Dungeons & Dragons is currently experiencing a golden era. The surge in popularity, fueled by shows like Stranger Things and the success of movies like Honor Among Thieves, along with the boom in tabletop-focused podcasts, YouTube series, and the massive hit of Baldur’s Gate 3, means there's never been a better time to roll the dice and dive into the world of D&D.
However, navigating the vast landscape of Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition (5E) can be daunting for newcomers, especially with the plethora of high-quality content from third-party creators. If you're new to the hobby and looking to get started, 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 points: First, this guide will focus on first-party content, as the third-party options are vast and more suited to experienced players looking to enhance their games. Second, we'll exclude the essential core rulebooks: **The Player’s Handbook**, the **Dungeon Master’s Guide**, and the **Monster Manual**. These updated 2024 versions are fundamental, and you'll need them before exploring further. You can find the latest versions below, or skip ahead to our recommended sourcebooks.
### 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
Since its release in 2017, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything has become an indispensable sourcebook. It expands player options with over 25 subclasses, 20 racial feats, new spells, and more. It also provides tools for game masters, like trap-building guides, and optional rules to enhance downtime activities and other concepts from the core rulebooks. While more player-focused, this book is essential for anyone looking to add depth and variety to their party, from Wizards learning War Magic to Monks mastering the Drunken Fist fighting style.
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)
### Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
5See it at Amazon
Similar to Xanathar’s Guide, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything enhances player options and builds on the core rulebooks. It offers optional class features for every class, new spells, and tools for game masters, including rules for sidekicks, natural hazards, monster negotiations, and supernatural environments. This sourcebook is crucial for injecting diversity into your D&D party and making each character unique.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)
### Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
3See it at Amazon
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist is a standout adventure from Wizards of the Coast, focusing on intrigue, political conflict, and subterfuge. Unlike many D&D adventures filled with dungeon crawls, this one offers a rich narrative centered around a conflict between criminal enterprises, with the promise of hidden riches in the city's shadowy corners. The adventure's flexibility, with four possible antagonists, ensures a fresh experience even for repeat players. For those who enjoy this, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage offers a follow-up with a different focus on dungeon exploration.
Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle)
### Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse
4See it at Amazon
Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse is a comprehensive three-book bundle that delves into one of D&D's most fascinating settings. This collection includes detailed setting information, a monster manual, and an adventure that truly captures the essence of the multiverse. Unlike the underwhelming Spelljammer, this bundle is rich with content, from the factions of Sigil to the creatures in Morte’s Planar Parade, making it a must-have for fans of the Planescape setting.
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)
### Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
3See it at Amazon
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk is a thrilling expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver, taking players back to Phandalin to uncover the secrets of magical obelisks. This adventure blends nostalgia with cosmic horror, featuring Mind Flayers in a narrative that's unlike anything Wizards of the Coast has published before. It's an excellent choice for those looking for a deep, engaging campaign.
Eberron: Rising from the Last War (Sourcebook/Adventure)
### Eberron: Rising from the Last War
9See it at Amazon
Eberron: Rising from the Last War introduces a unique setting with a war-torn world featuring floating castles, skyscrapers, and airships. This sourcebook is perfect for those looking to explore beyond the Forgotten Realms, offering new species options like Dragonmarks and a campaign set in the eerie Mournland. It's ideal for roleplay-focused groups and those who enjoy a bit of swashbuckling adventure.
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)
### Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
1See it at Amazon
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen brings the iconic setting to 5E, focusing on mass combat and dragon-centric battles. This lengthy adventure pits players against the death knight Lord Soth and his draconian army, offering new player options and a rich narrative. It's a must for fans of epic battles and dragon lore.
Curse of Strahd (Adventure)
### Curse of Strahd
5See it at Amazon
Curse of Strahd is a classic gothic horror adventure remade from the first edition of D&D. Filled with vampires, blood, and eerie toys, it's perfect for those who enjoy a dark, atmospheric tale. For further exploration, consider Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, though the core adventure stands strong on its own.
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)
### The Wild Beyond the Witchlight: A Feywild Adventure
0See it at Amazon
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight offers a whimsical adventure in the Feywild, centered around a carnival with plenty of roleplaying opportunities. It's ideal for parties that prefer non-violent problem-solving and introduces new playable species and backgrounds, including the chance to be a carny. It's a delightful addition for those looking for a lighter, yet engaging, D&D experience.
Third-party content
While our focus has been on first-party content, we can't resist mentioning a few standout third-party titles:
**Strongholds and Followers** by MCDM Productions adds rules for game masters to manage player bases and NPC allies. Its influence is evident in the upcoming Bastion rules for the core rulebooks.
**Flee, Mortals!** by MCDM Productions reimagines D&D monsters, adding new ones and a companion dungeon adventure, Where Evil Lives.
**Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex** by Kobold Press expands the monster roster, particularly useful for high-level challenges.
**Grim Hollow** by Ghostfire Gaming offers a dark fantasy setting with a focus on war, dark magic, and plagues, supported by multiple books for deeper exploration.
These are our top picks for Dungeons & Dragons books to consider in 2025. What do you think? Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments, and check out our favorite D&D dice sets and merch for more inspiration.
