performer - gamebastion.com

Multiple classic monsters got much-needed reworks in ' new 2025 Monster Manual, but this new book also added some new creatures in addition to the old. Ranging from new variants on existing monsters to brand-new horrors entirely, there are plenty of fresh options to help you create danger for your players. Some new monsters are begging to be picked as basic foes and BBEGs for your next campaign.

As the 2024 Player's Handbook brings new character ideas in for your players, the 2025 Monster Manual adds almost 80+ never-before-seen monsters to the iconic TTRPG. Some new monsters are versions of existing foes that have been around for quite some time. On the other hand, other foes introduced have completely distinct mechanics that could create a challenging and unique combat experience.

The Animal Lord is a new monster in the 2025 Monster Manual that actually comes from a much older edition of. This Celestial creature is an immortal spiritual defender of animal life on the Material Plane, serving as divine protectors of the beasts that live upon various worlds. These creatures can take the form of whatever animal you need them to be, usually as Foragers, Hunters, or Sages by definition.

Animal Lords usually only appear in the Material Plane to defend the creatures they represent in times of great disaster. You could easily use one of these creatures in your campaign as a herald of dark tidings to set up an adventure.

Animal Lords are almost demi-gods, making them perfect creatures to test a party or answer their burning questions about your world. These benevolent entities could be the perfect Patrons of a Celestial Warlock, a figure worshiped by a party's Druid, or just a figure encountered in a deep trek into the wilderness. No matter how you use an Animal Lord, their influence alone is enough reason to put them into your next game.

One of the best new monsters in the 2025 Monster Manual for low-level combat is the Psychic Gray Ooze, a predatory and corrosive slime