The Best Dungeons and Dragons Books in 2025

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

However, navigating the wealth of 5th Edition (5e) content, especially the extensive 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've already acquired these core rulebooks. If not, acquire them first! Find the latest editions linked below.

First-Party Content Recommendations:

Player’s Handbook Core Rulebook

$49.99 at Amazon

Dungeon Master’s Guide Core Rulebook

$49.99 at Amazon

Monster Manual Core Rulebook

$49.99 at Amazon

Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (Sourcebook)

See it at Amazon

A highly valuable sourcebook (2017) offering expanded player options: subclasses, racial feats, spells, and helpful DM tools (trap building, downtime rules). Excellent for players seeking diverse character options.

Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)

See it at Amazon

Similar to Xanathar's, this sourcebook expands player options and core rulebook concepts. It includes optional class features, new spells, and DM rules for sidekicks, hazards, monster interactions, and supernatural environments.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)

See it at Amazon

A roleplaying-focused adventure filled with intrigue and conflict, offering a refreshing alternative to typical dungeon crawls. Features multiple antagonists for replayability. A sequel, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage, provides an extended campaign option.

Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle)

See it at Amazon

A comprehensive exploration of the Planescape setting, including a setting book (Sigil and the Outlands), monster manual (Morte’s Planar Parade), and adventure (Turn of Fortune’s Wheel). A highly detailed and engaging expansion.

Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)

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A significant expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver, returning to Phandalin with a cosmic horror mystery involving Mind Flayers. A unique and engaging campaign.

Eberron: Rising from the Last War (Sourcebook/Adventure)

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A unique setting with airships, floating castles, and Dragonmarks, offering a departure from the Forgotten Realms. Features a post-war setting ideal for roleplaying and swashbuckling adventures.

Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)

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Introduces the Dragonlance setting, focusing on large-scale combat encounters with dragons and draconians. Includes new player options.

Curse of Strahd (Adventure)

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A gothic horror adventure featuring vampires and creepy elements. A remake of a classic AD&D adventure. Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft provides supplementary material.

The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)

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A Feywild adventure with a carnival setting and high roleplaying potential, offering multiple solutions and avoiding reliance on combat. Includes new playable species and backgrounds.

Brief Mention of Third-Party Content:

While this guide focuses on first-party content, noteworthy third-party titles include Strongholds and Followers (MCDM Productions), Flee, Mortals!/Where Evil Lives (MCDM Productions), Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex (Kobold Press), and Grim Hollow (Ghostfire Gaming).

These recommendations provide a strong foundation for your D&D journey. Let us know your thoughts and favorite books in the comments!