Top D&D Books of 2025

Dungeons & Dragons is experiencing a well-deserved resurgence in popularity. From the influence of shows like Stranger Things and the success of Honor Among Thieves, to the explosion of D&D podcasts and YouTube channels, and the massive popularity 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 to help you begin your journey. For even more helpful tips, check out our beginner's guide to D&D.

First-Party Content

Before we begin, this guide primarily focuses on official Wizards of the Coast publications. The sheer volume of third-party content is vast and often geared towards experienced players. We're also excluding the core rulebooks (Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual). These are essential, and their 2024 updates are readily available. If you don't own these, acquire them first. You'll find links to the latest editions below. After that, let's explore some fantastic 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

A cornerstone sourcebook (2017), Xanathar's Guide to Everything expands player options significantly, adding subclasses, feats, spells, and helpful DM tools. It's player-focused, offering choices like War Magic Wizards, Oaths of Redemption Paladins, and the ever-popular Drunken Master Monk. A must-have for increased character diversity.

Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)

Tasha's Cauldron of Everything

5See it at Amazon

Similar to Xanathar's, this sourcebook (2020) provides more player options and expands core rules. It features optional class features for every class, new spells, and DM tools for sidekicks, hazards, negotiations, and supernatural environments. Another excellent choice for enhancing class variety and gameplay.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

3See it at Amazon

This adventure prioritizes roleplaying, intrigue, and political conflict over straightforward dungeon crawls. The party becomes entangled in a conflict between criminal organizations, with the promise of hidden riches. The book offers four potential antagonists, allowing for replayability and surprises. A direct sequel, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage, provides an extended campaign option with a different, dungeon-focused approach.

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 multiverse brimming with unique locations and factions. 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 comprehensive and engaging expansion for those seeking a departure from the Forgotten Realms.

Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)

Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

3See it at Amazon

This expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver returns players to Phandalin to investigate a conspiracy involving magical obelisks. The campaign incorporates cosmic horror elements and features Mind Flayers, making it a unique and engaging experience.

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

Eberron: Rising from the Last War

9See it at Amazon

Set in a war-torn world with airships and floating cities, Eberron: Rising from the Last War offers a unique setting with new playable races (Dragonmarks). The post-war atmosphere provides opportunities for roleplaying and swashbuckling adventures. The included campaign focuses on the mysterious 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 as the main antagonist. It also includes new player options.

Curse of Strahd (Adventure)

Curse of Strahd

5See it at Amazon

A gothic horror adventure, Curse of Strahd is a remake of a classic from earlier editions. Expect vampires, creepy locations, and plenty of chilling encounters. A companion book, Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft, offers additional support for the setting.

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, not all involving combat. It includes new playable races and backgrounds, even allowing players to be 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): Rules for player bases and NPCs.
• Flee, Mortals! and Where Evil Lives (MCDM Productions): Redesigned and new monsters, and a dungeon.
• Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex (Kobold Press): Monster manuals with diverse creatures for high-level play.
• Grim Hollow (Ghostfire Gaming): A dark fantasy setting with a grimmer tone.

These are our top recommendations for 2025. Let us know your favorites in the comments! Also, check out our favorite D&D dice sets and merchandise.