considering how huge the d&d library is, it’s not easy to narrow it down to the best dungeons and dragons books. in fact, players new and old have an almost overwhelming level of choice. where the hell do you start?
That’s why we’ve put together some recommendations of what you should prioritize here: This is a list of the best Dungeons & Dragons books for fans, by fans. Whether you’re a stranger-inspired newcomer or a lifelong adventurer hoping to expand your collection, you’ll get the most out of these suggestions, and they’ll allow you to immerse yourself in one of the best tabletop RPGs around. without getting lost.
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Because the best dungeons and dragons books can be expensive, we make sure to include the lowest prices as well. Our bargain finder software is always looking for discounts, so keep an eye out for price cuts as you browse the best d&d books. you can see the current discounts by clicking the button below each entry.
As far as how we choose these recommendations, our team only includes products that we’ve used a lot ourselves. we run and play d&d games in our spare time and in our experience these have been the most useful dungeons and dragons books on the shelf.
best dungeons and dragons books
Of all the d&d books out there right now, this is by far the most important. Featuring a detailed guide on the game, the rules, how to create a character, and more, it’s a one-stop shop for everything you need to start your tabletop adventure. that’s also true no matter how experienced a player you are; Along with tips for beginners, the Player’s Handbook is packed with advanced mechanics for combat and spellcasting. In essence, this is the bible of dungeons and dragons. is more than useful for gamers of all kinds, and it’s always handy to have a copy around.
Although it doesn’t include every playable species or class in the game, the player’s manual also has more than enough to give you countless hours of gameplay. With nine races to choose from (including the classic elves, dwarves, and halflings), numerous backgrounds you can use, and rules for nearly every class, it’s the starting point for creating an adventurer for your next campaign.
This is also one of the best dungeons and dragons books for dungeon masters. In addition to presenting information on everything from gods of the multiverse to team stats, it provides some insight into what the party can do on the side. they have work? hobbies? the player’s manual gives you a lot to chew on, and we can’t recommend it highly enough.
If you’ve ever thought about creating quests for your party, the Dungeon Master’s Guide is essential reading. as well as arming you with all the tools you need to oversee a game, it covers everything from doing an amazing quest to forging your own world.
It’s also not overwhelming. Whatever you want to do – be it creating loot-filled ruins or getting tips on how to use miniatures in the game – the advice in the book is simple and easy to understand. because there are so many helpful prompts, it’s also handy.
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The section on NPC creation is particularly helpful. provides a plethora of traits, mannerisms, and quirks to choose from that can result in memorable individuals that are easier to interpret. also, the fact that you can end up with countless permutations based on their suggestions is useful for dms with little time.
Tired of the same old character types? monsters from the multiverse should go straight to your wish list. lets you play something beyond the basics of traditional fantasy and offers 33 new races (ranging from fairies to owls) that can be used for your next hero. this makes it one of the best dungeons and dragons books by default; let your imagination fly.
Most importantly, all of the above will fit in any world. although most started life elsewhere, they have been updated for this book with neutral setting information. When combined with an all-new story and concise handwritten notes from existing characters, it’s a fascinating dive into the wilder side of D&D.
In addition, it features an extensive 282-page bestiary filled with unusual and powerful monsters. Entire chapters are devoted to the beasts we often see as cannon fodder, and you are given a broader, less black-and-white view that makes them more well-rounded than they have been in the past. It is not about pigeonholing cultures into categories of ‘good’ or ‘bad’; a more measured and thoughtful approach is needed.
The monster manual is a must if you’re running your own game; help the dungeon masters to summon a large number of nasty creatures to use in battle. With classic enemies like goblins and more unusual entries like the many-eyed beholder, it’s full of surprises to challenge your players with. basically? this is the ultimate baddie collection.
It’s also one of the greatest dungeons and dragons books. there are over 350 pages to enjoy with lavish illustrations, making it one of the most comprehensive fantasy bestiaries out there. even if you don’t play d&d, it’s an inspiring read from start to finish thanks to the extensive worldbuilding it contains.
However, it’s more than just a curiosity about dms. for them, it is almost essential. With stats, abilities, and flavor text for hundreds of creatures, there’s something in the Monster Manual to suit every campaign you can think of. you’ll also find some helpful context on where these enemies can be found, not to mention why. That helps dms naturally include monsters in the story, making for a more immersive experience overall.
Few d&d books promise more than tasha’s cauldron of everything. in fact, it sets out to fundamentally change the game. And you know what? works. while there are the usual spells and magical items you’d expect, this one adds the artificer class (tech geniuses that let you play as a medieval iron man) to shake things up. new subclasses have also been added for good measure. these are almost universally excellent, from psionic warriors who fight with the power of their mind to circles of mushroom-based druids who feel like they’ve been plucked from the last of us.
Also, the tweaked character traits are a revelation (even if they could use some more depth). Allowing players to escape rules that potentially force them into one style of play or another turns the table and allows you to live your best fictional life. Do you want to be an academic orc who would rather hit the books than hit someone with his axe? now is your chance.
In the same vein, dms are given more ideas, tools, and search hooks than they know what to do with. As a result, Tasha’s Cauldron ends up being the best d&d update in years.
- read more: tasha’s cauldron of everything review
See Also: A to Z Mysteries – Book Series In Order
the title is not an exaggeration; this addon provides players and dungeon masters with new rules for almost every part of the game. Whether you’re looking for new spells, unusual subclasses, or traps to catch unsuspecting adventurers in, Xanathar’s Guide has you covered.
However, we’d say that dms will get the most out of this dungeons and dragons book. there are dozens of encounter tables here to make exploration more exciting (and easier, in fact) along with extensive rules on cheating. even rivalries and downtime hobbies are included, so the tips here should give your games an extra edge.
Bringing this esoteric lore together are asides from xanathar (an observant crime lord whose most prized possession is a goldfish), and these add spice to the proceedings. tongue-in-cheek notes are scattered throughout, leaving us with a memorable read.
Although prewritten adventures make up some of the best dungeons and dragons books, they take a lot of time. candle mysteries buck that trend. Offering a series of unique stories that can be connected to any campaign, world, or environment, these missions can be completed in a single session. that makes them perfect for groups that can’t meet regularly enough for weekly or monthly sessions.
more importantly, those adventures are great. despite being tied together by some sort of plot-driven mystery (hence the name), there’s an enormous amount of variety on offer. Traditional tales of stunts, horror, satirical comedy, and more can be found within the pages of this D&D book, so there’s sure to be something to suit your group.
A refreshing variety of perspectives are also offered. Candlekeep Mysteries isn’t limited to classic European fantasy either; adventurers will visit places inspired by mythologies and cultures from around the world. Because many of the stories told there will stay with you for a long time, it’s well worth a look.
this d&d book is disturbing, but that’s the point. A whirlwind tour of horror tropes both old and new, it’s packed with tips on how to inject the genre into your games. Based on the horror-tinged realms of Ravenloft (prison-worlds created to contain evil dark lords in their own personal hell), it provides a built-in excuse to explore any kind of fear-inducing cliché you can think of.
Like the mysteries of candlelight, it also has creativity to spare. Despite a fast-paced run through more than 30 realms in total, Van Richten’s guidebook world-building is second to none. you get a real feel for each domain even though they are only given three or four pages each, and they all contain numerous search hooks to fuel your campaigns. some of these are compelling enough to hold entire adventures in their own right, so there’s a lot of value for money here.
The same can be said for the book’s suggestions for creating your own horror worlds and characters. which is to say, it’s insightful while also laser-focusing on what makes the genre tick (if you enjoy creating your own homemade sets, it’s hard not to be inspired). Of course, the genre is not for everyone. But the tips in the van richten guide are. as a result, this is comfortably one of the best dungeons and dragons books.
For some models to go with your dungeons and dragons books, check out the best miniatures from wizkids. You can also get some tips on how to create your first character in d&d or the best d&d class for beginners through our guides.
See Also: Sarah Pearse – Book Series In Order