Top DnD Books for 2025: Ultimate Guide

Dungeons & Dragons is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in popularity. From the influence of Stranger Things to the success of Honor Among Thieves, the hobby's growth is undeniable, fueled by podcasts, YouTube channels, and the massive popularity of Baldur's Gate 3. This makes it an ideal time to join the adventure.

However, navigating the Fifth Edition (5E) can be challenging for newcomers, especially given the vast amount of third-party content. 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 foundational books. If not, acquire them first! You can find the latest editions linked below.

How often do you play D&D?

Once a weekOnce every two weeksOnce a monthOnly when everyone can get togetherAnswerSee Results

First-Party Content Recommendations:

Core Rulebooks:

• Player’s Handbook: 12$49.99 at Amazon
• Dungeon Master’s Guide: 7$49.99 at Amazon
• Monster Manual: 5$49.99 at Amazon

Sourcebooks & Adventures:

• Xanathar’s Guide to Everything: 10See it at Amazon Expands player options with subclasses, feats, and spells; includes GM tools.

• Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything: 5See it at Amazon Offers more player options and expands core rulebook concepts.

• Waterdeep: Dragon Heist: 3See it at Amazon Intrigue-driven adventure with multiple antagonists.

• Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse: 4See it at Amazon A three-book bundle exploring the Planescape setting.

• Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk: 3See it at Amazon A massive expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver.

• Eberron: Rising from the Last War: 9See it at Amazon Unique setting with airships and floating castles.

• Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen: 1See it at Amazon Features large-scale combat and dragons.

• Curse of Strahd: 5See it at Amazon Classic gothic horror adventure.

• The Wild Beyond the Witchlight: 0See it at Amazon Roleplaying-focused adventure set in the Feywild.

Notable Third-Party Content (briefly):

• Strongholds and Followers (MCDM Productions): Rules for player bases and NPCs.
• Flee, Mortals!/Where Evil Lives (MCDM Productions): Monster manual and dungeon.
• Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex (Kobold Press): Monster manuals.
• Grim Hollow (Ghostfire Gaming): Dark fantasy setting.

This list provides a strong starting point for expanding your 5E collection. Let us know your favorites in the comments! You can also explore our D&D dice sets and merchandise.