Dungeons & Dragons is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in popularity. From the influence of Stranger Things to the success of Honor Among Thieves, and the rise of D&D podcasts and YouTube channels, not to mention the phenomenal success of Baldur's Gate 3, the timing couldn't be better to join the adventure.
However, navigating the Fifth Edition (5E) can be daunting for newcomers, especially given the vast amount of third-party content available. 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, acquire them first! You can find the latest editions linked below.
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
Here are our top recommendations for sourcebooks and adventures in 2025:
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (Sourcebook)
10See it at Amazon
A crucial sourcebook (2017), expanding player options with subclasses, racial feats, spells, and DM tools (trap building, downtime rules). Highly beneficial for players seeking diverse character options.
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook)
5See it at Amazon
Similar to Xanathar's, this sourcebook offers expanded player options and rules for sidekicks, hazards, monster interactions, and supernatural environments. Excellent for adding class diversity.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure)
3See it at Amazon
A roleplaying-focused adventure emphasizing intrigue and conflict, offering multiple antagonists for replayability. A refreshing alternative to dungeon crawls. Its sequel, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage, provides a contrasting dungeon-focused experience.
Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle)
4See it at Amazon
Exploring the Planescape setting, this three-book bundle includes a setting guide, monster manual, and adventure, offering rich detail and engaging content. A must-have for fans of the Planescape universe.
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure)
3See it at Amazon
A significant expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver, this adventure delves deeper into the mystery of magical obelisks, blending classic D&D with cosmic horror elements. A unique and engaging campaign.
Eberron: Rising from the Last War (Sourcebook/Adventure)
9See it at Amazon
Set in a war-torn world with unique features, this sourcebook offers a distinct setting with new species (Dragonmarks) and a campaign focused on the Mournland.
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure)
1See it at Amazon
Introducing the Dragonlance setting, this adventure focuses on large-scale combat encounters and features the death knight Lord Soth.
Curse of Strahd (Adventure)
5See it at Amazon
A gothic horror remake of a classic AD&D adventure, featuring vampires and creepy elements. A supplement, Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, provides additional support.
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure)
0See it at Amazon
A roleplaying-heavy adventure set in the Feywild, emphasizing choices and non-violent solutions. Includes new playable species and backgrounds.
Note: While this guide prioritized first-party content, notable third-party options include Strongholds and Followers, Flee, Mortals!, Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex, and Grim Hollow.
These recommendations offer a starting point for expanding your D&D experience. What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
