Which Monster Manuel to buy? [D&D 4e]

[Ichneumon]

Title says it all. Currently I only own the DMG and both the PH1 en PH2. I'm a DM. Most standard monsters I make from the statblocks I find on the web or in the books. (You can, with a litle imagination fluff an orc soldier or elf archer into almost anything) But I feel like I do need to buy at least 1 of the MMs. So, which one should it be and why? Want to help?:smallfrown:

[Evard]

Why not just download the Adventure tools by spending 10 bucks on the wizards website? you also get the character generator too :3

[Inyssius Tor]

Yeah, that'll get you all of the stat-blocks. Not just the ones in the MM1 and MM2--all of them.

Generally, the MM2 is higher-quality than the MM1, but the MM1 also covers most of the obvious D&D monsters. So.

[FoE]

The MM1 has most of the 'classic' monsters in it, like goblins, orcs, zombies, chromatic dragons and so on. But some all of the Solo stats are flawed, so if I were you, I would splurge and get the DMG2 as well.

On the other hand, if you want Demogorgon to be the villain of your next campaign, you really gotta go with the MM2.

[Touchy]

Why not just download the Adventure tools by spending 10 bucks on the wizards website? you also get the character generator too :3

Yes but that's monthly.

I got the MM1, it's got enough standard monsters, but if you want off-beat stuff, go with MM2.

[shadowmage]

Yes you just sub twice a year to get the updates. Once you download the Char generator and Adventure tools and update them you really do not need to sub till your ready to update them again.

[Inyssius Tor]

Yes but that's monthly.

Yes, DDI updates monthly and your access to those updates will cease if you unsubscribe.

The Character Builder, the Monster Builder, and the back issues of Dragon Magazine can be downloaded and kept and used indefinitely, whether you unsubscribe or not.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

From what I hear, the MM2 is not only better-balanced, but the monsters are also more creative. But yes, the MM1 has the classic monsters.

[Shardan]

Ya. definately get the DDI update. Uo get not only the two MM monsters but a bunch of adventure/Dungeon mag/Dragon mag monsters in the adventure tools. either get the subscription for a month or get your group together and buy one subscription to share. up to 5 updates a month for 1 subscription.

[Ichneumon]

I've read somewhere that MM2 contains more low-level monsters, is this significant? Most of my games I play in heroic tier, so...

About the subscription, I've been considering it, but that doesn't change that I still want to buy at least 1 MM for real. I do consider getting a subscription for all the dungeon and dragon material and such.

[AllisterH]

I'd say the MM2 monsters are better designed/more interesting. Really, as everyone else said. Buy a month of DDI, download everything and then buy MM2.

[Theodoric]

I've read somewhere that MM2 contains more low-level monsters, is this significant? Most of my games I play in heroic tier, so...
Actually, it's the other way 'round. MM1 has about 1.5 times as much heroic tier monsters, and much more of those (2/3 instead of 1/2) are in the first six levels.

[Altair_the_Vexed]

Which Monster Manuel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5035TY5RSpg)?
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs222.snc3/20959_1212579788083_1036416878_30491450_360290_n.j pg

This one? :smallbiggrin: