D&D Creature Feature: Owlbears

If there were a “Best PR for a Merciless D&D Predator” award over the past 50 years it would surely go to the agent for the Owlbear. From its origins as a magical mishap in a wizard's workshop inspired by a misshapen toy dinosaur in Gary Gygax’s collection in 1975 to one of the most iconic and, dare I say, adored D&D creatures in the modern game, this fuzzy-feathery, large monstrosity has certainly turned on the charm. These days a party is just as likely to try to befriend the beast rather than battle it, despite its savage killer instincts, more likely to regard an armour-clad elf as a tasty treat wrapped in foil for freshness. Whichever way you choose to DM your ursine-avian mutant monstrosities, friend or foe, there is something very exciting in the new rules to give you even more reasons to throw one at your party.

Owlbears get upgraded in the 2025 Monster Manual... including FLIGHT!

The newest incantation of the Owlbear in the 2025 Monster Manual has been gently streamlined… and I don’t mind it. Gone are the separate Beak and Claw actions with different dice needs in favour of two “Rend” attacks, each dealing 2d8+5 slashing, which is a slight buff on average damage output. This is fine, you can always verbally describe exactly how your player has been disembowelled by the bear-bird, having the same dice for both attacks speeds up combat nicely. The “Keen Senses” trait, which gave ADV on active perception checks for sight and smell, has been lost, but Passive Perception has been boosted from 13 to 15, making it harder to sneak up on. All the stats, AC and HP are otherwise the same tanky featherball you know and love, but with the fun addition of a 40ft climb speed, so while it can’t fly like its avian ancestors, it certainly can get up that tree faster than the halfling rouge who thinks she is being clever…

A simple creature with few tactical options outside of charging in and rending your face off, the biggest challenge using Owlbears in encounters is keeping them interesting… and challenging. At CR3 with no real special abilities, they are not the scariest opponent and quickly lost relevance, meaning this iconic creature made token appearances in campaigns at best. At CR7, however, that utility has been joyfully extended. Enter, the new Primeval Owlbear, bigger, bearier and bucketloads more fun. 

He has had just about enough of your adventurous shyte!

This HUGE monstrosity stomps in with 126HP, AC16, approximately +2 to most of its stats and proficiency in CON and WIS saves. It is even more perceptive with 18 passive and has a small den full of cool new abilities… starting with flight. Yes! The Owl in the Bear has landed. Picture it! This HUGE beast is cruising into battle, claws raised, beak open…. On tiny, tiny wings at 5ft per turn. You know what, I’m not even mad, that is EXACTLY how it should be. I do question if it ­chooses to stop flying about 20 ft above a target, exactly how I am going to DM this aerial mauling, but that is a fun time, future James.

Defensively, this magical mishap now has Magic Resistance giving it ADV on saves vs the ill effects of the weave while offensively the “Charge in a Maul Everything” tactic has been ratified as canon because your first +9 to hit “Ravage” attack now deals 4d8+6 damage AND knocks the target prone for ADV on the second 2d8 follow-up. As your enemies charge into the defence of your initial unlucky lunch option, in round 2, the Primeval Owlbear now has a 5/6 recharge “Screech” 30ft emanation that can Incapacitate any creature failing a DC15 CON save AND deals 6d8 Thunder damage to everyone in range. Me likey a lot. Now put this tougher, smarter, fly-ier ball of feathered fury at the head of a pack of its lesser brethren, and that is a den raid of epic funness.

What's better than an Owlbear? A whole family of Owlbears!

Owlbears are actually a lot more common than the lore would have us believe, and you’ll find at least one in each of the three 2014 starter sets, and you know what… I’d be very surprised if it doesn’t appear in the new beginner's adventure due out in September 2025. You can find affordable print-your-own resources here at the ZG Store, including paper mini Owlbears as part of the Starter Sets, designed by me, for my table, that I’d love to see you dropbear onto yours. Or you can follow along on Patreon, where members can grab a free Owlbear Mini to download!