Few creatures in Dungeons & Dragons inspire as much awe and terror as the Kraken. Since its introduction, this legendary sea monster has been the bane of sailors and adventurers alike, lurking in the abyss with its massive tentacles and eldritch might. With the release of the 2024 Monster Manual, Wizards of the Coast has given the Kraken a significant overhaul, making it deadlier, more dynamic, and a true force of destruction. Let’s dive deep into the changes between the 2014 and 2024 versions of this aquatic behemoth.

Stat Block: A Power Boost

The Kraken was already one of the most formidable foes in D&D 5E, but the 2024 version turns it into a true nightmare. Here’s how its core stats have changed:

• Challenge Rating (CR): Both Krakens share the same Creature Rating of CR 23, but the 2024 system has revamped the Creature Rating system as a whole. The 2024 Kraken would be considered deadlier by the new standards, coming in at roughly 2 or 3 CR higher using the old CR system.

• Hit Points: While the original Kraken had an impressive 472 HP (27d20+189), the 2024 version boosts its resilience even further.

• Armor Class: AC remains relatively unchanged, but minor boosts to defensive abilities make it more challenging to hit or land effects.

• Legendary Resistance: The 2024 Kraken stat block now boasts Four Legendary Resistances outside of its lair and Five while within its lair. This is an immense improvement to the 2014 stat block has none, which is very surprising as most "end-game" monsters do.

New & Enhanced Abilities

One of the biggest upgrades to the Kraken lies in its new and reworked abilities, making it even more fearsome both in and out of the water.

Legendary Actions

The 2024 Kraken receives a modified suite of Legendary Actions.

• Storm Bolt (Buffed): The Kraken’s ability to call down lightning has been amped up. It now only targets one creature, but the damage has been buffed to a massive 6d10 lightning damage, and it now only requires one legendary action to use.

• Toxic Ink Cloud (Modified): While the previous version’s ink cloud functioned more as a smokescreen, the 2024 revision adds a choking effect, which doesn't cause damage anymore, but it now causes the Poisoned condition.

Tactical & Lore Expansions

The Kraken has always been a force of nature, but the new edition fleshes out its role in the world and how it interacts with its domain:

• Expanded Lore: The 2024 edition gives the Kraken deeper ties to eldritch horrors and abyssal realms, hinting at its possible connection to gods or ancient entities beyond mortal comprehension.

• Lair effects (Improved): The Kraken’s lair hasn't changed very much, but it now targets all beasts, not just beasts with an intelligence of 2 or lower.

• Better Movement Adaptability: While the 2014 Kraken was mostly a deep-sea terror, the new version includes rules for it emerging onto land, albeit temporarily, making it an even greater threat in coastal and port city encounters. It also DOUBLED its swim speed.

How Does This Change Gameplay?

Dungeon Masters now have a more dynamic, cinematic, and longer-lasting Kraken encounter at their disposal. The Legendary Features ensure that battles against this legendary beast don’t fizzle out too quickly, keeping tension high.

For players, the changes mean they’ll need to think beyond brute force. Simply hacking away at the Kraken won’t work—tactical positioning, creative spell use, and teamwork will be necessary to survive. Spells like Control Water, Freedom of Movement, and Wall of Force may become essential tools in countering its relentless assault.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Sea Monster Returns

The Kraken has always been a pinnacle of sea-based terror in D&D, but the 2024 version elevates it to true legendary status. With increased power, enhanced tactics, and rich new lore, the Kraken is no longer just a massive monster—it’s an encounter that will define campaigns. Whether you’re a DM looking for an unforgettable boss fight or a player hoping to survive the storm, the Kraken’s return in 2024 promises an experience like no other.

What do you think of the Kraken’s new updates? Will you be incorporating it into your next high-level campaign? Let us know!

Stormsurge Kraken by Svetlin Velinov