Dungeons & Dragons is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in popularity, fueled by factors like the success of Stranger Things, the Honor Among Thieves movie, and the explosive popularity of Baldur’s Gate 3. This makes it an ideal time to delve into the world of tabletop roleplaying. However, navigating the vast landscape of 5th Edition (5e) D&D can be daunting, especially with the abundance of high-quality third-party content. This guide focuses primarily on first-party publications, excluding the essential Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual (updated in 2024), assuming you already possess these foundational books. If not, acquire them first. Links to the latest editions are provided below.
AnswerSee ResultsFirst-Party Content Recommendations:
Core Rulebooks:
- Player’s Handbook: $49.99 at Amazon
- Dungeon Master’s Guide: $49.99 at Amazon
- Monster Manual: $49.99 at Amazon
Sourcebooks and Adventures:
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Xanathar’s Guide to Everything: See it at Amazon
A crucial sourcebook offering expanded player options (subclasses, feats, spells), helpful DM tools, and optional rules. Highly beneficial for players seeking diverse character builds. -
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything: See it at Amazon
Similar to Xanathar's, this expands player options and core rulebook concepts, including optional class features, new spells, and rules for sidekicks and environmental hazards. Enhances class diversity. -
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist: See it at Amazon
A roleplaying-focused adventure emphasizing intrigue and social encounters, offering multiple antagonists for replayability. -
Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse: See it at Amazon
A three-book bundle exploring the Planescape setting, including a setting guide, monster manual, and adventure. Highly detailed and engaging. -
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk: See it at Amazon
A significant expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver, featuring a compelling conspiracy and cosmic horror elements. -
Eberron: Rising from the Last War: See it at Amazon
A unique setting with floating castles and airships, offering new species (Dragonmarks) and opportunities for roleplaying and swashbuckling. -
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen: See it at Amazon
Introduces the Dragonlance setting, focusing on large-scale combat encounters and dragons. -
Curse of Strahd: See it at Amazon
A gothic horror adventure with vampires and creepy elements. -
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight: See it at Amazon
A Feywild adventure with a carnival setting, emphasizing roleplaying and multiple solutions.
Notable Third-Party Content (brief mentions):
- Strongholds and Followers (MCDM Productions): Adds rules for player bases and NPCs.
- Flee, Mortals!/Where Evil Lives (MCDM Productions): Redesigned and new monsters, plus a dungeon.
- Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex (Kobold Press): Extensive monster manuals, especially useful for high-level play.
- Grim Hollow (Ghostfire Gaming): A dark fantasy setting.
This list provides a starting point for expanding your D&D experience beyond the core rulebooks. Consider your group's preferences and playstyle when making your selections.
