Dungeons & Dragons is currently experiencing a renaissance, fueled by the cultural impact of shows like Stranger Things, the cinematic success of Honor Among Thieves, the rise of tabletop-focused media, and the phenomenal reception of Baldur's Gate 3. It's an exciting time to dive into the world of D&D, especially with the Fifth Edition (5E) continuing to dominate the scene. However, the vast array of high-quality content, particularly from third-party creators, can be overwhelming for newcomers. If you're new to the hobby and looking for a starting point, here are our top recommendations for the best Dungeons & Dragons books in 2025. For additional guidance, don't forget to check out our beginner's guide to D&D.
AnswerSee ResultsFirst-party contentBefore we delve into our recommendations, a couple of important notes: This guide will focus primarily on first-party content, as third-party materials often cater to seasoned players looking to enhance their dungeon crawling experiences. Additionally, we'll skip over the essential trio of core rulebooks: The Player’s Handbook, the Dungeon Master’s Guide, and the Monster Manual. These foundational texts, updated in 2024, are crucial for any D&D player, but since they're a given, we'll move on to other valuable resources.
### 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)
### Xanathar's Guide to Everything
10See it at AmazonSince its release in 2017, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything has become an indispensable sourcebook, offering a wealth of new player options. With over 25 subclasses, 20 racial feats, and a variety of new spells, it's a treasure trove for players looking to diversify their characters. It also provides useful tools for game masters, such as trap-building guides and optional rules to enhance downtime activities. While it leans more towards player utility, it's a must-have for any group seeking to expand their gameplay options, from Wizards learning War Magic to Monks mastering the art of drunken fighting.
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)
### Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
5See it at AmazonTasha’s Cauldron of Everything complements Xanathar’s Guide by offering even more player options and expanding on core rulebook concepts. It introduces optional class features for every class, a plethora of new spells, and innovative rules for game masters, including sidekicks, natural hazards, and supernatural environments. This sourcebook is essential for injecting diversity into your party's dynamics and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)
### Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
3See it at AmazonWaterdeep: Dragon Heist stands out as one of the most engaging adventures from Wizards of the Coast, focusing heavily on roleplay, intrigue, and political maneuvering. Unlike typical dungeon crawls, this adventure immerses players in a web of social encounters and subterfuge, starting with a famous explorer drawing the party into a conflict between rival criminal factions. The book's flexibility, with four possible antagonists, ensures a fresh experience even for repeat players. For those who enjoy this adventure, the follow-up, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage, offers a contrasting yet complementary dungeon-focused campaign.
Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle)
### Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse
4See it at AmazonPlanescape: Adventures in the Multiverse is a comprehensive three-book bundle that brings the fascinating multiversal setting of the Forgotten Realms to life. Unlike the less well-received Spelljammer, this set is packed with detailed lore, from the landmarks of Sigil to the intriguing factions with their complex philosophies. The monster manual, Morte’s Planar Parade, offers a variety of creatures for game masters to challenge their players, while the adventure, Turn of Fortune’s Wheel, promises a unique narrative journey. This bundle is a must-have for fans of D&D's rich settings.
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)
### Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
3See it at AmazonPhandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk expands on the beloved Lost Mine of Phandelver, taking players back to Phandalin to explore the mysteries of magical obelisks. This adventure blends nostalgia with a fresh narrative, evolving into a cosmic horror story involving Mind Flayers. It's a standout campaign that capitalizes on the momentum from Baldur's Gate 3, making it a top choice for current D&D enthusiasts.
Eberron: Rising from the Last War (Sourcebook/Adventure)
### Eberron: Rising from the Last War
9See it at AmazonEberron: Rising from the Last War introduces a unique setting filled with war-torn landscapes, floating castles, and airships. This sourcebook offers new species options like Dragonmarks and a campaign set in the eerie Mournland. It's perfect for groups interested in a blend of roleplay and action-packed adventures in a post-war world.
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)
### Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
1See it at AmazonDragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen brings the iconic setting to 5E, featuring mass combat and epic dragon battles. This lengthy adventure focuses on the menacing Lord Soth and his draconian army, offering new player options and a deep narrative experience.
Curse of Strahd (Adventure)
### Curse of Strahd
5See it at AmazonCurse of Strahd is a classic gothic horror adventure, remade from the first edition of D&D. It's filled with vampires, eerie settings, and chilling encounters. For those who enjoy this dark atmosphere, Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft provides further exploration of the setting.
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)
### The Wild Beyond the Witchlight: A Feywild Adventure
0See it at AmazonThe Wild Beyond the Witchlight offers a whimsical adventure in the Feywild, centered around a mysterious carnival. It's ideal for groups that enjoy roleplay and creative problem-solving, with new playable species and backgrounds, including the chance to play as a carnival performer.
Third-party content
While our focus has been on first-party content, we can't ignore the exceptional third-party resources available. Here are a few notable mentions:
Strongholds and Followers by MCDM Productions adds rules for game masters to manage player bases and NPC allies, influencing upcoming revisions to the core rulebooks.
Flee, Mortals! also from MCDM Productions, revamps D&D monsters and introduces new ones, accompanied by the adventure book Where Evil Lives.
Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex by Kobold Press expands the monster roster, particularly useful for high-level campaigns.
Grim Hollow by Ghostfire Gaming offers a dark fantasy setting with extensive support materials, perfect for those seeking a more intense D&D experience.
These are our top picks for the best Dungeons & Dragons books to consider in 2025. What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to explore our favorite D&D dice sets and merch for more gaming inspiration.
