New DnD Fey Creatures Revealed for 2025 Monster Manual
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In the vast lore of Dungeons & Dragons there are few realms planes of existence more unusual than that of the Feywild. A sprawling realm steeped in both powerful magic and natural beauty, it’s given birth to a host of iconic DnD Fey creatures, including fairies, pixies, sprites, satyrs and other more sinister forces.
Now, the Fey are back in the otherworldly spotlight thanks to the 2025 Monster Manual, which is available now on D&D Beyond and Amazon. This includes new Fey creature variants, a wider range of Challenge Ratings, expanded lore and some surprising new reclassifications of traditional monsters.
So just what new dangers lurk in the uncharted depths of the Feywild? Below, we delve into all the details.
What’s changed with Fey creatures in the 2025 Monster Manual?
Below are some of the new Fey creatures and features you’ll find in the updated sourcebook.
Reclassification of Creatures as Fey
Certain monsters, such as goblins, hags, bullywugs, bugbears, wargs and centaurs, have all been reclassified from the Humanoid and Monstrosities creature types to the Fey creature type. This change reflects these beings’ inherent connection to the Feywild and the magic that’s shaped their existence.
At the same time, this reclassification impacts gameplay in some significant ways, particularly when it comes to spells and abilities. For example, the Hold Person spell would no longer affect goblins (who previously fell under the Humanoid creature type in the 2014 rules). On the other hand, the Protection from Evil & Good spell now has a broader use as it specifically targets the Fey creature type.
More CR Variants of Fey
As with some of the other creature types in the new Monster Manual (particularly the Undead and Aberrations & Oozes), Fey creatures will also be given a much broader range of Challenge Ratings that can be used by Dungeon Masters at all levels of play.
This includes more powerful variants like the Pixie Wonderbringer (a CR 4 version of the traditional Pixie who has magical abilities that can bewilder and outmaneuver foes) and the Satyr Revelmaster (a more sturdy CR 5 version of the Satyr, which now has a range of musical area of effect abilities). At the same time, the book also introduces several lower CR variants, such as the Goblin Minion, which are essentially low CR goblin cannon fodder.
New Fey Creature Abilities
The new Monster Manual also introduces a number of new Fey creature abilities that haven’t appeared before in other editions and which are designed to make encounters more unique and dynamic. For example, the Bugbear’s new “Abduct” ability allows them to stealthily approach and grab their prey unseen . Similarly, the new Goblin Hexer has a range of spellcasting abilities designed to muddle their opponent’s senses.
The goal is to make Fey creatures more unique, with a far wider range of abilities than we’ve seen with some of their more traditional counterparts in past editions. It’s also designed to surprise longtime players who may feel like they know what to expect when encountering certain monsters.
New Archfey Creatures
The new Monster Manual also features a number of new high CR Fey creatures that are designed for higher level adventurers. This includes several new Archfey monsters that possess a range of Legendary abilities and Lair actions.
The Arch Hag for example, is a CR 21 creature that far surpasses the abilities and deadliness of a standard Hag (which tend to be in the 3 to 4 CR range). She wields a range of nearly unstoppable powerful curses and possesses the ability to summon massive spectral claws that can rip adventurers apart. It’s a unique new creature that can also be used as the BBEG of a campaign.
Final Thoughts
While Fey creatures have been a central part of Dungeons & Dragons for decades, over the past few years they’ve become increasingly popular, thanks in large part to more recent releases like the Wild Beyond the Witchlight campaign and third-party titles like Kobold Press’ Book of Ebon Tides. At the same time, they’re also sorely in need of a refresh that reflects some of the more dramatic changes that have taken place within the lore and mechanics of D&D. The new variants, challenge ratings and enhanced abilities all seem like a step in the right direction. It remains to be seen, however, if the new Monster Manual’s trip into the Feywild is one worth taking.
For a complete look at all the new Fey creatures, you can pick up the new Monster Manual now on D&D Beyond and Amazon.
Below is also a recent video from Wizards of the Coast on the official Dungeons & Dragons YouTube channel which offers more details on some of the key changes to the Fey.
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Ollie Delano is a Staff Writer who lives in Chicago, Illinois where he majored in Journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He’s been playing Dungeons & Dragons for over 10 years and currently plays in a weekly game group where he rolls way too many natural 1s and chugs way too much Mountain Dew. His favorite D&D campaign setting is Eberron and his favorite character to play was a Tiefling rogue named Draxiss who enjoys both literal and figurative backstabbing.
