So, how has Wizards of the Coast adjusted the monsters in the new Monster Manual? We're comparing the old and new statblocks to see exactly how these classic monsters have changed. Today, we're taking a look at the ankheg.
The ankheg hasn't really changed visually from the 2014 Monster Manual, although the new art shows off some of the creature's acid damage. One notable change is that the ankheg's entry now has a table that lists various tunnel discoveries when exploring an ankheg's tunnel, with several examples similar to the stuff found in the 2014 book.
Mechanically, the ankheg's AC remains the same, although it no longer has a lower AC when prone. The 2025 statblock has a slight increase in HP (45 compared to 39) and its Constitution score has increased by 1 to 14, which in turn increases its Constitution saving throw bonus to +2.
The mechanics around the ankheg's Bite attack has been adjusted slightly. There's no longer a limitation that if the ankheg has previously grappled a creature with its bite attack, it can only attack that creature. Similarly, the ankheg's acid spray attack no longer has the limitation that it can't shoot the acid spray if the ankheg has a creature grappled. The acid spray attack also deals an additional d6 of acid damage.
Full statblocks for both versions of the ankheg can be seen below:
2025 Monster Manual
2014 Monster Manual