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 immense popularity of Baldur's Gate 3. This makes it an ideal time to delve into the world of tabletop roleplaying. However, navigating the wealth of 5th Edition (5e) content, especially from third-party creators, can be daunting for newcomers. 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.

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First-Party Content Recommendations:

• Player’s Handbook Core Rulebook: $49.99 at Amazon

• Dungeon Master’s Guide Core Rulebook: $49.99 at Amazon

• Monster Manual Core Rulebook: $49.99 at Amazon

• Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (Sourcebook): A highly valuable sourcebook (2017) offering expanded player options (subclasses, feats, spells), DM tools (trap building), and optional rules. Excellent for increasing player choices.

• Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (Sourcebook): Similar to Xanathar's, this provides more player options, class features, spells, and DM tools (sidekicks, hazards, monster interactions). Great for enhancing class diversity.

• Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (Adventure): A compelling adventure emphasizing intrigue, social encounters, and political conflict, offering multiple antagonists for replayability.

• Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (Sourcebook/Adventure Bundle): A fantastic exploration of the Planescape setting, including a setting book, monster manual, and adventure.

• Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (Adventure): 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): A unique setting with airships, floating castles, and Dragonmarks, offering opportunities for roleplaying and swashbuckling adventures.

• Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (Adventure): Introduces the Dragonlance setting, featuring large-scale combat encounters and dragons.

• Curse of Strahd (Adventure): A classic gothic horror adventure with vampires and creepy elements.

• The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (Adventure): A Feywild adventure with a carnival setting, offering multiple solutions and roleplaying opportunities.

Notable Third-Party Content (brief mention):

While this guide primarily covers first-party content, some notable 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 D&D players. Let us know your thoughts and favorite books in the comments!