The Best Dungeons and Dragons Books in 2025

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

However, navigating the wealth of 5th Edition (5e) content can be daunting for newcomers. This guide focuses on essential first-party books, excluding the core rulebooks (Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual – get these first!). We also touch on some noteworthy third-party options.

First-Party Content

### 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 Amazon

A cornerstone sourcebook (2017), expanding player options with subclasses, feats, spells, and helpful DM tools. Essential for players seeking diverse character builds, including War Magic Wizards, Oath of Redemption Paladins, and Drunken Master Monks.

Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)

### Tasha's Cauldron of Everything

5See it at Amazon

Similar to Xanathar's, this sourcebook offers expanded player options and rules, including optional class features, new spells, and DM tools for sidekicks, hazards, and more. A great choice for adding class diversity.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)

### Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

3See it at Amazon

A roleplaying-focused adventure brimming with intrigue and deadly feuds, emphasizing social encounters and political conflict over standard dungeon crawls. Features multiple antagonists for replayability. A sequel, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage, offers a contrasting dungeon-crawl experience.

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

### Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

4See it at Amazon

A comprehensive exploration of the Planescape setting, featuring a setting book (Sigil and the Outlands), a monster manual (Morte’s Planar Parade), and an adventure (Turn of Fortune’s Wheel). A rich and detailed expansion for experienced players.

Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)

### Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

3See it at Amazon

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

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

### Eberron: Rising from the Last War

9See it at Amazon

A unique setting sourcebook featuring a war-torn world with airships and floating castles. Offers new species options (Dragonmarks) and a campaign set in the eerie Mournland.

Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)

### Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

1See it at Amazon

An adventure set in the Dragonlance setting, focusing on large-scale combat encounters, dragons, and the death knight Lord Soth.

Curse of Strahd (Adventure)

### Curse of Strahd

5See it at Amazon

A classic gothic horror adventure, featuring vampires and creepy encounters. A remake of an older adventure, offering a dark and atmospheric campaign. Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft offers supplemental content.

The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)

### The Wild Beyond the Witchlight: A Feywild Adventure

0See it at Amazon

A Feywild adventure set in a carnival setting, emphasizing roleplaying and multiple solutions to problems. Includes new playable species and backgrounds.

Third-Party Content (brief mentions)

Several excellent third-party options exist, including Strongholds and Followers (MCDM Productions), Flee, Mortals! and Where Evil Lives (MCDM Productions), Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex (Kobold Press), and Grim Hollow (Ghostfire Gaming).

This guide provides a starting point for your D&D journey. Let us know your favorites in the comments!