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 join the game, but navigating the wealth of 5th Edition (5e) content can be daunting. 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), which are assumed prerequisites.
First-Party Content Recommendations:
Player's Handbook (Core Rulebook): Available at Amazon for $49.99
Dungeon Master's Guide (Core Rulebook): Available at Amazon for $49.99
Monster Manual (Core Rulebook): Available at Amazon for $49.99
Xanathar's Guide to Everything (Sourcebook): Available at Amazon. A crucial sourcebook offering numerous subclasses, racial feats, spells, and DM tools. Highly beneficial for players seeking expanded options.
Tasha's Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook): Available at Amazon. Similar to Xanathar's, this expands player options and core rulebook concepts, including class features, spells, and DM rules for sidekicks and environments.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure): Available at Amazon. A roleplaying-focused adventure emphasizing intrigue and social encounters, offering multiple antagonists for replayability. A sequel, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage, provides a dungeon-crawl alternative.
Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle): Available at Amazon. A comprehensive exploration of the Planescape setting, including a setting book, monster manual, and adventure.
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure): Available at Amazon. A significant expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver, introducing cosmic horror elements and a compelling conspiracy.
Eberron: Rising from the Last War (Sourcebook/Adventure): Available at Amazon. A unique setting with airships and floating castles, offering new species (Dragonmarks) and a post-war atmosphere.
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure): Available at Amazon. Introduces the Dragonlance setting, focusing on large-scale combat and dragon encounters.
Curse of Strahd (Adventure): Available at Amazon. A gothic horror adventure featuring vampires and creepy elements. A supplement, Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft, is available.
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure): Available at Amazon. A Feywild adventure emphasizing roleplaying and offering multiple solutions to problems.
Notable Third-Party Content:
While primarily focused on first-party content, noteworthy third-party options include Strongholds and Followers (MCDM Productions), Flee, Mortals! and Where Evil Lives (MCDM Productions), Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex (Kobold Press), and Grim Hollow (Ghostfire Gaming).
This selection provides a strong foundation for new and experienced players alike. Let us know your thoughts and favorite additions in the comments!
