D&D General What are the Ultimate Villains of D&D?

[Aldarc]

It turns out that the ultimate villain of D&D was humanity.

 

[Not a Decepticon]

For Greyhawk Iuz is the big villain I would say.

What type would you categorize him as? Evil Sorcerer? Evil Overlord?

How is it that Tharizdun is not just at the top of the list

We could include him now, is he embodying more the "mad god" or "cosmic horror" type of villain?

 

[GuyBoy]

Shout out to Eclavdra.
But ultimately there is only Tharizdun.......and nothingness.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

What type would you categorize him as? Evil Sorcerer? Evil Overlord?

Definitely an Evil Overlord.


Welcome to Iuz's Daily Affirmations!

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Given that WotC now has capstone monsters of each monster category in the 2025 Monster Manual (a good idea!), I'm surprised that they haven't yet given us iconic villains of each type. I wouldn't be surprised to see a 5E counterpart to 3E's Elder Evils with something of the sort.

 

[el-remmen]

Scheduling.

 

[Tonguez]

The Dracolich - ultimate undead and ultimate dragon

 

[JEB]

I'd say Demogorgon might compete with Orcus as ultimate demon villain, especially with the name recognition bump from Stranger Things. (And I say that as someone who prefers Orcus.)

 

[Seramus]

Yes Tam was subordinate to Larloch in the past, but he’s independent now and a much more active threat. Like the Sauron to his Morgoth.

They have an ongoing deal where Tam continues to bring Larloch magic items in return for Larloch teaching Tam ancient spells. It's coincidentally part of Larloch's deal with Mystra to retain his ancient spells as long as he agrees to share his arcane knowledge now and then.

 

[Deset Gled]

It turns out that the ultimate villain of D&D was humanity.

Along a similar vein, I was thinking "Deck of Many Things".