Exploring the Best Dungeons and Dragons Books

Dungeons & Dragons is currently experiencing a remarkable resurgence in popularity. Thanks to influences like the hit TV series “Stranger Things” and the success of movies like “Honor Among Thieves,” tabletop gaming has seen a remarkable resurgence. Coupled with the explosion of tabletop-focused podcasts, YouTube shows, and the massive fan following of “Baldur’s Gate 3,” there’s never been a better time to embark on your D&D adventure. For newcomers, however, the wealth of content within the nearly decade-long reign of the Fifth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons (commonly referred to as 5E) can be daunting. With a plethora of high-quality content created by third-party developers, it can be challenging to decide where to start. This article aims to guide you through the best Dungeons & Dragons books, helping you make informed choices as you embark on your tabletop journey.

Table of Contents

First-Party Content

Before we delve into our recommendations, a couple of disclaimers are in order. Firstly, this guide primarily focuses on first-party content, as third-party material often targets experienced D&D players looking to enhance their adventures. Secondly, we will not be discussing the three foundational books: “The Player’s Handbook,” “The Dungeon Master’s Guide,” and “The Monster Manual.” While these books are excellent and have exciting new versions slated for the next year, it’s crucial to establish that these are the foundational pillars of D&D, and you should acquire them before diving deeper into the world of Dungeons & Dragons.

So, without further ado, here are the best Dungeons & Dragons books you should consider reading.

Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (Sourcebook)

Since its release in 2017, “Xanathar’s Guide to Everything” stands as one of the most essential sourcebooks for D&D players. This expansion primarily focuses on providing a plethora of additional player options. It introduces over 25 subclasses, 20 racial feats, new spells, and more. In addition to enriching the player’s experience, this sourcebook equips game masters with valuable tools such as guidelines for constructing traps. It also offers optional rules to expand upon concepts found in the core rulebooks, including how to play through downtime.

While “Xanathar’s Guide to Everything” leans more toward enriching the player’s experience, it remains indispensable for those seeking to provide their party with a broader range of options. Whether you desire to have Wizards practicing the art of War Magic, Paladins dedicated to the Oath of Redemption, or Monks mastering the art of drunken fighting, this sourcebook is a must-have addition to your collection.

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Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)

“Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything” closely follows the format of “Xanathar’s Guide to Everything” by expanding the game’s player options and building upon the concepts from the core rulebooks. It offers optional class features to every class, introduces a host of new spells, and provides game masters with new rules for handling sidekicks, natural hazards, negotiating with monsters, and navigating supernatural environments.

Once again, this sourcebook tilts more towards enhancing the player’s experience, making it a valuable asset for those looking to infuse class diversity into their D&D party.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)

“Wizard of the Coast” presents “Waterdeep: Dragon Heist,” one of the most captivating adventures within the D&D universe. This roleplay-heavy quest is not your typical dungeon crawl but a narrative filled with intrigue and deadly feuds. While many D&D adventures are laden with monster fights and underground labyrinths, “Waterdeep: Dragon Heist” takes a different approach. It offers social encounters, political conflicts, and subterfuge in a thrilling package.

The adventure kicks off with a famous explorer embroiling the party in a bitter conflict between two criminal enterprises. The promise of hidden riches concealed within the city’s shadowy corners sets the stage for a captivating storyline. A remarkable feature of this adventure is the provision of four possible antagonists. Game masters can choose among these options, adding an element of unpredictability to the game, even if players have encountered or heard tales of other groups playing this adventure before.

Additionally, if you enjoy this adventure, there’s a direct follow-up called “Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage.” While it shifts the focus from intrigue to dungeons, it provides a great option for an extended campaign.

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

“Planescape” is an intriguing multiversal setting that resides at the core of the Forgotten Realms, one of the most captivating worlds in D&D. This collection of three sourcebooks offers an impressive dive into this world, making it a compelling addition to the D&D universe.

The three-book bundle avoids the pitfalls of some previous expansions and provides an in-depth exploration of this fascinating setting. “Sigil and the Outlands,” the setting book, teems with details, from major landmarks to the intriguing factions, each with its own unique and sometimes unsettling philosophies. The setting’s monster manual, “Morte’s Planar Parade,” equips game masters with a variety of creatures to challenge their players during a online campaign in Sigil. Finally, “Turn of Fortune’s Wheel,” the adventure book, takes players on a journey through captivating and unexpected scenarios.

This sourcebook bundle has left a significant impression on D&D enthusiasts and successfully leverages one of D&D’s most compelling settings.

Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)

“Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk” is a recent release that serves as an expansion to “The Lost Mine of Phandelver.” This adventure introduced many tabletop players to the magical realm of D&D, and this expansion takes players back to the frontier town of Phandalin to delve deeper into the mystery of the magical obelisks scattered throughout the land. Throughout the course of this lengthy campaign, the party will uncover a conspiracy more sinister than anything they could have imagined, transforming the mystery into cosmic horror.

This adventure stands out as a departure from traditional D&D adventures, offering a unique and engrossing narrative. With Mind Flayers playing a central role in the story, it closely follows the heels of the popular “Baldur’s Gate 3,” making it one of the most intriguing campaigns to run in 2023.

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

“Eberron: Rising from the Last War” introduces a war-torn world replete with floating castles, skyscrapers, and airships. It offers a unique and distinctive setting for those seeking to venture beyond the well-trodden path of the Forgotten Realms. The sourcebook includes exciting additions, such as new species options called Dragonmarks.

The setting’s pulpy post-war atmosphere creates ample opportunities for roleplay-focused groups. It also offers plenty of swashbuckling action. The package even includes a campaign that focuses on the eerie and mysterious Mournland, a place saturated with not-so-fun magic.

Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)

“Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen” introduces a relatively new setting to 5E, Dragonlance, which was recently incorporated into “The Practically Complete Guide to Dragons” lorebook. If you yearn for mass combat encounters featuring myriad enemies locked in a struggle, with dragons wreaking havoc on a grand scale, this adventure is tailor-made for you.

The adventure is extensive and places the death knight Lord Soth and his fearsome army of draconians at the forefront as the primary antagonists. It also offers new player options, providing a fresh perspective on the D&D universe.

Curse of Strahd (Adventure)

One of the classics from the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons era, “Curse of Strahd,” is a remake of an ancient adventure from the first edition of the game. This gothic horror narrative is rich with vampires, blood, and a host of sinister elements. For those who enjoy this adventure, “Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft” is a supplementary book that delves deeper into the setting. However, the essence of the story – vampires in gothic castles – is sufficiently captured without the need to delve into another extensive book.

The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)

For those who relish adventures filled with roleplaying potential, “The Wild Beyond the Witchlight” is an excellent choice. This adventure unfolds in the Feywild setting, where a whimsical carnival with an aura of mystery awaits. The carnival may appear innocuous, but underneath its facade, an undercurrent of uncertainty flows. This adventure is ideal for parties that appreciate having multiple options for problem-solving, some of which do not involve physical violence.

The book also introduces two new playable species and a selection of additional backgrounds to complement them. It even offers the opportunity to assume the role of a carny, transforming your character’s dream of running away to join the circus into a reality.

Third-Party Content

While we primarily focused on first-party content, we can’t resist mentioning a few third-party titles that you should explore:

Strongholds and Followers: Published by MCDM Productions, this sourcebook adds rules for game masters to grant their parties bases and NPC allies. Its quality has prompted Wizards to take inspiration from it for their player-focused “Bastion” rules, which will debut in next year’s revisions of the core rulebooks.
Flee, Mortals!: Also from MCDM Productions, this monster manual redesigns numerous D&D monsters to make them more engaging. It also introduces some new monsters. A companion book, “Where Evil Lives,” provides a single dungeon for groups to enjoy.
Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex: These monster manuals, published by Kobold Press, add even more creatures to the D&D universe. The three volumes of “Tome of Beasts” are particularly useful for high-level groups seeking endgame challenges.
Grim Hollow: A dark fantasy setting created by Ghostfire Gaming, this brings players into a world of war, dark magic, and plagues. If you’re looking to depart from the traditional D&D settings, this is a worthy consideration. Additionally, it offers numerous books to support the setting, enabling you to dive as deep as you desire.

In conclusion, these recommendations provide a comprehensive overview of the best Dungeons & Dragons books, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned adventurer. The world of D&D is brimming with exciting adventures and sourcebooks, allowing you to tailor your experience to suit your preferences. Have we missed any of your favorites? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments and let us know which books have enriched your D&D journey.