Dungeons & Dragons is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in popularity. From the impact of Stranger Things and the Honor Among Thieves movie to the rise of D&D podcasts and YouTube channels, and the massive success of Baldur's Gate 3, the timing couldn't be better to join the game.
However, navigating the wealth of Fifth Edition (5E) content, especially from third-party creators, can be daunting for newcomers. This guide focuses primarily on official Wizards of the Coast publications, excluding the essential Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual (updated in 2024), assuming you've already acquired these core rulebooks. If not, obtain them first. You can find the latest editions linked below, or skip ahead to our recommended sourcebooks.
Player’s Handbook Core Rulebook
$49.99 at Amazon
Dungeon Master’s Guide Core Rulebook
$49.99 at Amazon
Monster Manual Core Rulebook
$49.99 at Amazon
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (Sourcebook)
A crucial sourcebook (2017), expanding player options with subclasses, feats, spells, and DM tools. Highly beneficial for players seeking diverse character builds.
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)
Similar to Xanathar's Guide, this expands player options and core rules, offering optional class features, spells, and DM tools for sidekicks, hazards, and more.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)
A roleplaying-focused adventure emphasizing intrigue and conflict, offering multiple antagonists for replayability. A sequel, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage, provides a contrasting dungeon-crawl experience.
Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle)
Exploring the Planescape setting, this bundle includes a setting guide, monster manual, and adventure, offering a rich multiversal experience.
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)
A significant expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver, this adventure delves into cosmic horror and features Mind Flayers.
Eberron: Rising from the Last War (Sourcebook/Adventure)
A unique setting with airships and floating castles, introducing Dragonmarks and offering a blend of roleplaying and action.
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)
Introducing the Dragonlance setting, this adventure features large-scale combat encounters and dragons.
Curse of Strahd (Adventure)
A gothic horror classic, featuring vampires and creepy encounters. A supplement, Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, provides additional content.
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)
A Feywild adventure with a carnival setting, offering multiple solutions and roleplaying opportunities.
Noteworthy Third-Party Content: While this guide emphasizes first-party content, notable third-party options include Strongholds and Followers, Flee, Mortals!, Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex, and Grim Hollow.
