Top D&D Books of 2025 Revealed

Dungeons & Dragons is currently experiencing a renaissance, fueled by a surge in popularity from shows like *Stranger Things*, the cinematic success of *Honor Among Thieves*, the proliferation of tabletop-focused media, and the phenomenal rise of *Baldur’s Gate 3*. It's an exciting time to dive into this immersive world and start rolling the dice.

For newcomers, the vast landscape of the Fifth Edition (5E) of Dungeons & Dragons can feel overwhelming, especially with the constant influx of high-quality content from third-party creators. If you're new to the hobby and looking for a starting point, here are our top picks for the best Dungeons & Dragons books in 2025. For more guidance, don't forget to check out our beginner's guide to D&D.

Before we delve into our recommendations, a couple of notes: This guide will focus primarily on first-party content, as third-party materials tend to cater to seasoned players looking to enhance their dungeon-crawling experiences. Additionally, we won't be covering the three foundational books: the **Player’s Handbook**, the **Dungeon Master’s Guide**, and the **Monster Manual**. These essential texts received updates in 2024 and are crucial for any D&D enthusiast. If you're new to the game, acquiring these core rulebooks is a must. You can find the latest editions 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

Since its release in 2017, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything has become indispensable, offering a wealth of new player options. With over 25 subclasses, 20 racial feats, and a plethora of new spells, this sourcebook is a treasure trove for players. It also includes valuable tools for game masters, such as trap-building guides and optional rules for enhancing downtime activities. While it leans more towards player utility, Xanathar’s Guide is essential for parties seeking diverse options, from War Magic-wielding Wizards to Monks mastering the Drunken Master style.

Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)

### Tasha's Cauldron of Everything

5See it at Amazon

Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything mirrors Xanathar’s Guide by expanding on player options and refining core concepts. It introduces optional class features for every class, a vast array of new spells, and innovative rules for game masters to incorporate sidekicks, natural hazards, and supernatural environments. This sourcebook is a vital addition for players eager to diversify their characters and inject fresh dynamics into their D&D sessions.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)

### Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

3See it at Amazon

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist stands out as one of the most engaging adventures published by Wizards of the Coast, focusing on intrigue and social dynamics rather than traditional dungeon crawling. This adventure plunges players into a web of criminal conflict and political maneuvering, sparked by a famous explorer's promise of hidden riches. With four possible antagonists to choose from, game masters can tailor the experience to surprise even repeat players. For those who enjoy this narrative, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage offers a thrilling follow-up, shifting the focus to dungeon exploration.

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

### Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

4See it at Amazon

Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse dives deep into one of D&D’s most fascinating settings, the multiversal hub of the Forgotten Realms. This three-book bundle delivers detailed setting information, from landmarks to factions, and includes a comprehensive monster manual and an intriguing adventure. Unlike the less-received Spelljammer, this expansion is packed with rich content, 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 iconic Lost Mine of Phandelver, inviting players back to Phandalin to unravel a sinister conspiracy involving magical obelisks. This adventure blends nostalgia with cosmic horror, featuring Mind Flayers prominently, making it a timely and thrilling choice, 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 Amazon

Eberron: Rising from the Last War transports players to a unique setting filled with floating castles, skyscrapers, and airships. This sourcebook introduces new species options, including Dragonmarks, and offers a rich backdrop for roleplay-focused groups and swashbuckling adventures alike. The included campaign delves into the eerie Mournland, promising a haunting experience.

Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)

### Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

1See it at Amazon

Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen introduces the Dragonlance setting to 5E, featuring mass combat and dragon-centric encounters. This lengthy adventure centers around the menacing death knight Lord Soth and his draconian army, with new player options to enhance the experience.

Curse of Strahd (Adventure)

### Curse of Strahd

5See it at Amazon

A timeless classic, Curse of Strahd revives the gothic horror of an Advanced Dungeons & Dragons adventure. Filled with vampires and eerie settings, it's perfect for those who enjoy dark, atmospheric storytelling. For further exploration, Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft offers additional context, though the core adventure stands strong on its own.

The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)

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

0See it at Amazon

The Wild Beyond the Witchlight is a delightful foray into the Feywild, offering a carnival-themed adventure ripe with roleplaying opportunities. It introduces new playable species and backgrounds, including the chance to play as a carnival worker, adding a whimsical twist to character creation.

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 provides rules for giving players bases and NPC allies, while **Flee, Mortals!** and its companion **Where Evil Lives** offer fresh takes on D&D monsters and new dungeons to explore. **Tome of Beasts** and **Creature Codex** from Kobold Press expand the monster roster, ideal for high-level challenges. Finally, **Grim Hollow** by Ghostfire Gaming introduces a darker, more intense setting for players looking to venture beyond the standard D&D realms.

There you have it—our top recommendations for Dungeons & Dragons books to consider in 2025. What are your thoughts? Have we missed any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to explore our favorite D&D dice sets and merch for more inspiration.