The Best Dungeons and Dragons Books in 2025

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 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 the best first-party D&D books for 2025, perfect for those just starting their journey. For more introductory help, check out our beginner's guide to D&D.

First-Party Content

Before we begin, this guide primarily covers first-party content due to the sheer volume of third-party options. We're also excluding the essential Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual (2024 updated versions available below). These are fundamental and should be acquired before exploring supplemental material.

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 crucial sourcebook (2017), expanding player options with over 25 subclasses, 20 racial feats, new spells, and DM tools (trap building, downtime rules). Highly beneficial for players seeking diverse character builds (War Magic Wizards, Oath of Redemption Paladins, 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, monster negotiations, and supernatural environments. Excellent for adding class variety.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

3See it at Amazon

A compelling adventure emphasizing intrigue and social encounters over dungeon crawling. Players become entangled in a conflict between criminal organizations, with multiple potential antagonists for replayability.

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

Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

4See it at Amazon

Exploring the Planescape setting, this three-book bundle includes a setting guide (Sigil and the Outlands), a monster manual (Morte's Planar Parade), and an adventure (Turn of Fortune's Wheel). A rich and detailed expansion of a beloved setting.

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, this adventure delves deeper into the mystery of magical obelisks, leading to a cosmic horror conspiracy. Unique and memorable, especially for fans of Baldur's Gate 3.

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

Eberron: Rising from the Last War

9See it at Amazon

A unique setting with floating castles and airships, offering new species (Dragonmarks) and opportunities for roleplaying and swashbuckling adventures in a post-war world.

Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)

Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

1See it at Amazon

Introducing the Dragonlance setting, this adventure features large-scale battles, dragons, and the death knight Lord Soth. Ideal for those who enjoy massive combat encounters.

Curse of Strahd (Adventure)

Curse of Strahd

5See it at Amazon

A gothic horror classic, remade for 5e, filled with vampires, creepy locations, and plenty of atmosphere.

The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)

The Wild Beyond the Witchlight: A Feywild Adventure

0See it at Amazon

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

Third-Party Content

While this guide focuses on first-party, a few notable third-party titles deserve mention:

• Strongholds and Followers (MCDM Productions): Rules for player bases and NPCs.
• Flee, Mortals! and Where Evil Lives (MCDM Productions): Redesigned and new monsters, plus a dungeon.
• Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex (Kobold Press): Monster manuals for high-level play.
• Grim Hollow (Ghostfire Gaming): A dark fantasy setting.

These are our top recommendations for 2025. Let us know your favorites in the comments, or explore our D&D dice sets and merchandise.