Dungeons & Dragons is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in popularity. From the influence of shows like Stranger Things and the success of Honor Among Thieves, to the rise of D&D podcasts and YouTube channels, and the massive popularity 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 overwhelming for newcomers. This guide focuses on the best first-party D&D books for 2025, offering recommendations to enhance your gameplay. For additional tips, check out our beginner's guide to D&D.
AnswerSee ResultsFirst-Party Content
This guide prioritizes first-party content due to the vast amount of third-party options available. We'll exclude 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, obtain them first; links to the latest editions are below. Then, explore these recommended sourcebooks:
Player’s Handbook Core Rulebook
Dungeon Master’s Guide Core Rulebook
Monster Manual Core Rulebook
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (Sourcebook)
Xanathar's Guide to Everything
A crucial sourcebook (2017), expanding player options with subclasses, racial feats, spells, and DM tools. It's particularly beneficial for players seeking diverse character choices, including unique Monk fighting styles or specialized Wizards and Paladins.
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)
Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
Similar to Xanathar's Guide, this sourcebook provides more player options and expands core rulebook concepts. It offers optional class features, new spells, and DM rules for sidekicks and diverse environments, enhancing class diversity and gameplay.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
A compelling adventure filled with intrigue and social encounters rather than solely dungeon crawls. The flexible antagonist options allow for replayability and surprises.
Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle)
Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse
Exploring the Planescape setting, this three-book bundle offers detailed setting information, new monsters, and an engaging adventure. It's a rich and rewarding expansion for those seeking a unique D&D experience.
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
A significant expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver, this adventure delves deeper into the mystery of magical obelisks, offering a unique blend of mystery and cosmic horror.
Eberron: Rising from the Last War (Sourcebook/Adventure)
Eberron: Rising from the Last War
This sourcebook offers a unique setting with floating castles and airships, providing opportunities for roleplay and swashbuckling adventures in a war-torn world.
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
Introducing the Dragonlance setting, this adventure focuses on large-scale battles and dragon-centric conflicts.
Curse of Strahd (Adventure)
Curse of Strahd
A classic gothic horror adventure filled with vampires and creepy encounters.
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight: A Feywild Adventure
This Feywild adventure offers significant roleplaying opportunities and multiple solutions to challenges, emphasizing creative problem-solving.
Third-Party Content
While focusing on first-party content, here are a few notable third-party options:
- Strongholds and Followers (MCDM Productions): Adds rules for player bases and NPCs.
- Flee, Mortals! and Where Evil Lives (MCDM Productions): Redesigned monsters and a new dungeon.
- Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex (Kobold Press): Extensive monster manuals.
- Grim Hollow (Ghostfire Gaming): A dark fantasy setting.
These recommendations provide a strong foundation for your D&D journey. Let us know your favorites in the comments, and check out our D&D dice sets and merchandise!
