Summary
It’s calledDungeons & Dragonsfor a reason.Dragons are just so iconic, especially in Western fantasy, that of course a flying lizard that breathes fire (or ice or poison or whatever else you may think of) would end up being the face of the tabletop roleplaying game and one of its most popular monsters.
However, what about the other winged beasts that are about? After all, dragons can’t be the only thing that players have to face. From ghosts that haunt your nightmares to Air Elementals that’ll send you flying, there are certainly a number of flying monsters that any DM can pull out and use against their party. Here are some of the best flying monsters that Dungeons & Dragons has to offer.
8Dragons
Iconic For A Reason
Okay, yes, if we’re going to be talking about flying monsters of D&D, then you have to include dragons. Recently, dragons have become even more interesting, with numerous types of them being added, from Solar Dragons that fly amongst the Astral Sea to Gem Dragons that have scales made of precious minerals.
Not to mention dragons even have their own subclasses, such as Drakewardens and Draconic Sorcery, and there are draconic deities such as Bahamut and Tiamat. Needless to say, dragons are one of the most fearsome flying foes in D&D but also one of the best allies a party could ask for.
7Oni
One Of The Most Terrifying Foes
From dragons to something more spooky, Oni are mythical beasts in the shape of large giants that haunt nightmares and have innate magic. But what makes them even more terrifying is the fact that yes, the Oni can fly. Despite having no wings and looking just like a malevolent giant, the Oni has a fly speed.
This means that players will likely be shocked when this beast starts to suddenly fly through the air. On top of this, the horrifying nature of this scary monster just makes it all the more terrifying and iconic, perfect for ahorror-themed one-shot.
6Peryton
Half Stag, Half Eagle, All Monstrous
Though it sounds like an exercise machine, the Peryton is actually a perfect winged beast, especially for low level encounters. Half stag, half eagle, these terrifying fang-toothed creatures are normally evil and will attempt to attack whatever they can.
From their gorgeous design with dark wings that bleed into crimson and terrifying visage, these monsters are underrated fast flyers that will scare the socks off any adventurer.
5Helmed Horror
One Of The Most Well Designed Enemies
Another creature that doesn’t seem like it should fly (which makes it all the more surprising and interesting that it does) is the Helmed Horror. It appears as a suit of armor worn by a crimson humanoid and is one of the tougher monsters, resistant and immune to different kinds of damage and yes, can fly.
There’s something interesting about a possessed suit of armor that could whizz through the air right at you, making these things a lot more challenging when it comes to a fight.
4Manticore
Evil And Fast Make A Deadly Combo
When it comes to evil creatures, it’s hard to find anything better than the Manticore. With a vaguely humanoid face, the body of a lion, and the wings of a dragon, this ferocious monster flies faster than it moves on land.
What makes it more interesting is the fact it can seemingly communicate, understanding the Common language, and possess a Lawful Evil alignment, indicating some intellect beyond a common animal. This means they could make some very cunning-winged predators.
3Ghost
It’s A Classic
When all else fails, you can’t beat the classics. Ghosts are great for a reason: they have all sorts of abilities, can tell you a lot about a setting through their hauntings, and are one of the few creatures in D&D that can only fly.
Not to mention they not only can fly but move through objects, meaning any conflict with them (on top of their resistances, immunities, and abilities) is already a lot more challenging. If you’re looking for the type of creature that can mess with your party, then a Ghost is a great pick.
2Air Elemental
One Of The Fastest Flying Creatures
TheElementals are very interestingin that there are all sorts of them, from the main elements to things like Sand Elementals. Air Elementals are known to be vicious. They are able to move through enemy spaces with ease and are another creature that can only fly.
But on top of this, they are some of the fastest flying creatures in D&D and also one of the most recognizable after dragons, with some subclasses even being based on Air Elementals (such as Tempest Clerics and Storm Sorcerers).
1Empyrean
Very Few Can Defeat It
If you’re looking for something a little more angelic in life, then look no further than the Empyrean. Children of the gods, Empyreans are some of the toughest foes in all of D&D with a great speed, fly speed, and swim speed.
They have some of the strongest attacks, a high AC, and a huge amount of health. Some of them also have the chance to be evil, and so these titans of divinity are not to be messed with if you aren’t a high enough level. They are some of the more unique flying monsters in D&D, with powerful attacks and fast speed that make getting away from them a challenge. Any adventurer who manages to defeat them is either very strong, very lucky, or both.
