D&D 2024: Monster Manual - Release Date, Preorders, Changes, & Early Access

The 2024 Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual is a detailed guide filled with creatures for the fifth edition revision. This new version greatly expands on the classic monster book, giving Dungeon Masters a wide variety of monsters to use in their games. It features more creatures than before, including popular ones and many new monsters, especially for higher-level play. The book aims to help DMs challenge their players with different types of monsters, stat blocks, and story ideas.

In addition to listing monsters, the manual includes thorough descriptions and illustrations for each creature, which is better for both DMs and players. The layout is designed to make it easier for DMs to find what they need quickly during a game. The improved organization makes it simpler to add monsters to campaigns. New artwork and updated visuals for familiar creatures also make the resource more appealing and useful. The manual's contents work in tandem with the other 2024 core rulebooks, including the game-changing 2024 Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook.

When D&D 2024's Monster Manual Releases & Early Access Starts

Full Release February 18, 2025

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The Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Monster Manual will be available in both physical and digital formats on February 18, 2025, for $59.99. However, those who subscribe to D&D Beyond can get early access to the digital edition. The timing for this early access depends on the subscription level, and those with a higher level will get earlier access.

Master Tier subscribers will get a two-week head start, meaning they can access the digital Monster Manual two weeks before the official release. This gives them plenty of time to check out new monsters and updated information. Hero Tier subscribers will have one week of early access, giving them a little extra time compared to those waiting for the general release. This doesn't just apply to the Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Monster Manual, but to all rulebooks released in the future.

The Master Tier subscription is $4.58 a month, and the Hero Tier subscription is $2.17 monthly.

This system rewards subscribers with premium memberships by letting them explore new content early. Hero Tier subscribers will get their copy on February 11, 2025, while Master Tier subscribers will get theirs on February 4, 2025. Remember, all users must purchase the digital edition for early access. Otherwise, the physical edition will arrive when every other edition arrives.

Master Tier Early Access February 4, 2025 Hero Tier Early Access February 11, 2025 Full Release February 18, 2025

Any player who isn't already subscribed to D&D Beyond should only consider a subscription if they are a dedicated player. The prices are very low, but if players don't meet weekly, they're not worth the cost. Casual Dungeons & Dragons players shouldn't feel pressured to join just to get the book a few weeks early, since they will likely not miss much by waiting a bit longer. There is also the option of trying the 30-day free trial and ordering the book to get it early.

Monster Manual Preorders & Preorder Bonuses - On D&D Beyond

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Preorders are now available for the Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Monster Manual on D&D Beyond, with options for both physical and digital copies and a bundle that includes both. If buyers choose the digital version, they will receive some preorder bonuses that give them more character creation options. These bonuses include 12 unique character frames, five beautiful backgrounds, and four different sets of digital dice.

Those interested in the dice aspect should look at some of the new Dungeons & Dragons dice sets.

Preordering the digital version also gives D&D Beyond subscribers the early access discussed above. Anyone who buys the digital preorder along with the Dungeon Master's Guide and Player's Handbook bundles will unlock even more bonus content. This content includes a digital art book about dragons, a special 50th-anniversary Gold Dragon digital mini for the 3D virtual tabletop, and extra customization options for their character sheet. This collection of digital assets will personalize the gameplay experience for new and seasoned players.

Related 10 Best Dungeons & Dragons Gifts Perfect For Holiday 2024 Here are ten perfect gifts for Dungeons & Dragons fans, ranging from must-have rulebooks to dice to collectibles that look perfect on shelves.

The incentive for the 3D virtual tabletop may not seem like much, especially with the debate between D&D Beyond Maps and Project Sigil, but it's still an incentive. Those who like the D&D Beyond map will enjoy a one-of-a-kind dragon mini to use in their adventures, as it's made for the 50th anniversary and likely won't be available for general sale for some time.

What Changes To Expect In The New Monster Manual

What's Different In The Monster Manual?

Wizards of the Coast

The Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Monster Manual is set to be a big improvement over past editions. It has an expanded list of over 500 monsters, including over 75 brand-new creatures. These new monsters, like the Arch-Hag and Blob of Annihilation, are designed for high-level play, catering to experienced players and Dungeon Masters. Classic monsters like the Owlbear and Vampire Familiar have also been updated to offer more variety in gameplay.

In addition to the number of monsters, the manual focuses on making everything easier to use. The stat blocks, or character sheets, have been redesigned for better clarity and to make gameplay smoother. There’s also beautiful new artwork for almost all the monsters, including updated designs for the well-known dragons. The layout has also been improved, making finding specific creatures easier.

No hard and fast rule says players need to get the most up-to-date monster manual. If a group meets independently, they can decide on their preferred version. However, stores and meeting places may have rules requiring knowing and using new stats and rules in the most up-to-date manuals. So, those on the fence should consider their needs and the rules of the groups they play with.

There are also over 40 new humanoid stat blocks, giving Dungeon Masters more options for creating NPCs in their games. This should be a great new guidebook for Dungeons & Dragons players and will hopefully avoid the mixed messaging some said the Dungeon Master's Guide has. Overall, it's going to give DMs a lot more material to work with.