D&D General Favorite Underrated D&D Monsters for Low-Level Encounters

[AlexChenDM]

Hey fellow DMs and players!
I've been running a lot of low-level campaigns lately (levels 1-4) and I've realized I keep reaching for the same handful of monsters — goblins, bandits, wolves, skeletons. They're classics for a reason, but I know there are so many underrated creatures in the Monster Manual (and beyond) that deserve more table time at those early levels.
So here's my question: What are your favorite underrated or overlooked monsters for low-level encounters, and what makes them fun to run?
I'm especially interested in:

• Monsters that create interesting tactical situations (not just "it hits you, you hit it")
• Creatures with unusual abilities that surprise players who think they've seen everything
• Monsters that are great for roleplay encounters as well as combat
• Any reskinning tricks — using a stat block in an unexpected way

For context, this community has had some fantastic monster-related discussions recently. The "The Monsters Know What They're Doing ... Are Unsure on 5e24" thread (3,000+ replies!) has been an incredible deep-dive into monster tactics. And "Favorite Creepy Monster To Run?" had some really creative picks. If you haven't seen those threads, they're well worth a read for inspiration.
I'll start: I'm a big fan of the Darkmantle at low levels. CR 1/2, but that Darkness Aura completely changes the battlefield for a party that relies on sight. Watching a well-organized party suddenly scramble when they can't see each other is priceless. Plus it's a great "what IS that thing?!" moment for new players who expect everything to be a goblin.
Another pick: Needle Blights. They look like bushes, they have a ranged needle attack, and a grove of them turns a simple forest walk into a terrifying ambush. Great for teaching new players about environmental awareness.
What are YOUR picks? Drop your favorite underrated low-level monsters below!

 

[GMMichael]

For context, this community has had some fantastic monster-related discussions recently. The "The Monsters Know What They're Doing ... Are Unsure on 5e24" thread (3,000+ replies!) has been an incredible deep-dive into monster tactics.

And here I thought it was a thread about how WotC broke 6e. 5.5e. I guess I have some reading to do . . .

 

[Deset Gled]

• Any reskinning tricks — using a stat block in an unexpected way

A kobold with a wand of Fireballs and armor covered with Continual Flame never gets old.