Boss Monster Generator

The last monster of a level as a brief to draw, dealt in six parts.

Boss Monster Generator: 30 bosses

An armoured boar the size of a barn. Its arena is a snow globe, seen from inside. Its pattern: retreats to the far side and builds up speed. Before it strikes, it goes completely still. Its weak point is the soft patch at the very top. When it is losing, it shrinks to the size of a dog and is hard to hit.

Padlock: keep a part. Arrows: change only that part.

Formarmoured boar the size of a barn
Arenaa snow globe, seen from inside
Patternretreats to the far side and builds up speed
Warningit goes completely still
Weak pointthe soft patch at the very top
When losingshrinks to the size of a dog and is hard to hit

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Boss of the day

An armoured boar the size of a barn. Its arena is a snow globe, seen from inside. Its pattern: retreats to the far side and builds up speed. Before it strikes, it goes completely still. Its weak point is the soft patch at the very top. When it is losing, it shrinks to the size of a dog and is hard to hit.
A well with a bucket on a chain for a fist. Its arena is a staircase that goes round and meets itself. Its pattern: pushes a wave across the floor to be jumped. Before it strikes, it rings like a struck bell. Its weak point is bright light, which makes it cover up. When it is losing, it stamps as it walks and shakes the arena.
A puppet master who is also the puppet. Its arena is the deck of a ship in a storm. Its pattern: scatters sparks that sit and wait. Before it strikes, the wind changes direction. Its weak point is the banner on its back. When it is losing, it shows a second face it had kept hidden.
A piano with too many legs and a lid like a jaw. Its arena is a bridge with one rail missing. Its pattern: a sweep from left to right, then back again. Before it strikes, leaves, paper and dust lift off the ground. Its weak point is the chain it drags, which can be caught. When it is losing, it aims at where you are going, not where you are.
A ship's figurehead dragging half a hull. Its arena is a floating island no wider than a barn. Its pattern: three stamps, each sending out a wider ring. Before it strikes, it winds itself up with a slow twist. Its weak point is its underside, shown only when it rears. When it is losing, it runs its pattern backwards, last move first.
A brass model of the planets, swinging loose. Its arena is a harvest field with one standing stone. Its pattern: builds a wall, hides, then knocks it down on you. Before it strikes, its eyes, or what it has for eyes, narrow. Its weak point is a knot in its side as big as a door. When it is losing, it calls a storm down into the arena.
An owl whose spread wings darken the floor. Its arena is an attic knee-deep in feathers. Its pattern: two short hops and one enormous one. Before it strikes, it leans back like a spring being pressed. Its weak point is a row of three lights that must all go out. When it is losing, it calls for its mother, who is larger.
A cottage on legs, chimney smoking. Its arena is a forest clearing ringed by lanterns. Its pattern: a roar that pushes everything to the edge. Before it strikes, a glow runs from one end of it to the other. Its weak point is the thing it is guarding, if you reach it first. When it is losing, it chases without stopping, corners and all.
A giant cook with a rolling pin like a log. Its arena is a cable car swinging over a gorge. Its pattern: puts out the lights, strikes, then lights them. Before it strikes, it rears up to its full height. Its weak point is the place where its covering has worn thin. When it is losing, it opens up to show what was driving it.
A snowman general with coal for medals. Its arena is a marsh crossed by one plank walk. Its pattern: makes three copies; only one casts a shadow. Before it strikes, its shadow stretches toward you. Its weak point is its underside, shown only when it rears. When it is losing, it stamps as it walks and shakes the arena.
An empty diving suit with a trailing hose. Its arena is a mountain pass in driving snow. Its pattern: a roar that pushes everything to the edge. Before it strikes, it growls so low that the picture shakes. Its weak point is the lamp it circles back to. When it is losing, it picks up whatever you dropped and uses it.
A bookcase that sheds heavy books. Its arena is a round hall with a floor of loose tiles. Its pattern: makes three copies; only one casts a shadow. Before it strikes, it knocks twice on the ground. Its weak point is a medal it is far too proud of. When it is losing, it copies your shape, badly.
A giant with a lantern for a head. Its arena is a hall of mirrors. Its pattern: bounces something off the ground toward you. Before it strikes, it points at where it will strike. Its weak point is its vanity: it pauses at every reflection. When it is losing, it opens up to show what was driving it.
A well with a bucket on a chain for a fist. Its arena is a forest clearing ringed by lanterns. Its pattern: rears up and drops its whole weight. Before it strikes, it knocks twice on the ground. Its weak point is its cloak, which snags on everything. When it is losing, it pulls down part of the scenery to throw.
A cactus in bloom, taller than a gatehouse. Its arena is a circle of lamplight with dark all round. Its pattern: pretends to be beaten, then gets up. Before it strikes, a small bell on it rings. Its weak point is three balloons tied to it, holding it up. When it is losing, it eats part of the arena to get its strength back.
A willow whose branches reach like arms. Its arena is the roof of a moving train. Its pattern: throws a part of itself that comes back. Before it strikes, it says one word, the same every time. Its weak point is three balloons tied to it, holding it up. When it is losing, it splits into two smaller ones.
A bear in rusted armour that no longer fits. Its arena is a long gallery of statues, some missing. Its pattern: a slow spin with everything stretched out. Before it strikes, it turns the colour of the floor. Its weak point is the ground giving way under its weight. When it is losing, it sheds its outer layer and is thinner and quicker.
A thorn hedge rolled into a ball. Its arena is a staircase that goes round and meets itself. Its pattern: copies whatever you did last. Before it strikes, the nearest lamp goes out. Its weak point is the hinge it turns on. When it is losing, it falls apart and fights as a heap of pieces.
A sleeping giant who fights without waking. Its arena is a greenhouse with every pane cracked. Its pattern: a roar that pushes everything to the edge. Before it strikes, a small bell on it rings. Its weak point is bright light, which makes it cover up. When it is losing, it swells to fill half the arena.
A knight whose armour is all shields. Its arena is a frozen lake that creaks. Its pattern: claps down from above, twice, then rests. Before it strikes, it whistles a rising note. Its weak point is a bell hung on it that it cannot reach. When it is losing, it starts to dance, and the dance is the new pattern.
A walking furnace on four iron legs. Its arena is a hall of mirrors. Its pattern: circles the edge, then cuts through the centre. Before it strikes, it crouches until it nearly touches the floor. Its weak point is the lamp it circles back to. When it is losing, it trades its colour for the opposite one.
A tortoise with a fortress built on its shell. Its arena is a platform hung on four chains. Its pattern: copies whatever you did last. Before it strikes, dust falls from above. Its weak point is its need to count whatever is spilled. When it is losing, it sits down and cries until you come close.
A snowman general with coal for medals. Its arena is a room that is slowly filling with sand. Its pattern: three stamps, each sending out a wider ring. Before it strikes, it winks. Its weak point is its true name, called out loud. When it is losing, it shows a second face it had kept hidden.
A mushroom with a cap as wide as a roof. Its arena is a painting you have stepped into. Its pattern: marks a spot, waits, then strikes exactly there. Before it strikes, it goes dark, all but one light. Its weak point is the key in its back, slowly unwinding. When it is losing, it offers you a gift, which is a trick.
A throne that has outgrown its king. Its arena is a circle of lamplight with dark all round. Its pattern: strikes the ground and cracks run toward you. Before it strikes, it says one word, the same every time. Its weak point is a seam down its middle. When it is losing, it hides, and must be found before it mends.
An oak that has pulled up its roots. Its arena is a room that is slowly filling with sand. Its pattern: three stamps, each sending out a wider ring. Before it strikes, it puffs up to half as big again. Its weak point is a crown it keeps straightening. When it is losing, it turns red and stops aiming.
A giant crab with a shipwreck for a shell. Its arena is the deck of a ship in a storm. Its pattern: sleeps, and strikes only if woken. Before it strikes, it whistles a rising note. Its weak point is a hatch that pops open when it overheats. When it is losing, it hides, and must be found before it mends.
A giant in a crown too small for its head. Its arena is the belly of a whale, lit by one lamp. Its pattern: vanishes and reappears behind you. Before it strikes, it draws one long breath. Its weak point is a loose panel that rattles as it moves. When it is losing, it pretends to be something harmless.
A music box as big as a house, dancer on top. Its arena is a rope bridge over cloud. Its pattern: builds a wall, hides, then knocks it down on you. Before it strikes, it turns the colour of the floor. Its weak point is its reflection, which can be struck instead. When it is losing, it puts out the lights and glows instead.
A giant with a lantern for a head. Its arena is a staircase that goes round and meets itself. Its pattern: pulls everything toward it, then pushes it away. Before it strikes, its shadow moves before it does. Its weak point is the chain it drags, which can be caught. When it is losing, it speeds up until it trips itself.

Next step Design the hero who faces it Roll a video game character

Form: all 56 forms

Beasts 11

armoured boar the size of a barn A wedge on short legs. Put the weight in the shoulders, not the head.
bear in rusted armour that no longer fits Plates strapped over fur, with gaps at the belly and the back.
giant crab with a shipwreck for a shell Masts and ribs of a hull on top, and jointed legs below.

Show all 56 forms (53 more)

Beasts, continued

moth as big as a windmill, shedding dust Four wide wings with eye spots, and a haze falling from them.
owl whose spread wings darken the floor Draw it from below: a flat face, two wide fans and a big shadow.
serpent as thick as a tower Three coils and a raised head. Pattern the back, leave the belly plain.
spider that carries its web like a sail A small body on eight long legs, with a web stretched above it.
three-horned bull with smoke at its nostrils Horns first: one long, two short. The body is a block behind them.
toad as wide as a stable, wearing a crown A low dome with a huge mouth line. The crown is tiny.
tortoise with a fortress built on its shell Walls and one tower on a dome, and four legs like pillars.
white ape with fists like boulders It leans on its knuckles. The arms are thicker than the legs.

Machines 12

brass model of the planets, swinging loose A central post with balls on long arms at different heights.
clockwork knight three storeys tall Show the gears at the joints and a slot where the face would be.
crane with a head, a hook and a temper A long jointed arm on a turning base. The hook swings as it moves.
empty diving suit with a trailing hose A round helmet with one window, thick limbs and a trailing hose.
giant suit of armour that runs on steam Pipes at the shoulders, a boiler on the back and steam at every joint.
great bell on wheels, with a hammer arm A dome on a cart, and one arm drawn back to strike itself.
lighthouse lamp on six legs A glass drum with a bright centre, carried on jointed legs.
loom that throws its own nets A tall frame full of threads, with two arms that fling them.
music box as big as a house, dancer on top A square body with a crank on one side. The dancer never stops turning.
stamping press that walks on two pistons A heavy flat block held high between two columns.
steam plough with jaws Big rear wheels, a boiler and a blade that opens like a mouth.
walking furnace on four iron legs A round belly with a grate for a mouth and a chimney for a neck.

Plants and fungus 9

bramble dragon with roses for scales A long body woven from stems, thorny along the back.
cactus in bloom, taller than a gatehouse A column with two raised arms and one flower on top.
mushroom with a cap as wide as a roof A fat stalk under a broad dome. Spots on top, gills beneath.
oak that has pulled up its roots A thick trunk, a face in the bark, and roots used as legs.
pumpkin grown too big for its field A ribbed ball with a split for a mouth and vines for arms.
sunflower that turns to follow you A huge round face on a bending stalk, with two leaves like hands.
thorn hedge rolled into a ball A sphere of crossed lines with spikes all round the outline.
water lily with a mouth in the flower A flat pad as a base, and petals that open and close like jaws.
willow whose branches reach like arms A leaning trunk under a curtain of long strands.

Buildings and furniture that walk 13

bookcase that sheds heavy books A tall frame, bowed in the middle, with books falling as it walks.
chandelier that has come down to walk Curved arms used as legs, with every candle still lit.
clock tower that leans down to look The clock face is the head. Bend the tower like a neck.
cottage on legs, chimney smoking Windows for eyes, a door for a mouth and the thatch for a brow.
kettle the size of a carriage, near the boil A round body, a spout that aims and a lid that rattles.
piano with too many legs and a lid like a jaw The keys are teeth. The lid lifts and slams.
ship's figurehead dragging half a hull A carved figure at the front and broken planks trailing behind.
statue that has climbed down from its plinth Draw the empty plinth as well. The statue moves stiffly.
stone bridge that has stood up and walked Two arches make four legs. The road on top is its back.
throne that has outgrown its king A tall carved back, clawed feet, and a very small king in its lap.
wardrobe with many drawers, all hungry A tall box on short feet. Each drawer slides out like a jaw.
well with a bucket on a chain for a fist A round wall under a small roof, and a chain that swings.
windmill that walks on its sails The four sails are legs. The cap on top turns to look.

Giants and rulers 11

gardener grown into his own hedge A figure of clipped leaves holding shears as long as a ladder.
giant cook with a rolling pin like a log An apron, a tall hat, and both hands on the pin.
giant in a crown too small for its head A broad body and a round head, with the crown perched like a ring.
giant with a lantern for a head A glass box with a flame inside, on heavy shoulders.
knight whose armour is all shields Overlapping rounds and kites, with no gap showing from the front.
puppet master who is also the puppet Strings rise from its own hands to its own head and knees.
queen of wasps on a paper throne A striped body with a narrow waist, and a throne of grey layers.
scarecrow as tall as a barn, full of crows A cross of poles under a ragged coat, with beaks at every tear.
sleeping giant who fights without waking Eyes shut, mouth open, limbs flung out as if turning in bed.
snowman general with coal for medals Three stacked balls, a cocked hat and a row of black dots.
two-headed giant whose heads disagree One body, two necks leaning apart, each head looking its own way.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. No form comes from a published game, film, book or toy, and none is named. Each is a single large body, so that any weak point and any warning on this page can be drawn on it. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

Arena: all 56 arenas

Indoors 14

a ballroom with a mirror for a floor Everything is drawn twice, the second time upside down.
a bell loft with four ropes hanging The bells are overhead. The ropes can be swung on.
a clock tower's top floor, works showing Big gears on the walls and a clock face seen from behind.

Show all 56 arenas (53 more)

Indoors, continued

a flooded cellar, knee deep A low arched roof, and reflections broken by ripples.
a forge with channels of orange in the floor Dark all round, and lit from below.
a greenhouse with every pane cracked A grid of thin frames, with plants pushing through.
a kitchen with every pot on the boil Steam hides the ceiling. Hang pans where they can be knocked down.
a library whose shelves go up out of sight Tall verticals on every side, and ladders on rails.
a long gallery of statues, some missing A row of plinths. Leave two of them empty.
a mill with the great wheels turning Wooden cogs, shafts and belts, all moving at different speeds.
a round hall with a floor of loose tiles Draw the floor first, with a few tiles lifted or missing.
a theatre stage with the curtain half down Footlights at the front edge and painted scenery behind.
a throne room with the roof fallen in Rubble, a shaft of daylight and one chair still standing.
an attic knee-deep in feathers Sloping beams, one round window and white drifts on the floor.

Outdoors 14

a beach as the tide comes in The floor gets smaller as you watch. Draw the wet line.
a crater with warm ground A wide bowl, steam from cracks and a raised rim all round.
a forest clearing ringed by lanterns A circle of small lights, with black trunks behind.
a frozen lake that creaks A flat white floor with long dark cracks, and pines at the edge.
a harvest field with one standing stone Stubble in rows, a few stacked sheaves and a single tall rock.
a hedge maze whose walls move Tall green walls, with gaps that are not where they were.
a market square with the stalls overturned Awnings, spilled fruit and a fountain in the middle.
a marsh crossed by one plank walk Reeds and dark water, with one narrow safe line through.
a mountain pass in driving snow A narrow strip between rock walls, with the far end lost in white.
a quarry floor ringed with ledges Stepped walls all round, like a square bowl.
a ruined amphitheatre, seats full of crows Curved steps on one side and a flat ring of sand.
a salt flat, white to the horizon No cover anywhere. The only shadow is the boss.
a walled garden gone wild Brick on four sides, and paths lost under growth.
an orchard in full blossom Rows of trunks to dodge round, and petals in the air.

High up or moving 14

a bridge with one rail missing A long narrow floor with a drop on the open side.
a cable car swinging over a gorge A small box on a wire, with the fight on its roof.
a floating island no wider than a barn Grass on top, roots hanging beneath and open sky all round.
a lift rising up an endless shaft An open cage, with the walls streaking downward past it.
a platform hung on four chains It swings. Draw it a little off level.
a raft of logs on a fast river A small square floor, with white water on every side.
a rooftop among chimneys Sloping tiles, chimney stacks for cover and a long way down.
a rope bridge over cloud Two sagging lines and slats, some of them gone.
a row of barges tied nose to tail Flat decks with gaps of water between, and ropes across.
the back of a far larger sleeping creature The ground is a curve that breathes. Show one huge eye far off.
the deck of a ship in a storm Tilt the whole floor. Ropes, a mast and water coming over the side.
the roof of a moving train Carriages in a row with gaps between, and streaks for speed.
scaffolding round an unfinished spire Planks, poles and ladders on several levels.
the top of a tower, open to the wind A round floor with a low broken wall, and cloud below.

Strange places 14

a chequered floor whose squares rise and fall Draw some squares as low pillars and some as pits.
a circle of lamplight with dark all round One round lit floor. Whatever leaves the light cannot be seen.
a cloud firm enough to stand on A soft white floor with holes that show the land far below.
a dinner table set for giants Plates like ponds, forks like ladders and a cloth for a floor.
a hall of mirrors The boss appears six times. Only one of them is real.
a painting you have stepped into Brush marks on everything, and a gilt frame for a horizon.
a pocket watch, among the wheels Gears for floors, and a spring that tightens overhead.
a room that is slowly filling with sand A slope against one wall and a thin stream falling from above.
a snow globe, seen from inside A curved glass sky, falling flakes and one small house.
a staircase that goes round and meets itself Four flights in a square, each one climbing to the next.
a stopped carousel that starts again A round floor, poles, wooden horses and a striped roof.
a toy shop at night, shelves to the ceiling Everything on the shelves is facing the fight.
the belly of a whale, lit by one lamp Curved ribs for a roof, and a pool for a floor.
the page of an enormous open book Lines of text as tall as fences, and a gutter down the middle.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Each arena is one bounded place with a floor to plan and one feature that changes the picture. No place from a published game is used. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

Pattern: all 56 patterns

Charges and leaps 14

a charge that overshoots, then a slow turn One long arrow past the target and a wide loop back.
a zigzag run that ends in a skid Four sharp corners and a smear at the end.
backs away, then rushes when you follow A short dotted arrow back and a long solid one forward.

Show all 56 patterns (53 more)

Charges and leaps, continued

circles the edge, then cuts through the centre A ring round the outside, then one line straight across.
follows your exact path, a few steps behind Two lines, one inside the other, the same shape.
leaps high and lands where you stood An arc over the scene, and a shadow on the floor under it.
retreats to the far side and builds up speed Draw it small in the distance, head down, dust rising.
rolls across the arena and back, faster each time Parallel lines, there and back, closer together each time.
runs laps, faster each lap, until it stumbles A spiral of laps with a tangle at the end.
slides the whole way across and cannot stop One straight line from edge to edge, and a bump at the end.
spins across like a top, then gets dizzy A looping line, and a wobble where it stops.
stalks slowly, then sprints the last stretch A slow curve that straightens into a dash.
three charges, then a long rest Three straight arrows across the floor, then a dot where it stops to pant.
two short hops and one enormous one Two small arcs and a big one, with a deeper mark for each landing.

Stamps and sweeps 14

a roar that pushes everything to the edge Lines spreading from its mouth, and everything leaning away.
a slow spin with everything stretched out A circle swept clear all round it.
a stamp that lifts everything loose into the air Draw the stones, tiles and dust at head height.
a sweep from left to right, then back again A wide fan shape, drawn twice.
claps down from above, twice, then rests Two flattened circles side by side.
leans in for one huge blow and gets stuck It is bent double, with part of it buried in the ground.
marks a spot, waits, then strikes exactly there A cross on the floor, and a pause before the blow.
pounds a rhythm: two quick, one slow Three marks on the floor, two small and one large.
pushes a wave across the floor to be jumped A ridge in the ground, travelling from one side to the other.
rears up and drops its whole weight Two poses: tall and stretched, then flat with cracks all round.
strikes round the arena like a clock hand Marks in a ring, one after the next, in order.
strikes the ground and cracks run toward you Jagged lines spreading from one point, like a fan of lightning.
three stamps, each sending out a wider ring Three circles on the floor, each larger than the last.
tilts the ground one way, then the other Draw the floor as a seesaw, with loose things sliding.

Things thrown or sent 14

a slow beam of light that sweeps the arena One bright bar turning like the beam of a lighthouse.
blows a gale from one side, then the other Everything loose streams one way across the picture.
bounces something off the ground toward you A line with one sharp angle where it hits the floor.
breathes out a cloud that drifts with the wind A soft shape, wider at the far end.
drops things from above along a straight line A row of falling shapes, with a row of shadows under them.
lobs something high that lands late A tall arc, and a growing shadow on the floor.
pulls everything toward it, then pushes it away Arrows pointing in, then the same arrows pointing out.
rains small pieces of itself, then gathers them Dots falling everywhere, then lines leading back to it.
rolls heavy things outward in a fan Five lines spreading from one point, a ball on each.
scatters sparks that sit and wait Small bright dots left all over the floor.
sends out rings that grow as they travel Hoops of different sizes, the largest furthest away.
spits a line across the floor that lingers A stripe that divides the arena in two.
throws a part of itself that comes back A long loop out and home, like a thrown hoop on a string.
throws three things in a row, then looks for more Three arcs, then the boss with its back turned, searching.

Tricks 14

blocks everything from the front, nothing behind A broad front like a wall, and a plain unguarded back.
builds a wall, hides, then knocks it down on you A rough wall, with the top of the boss showing above it.
calls small helpers, then hides behind them A row of little ones in front, and the big one peering over.
copies whatever you did last Draw the boss in the pose of the small figure facing it.
hides among the scenery and waits to be found One thing in the arena has eyes.
makes three copies; only one casts a shadow Four the same, with one shadow among them.
mends itself unless it is interrupted It sits still, with pieces drifting back into place.
pretends to be beaten, then gets up Flat on the floor with one eye open.
puts out the lights, strikes, then lights them Two panels: black with two eyes, then the same scene lit.
shrinks to dodge, then swells to strike The same shape at two sizes, side by side.
sleeps, and strikes only if woken Curled up, and everyone else on tiptoe.
swaps places with something across the arena Two matching puffs of smoke, far apart.
turns the arena a quarter turn each time Draw the floor twice, the second time rotated.
vanishes and reappears behind you A faint outline where it was and a solid one where it is.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Each pattern is a movement to draw as arrows on a plan of the floor. None carries a number, a rule or a name from any published game, and each can be done by any form in any arena on this page. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

Warning: all 56 warnings

In its body 14

it crouches until it nearly touches the floor Flatten it. The widest it ever gets is now.
it draws one long breath The whole body swells. Draw loose dust moving toward it.
it goes completely still No movement lines at all. Everything round it is still moving.

Show all 56 warnings (53 more)

In its body, continued

it leans back like a spring being pressed All the weight goes onto the back end. The front lifts.
it looks away, as if bored The head, or the top, turns right round to the side.
it lowers its front and scrapes the ground A low pose, with a furrow behind one foot.
it opens as wide as it can open A mouth, a lid or a door, gaping, with dark inside.
it puffs up to half as big again Draw the old outline faintly inside the new one.
it rears up to its full height Stretch it tall, and put the small figure in its shadow.
it shakes itself like a wet dog Double the outline, with loose bits flying off.
it tilts its whole body to one side The lean shows which way the blow will come.
it trembles from the base upward A shaky outline at the bottom that is steady at the top.
it turns its back for a moment The one view where the back shows plainly.
it winds itself up with a slow twist The top turns one way and the base the other.

In light and colour 14

a glow runs from one end of it to the other A bright band part of the way along the body.
a ring of light appears on the ground A bright circle on the floor, away from the boss.
frost spreads across it and cracks off A pale skin with fine lines in it, and flakes falling.
it flashes white, once Leave the whole figure as blank paper with a hard outline.
it goes dark, all but one light A black shape with a single lit window, eye or lamp.
it turns the colour of the floor Carry the pattern of the floor up over its body.
its colour drains to grey Draw it in pencil only, against a coloured arena.
its eyes, or what it has for eyes, narrow Two slits where there were two circles.
its shadow moves before it does The shadow is already in the striking pose. The body is not.
its shadow stretches toward you A long dark shape across the floor that reaches the small figure.
the marks on its back light up in order Three of five spots are lit. The next one is about to be.
one spot on it starts to shine A small bright point, with rays.
sparks gather round it Small bright dots drifting inward from all sides.
steam rises from its top Soft curls that go straight up, thicker each moment.

In the arena 14

a crack opens between you and it One thin dark line across the floor.
a shadow shows where it will land A dark oval on the floor, and the boss nowhere near it.
the arena tilts a little toward it Tip the horizon by a few degrees.
dust falls from above Thin streams, here and there, in front of everything.
every bird in sight takes off A burst of small dark shapes leaving the edges of the picture.
everything else in the arena stops moving Wheels, water and flags, caught as if in a photograph.
everything loose slides toward it Tiles, leaves and litter, all with tracks pointing one way.
the ground under you darkens A patch of shadow at the feet of the small figure.
leaves, paper and dust lift off the ground A low swirl round its base.
the light dims by half Darken the whole picture except the boss.
the nearest lamp goes out One dark lamp in a row of lit ones.
puddles on the floor begin to ripple Rings in every puddle, spreading from their centres.
small stones on the ground begin to jump Pebbles a little above the floor, each with its own shadow.
the wind changes direction Flags, hair and smoke now point the other way.

Sounds and signals 14

a bird on its back calls a warning A small bird with its beak open, on top of the largest thing in the room.
a small bell on it rings A tiny bell, tilted, with two short lines beside it.
it bows A deep, polite bend from the middle.
it counts down on whatever it has for fingers Three raised, then two. Draw the two.
it growls so low that the picture shakes Double every outline in the scene by a hair.
it hums the first notes of a tune Three notes in the air. The rest of the tune is the attack.
it knocks twice on the ground Two small bursts of dust, side by side.
it points at where it will strike One long limb, branch or spout, aimed like an arrow.
it rings like a struck bell Curved lines round it, as round a bell in a comic.
it says one word, the same every time Give it a speech bubble. You choose the word.
it sings like a kettle coming to the boil A jet of steam and a lid that lifts.
it ticks three times Three small marks beside its head, in a row.
it whistles a rising note A thin line climbing from it, and one startled dog.
it winks One eye, window or lamp shut and the other bright.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Each warning is one change that can be drawn: a pose, a light, a sign in the arena or a sound shown by its effect. Each fits any form on this page. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

Weak point: all 56 weak points

On its body 16

a cracked plate on its back Make the crack the brightest line on the figure.
a glowing core that shows when it opens Draw it shut and open. The light is only in the second.
a hatch that pops open when it overheats A small square door with steam coming out.

Show all 56 weak points (53 more)

On its body, continued

a knot in its side as big as a door A round rough mark with rings in it.
a loose panel that rattles as it moves One part drawn a little out of line with the rest.
a plug in its back that can be pulled A round stopper with a ring to hold.
a row of three lights that must all go out Draw two dark and one still lit.
a seam down its middle One clean line from top to base, a little open at one end.
an old mend that never quite took Stitches, rivets or a nailed board, off centre.
the backs of its knees, or what it has for knees A fold, a hinge or a joint, seen from behind.
the hinge it turns on A pin, a ring or a joint at the middle, a little rusty.
the inside of whatever it opens A mouth, a lid or a door. Light the inside warmly.
its underside, shown only when it rears Pale and plain under a dark patterned top.
one spot that is a different colour Use that colour nowhere else in the picture.
the place where its covering has worn thin A paler patch, with what is underneath just showing.
the soft patch at the very top Reached only from above. Give the arena something to climb.

Worn or carried 14

a bell hung on it that it cannot reach High on the back, on a short rope.
a crown it keeps straightening Far too small, and always slipping to one side.
a jewel set where it cannot see Put the jewel behind, between where the shoulders would be.
a lantern it carries and guards It holds the lantern away from you, on the far side.
a mask that can be knocked askew Draw the mask crooked, with something surprised behind it.
a medal it is far too proud of One bright disc on a dull body. It polishes the medal between attacks.
the banner on its back A tall pole and a flag. Where the flag goes, it goes.
the chain it drags, which can be caught A long line on the floor behind it, ending in a ring.
its cloak, which snags on everything A long hem caught on a corner, and the boss pulling.
the key in its back, slowly unwinding A big butterfly key. Show which way it turns with a curved arrow.
the rope that holds its load on A bundle on top, tied with one fraying rope.
the small bird that rides on it and steers A bird on top, holding two reins.
the spectacles it cannot see without Round frames, a little crooked, on whatever it has for a face.
three balloons tied to it, holding it up Three circles on strings. Draw one already gone.

A moment or a habit 13

the breath it must take between blows Chest out, head back, eyes shut.
the dizziness after it spins Small stars round the top, and legs that cross.
its curiosity: a dropped hat stops it dead Bent right down over the hat, the fight forgotten.
its fear of its own shadow It backs away from a dark shape on the wall.
its greed: it will chase anything shiny A coin rolling one way and the boss lunging after it.
its habit of watching what it has thrown The head follows the arc. The body is open.
its need to count whatever is spilled It crouches over scattered beans, pointing at each.
its own weight: it cannot stop or turn quickly A long skid mark, with the boss at the far end of it.
its temper: it makes mistakes when teased A small figure pulling a face, and a red boss swinging wide.
its ticklish side It curls round one flank and cannot help it.
its vanity: it pauses at every reflection It tidies itself at a puddle or a shield.
the long rest at the end of its pattern It slumps and pants, steaming a little.
the moment after it lands Dust all round, the body low, and nothing guarded.

Outside its body 13

a bell in the arena that stuns it Hang the bell where it can be reached by a jump.
a loud noise at the right moment A gong or a dropped tray, and the boss with its hands over its ears.
a song that sends it to sleep Someone small with a pipe, and its eyelids halfway down.
bright light, which makes it cover up A beam across the arena, and the boss hiding its face.
cold water, which it shrinks from A bucket, a pump or a wave, and the boss on tiptoe.
the ground giving way under its weight Cracks spreading from its feet. It has not noticed.
its own attacks, turned back on it Something it threw, coming back the way it came.
its reflection, which can be struck instead A mirror, a window or still water, with the boss in it.
its shadow, when the light is behind you A long shadow on the floor, with a mark on the shadow.
its true name, called out loud A speech bubble from the small figure, and the boss stopped dead.
the lamp it circles back to One light in the arena that it will not stray far from.
the thing it is guarding, if you reach it first A small chest, an egg or a door behind it.
the three ropes that hold it up Three taut lines to the edges of the picture. Cut one.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Each weak point can be put on any form on this page: a place on the back, the top or the underside, something worn or carried, a moment in the pattern, or something outside the body. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

When losing: all 56 second acts

Faster and crosser 13

adds one more blow to every strike One extra mark on the floor plan, in a second colour.
aims at where you are going, not where you are The mark lands a step ahead of the small figure.
chases without stopping, corners and all A scribbled track that covers the whole floor.

Show all 56 second acts (53 more)

Faster and crosser, continued

covers its weak point between strikes Something folds over the weak point: a wing, a lid, a hand.
gets louder, and the noise is the new danger Rings of sound that push the small figure back.
gives its warning later each time The warning pose and the strike nearly overlap.
leaves a glowing trail wherever it goes A bright line on the floor that marks its whole path.
mixes a second pattern into the first Two sets of arrows in two colours.
runs its pattern backwards, last move first The same arrows on the plan, pointing the other way.
skips its rest and repeats the pattern Draw the pattern as a loop with no gap in it.
speeds up until it trips itself A blur, then a heap.
stamps as it walks and shakes the arena Every outline in the scene is doubled.
turns red and stops aiming A wild scatter of marks, none near the target.

A change of shape 14

falls apart and fights as a heap of pieces Parts spread on the floor, each still moving.
grows a second head that watches behind A smaller head facing backward. It is not as clever.
opens up to show what was driving it A small figure at a set of levers inside, or a single flame.
pulls itself into a ball and rolls A sphere with its markings wrapped round.
rises onto its back end and towers Twice the height, a narrower base, and less steady.
sheds its outer layer and is thinner and quicker Draw the empty husk on the floor behind it.
shows a second face it had kept hidden On the back, the belly or under a lid.
shrinks to the size of a dog and is hard to hit The same boss, tiny, with a great deal of empty floor.
splits into two smaller ones The same design at half the size, twice, a little different.
sprouts spikes wherever it was struck Clusters of points in two or three places.
swells to fill half the arena It touches the edges of the picture on two sides.
trades its colour for the opposite one Redraw it with every light part dark and every dark part light.
turns inside out The lining is a different colour and has pockets.
turns to glass, and you can see its heart Outline only, with one solid shape in the middle.

A change to the arena 14

breaks the floor into islands Dark gaps between pieces of floor, some of them tilting.
calls a storm down into the arena Slanting rain and one bright fork behind it.
climbs to the highest place and stays there Small and far up, looking down.
fills the air with dust, smoke or feathers Soft grey over everything. Only the outlines show.
floods the arena ankle deep Add a waterline and reflections to the same scene.
freezes the floor so that everything slides A shine on the ground, and the small figure with arms out.
knocks a hole in the arena and fights from it Only its top half shows above the floor.
pulls down part of the scenery to throw It holds a pillar, a tree or a mast over its head.
puts out the lights and glows instead A black picture with one lit figure.
raises walls and fights from behind them Low walls in a maze, with the top of the boss above them.
shrinks the arena a step at a time Draw the old edge as a dotted line outside the new one.
tilts the whole arena and holds it there Slope the floor, and slide everything to the low side.
turns the arena upside down Flip the drawing. The boss is the only thing still upright.
wakes the scenery, which starts to join in Give two things in the background eyes.

A change of heart 15

asks for mercy, and may mean it Hands together, or whatever it has for hands.
blows a horn, and something answers The horn at its mouth, and every head turned to the horizon.
calls for its mother, who is larger A shadow falls across the whole arena from outside the picture.
calls small copies of itself to help Five little ones, each with one detail wrong.
copies your shape, badly Redraw the small figure at boss size, with the proportions wrong.
eats part of the arena to get its strength back A bite out of the wall or the floor, and crumbs.
hides, and must be found before it mends A tail, a corner or a wisp of steam showing behind the scenery.
moves its weak point to the other side Draw the old place sealed and the new one open.
offers you a gift, which is a trick A wrapped box held out, and a smile that is too wide.
picks up whatever you dropped and uses it A very small hat or stick held by a very large boss.
pretends to be something harmless A statue pose, a hat pulled down, an innocent whistle.
sits down and cries until you come close Large tears and one eye that is watching.
starts to dance, and the dance is the new pattern One foot up and arms out, with steps marked on the floor.
starts to guard something it had hidden It curls round a small bright thing.
stops attacking and tries to run Seen from behind, heading for the edge.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Each is a second state of the same boss to draw beside the first. None carries a number or follows the rules of any published game, and each can be done by any form in any arena on this page. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

How it works

This boss monster generator writes a design brief for the big one at the end of a level. Press New boss for its form, its arena, the pattern it repeats, the warning before it strikes, its weak point and what it does when losing.

Read the full guide

Two poses, not one

A boss is learned by watching it, so draw it twice: at rest, and giving its warning. The two poses should differ at a glance, in silhouette alone. Then put the weak point where it shows in one pose and is hidden in the other.

A sheet a game artist could hand in

Lay out one page. The boss stands in its arena beside a small figure for scale. The pattern goes underneath as arrows on a plan of the floor. The losing state is a second, smaller drawing in the corner.

Fill the silhouette in black first. If the boss cannot be told from its arena, change one of them.
Give the weak point the one colour used nowhere else in the picture.
Draw the floor plan before the scenery. The pattern decides how much room the arena needs.

Questions and answers

What makes a good boss monster design?

Start from what a player has to read: a shape that stands out from its arena, a warning that looks unlike the resting pose, and a weak point that shows. Each press gives one of each to practise on.

Are the bosses from a video game or a card game?

No. No published game, boss or character is named. Every entry is original to this site, and all six lists are printed in full under the tool.

Does it give health, damage or other stats?

No. The brief has no numbers and no rules, so it suits a platform game, a tabletop adventure or a comic alike. Add your own figures once the drawing works.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. It is storybook-mild: bosses stamp, charge and hide, and nobody is hurt in any entry. A losing boss may sit down and cry, ask for mercy or call for its mother, who is larger.