In Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the term "Beast" refers to a broad category of non-humanoid creatures that are found in the game's various settings. These creatures are often similar to animals we see in the real world, such as wolves, bears, and eagles, but can also include more fantastical beings like giant spiders or dinosaurs. Beasts can be encountered by players in the wilderness, within dungeons, or even in urban environments, depending on the story.

Beasts in D&D 5th Edition (5e) are defined by certain characteristics that distinguish them from other creature types like fiends, undead, or elementals. Firstly, beasts do not possess magical abilities inherent to their nature. This means they rely on physical strength or natural capabilities for survival and combat, rather than spells or supernatural powers. Secondly, they are not typically intelligent in the way humans or elves are, having low Intelligence scores, which reflects in their instinct-driven behavior rather than strategic thinking.

Players can interact with beasts in various ways during their adventures. Some characters, like Druids or Rangers, can communicate with, control, or even transform into beasts, using their abilities to gain advantages in exploration, combat, or solving puzzles. Beasts can serve as mounts, companions, adversaries, or part of the environment that players must navigate.

Understanding beasts is crucial for players, especially when planning combat strategies or exploration tactics. Their behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses can often be predicted based on their real-world counterparts, but the Dungeon Master (DM) may also introduce unique traits to enhance the game.

In summary, beasts add a layer of realism and fantasy to D&D, offering players opportunities to interact with the game world in dynamic and varied ways, from challenging fights to meaningful companionships.