC Stat Blocks Integrated with Monsters
Previously, NPC stat blocks were in the appendix, making them seem more like an afterthought.
Now, they’re integrated with monsters, making them seem more important and still easy to reference in play.
Better Gameplay Mechanics for DMs
4. Simplified Spellcasting for Monsters
Instead of traditional spell slots, monsters now have per-day spell usage.
Example: A Lich can now cast Power Word Kill once per day and Chain Lightning once per day.
Huge quality-of-life improvement for Dungeon Masters! This will make managing encounters a lot easier.
5. Dragons Now Feel Unique!
Different dragons now have distinct traits beyond just breath weapons:
Adult Blue Dragon – Tail Swipe
Adult Red Dragon – Pounce
They now have spellcasting this is going to make them more formidable.
This also helps them feel more unique from each other. Blue Dragon has Shatter but the Red Dragon has Fireball as just one example.
6. Habitat and Loot for Monsters
I love that the monsters have a Habitat and Treasure listed for each of them. This will be very helpful to most Dungeon Masters.
Some monsters now include Gear in their stat blocks—fantastic for newer DMs! This will serve as a great recommendation for some loot that monsters might have. It doesn’t always coincide with their attacks though.
Downside: Not every creature has this feature, and I wish more included gear.
Book Organization & Ease of Use
7. Alphabetical Organization of Monsters
No more separate sections for different types of creatures.
Example:
Blue Dragon is under “B”
Red Dragon is under “R”
If you prefer the old grouped system, Appendix B includes categorized monster lists. They are listed by CR, Habitats, or Type if you prefer.
8. Stat Block Layout Has Changed
Saving throws are now next to attributes instead of listed separately.
It’s a minor adjustment, but it makes stat blocks quicker to read and reference.
Final Verdict – Is the 2025 Monster Manual Worth It?
YES! If you’re running the 2025 edition of Dungeons & Dragons, this book is absolutely worth picking up.
🔹 Pros:
Stronger, more engaging monsters
Easier stat blocks and spellcasting for DMs
Beautiful artwork
Gear/loot recommendations for some creatures
Better organized than the 2014 version
⚠️ Cons:
Not many truly new monsters—mostly variants
Lair action changes may not appeal to all DMs but does make managing boss encounters easier
Gear recommendations aren’t enough to satisfy my personal preferences
Where to Buy the Monster Manual 2025
If you’re looking to grab a copy, consider using my affiliate links below—it helps support the channel at no extra cost to you!
📖 Buy the Monster Manual 2025 Here
📖 Check out the 2024 D&D Player’s Handbook Here
📖 Check out the 2024 D&D Dungeon Master’s Guide Here
What do you think of the new Monster Manual? Leave a comment below and let’s discuss!