Dungeons & Dragons is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in popularity, fueled by factors such as the show Stranger Things, the Honor Among Thieves movie, and the immense success of Baldur's Gate 3. This makes it an ideal time to delve into the world of tabletop roleplaying.
However, navigating the extensive content available for the Fifth Edition (5E) can be challenging for newcomers. This guide focuses primarily on official Wizards of the Coast publications, acknowledging the vast and often excellent third-party offerings exist but are better suited for experienced players. We'll also exclude the essential Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual (updated in 2024), assuming these are already acquired by anyone seriously considering further expansion.
First-Party Content Recommendations:
- Xanathar's Guide to Everything (Sourcebook): A pivotal sourcebook (2017) offering expanded player options: over 25 subclasses, 20 racial feats, new spells, and helpful DM tools (trap building, downtime rules). Crucial for enhancing player character diversity.
- Tasha's Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook): Similar to Xanathar's, this provides additional player options and expands core rulebook concepts. Includes optional class features, new spells, and DM rules for sidekicks, hazards, and monster interactions. Excellent for injecting class variety.
- Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure): A compelling adventure emphasizing intrigue, social encounters, and political conflict over traditional dungeon crawling. Features multiple antagonists for replayability. A sequel, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage, offers a contrasting dungeon-crawl experience.
- Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle): A comprehensive exploration of the Planescape setting, including a setting book (Sigil and the Outlands), a monster manual (Morte's Planar Parade), and an adventure (Turn of Fortune's Wheel). Highly recommended for its depth and unique world.
- Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure): A significant expansion to The Lost Mine of Phandelver, returning players to Phandalin to confront a cosmic horror conspiracy involving Mind Flayers. A unique and engaging campaign.
- Eberron: Rising from the Last War (Sourcebook/Adventure): A unique setting featuring a war-torn world with airships and floating castles. Includes new Dragonmark species options and a campaign set in the Mournland.
- Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure): Introduces the Dragonlance setting (also featured in The Practically Complete Guide to Dragons) with large-scale combat encounters and dragons.
- Curse of Strahd (Adventure): A gothic horror remake of a classic adventure, featuring vampires, creepy elements, and plenty of atmosphere. A supplement, Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft, is available.
- The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure): A Feywild adventure centered around a carnival, offering multiple solutions and strong roleplaying opportunities. Includes new playable species and backgrounds.
Brief Mention of Notable Third-Party Content:
While beyond the scope of this primary focus, high-quality 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 list offers a strong starting point for expanding your D&D experience beyond the core rulebooks. Let us know your thoughts and favorite additions in the comments!
