The Best Dungeons and Dragons Books in 2025

Dungeons & Dragons is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in popularity. From the influence of Stranger Things to the success of Honor Among Thieves, the rise of D&D podcasts and YouTube channels, and the phenomenal popularity of Baldur's Gate 3, it's a fantastic time to join the game.

However, navigating the wealth of Fifth Edition (5E) content, especially the vast offerings from third-party creators, can be daunting for newcomers. This guide focuses primarily on official Wizards of the Coast publications, excluding the essential Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual (updated in 2024), assuming you already possess these core rulebooks. If not, acquire them first! You can find the latest editions linked below.

First-Party Content Recommendations:

• Player’s Handbook Core Rulebook: 12$49.99 at Amazon

• Dungeon Master’s Guide Core Rulebook: 7$49.99 at Amazon

• Monster Manual Core Rulebook: 5$49.99 at Amazon

• Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (Sourcebook): 10See it at Amazon A crucial sourcebook (2017) offering expanded player options: subclasses, feats, spells, and DM tools. Essential for diverse character builds.

• Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook): 5See it at Amazon Similar to Xanathar's, this expands player options, adds spells, and provides DM tools for sidekicks, hazards, and more. Great for class diversity.

• Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure): 3See it at Amazon A compelling intrigue-driven adventure focusing on social encounters and political conflict, rather than solely combat. Offers multiple antagonists for replayability.

• Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle): 4See it at Amazon Explores the Planescape setting, including Sigil and the Outlands, Morte’s Planar Parade, and Turn of Fortune’s Wheel. A high-quality expansion.

• Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure): 3See it at Amazon A significant expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver, featuring cosmic horror elements and a return to Phandalin.

• Eberron: Rising from the Last War (Sourcebook/Adventure): 9See it at Amazon A unique setting with airships and floating castles, introducing Dragonmarks. Offers roleplaying and action opportunities.

• Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure): 1See it at Amazon Introduces the Dragonlance setting, featuring large-scale battles and dragons.

• Curse of Strahd (Adventure): 5See it at Amazon A classic gothic horror adventure with vampires and creepy elements.

• The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure): 0See it at Amazon A Feywild adventure with a carnival setting, offering multiple solutions and roleplaying opportunities.

Notable Third-Party Content (briefly mentioned):

• Strongholds and Followers (MCDM Productions)
• Flee, Mortals! and Where Evil Lives (MCDM Productions)
• Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex (Kobold Press)
• Grim Hollow (Ghostfire Gaming)

This list provides a strong starting point for expanding your 5E D&D experience. Let us know your favorites in the comments! Consider also checking out our D&D dice sets and merchandise guides.