Summary
Whether you’re a Dungeon Master building an encounter or a player trying to understand what it is they’re even looking at, coming face-to-face with terrifying or powerful monsters is essential to anyDungeons & Dragonsgame. Some monsters, like beholders, are creatures we’re all relatively familiar with. But, I’d be willing to bet that even some of the most seasoned DND players out there aren’t familiar with these strange monsters in this list.
So, if you’re looking for some seriously odd monsters to use for your next campaign or session, look no further than this list. Here are some of the strangest monsters in DND.
19-84
11-15
Challenge Rating
1/4 - 5
The first creature on this list may be a bit strange, but it’s also, in my opinion, one of the most adorable. Axe Beaks sound just like what they are. They are small, bird-like creatures that have incredibly sharp beaks that curve in the shape of axes. They also come in the large or giant variety, which can allow DMs some flexibility in their encounters.
Axe Beaks are also known for having very strange, bright, and colorful plumage. They also use their beaks to hack through foliage, making them almost like mini terra-formers in some ways.
44
13
2
Ettercaps are relatively harmless creatures that are pretty easy to fight against, even for low-level parties. However, this list isn’t really about difficulty; it’s more about strangeness. On a visual level alone, Ettercaps almost look humanoid in a sense and are somewhat reminiscent of Wendigos.
Ultimately, these creatures are, in essence, giant spiders that have hands and legs as opposed to eight legs. These predators wrap prey up in giant webs and have venomous bites. They also tend to enjoy terrorizing their prey, so do your best to not get captured in one of their webs, though they are highly susceptible to fire and fire damage.
18-39
17-18
2-6
Azers are strange metallic figures that sprouted to life through the power of the forge. In essence, these creatures are enormous pieces of metal that have come to life and gained sentience. These creatures are also great for more mid-level encounters, as they’re not all that difficult.
If you decide to use Azer Sentinels for your combat encounter, they can also create Emanations of Fire within melee range of themselves, which can prove quite powerful. Interestingly, too, these creatures are relatively intelligent and wise, meaning that they could be well-suited for roleplay encounters as well. It may prove fun at your party to talk to a creature made of living metal.
448
18
23
Far and away, the most powerful creature on this list, the Blob of Annihilation, is a monster that only the most seasoned of DMs should run against their party. It also just so happens to be one of the most bizarre creatures in the 2025 Monster Manual. This monster is, in essence, one giant ooze that can consume entire towns if it wants to.
The strangest thing about this creature is its death throes ability. When the blob is reduced to zero hit points, it implodes and ejects creatures inside of it into the Astral Sea. This means that, if you happen to be engulfed by the Blob, you may find yourself in the far reaches of Wildspace at a moment’s notice. Tread carefully when dealing killing blows to this monster!
Various
On the more cuddly and adorable side of things, Myconids are mushroom, fungi-like creatures that can take on a variety of different forms. While some of them are dangerous, most of the small ones don’t pose a threat. However, they are still a bit odd and can make for some interesting encounters.
For example, even smaller Myconids can stun enemies with their fungus abilities. Myconid Soveregins, the largest of the Myconids, also have oddball effects, like inadvertently granting nearby creatures telepathy for a limited amount of time.
195
17
11
Depending on which Remorhaze you use, these creations can prove extremely powerful. Remorhazes resemble large, oversized bugs with glowing exoskeletons. They are ambush-based predators, and sometimes can be known to sear the forms of their enemies alive.
Also, most interestingly, Remorhazes sometimes go months without eating and can still live. This makes them well-known for having voracious appetites. Plus, they just look disgusting. Can you tell I’m not a fan of insects?
157
8
Hezrous are actuallyone of the most powerful creatureson this list, despite their abnormalities. The Hezrou is a large demonic entity that resembles a frog. They often serve more powerful demons, but can be dangerous in their own right.
Their hides constantly ooze, and their outward appearance tends to shift in illusory ways. For example, as players study the Hezrou, they may feel as though the skin of the creature splits apart, revealing teeth or additional eyes, only to discover this is an illusion. Hezrous are vile and wretched creatures that are not to be trifled with.
1/4
Troglodytes are subterranean creatures thatlive in the Underdarkand venture forth endlessly for food. They are, in some ways, the vultures of the Underdark, consuming bones or rotting flesh for food. They are very stealthy, unless you have a good sense of smell.
The strangest aspect of Troglodytes is that they perpetually emit a foul odor, signaling their presence to anybody nearby. Nobody can agree on exactly what a troglodyte smells like. All any good adventuring party knows is that you should steer clear if you’re able to help it.
Kuo-toas come in many different forms and can either prove extremely powerful or extremely weak. The most basic type of Kuo-toa, for example, has only 18 HP and a Challenge Rating of 1/4. However, their HP and stat blocks are not the reason for Kuo-toas' inclusion on this list.
Rather, the nature of Kuo-toas is what makes them so strange. They look like small amphibious creatures, and often live in subterranean tunnels. Most interestingly, Kuo-toas have a unique feature in that they can, in essence, will the gods to life, as they worship inscrutable deities that nobody can ever agree on. Because of their gullibility, they often worship Krakens or Aboleths and are willing to kidnap and torture people for their ends.
85
12
4
Ettins function just like normal Giants, except for one very key exception: they have two heads. They also tend to be more bestial in nature, sometimes growing tusks or other strange appendages.
What makes Ettins most unique is that each head has an entirely distinct personality, meaning that players can come across one friendly Ettin and one hostile one in one creature. Even though these monsters are great for combat, because of their split personality, they also make forgreat roleplay encounters.
