Dungeons & Dragons is currently experiencing a renaissance, fueled by the cultural impact of shows like *Stranger Things*, the cinematic success of *Honor Among Thieves*, and the surge in popularity of tabletop gaming podcasts, YouTube series, and the critically acclaimed *Baldur’s Gate 3*. It's an exciting time to dive into the world of D&D, with the Fifth Edition (5E) at the helm. However, the wealth of high-quality content, especially from third-party creators, can be overwhelming for newcomers. If you're new to the hobby and unsure where to begin, here's our curated list of the best Dungeons & Dragons books to consider in 2025. Additionally, don't miss our beginner's guide to D&D for more helpful tips.
AnswerSee ResultsFirst-party contentBefore we delve into our recommendations, a few points to note: This guide focuses mainly on first-party content, as the vast array of third-party materials is often more suited to seasoned players looking to enhance their dungeon-crawling experiences. We've also excluded 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 and should be your first purchase. Below, you can find links to the latest editions or skip ahead to our recommended sourcebooks and adventures.
### 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 AmazonThis essential sourcebook, released in 2017, enriches your D&D experience with over 25 new subclasses, 20 racial feats, and a variety of new spells. It's particularly valuable for players seeking to expand their character options, featuring unique abilities like War Magic for Wizards, the Oath of Redemption for Paladins, and the entertaining Drunken Master style for Monks. Additionally, it provides useful tools for Dungeon Masters, including trap-building guides and optional rules for enhancing downtime activities.
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)
### Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
5See it at AmazonMirroring the expansive nature of Xanathar’s Guide, Tasha’s Cauldron offers a wealth of new player options and extends the core rulebooks' concepts. It introduces optional class features for every class, a plethora of new spells, and new rules for Dungeon Masters to manage sidekicks, natural hazards, and supernatural environments. This book is key to adding depth and diversity to your party's capabilities.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)
### Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
3See it at AmazonFor those who enjoy roleplay and intrigue over traditional dungeon crawling, Waterdeep: Dragon Heist is an exceptional choice. This adventure weaves a tale of criminal enterprises and hidden treasures in the bustling city of Waterdeep. With its focus on social encounters and political maneuvering, it offers a refreshing change from typical monster-filled quests. The book's flexibility with four different antagonists adds replay value and keeps players on their toes. If you enjoy this, consider its follow-up, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage, for a more dungeon-focused campaign.
Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle)
### Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse
4See it at AmazonDive into the multiverse with Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse, a comprehensive three-book set that explores one of D&D’s most captivating settings. This bundle includes a detailed setting book, a monster manual, and an intriguing adventure. The setting's rich lore, from the bustling city of Sigil to its factions with their philosophical quandaries, ensures a deep and immersive experience. This release stands out as a well-crafted expansion, responding to previous feedback and delivering a robust addition to your D&D library.
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)
### Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
3See it at AmazonExpanding on the beloved Lost Mine of Phandelver, this adventure plunges players back into the familiar yet mysterious town of Phandalin. Uncover a cosmic horror conspiracy involving magical obelisks and the sinister Mind Flayers. This campaign blends nostalgia with fresh, thrilling narratives, making it a top pick for both new and returning players.
Eberron: Rising from the Last War (Sourcebook/Adventure)
### Eberron: Rising from the Last War
9See it at AmazonExplore the unique, war-torn world of Eberron, complete with floating castles and airships. This sourcebook introduces new species options like Dragonmarks and provides a setting ripe for roleplay and adventure. The included campaign takes players to the eerie Mournland, offering a dark and mysterious backdrop for your stories.
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)
### Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
1See it at AmazonEmbark on epic battles and face the fearsome Lord Soth in Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen. This lengthy adventure introduces a new setting to 5E, filled with mass combat and dragon-centric encounters. It also includes new player options, enhancing your gameplay experience.
Curse of Strahd (Adventure)
### Curse of Strahd
5See it at AmazonExperience classic gothic horror with Curse of Strahd, a remake of an iconic adventure from the first edition of D&D. Filled with vampires and eerie atmospheres, it's perfect for fans of dark, atmospheric storytelling. For a deeper dive into the setting, consider Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft.
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)
### The Wild Beyond the Witchlight: A Feywild Adventure
0See it at AmazonImmerse yourself in the enchanting Feywild with The Wild Beyond the Witchlight. This adventure, centered around a mysterious carnival, offers numerous non-violent problem-solving options. It also introduces new playable species and backgrounds, including the chance to roleplay as a carnival performer.
Third-party content
While our focus is on first-party materials, we can't overlook some exceptional third-party publications. Here are a few notable mentions:
Strongholds and Followers by MCDM Productions offers rules for giving your party bases and NPC allies, a concept that has influenced upcoming revisions to the core rulebooks.
Flee, Mortals! from MCDM Productions revamps classic D&D monsters and introduces new ones, accompanied by a dungeon adventure in Where Evil Lives.
Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex by Kobold Press provides additional monsters, especially useful for high-level play.
Grim Hollow by Ghostfire Gaming presents a dark fantasy setting full of war and dark magic, complete with extensive support materials for deep immersion.
These are our top recommendations for the best Dungeons & Dragons books to consider in 2025. What are your thoughts? Have we missed any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments, or check out our favorite D&D dice sets and D&D merchandise for more inspiration.
