One of the best features druids have in Dungeons and Dragons is their ability to Wild Shape. For up to an hour at a time, they can take on the shape of an animal they've seen before. The usefulness of this ability can't be understated, especially given the extensive variety of animals they can choose from.
Having such a vast catalog of animal transformations to choose from can complicate matters. Once a druid reaches high levels, they can turn into almost anything from the beast table, making their decision more difficult. Thanks to their skills and abilities, however, certain Wild Shapes rise above the rest.
10 The Mastiff Is A Good Dog
While it may not be as powerful as other canine options, the mastiff remains an excellent Wild Shape option in its own right. For instance, if the party attempts to pass through a populated area without drawing attention, the mastiff is one of the least conspicuous beast forms a druid can take.
There's plenty of humor to be found in a member of the adventuring group impersonating a beloved pet dog. The mastiff also has advantage on Perception checks and its bite is a solid melee attack.
9 The Octopus Is An Excellent Underwater Form
Even though druids must usually wait until reaching at least fourth level before taking on any Wild Shapes with a swim speed, some of them are really worth waiting for. The octopus in particular can be handy in situations where stealth, exploration, and combat in aquatic areas are required.
While the octopus can only breathe underwater, it can hold its breath for up to 30 minutes if it needs to come out of the water. This only increases its versatility and usefulness to the average druid and their adventuring party.
8 The Draft Horse Is Fast And Strong
Transportation and travel are common problems for adventurers in the D&D universe. While not the most tenable solution, a druid Wild Shaping into a draft horse can help fix unexpected transit problems. With a Strength score of 18, the draft horse can lift, carry, or pull a significant amount of weight during the hour the druid holds this form.
During an ambush, the draft horse can use its hooves to attack opponents within its five-foot reach. The primary downside to the draft horse Wild Shape form is its comparatively low hit points, of which it only has 19.
7 The Dire Wolf Improves Upon Other Canine Forms
When a druid uses their Wild Shape ability, it's often as a solution to a problem or in anticipation of future complications. By selecting a dire wolf for their beast form, the druid can prepare for a broad variety of issues that may afflict the party.
Dire wolves are utilitarian creatures with advantage on Perception checks, increased movement speed, and the Pack Tactics feature, which enhances their combat abilities. These build upon the benefits already imbued by other canine forms, such as regular wolves and mastiffs.
6 Giant Eagles Stand Out Among Flying Creatures
There are plenty of flying creatures for druids to choose from when using Wild Shape. Among them, the giant eagle remains the most majestic and possesses some of the best stats. With a flying speed of 80 feet, it's truly one of the fastest winged creatures available.
Giant eagles have keen eyesight that gives them advantage on Perception checks centered on visual phenomena. The giant eagle also possesses the Multiattack feature, meaning it attacks with both its beaks and its talons each time it performs an attack action.
5 The Giant Spider Moves WIth Ease And Has The Ultimate Immobilizing Attack
While some may shudder at the thought of it, the giant spider is a remarkably useful beast form for a druid to take. It has incredibly enhanced movement through Spider Climb, which allows it to scale any surface, including ceilings, without making an ability or skill check. It can also deploy its web against the party's enemies, trapping them for a time.
The giant spider's web proves an effective tool. It doesn't limit the spider's movement in the same way it does other creatures. So long as the spider is touching its web, it knows the exact location of any other beings who are in contact with that same web.
4 The Ankylosaurus Leads The Prehistoric Pack
Despite their canon inclusion in Dungeons and Dragons sourcebooks, Dungeon Masters often disagree on whether to allow druids at their table to Wild Shape into dinosaurs. For those who have the freedom to do so, the Ankylosaurus is the best dino a druid can use.
An Ankylosaurus' tail adds a bonus of seven to melee attack rolls, it has a Strength score of 19, and it boasts 68 hit points, which is pretty impressive for the beings on the beast table. On a less logistical note, there's a sheer unbridled joy that comes when once can play a dinosaur in Dungeons and Dragons.
3 The Giant Constrictor Snake Is A Powerhouse
Besides looking powerfully intimidating, the giant constrictor snake brings plenty of attack value for druids looking to pack a harder punch. They have Blindsight for 10 feet, making it more difficult for their enemies to hide from them.
Giant constrictor snakes have both a bite attack and a constricting attack, which both damages and grapples the target on a successful hit. Even though it doesn't have a remarkably high Armor Class, it possesses a sturdy 60 hit points to keep it on its metaphorical feet for a longer period of time.
2 The Mammoth Is The Biggest Beast Around
The mammoth is the only beast on the Wild Shape list with a Challenge Rating of six and for good reason. This enormous creature adds 10 to all its attack rolls, has a massive 120 hit points, and flaunts a truly impressive Strength score of 24.
Mammoths also come with the powerful feature Trampling Charge. This feature makes a goring attack with its tusks and requires the target to succeed on a Strength saving throw of at least 18 in order to avoid being knocked down by the stampeding beast.
1 The Quetzalcoatlus Is The Most Mythical Of The Wild Shapes
Even though druids are meant to connect to the natural world more than they do the magical, Dungeons and Dragons blurs the line between those two worlds. By that logic, some less-than-normal creatures should be allowed for Wild Shape.
While most aren't, the flying dinosaur Quetzalcoatlus fulfills that need. Its large, birdlike beak and impressive 80-foot fly speed make it an amazing and intimidating figure for the average humanoid adventurer to face down, and a druid taking its shape can use this to their advantage.