Top D&D Books of 2025 Revealed

It's safe to say that Dungeons & Dragons is currently experiencing a golden age. From the renewed interest sparked by Stranger Things to the success of the Honor Among Thieves movie, and from the surge in tabletop-focused podcasts and YouTube shows to the phenomenal popularity of Baldur's Gate 3 in recent years, there's never been a more exciting time to dive into the world of D&D.

However, navigating the vast landscape of the Fifth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons (5E), which has dominated for nearly a decade, can be overwhelming for newcomers, especially with the flood of high-quality content from third-party creators. If you're new to the hobby and unsure where to begin, here are our top recommendations for the best Dungeons & Dragons books in 2025. For additional guidance, don't forget to check out our beginner's guide to D&D.

Before we delve into our recommendations, a couple of disclaimers: This guide will focus primarily on first-party content, as the vast array of third-party content is often more suited to seasoned players looking to enhance their dungeon crawling experiences. Additionally, we'll skip over the three essential books: The Player’s Handbook, the Dungeon Master’s Guide, and the Monster Manual. These foundational texts, updated in 2024, are crucial, but since they're the starting point for any D&D enthusiast, we'll direct you to the latest versions below and then move on 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 AmazonArguably the most essential sourcebook since its release in 2017, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything expands the game with over 25 new subclasses, 20 racial feats, and a plethora of new spells. It also offers valuable tools for game masters, such as trap-building guides and optional rules to enhance core concepts like downtime. While it's more player-focused, this sourcebook is indispensable for parties seeking diverse options, from Wizards learning War Magic to Monks mastering the Drunken Fist fighting style.

Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)

### Tasha's Cauldron of Everything

5See it at AmazonSimilar to Xanathar’s Guide, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything enriches the game with new class features, spells, and rules for sidekicks, natural hazards, and supernatural environments. This sourcebook is essential for injecting diversity into your party, offering a wealth of options for players looking to stand out.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)

### Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

3See it at AmazonWaterdeep: Dragon Heist stands out as one of the most engaging adventures from Wizards of the Coast, focusing on roleplay, intrigue, and political conflict. The adventure kicks off with a famous explorer drawing the party into a feud between criminal enterprises, promising hidden riches. With four possible antagonists, the game master can tailor the experience, ensuring surprises even for repeat players. For those who enjoy this adventure, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage offers a follow-up with a different focus on dungeon exploration.

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

### Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

4See it at AmazonPlanescape: Adventures in the Multiverse is a comprehensive three-book bundle that delves into one of D&D's most fascinating settings. Unlike the disappointing Spelljammer, this expansion is rich with details, from the setting book Sigil and the Outlands to the monster manual Morte’s Planar Parade and the adventure Turn of Fortune’s Wheel. This bundle is a must-have for fans of the multiverse and the iconic setting of Planescape: Torment.

Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)

### Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

3See it at AmazonPhandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk expands on the beloved Lost Mine of Phandelver, taking players back to Phandalin to explore the mystery of magical obelisks. This adventure blends nostalgia with cosmic horror, featuring Mind Flayers and a conspiracy that escalates into something far more sinister. It's a standout campaign, especially following the success of Baldur’s Gate 3.

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

### Eberron: Rising from the Last War

9See it at AmazonEberron: Rising from the Last War introduces a unique setting with floating castles, skyscrapers, and airships. This sourcebook offers new species options like Dragonmarks and a campaign set in the eerie Mournland. It's perfect for groups interested in a post-war, pulpy setting with ample opportunities for roleplay and swashbuckling adventures.

Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)

### Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

1See it at AmazonDragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen brings the classic setting to 5E, focusing on mass combat and epic battles against dragons and draconians. This lengthy adventure, centered around the death knight Lord Soth, also includes new player options, making it a thrilling choice for those who love large-scale conflicts.

Curse of Strahd (Adventure)

### Curse of Strahd

5See it at AmazonA classic gothic horror adventure, Curse of Strahd is a remake of an iconic first-edition campaign. With its vampires, blood, and eerie atmosphere, it's a must-play for fans of horror. For those who want more, Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft provides additional setting details.

The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)

### The Wild Beyond the Witchlight: A Feywild Adventure

0See it at AmazonThe Wild Beyond the Witchlight offers a whimsical adventure in the Feywild, centered around a mysterious carnival. It's ideal for groups that enjoy roleplay and non-violent problem-solving, with new playable species and backgrounds, including the chance to be a carny.

Third-party content

While we've focused on first-party content, we can't resist mentioning a few standout third-party titles:

• Strongholds and Followers by MCDM Productions adds rules for giving parties bases and NPC allies, influencing upcoming revisions to the core rulebooks.
• Flee, Mortals! by MCDM Productions revamps D&D monsters and introduces new ones, with a companion book Where Evil Lives offering a single dungeon adventure.
• Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex by Kobold Press provides additional monsters, especially useful for high-level challenges.
• Grim Hollow by Ghostfire Gaming offers a dark fantasy setting with war, dark magic, and plagues, supported by multiple books for deep immersion.

And there you have it: our top recommendations for the best Dungeons & Dragons books to buy in 2025. What are your favorites? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to check out our favorite D&D dice sets and merch for more inspiration.