Top D&D Books of 2025 Revealed

Dungeons & Dragons is currently experiencing a renaissance, fueled by the cultural impact of shows like Stranger Things, the success of the movie Honor Among Thieves, the proliferation of tabletop-focused media, and the widespread acclaim of Baldur’s Gate 3. It's an exciting time to dive into this timeless game and start rolling for initiative.

However, the vast array of content available for the Fifth Edition (5E) of Dungeons & Dragons can be overwhelming, especially with the influx of high-quality third-party materials. 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 further guidance, don't forget to check out our beginner's guide to D&D.

Before we delve into our recommendations, a couple of points to note: This guide will focus primarily on first-party content, as third-party materials often cater to seasoned players looking to enhance their dungeon-crawling experiences. Additionally, we won't cover the three essential core rulebooks—the Player’s Handbook, the Dungeon Master’s Guide, and the Monster Manual. These foundational texts, updated in 2024, are must-haves, and you can find the latest versions linked below. Let's move on 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 sourcebook, offering a wealth of player options. With over 25 subclasses, 20 racial feats, new spells, and more, it's a treasure trove for players. It also provides tools for game masters, such as guidelines for building traps and optional rules to enhance the core rulebooks. If you're looking to diversify your party with unique options like War Magic for Wizards, the Oath of Redemption for Paladins, or the Drunken Master style for Monks, this is a must-have.

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 player options and builds on core concepts. It introduces optional class features for every class, a plethora of new spells, and innovative rules for game masters, such as sidekicks, natural hazards, and interactions with supernatural environments. This sourcebook is essential for adding variety to your party's dynamics.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

3See it at Amazon Waterdeep: Dragon Heist is a standout adventure renowned for its focus on roleplay, intrigue, and political machinations. Unlike many D&D adventures filled with combat, this one immerses players in social encounters and subterfuge. The story kicks off with the party caught in a feud between criminal factions, chasing hidden riches in Waterdeep. The adventure's versatility, with four interchangeable antagonists, makes it a refreshing choice for both new and experienced players. If you enjoy this, consider its follow-up, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage, for a different yet connected experience.

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

Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

4See it at Amazon Planescape, a cornerstone of the D&D multiverse, offers one of the game's most intriguing settings. The three-book bundle, including Sigil and the Outlands, Morte’s Planar Parade, and Turn of Fortune’s Wheel, delivers a rich, detailed experience. From the fascinating factions to the diverse creatures and adventures, this set stands out as a well-crafted expansion that doesn't disappoint.

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. It takes players back to Phandalin to unravel the mystery of magical obelisks, leading to a cosmic horror narrative involving Mind Flayers. This adventure blends nostalgia with fresh, thrilling elements, making it a top choice for current campaigns.

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

Eberron: Rising from the Last War

9See it at Amazon Set in a unique world of floating castles, skyscrapers, and airships, Eberron: Rising from the Last War offers a distinctive setting. It includes new species options called Dragonmarks and a campaign set in the eerie Mournland. This sourcebook is perfect for groups seeking both roleplay and action-packed adventures.

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 and dragon-centric encounters. The adventure focuses on the menacing death knight Lord Soth and his draconian army, providing a lengthy and immersive experience with new player options.

Curse of Strahd (Adventure)

Curse of Strahd

5See it at Amazon A classic gothic horror adventure, Curse of Strahd is a revamped version of an original from the first edition. It's filled with vampires, eerie atmospheres, and chilling encounters. For further exploration, consider the supplement Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft.

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 captivating journey through the Feywild, featuring a carnival setting with ample roleplaying opportunities. It introduces new playable species and backgrounds, perfect for groups who enjoy creative problem-solving beyond combat.

Third-party content

Although our focus has been on first-party content, we can't ignore the valuable contributions from third-party creators. Here are a few noteworthy mentions:

Strongholds and Followers by MCDM Productions adds rules for game masters to manage player bases and NPC relationships, influencing upcoming revisions to the core rulebooks.

Flee, Mortals! also by MCDM Productions, reimagines D&D monsters and introduces new ones, complemented by the adventure Where Evil Lives.

Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex by Kobold Press offers extensive monster collections, ideal for high-level challenges.

Grim Hollow by Ghostfire Gaming provides a dark fantasy setting, expanding the D&D universe with its thematic depth and supporting materials.

These are our top recommendations for Dungeons & Dragons books to consider in 2025. We'd love to hear your thoughts—any favorites we missed? Share in the comments below, or explore our favorite D&D dice sets and merch for more inspiration.