Dungeons & Dragons is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. From the boost in popularity thanks to Stranger Things and Honor Among Thieves, to the explosion of D&D podcasts and YouTube channels, and the massive success of Baldur's Gate 3, now is the perfect time to join the adventure.
However, navigating the wealth of 5th Edition (5e) content, especially the high-quality offerings from third-party creators, can be daunting for newcomers. This guide focuses on the best first-party Dungeons & Dragons books for 2025 to help you begin your journey. For additional tips, check out our beginner's guide to D&D.
AnswerSee ResultsFirst-Party Content
Before we begin, this guide prioritizes first-party content due to the sheer volume of third-party material. We're also excluding the essential Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual (all updated in 2024), as these are assumed prerequisites. If you lack these core rulebooks, acquire them first. You can find the latest updated 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
A cornerstone sourcebook (2017), Xanathar's Guide expands player options with over 25 subclasses, 20 racial feats, new spells, and more. It also offers helpful tools for Dungeon Masters (DM) like trap building and optional rules to enhance core rulebook concepts (downtime). Primarily beneficial to players, it's essential for increased character variety. Want War Magic Wizards, Oaths of Redemption Paladins, or Drunken Master Monks? This is your book.
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)
### Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
5See it at Amazon
Similar to Xanathar's Guide, this sourcebook expands player options and core rulebook concepts. It provides optional class features for every class, numerous new spells, and DM tools for sidekicks, natural hazards, monster negotiations, and supernatural environments. Excellent for adding class diversity to your party.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)
### Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
3See it at Amazon
This intrigue-driven adventure prioritizes roleplaying over dungeon crawls. The party becomes embroiled in a conflict between criminal organizations, pursuing hidden riches in Waterdeep's underbelly. The book features four interchangeable antagonists, ensuring replayability and surprise. A direct sequel, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage, offers a contrasting dungeon-focused experience.
Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle)
### Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse
4See it at Amazon
This three-book bundle explores the Planescape setting, a multiversal world rich in detail and lore (and home to the acclaimed Planescape: Torment). It includes a setting book (Sigil and the Outlands), a monster manual (Morte’s Planar Parade), and an adventure (Turn of Fortune’s Wheel). A highly recommended exploration of one of D&D's most compelling settings.
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)
### Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
3See it at Amazon
This massive expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver returns players to Phandalin to uncover a cosmic horror conspiracy involving Mind Flayers. A nostalgic yet unique adventure, blending familiar locations with a thrilling high-stakes narrative.
Eberron: Rising from the Last War (Sourcebook/Adventure)
### Eberron: Rising from the Last War
9See it at Amazon
This sourcebook presents a unique setting with floating castles, airships, and a post-war atmosphere. It introduces Dragonmarks and offers opportunities for both roleplaying and action-packed adventures. The included campaign explores the eerie Mournland.
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)
### Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
1See it at Amazon
This adventure introduces the Dragonlance setting, featuring large-scale battles, dragons, and the death knight Lord Soth. It's ideal for players who enjoy massive combat encounters.
Curse of Strahd (Adventure)
### Curse of Strahd
5See it at Amazon
A gothic horror classic, this remake of an Advanced Dungeons & Dragons adventure features vampires, blood, and creepy encounters. A supplement, Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, offers additional support.
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)
### The Wild Beyond the Witchlight: A Feywild Adventure
0See it at Amazon
This Feywild adventure emphasizes roleplaying and offers multiple solutions to problems. It includes two new playable races and backgrounds, even allowing players to become carnies.
Third-Party Content (Brief Mentions)
While this guide focuses on first-party content, a few notable third-party titles deserve mention:
- Strongholds and Followers (MCDM Productions): Adds rules for player bases and NPCs.
- Flee, Mortals!/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! You can also check out our favorite D&D dice sets or D&D merchandise.
