Dinosaurs have been a part of Dungeons & Dragons for decades, adding prehistoric ferocity to both jungle adventures and lost-world settings. The 2025 Monster Manual updates classic dinosaur creatures with refined mechanics, new abilities, and even a few surprises.
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These creatures aren’t just powerful enemies; they serve as mounts, environmental threats, and even potential allies for those brave enough to tame them. From sky-soaring predators to armored behemoths, dinosaurs in D&D bring a mix of raw power and primeval mystery. Here’s a look at all the dinosaurs in the 2025 Monster Manual, ranked by their impact on the game.
7
Plesiosaurus
A Silent Predator Beneath The Waves
The plesiosaurus is a long-necked aquatic predator that stalks coastal waters, lakes, and deep-sea ruins. Unlike the massive sea serpents of legend, the plesiosaurus relies on speed and stealth, using its long, flexible neck to strike prey before retreating into the depths. It’s a dangerous foe for sailors or adventurers exploring sunken temples.
While not the strongest dinosaur in combat, its presence can make any water-based encounter more suspenseful. Dungeon Masters can use it as an eerie lurking presence, with ripples in the water hinting at something just below the surface. Whether as a random threat or a guardian of ancient ruins, the plesiosaurus brings danger to any aquatic adventure.
6
Archelon
A Prehistoric Sea Turtle
The archelon is a huge prehistoric sea turtle, much larger than its real-world counterparts. Unlike most dinosaurs, it is not an aggressive predator but rather a slow-moving guardian of the ocean depths. Many legends among coastal cultures claim these creatures live for centuries, accumulating knowledge as they drift through the seas.
While not commonly used as a combat threat, the archelon can serve as a younger version of the dragon turtle when not used in a dino-centric setting. It may also act as an environmental challenge, blocking a ship’s passage or creating a hazard for divers exploring underwater ruins.
5
Triceratops
A Walking Fortress With A Bad Temper
With its massive size, three-horned head, and formidable frill, the Triceratops is one of the most durable creatures among prehistoric beasts. Unlike carnivorous dinosaurs, it is primarily defensive in nature, using its bulk to charge threats and gore attackers with its powerful horns.
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In battle, the triceratops is difficult to take down, capable of breaking through enemy lines and even flipping over smaller creatures and vehicles. Dungeon Masters can use it as a powerful challenge in the wild, forcing players to consider whether direct combat is the best option. Its sheer resilience and destructive charges make it a force to be reckoned with.
4
Pteranodon
Aerial Hunters With Precision Strikes
The pteranodon is one of the few flying dinosaurs in D&D, offering Dungeon Masters a swift and mobile enemy to challenge players from above. While not as powerful as a griffon or a dragon, its high-speed dives and sharp beak attacks make it a formidable opponent in the right environment.
Pteranodons shine in encounters set in jungle canopies, rocky cliffs, or high-altitude ruins. Their ability to swoop in, attack, and then retreat to safety forces players to think strategically, using ranged attacks or creative solutions to counter them. For campaigns featuring lost worlds, they make excellent background creatures or minor threats.
3
Allosaurus
A Deadly And Versatile Mount
The allosaurus is a fearsome predator, smaller than other dinos but still an apex hunter in its own right. Known for its speed and powerful bite, it is one of the most aggressive dinosaur species in D&D, often hunting in packs to overwhelm prey.
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What makes the allosaurus unique is its viability as a combat mount. With the right training, it can serve as a terrifying steed for warriors who want to ride into battle on a creature built for destruction. Its combination of speed and power makes it ideal for fast-paced skirmishes, where riders can use a charge attack to knock enemies prone before finishing them off.
2
Ankylosaurus
A Living Tank With A Devastating Tail
The ankylosaurus is one of the most heavily armored creatures in the prehistoric world, covered in thick plates of natural armor and armed with a massive club-like tail. It is not an aggressive hunter but will fiercely defend itself against any perceived threat, using its tail to crush bones and shatter obstacles.
As a wild shape option for circle of the moon druids, the ankylosaurus is invaluable for defensive playstyles. Its high armor class and powerful tail attack make it an excellent frontline bruiser, able to withstand hits that would down other creatures. For characters looking for durability over speed, this dinosaur is one of the best transformations available.
1
Tyrannosaurus Rex
The Ultimate Dinosaur Boss Battle
No dinosaur commands as much fear and respect as the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Towering over most creatures, this apex predator is the king of prehistoric beasts, boasting unmatched strength, a devastating bite, and the ability to swallow smaller creatures whole. Its sheer presence makes it an iconic encounter, striking fear into adventurers the moment they hear its footsteps.
As a boss fight, the T. rex is a relentless force, shrugging off attacks while delivering devastating blows. Its ability to grapple and devour enemies adds a terrifying dynamic to combat, forcing players to act fast before one of their allies disappears down its gullet. In any jungle or lost world setting, the T. rex is the ultimate monster.
- Original Release Date
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1974
- Player Count
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2+
- Age Recommendation
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12+ (though younger can play and enjoy)
- Length per Game
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From 60 minutes to hours on end.
- Franchise Name
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Dungeons & Dragons
- Publishing Co
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Wizards of the Coast
- Brand
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Dungeons & Dragons