The Best Dungeons and Dragons Books in 2025

Dungeons & Dragons is currently basking in a golden era, fueled by a surge in popularity thanks to cultural phenomena like *Stranger Things* and the blockbuster success of *Honor Among Thieves*. The tabletop community has been further energized by a proliferation of dedicated podcasts and YouTube series, not to mention the phenomenal reception to *Baldur's Gate 3*. It's a fantastic time to dive into the world of D&D and start rolling for initiative.

However, the vast array of content available for the Fifth Edition (5E) of Dungeons & Dragons, which has dominated the scene for nearly a decade, can be overwhelming for newcomers. With an influx of high-quality material from third-party creators, it's easy to feel lost. If you're new to the hobby and unsure where to start, we've compiled a list of the best Dungeons & Dragons books to consider in 2025. Additionally, don't forget to check out our beginner's guide to D&D for more helpful tips.

Before we dive into our recommendations, let's set some ground rules: This guide will primarily focus on first-party content from Wizards of the Coast, as third-party content often caters to seasoned players seeking to enhance their gameplay. Additionally, we'll exclude the three essential core rulebooks: **The Player’s Handbook**, the **Dungeon Master’s Guide**, and the **Monster Manual**. These books, updated in 2024, are foundational and a must-have for any newcomer. You can find the latest versions of these core books below or skip to our recommended sourcebooks and adventures.

### 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 resource. It expands player options with over 25 subclasses, 20 racial feats, and a plethora of new spells. Game masters will find valuable tools for creating engaging traps and optional rules to enhance core concepts like downtime. While more player-centric, this sourcebook is a must-have for any group looking to diversify their characters. If you're interested in unique class combinations like Wizards learning War Magic, Paladins taking the Oath of Redemption, or Monks mastering the Drunken Master fighting style, this is the book for you.

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 offers a wealth of player options and builds upon the core rulebooks. It introduces optional class features for every class, a host of new spells, and new rules for game masters to manage sidekicks, natural hazards, and supernatural environments. This sourcebook is essential for injecting diversity and excitement into your D&D party.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)

### Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

3See it at Amazon

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist is a standout adventure from Wizards of the Coast, known for its rich roleplay opportunities and intricate plot. Unlike many D&D adventures that focus on dungeon crawls, this one immerses players in a world of political intrigue and subterfuge. The story kicks off with a famous explorer drawing the party into a fierce rivalry between two criminal syndicates, all while chasing a hidden treasure. The adventure features four interchangeable antagonists, allowing game masters to keep the story fresh and engaging. For those who enjoy this adventure, the sequel Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage offers a different yet equally compelling experience.

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

### Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

4See it at Amazon

The Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse bundle brings one of D&D's most fascinating settings to life with three comprehensive sourcebooks. This set includes Sigil and the Outlands, a detailed guide to the multiverse's central hub; Morte’s Planar Parade, a monster manual for the setting; and Turn of Fortune’s Wheel, an intriguing adventure. Unlike the less successful Spelljammer release, this bundle is packed with rich content and innovative gameplay options, 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 adventure, taking players back to Phandalin to uncover the mystery of the magical obelisks. This campaign delves into cosmic horror, featuring the infamous Mind Flayers and offering a unique narrative experience. With its ties to the nostalgia of Phandalin and the success of Baldur's Gate 3, this adventure is a top pick for any D&D group.

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 filled with floating castles, skyscrapers, and airships. It offers new species options called Dragonmarks and a post-war atmosphere ripe for roleplay and adventure. The included campaign delves into the eerie Mournland, making this sourcebook a compelling choice for those looking to explore 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 introduces a new setting to 5E, featuring mass combat encounters and epic dragon battles. The lengthy adventure focuses on the menacing death knight Lord Soth and his draconian army, providing players with a thrilling narrative and new character options.

Curse of Strahd (Adventure)

### Curse of Strahd

5See it at Amazon

A classic gothic horror adventure, Curse of Strahd is a remake of an iconic first-edition module. It's filled with vampires, blood, and eerie elements, perfect for those who enjoy a darker, more atmospheric experience. For further exploration, consider Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, though the core adventure itself is richly detailed and engaging.

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 mysterious carnival. It's ideal for groups that enjoy creative problem-solving and roleplay over combat. The book also introduces new playable species and backgrounds, including the chance to play as a carnival performer.

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 party bases and NPCs, offering a depth that has influenced upcoming official revisions.

- **Flee, Mortals!** by MCDM Productions revamps classic D&D monsters and introduces new ones, accompanied by the dungeon-focused **Where Evil Lives**.

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

- **Grim Hollow** by Ghostfire Gaming offers a dark fantasy setting with a rich array of supporting books, perfect for those seeking a grittier D&D experience.

There you have it: Our top recommendations for Dungeons & Dragons books to consider in 2025. What are your favorites? Have we missed any must-haves? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore our picks for the best D&D dice sets and merch for even more inspiration.