Dungeons & Dragons is a game rife with iconic and memorable monsters that players can encounter throughout their adventures. While some monsters are more straightforward, others are able to employ more subtle and subversive tactics against adventurers, appearing less deadly than they actually are.
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Many monsters of this nature tend to be shapechangers, monsters that through different means are capable of transforming between a variety of forms. Some monsters may shapeshift to hide their true form while others may access new abilities in combat while transformed. So today, we're going to examine the wide variety of shapeshifting monsters in Dungeons & Dragons and see which are the most deadly.
Oni – High Deception+Shapeshifting
Toting a CR of 7, Oni are potent Ogres that are capable of casting spells such as Invisibility and Cone of Cold. Though these carnivorous monsters are known to eat humanoids, notably enjoying the act of devouring babies, they are frequently able to do so without arising panic or suspicion.
This is because an Oni is capable of altering its form to appear as any kind of small or medium humanoid, attempting to gain the trust of its prey during the day. It then makes its move at nightfall. Paired with its notably high +8 deception, uncovering an Oni is no easy feat.
Jiangshi – A Dangerous Undead
A new monster that was recently introduced in Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft, Jiangshi are potent undead that are capable of dealing substantial damage and even turning those it kills into wights and other Jiangshi.
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While a Jiangshi has quite impressive combat stats, one of the scariest elements of a Jiangshi is the fact that one is unlikely to see it coming. All Jiangshi are capable of polymorphing itself into any beast, humanoid, or even another type of undead.
Slaads – Like Frogs, But Terrifying
Slaads are frog-like monsters that have been present in every edition in D&D's history, living within the realm of Limbo. While Slaads come in a variety of forms, Green, Gray, and Death Slaads are each powerful shapechangers in their own respective rights.
When these creatures are wreaking havoc on the material plane, they often assume small or medium humanoid forms that allow them to blend into urban environments with ease.
Yochlol – Lolth Loyalists
Ooze-like fiends with a CR of 10, Yochlol are shapechanging demons in the service of the iconic drow goddess, Lolth. With six damage resistances and one immunity, Yochlol are quite threatening through their damage output and access to spells such as Dominate Person. One of the most dangerous aspects of a Yochlol however is its numerous means of shapeshifting.
Not only can a Yochlol take the form of a female drow or a Giant Spider, but it can assume the form of a poisonous cloud that can incapacitate any creatures unfortunate enough to breathe it in.
Deva – Powerful Allies
The only celestial shapeshifter of noteworthy power, Devas serve as divine messengers and differ from the now popular race of Aasimar. They often choose to adopt mortal guises that allow them to blend into society.
Conversely to previous entries on this list, a Deva aims to perform acts of good and help those around them. They also deliver their messages where they're needed. In combat, a Deva makes for a stellar ally as it is capable of healing others with its healing touch ability, and even has access to Raise Dead.
Yuan-Ti Anathema – Snakes With Spells
The monsterous Yuan-Ti Anathema is without question the most powerful form of the serpentine Yuan-Ti. Capable of assuming the form of a huge constrictor snake or its natural, multi-headed appearance, a Yuan-Ti Anathema is a dangerous foe with a CR of 12.
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While this monster is able to restrain and slowly drain the life from its enemies, much of its strength is derived from its impressive spell list that contains the likes of Fear, Haste, Polymorph, and even the seventh-level Divine Word.
Vampire – Something To Boast Of
Vampires are among some of the most iconic shapechangers in the fantasy genre let along Dungeons & Dragons. In the context of D&D, Vampires come in a variety of forms with the default version of the monster having a CR of 13 while Vampire Warriors and SPellcasters have a CR of 15.
Boasting a massive stat sheet, Vampires are incredibly flexible and difficult to put down, toting legendary resistances and regenerating lost health, all while having access to the abilities to summon allies and charm their enemies. In regards to their shapeshifting abilities, Vampires can assume the form of a bat or a cloud of mist, the latter of which it does automatically if its HP reaches 0.
Loup Garou – Infectious And Deadly
The Loup Garou is the most potent form of lycanthrope that is currently present in D&D, appearing as the most deadly form of werewolves alive. With a CR of 16, the Loup Garou can assume its original humanoid form, that of a Dire Wolf, or a hybrid of the two.
Due to its devastating Blood Frenzy that allows it to attack damaged creatures at advantage and its access to legendary actions, this lycanthrope can dish out substantial damage quite quickly. One of the most dangerous aspects of a Loup Garou is that if its lycanthropy is contracted, it is completely incurable as long as the Loup Garou that infected said creature is still alive.
Lesser Star Spawn Emissary – Even More Powerful Deception
Another monster appearing in Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft, Star Spawn Emissaries are massive and nearly incomprehensible cosmic horrors from beyond the material reality. While these immensely powerful beings aim to alter the fundamentals of reality, when in their lesser forms, they aim to blend into the world, unnoticed.
This is no problem for these beings as they have access to some of the most flexible transformation potential of any creature in D&D. They are able to assume the form of any type of small or medium creature. Paired with its incredible +18 deception modifier, it is nearly impossible to pick out of a crowd.
Ancient Metallic Dragons – Agendas Will Vary
Ancient Dragons are among the most powerful and iconic monsters that appear in D&D's Monster Manual. While each form of Metallic Dragon is good-aligned and unlikely to fight a party, each form of Ancient Metallic Dragons are capable of polymorphing themselves into humanoids and beasts.
The manner in which these dragons varies from species to species, as Silver Dragons will often join adventuring parties while shape-changed. In contrast, Gold Dragons will subtly help those in need.
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