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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Fanaelialae" data-source="post: 7341840" data-attributes="member: 53980">Synergistic creatures are another option. For example, bugbears become for more dangerous when paired with a caster who can cast Pass Without Trace (because this helps them gain surprise and which increases their initial damage).Another useful idea is dangerous or difficult terrain that hinders the PCs but not the monsters. This might seem kludgy at first glance, but it typically isn't since creatures encountered in their natural terrain would likely be well adapted to it. A swamp troll could have little difficulty traversing through muck, while a fire elemental would be perfectly at home in the heart of a volcano.Moreover, the above suggestions don't affect the experience value of an encounter at all (assuming RAW). Only it's difficulty.One final note is that since magic items are additive in 5e, limiting them will also help make your fights more challenging. A party decorated like Christmas trees in items of their own choosing is going to require much more to challenge them than a party no magic items. (I'm not saying don't give out notice items, but rather that the DM should take both the quality and quantity of items in the party's possession into account when designing challenges for them).</blockquote>