There are many powerful and impressive monsters in Dungeons and Dragons. However, some monsters are more of an appetizer to the main villains.
With hundreds of different monsters, all spread across various sourcebooks in Dungeons and Dragons. There are a ton of interesting monsters for DM's to use for their adventures. While some monsters are clear choices for the BBEG, such as Liches, Warlords, and Dragons, some fascinating monsters do not quite have that supervillain feel.
This is not to say that these monsters should be overlooked. On the contrary, these monsters would be prime choices for sub-bosses in campaigns. Furthermore, throwing any of these monsters at players will make for memorable battles before the main boss of the campaign.
9 Dullahan- The Headless Horsemen Cometh
A classic monster in folklore now has a suited statblock thanks to Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft. It has mythic actions to make the fight longer. A powerful legendary attack and a frightful presence make this monster a force to be reckoned with.
The reason this monster makes a better sub-boss is that this could be used to track the players. DM's could make the Dullahan seem like the main villain, only for the players to realize later that there was a greater evil behind the headless horseman.
8 Chardalyn Dragon- A Metal Dragon That Will Inspire Fear Into The Players
One would think a dragon would be more of the main villain given their importance in D&D culture. This Dragon, however, is a construct and does not have the intelligence to be the head honcho villain.
Introduced in Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden, this dragon is a terrifying sight. Its breath weapon deals redient damage, which may be devastating to any undead players. In addition, it has a unique ability to make other creatures fight one another.
7 Remorhaz- The Absolute Worst Monster To Find In The Tundra
A truly horrifying insect creature that towers over many monsters. The Remorhaz is a devastating foe to encounter. Unfortunately, it is not super intelligent, so it is hard to make this monster any mastermind in a campaign. As a sub-boss, though, it can be a powerful foe to fight in the middle of a campaign.
Aside from its massive size, powerful bite, and overwhelming swallow attack, there is one detail about this monster that makes it a difficult fight. Remorhaz has immunity to fire and cold damage. The cold makes sense, but the fire makes this monster difficult to fight in any Ice based climate as players will have likely stocked up on fire-based attacks.
6 Roc- Always Be Watchful Of The Skies
To many players, this monster may not look that special. After all, it is just a giant bird. However, this is the first mistake every player makes with the Roc. For truly any encounter with the Roc is going to be a memorable but frightening battle.
In close-to-close combat, the Roc is devastating with its beak and talons, but the true tactic from the Roc is to grab a character, fly high up into the sky, and drop them. These giant birds would make for an excellent mount for the true villain of the campaign.
5 Eidolon- A Sacred Spirit That is Hard To Kill
A rather interesting undead monster. This monster does not necessarily serve an evil being per se but mainly serves a specific god under their faith. Now, if players were fighting in a sample of one of the gods, they may encounter this surprisingly tough creature.
This monster has a second part where they possess a sacred statue, essentially giving them two forms. One form is a powerful and sturdy statue that deals significant damage. At the same time, the other is a corporeal spirit that jumps from statue to statue. Throwing this monster as a sub-boss before the final room in a temple is an excellent choice.
4 Narzugon- They Struck A Deal With A Devil, Now They Serve As Eternal Hell Knights
These fiendish riders are a pain to encounter. Once in their lives, paladins choose to serve under a particular devil. Once they've died they become the devil's loyal hell knight. Furthermore, they are accompanied by a Nightmare as their mount, adding a second enemy to the battle.
Narzugon carries powerful lances imbued with hellfire, has the ability to command allies during battle, and has the ability to heal 100 hit points to themselves or another ally. Thus, this hell knight would serve as an appropriate sub-boss for a devil BBEG.
3 Iron Golem- Think Of The Iron Giant But Smaller And Not As Friendly
The Iron Golem is a classic monster for D&D and a typical sub-boss for many BBEG. They may be simple in their design, but their simplicity makes them optimal sub-bosses for a campaign.
Iron Golems severe well as guards to the BBEG's front door, or they can be used as a surprising summons as the BBEG makes their escape. However, with fire absorption and a devastating poison breath, players will have difficulty taking out this monster.
2 Goristo- Sometimes It is Best To Go With A Demonic Minotaur
Terrifying? Check. Powerful? Check. Dull enough to not be the mastermind but interesting enough to be a unique boss? Check. The Gorisito is, for all intents and purposes, a demonic minotaur.
The Goristo has a brutal gore attack and powerful multiattacks to add to its velocity. This monster would likely be the sub-boss to a captain centered around Baphomet. However, the Gorisito could easily be used for any bestial Demon Lord.
1 Marut- If Players Signed A Contract In Sigil, Use This Monster As A Reminder Why They Should not Break It
Best to use this monster for any high-level campaigns as this monster is a doozy. This monster serves in the Outland city of Sigil and is used only if people break the contracts they have signed in the city of Sigil, then this monster comes after them.
The Marut has a powerful laser attack along with a brutal slam that pushes characters away. This monster is the perfect sub-boss. It acts in complete subservience to the lords in Sigil. The BBEG would ideally use it for nefarious purposes.
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