Top Dungeons & Dragons Books of 2025 Revealed

Dungeons & Dragons is currently experiencing a renaissance, thanks in part to the cultural impact of shows like Stranger Things, the cinematic success of Honor Among Thieves, the rise of tabletop-focused media, and the overwhelming popularity of Baldur's Gate 3. There's truly never been a more exciting time to dive into the world of D&D and start rolling dice.

For newcomers, the vast expanse of content available for the Fifth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons (5E) can seem overwhelming, especially with the plethora of high-quality materials from third-party creators. If you're new to the hobby and looking to get started, we've compiled a list of the best Dungeons & Dragons books to buy in 2025. For additional guidance, be sure to check out our beginner's guide to D&D.

Before we delve into our recommendations, a couple of important notes: This guide focuses on first-party content, as the vast array of third-party materials is often more suited to seasoned players looking to enhance their gameplay. Additionally, we'll skip over the three foundational books—the **Player's Handbook**, the **Dungeon Master's Guide**, and the **Monster Manual**. These essential texts were updated in 2024 and are crucial for any player or game master. If you're missing these core rulebooks, we highly recommend acquiring them first. You can find the latest editions below, or skip ahead to our suggested 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, offering a wealth of new options for players, including over 25 subclasses, 20 racial feats, and a variety of new spells. It also provides useful tools for game masters, such as trap-building guides and optional rules to enhance the core rulebooks' concepts, like managing downtime. While primarily beneficial for players, this sourcebook is a must-have for anyone looking to enrich their party's options with unique choices like War Magic for Wizards, the Oath of Redemption for Paladins, or the entertaining Drunken Master style for Monks.

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 expands on player options and core rulebook ideas. It offers optional class features for every class, a plethora of new spells, and new rules for game masters to implement sidekicks, natural hazards, negotiations with monsters, and supernatural environments. This sourcebook is crucial for injecting diversity into your D&D party and enhancing your gameplay experience.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)

### Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

3See it at Amazon

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist stands out as one of the most engaging adventures from Wizards of the Coast, focusing on roleplay, intrigue, and political conflict. Unlike many adventures that focus on dungeon crawling, this quest immerses players in the social dynamics and subterfuge of Waterdeep. The story kicks off with a famous explorer drawing the party into a conflict between rival criminal factions, promising hidden riches. The book's flexibility allows game masters to choose from four different antagonists, ensuring a fresh experience even for repeat players. For those who enjoy this adventure, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage offers a direct continuation, shifting the focus to 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 exploration of one of D&D's most fascinating settings, the multiverse centered around the Forgotten Realms. This three-book bundle includes detailed setting information, a monster manual, and an adventure that delves into the unique aspects of Sigil and the Outlands. The setting book is packed with landmarks and factions, while the monster manual offers diverse creatures for game masters to challenge their players. The included adventure, Turn of Fortune's Wheel, takes players on an intriguing journey. This bundle is a standout for its depth and creativity, 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 expands on the beloved Lost Mine of Phandelver, taking players back to Phandalin to explore the mysterious obelisks scattered across the land. This campaign blends nostalgia with a deep, engaging story that evolves into cosmic horror, featuring Mind Flayers prominently. Following the success of Baldur's Gate 3, this adventure offers a thrilling experience that is both unique and timely, making it an excellent choice for current campaigns.

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 players to a war-torn world filled with floating castles, skyscrapers, and airships. This setting offers a unique blend of post-war atmosphere and high adventure, with new species options like Dragonmarks. The included campaign explores the eerie Mournland, providing ample opportunities for roleplay and action. Eberron is a compelling choice for those looking to explore a setting beyond the traditional Forgotten Realms.

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 Dragonlance setting to 5E, featuring mass combat and dragon-centric encounters. The adventure centers on the menacing Lord Soth and his draconian army, offering a lengthy campaign filled with epic battles and new player options. This book is perfect for those who enjoy large-scale conflicts and dragon-themed adventures.

Curse of Strahd (Adventure)

### Curse of Strahd

5See it at Amazon

Curse of Strahd is a classic gothic horror adventure, reimagined from its origins in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. This dark tale of vampires and eerie encounters is a favorite among fans. For those who enjoy this setting, Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft provides further exploration of the gothic horror elements, 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 delightful journey through the Feywild, featuring a carnival setting ripe with roleplaying opportunities. This adventure encourages creative problem-solving beyond combat, introducing new playable species and backgrounds, including the chance to play as a carny. It's an excellent choice for groups that enjoy a mix of whimsy and intrigue.

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 give their parties bases and NPC allies. This influential book has inspired Wizards of the Coast's upcoming Bastion rules.

- **Flee, Mortals!** also by MCDM Productions, revamps classic D&D monsters and introduces new ones. Its companion, **Where Evil Lives**, offers a single dungeon adventure.

- **Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex** by Kobold Press provides additional monster options, especially useful for high-level campaigns.

- **Grim Hollow** by Ghostfire Gaming presents a dark fantasy setting filled with war, dark magic, and plagues, supported by multiple books for deep immersion.

These are our top recommendations for Dungeons & Dragons books to consider in 2025. Let us know your thoughts and favorites in the comments, and don't forget to explore our favorite D&D dice sets and D&D merchandise and gift ideas.