That’s why we’ve put together some recommendations of what you should priotize here – this is a list of the best Dungeons and Dragons books for fans, by fans. You’ll get the most out of these suggestions regardless of whether you’re a newcomer inspired by the likes of Stranger Things or a longtime adventurer hoping to expand their collection, and they’ll allow you to dive into one of the best tabletop RPGs without getting lost.

Because the best Dungeons and Dragons books can be expensive, we’ve been sure to include the lowest prices as well. Our bargain-hunting software is always rooting out discounts, so keep your eyes peeled for price cuts as you browse the best D&D books. You’ll be able to see any current discounts by clicking on the button under each entry.

As for how we chose these recommendations, our team only includes products we’ve used extensively ourselves. We run and play D&D games in our spare time, and in our experience, these have been the most useful Dungeons and Dragons books to have on the shelf.

Best Dungeons and Dragons books

1. Player’s Handbook

The best Dungeons and Dragons book overall

Specifications

For: EveryoneFeatures: Core rules and character creation

Reasons to buy

+Everything beginners need+Extensive character creation options+A one-stop shop for all things D&D

Reasons to avoid

-Traits can be limiting

Of all the D&D books out there right now, this is arguably the most important. As a detailed guide on gameplay, rules, how to create a character, and more, it’s a one-stop-shop for everything you need in order to begin your tabletop adventure. That’s true no matter how experienced a player you are, too; along with entry-level advice, the Player’s Handbook is crammed with advanced mechanics for combat and spellcasting. In essence, this is the Dungeons and Dragons bible. It’s beyond useful for players of every stripe, and it’s always handy to have a copy close by.

Even though it doesn’t include every playable species or class in the game, the Player’s Handbook also has more than enough to give you countless hours of gameplay. With nine races to choose from (including the classic elves, dwarves, and halflings), numerous backgrounds you can use, and rules for almost every class, it’s the place to start when making an adventurer for your next campaign.

This is one the best Dungeons and Dragons books for Dungeon Masters as well. Besides featuring info on everything from gods of the multiverse to equipment stats, it provides a few ideas for what the party can do on the side. Do they have a job? Hobbies? The Player’s Handbook gives you plenty to chew on, and we can’t recommend it enough.

2. Dungeon Master’s Guide

The best Dungeons and Dragons book for DMs

Specifications

For: Creating adventuresFeatures: Campaign and world-building tools

Reasons to buy

+Inspiring tips+Extensive creation tools+Pages of advice on world-building

Reasons to avoid

-Left wanting more

If you’ve ever thought about creating adventures for your group, the Dungeon Master’s Guide is essential reading. Besides arming you with all the tools you need for overseeing a game, it covers everything from making an awesome quest to forging a world of your own. 

It’s not overwhelming, either. Regardless of what you want to do (be it crafting loot-filled ruins or getting tips on how to use miniatures in-game), the book’s advice is straightforward and easy to understand. Because there are so many helpful prompts, it’s practical as well.

The section on creating non-playable characters is particularly handy. It provides a wealth of traits, mannerisms, and quirks to choose from that can result in memorable individuals that are easier to roleplay. In addition, the fact that you can end up with countless permutations based on its suggestions is useful for time-strapped DMs.

3. Monsters of the Multiverse

The best Dungeons and Dragons book for new characters

Specifications

For: Players and DMsFeatures: 33 new playable races, 250+ monsters

Reasons to buy

+New races to play+Intriguing lore+Loads of unique monsters

Reasons to avoid

-We’ve seen a lot of it before

Tired of the same old character types? Monsters of the Multiverse should go straight onto your wishlist. It allows you to play something beyond traditional fantasy staples and offers 33 new races (ranging from fairies to owl-people) that can be used for your next hero. This makes it one of the best Dungeons and Dragons books by default; it lets your imagination run wild.

Crucially, all of the above will fit into any world. Although most started life elsewhere, they’ve been updated for this book with setting-neutral info. When combined with all-new lore and hand-written, pithy notes from existing characters, it’s a fascinating dive into D&D’s wilder side. 

In addition, it features a sprawling 282-page bestiary filled with unusual and powerful monsters. Whole chapters are dedicated to beasts we often see as cannon-fodder, and you’re given a broader, less black-and-white view that makes them more well-rounded than they have been in the past. This isn’t about pigeon-holing cultures into categories of ‘good’ or ‘evil’; it takes a more measured, thoughtful approach.

4. Monster Manual

The best Dungeons and Dragons book for DIY adventures

Specifications

For: Creating encountersFeatures: Rules for almost every monster

Reasons to buy

+Hundreds of entries+Fantastic artwork+Lots of backstory and lore

Reasons to avoid

-Almost TOO much choice

The Monster Manual is a must-have if you’re running your own game; it helps Dungeon Masters call upon a host of nasty creatures to use in battle. Featuring classic foes like goblins and more unusual entries such as the many-eyed beholder, it’s full of surprises with which to challenge your players. Basically? This is the ultimate collection of baddies. 

It’s one of the biggest Dungeons and Dragons books, too. There are over 350 pages to enjoy with lavish illustrations throughout, making it one of the most comprehensive fantasy bestiaries out there. Even if you don’t play D&D, it’s an inspiring read from start to finish thanks to the extensive worldbuilding inside.

However, it’s more than a curiosity for DMs. For them, it’s borderline-essential. With stats, abilities, and flavor text for hundreds of creatures, there’s something within the Monster Manual to suit every campaign you can think of. You’ll find useful context on where these enemies can be encountered too, not to mention why. That helps DMs weave monsters into the story naturally, making for a more immersive experience overall. 

5. Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

The best Dungeons and Dragons book for advanced players

Specifications

For: Advanced players and DMsFeatures: New subclasses, DM tools, and inclusive traits

Reasons to buy

+Inventive new subclasses+Playful, whimsical tone+Very accommodating

Reasons to avoid

-Origins section is too short

Few D&D books make bigger promises than Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. In fact, it sets out to fundamentally change the game. And you know what? It works. Although there are the usual spells and magical items you’d expect, this one adds the Artificer class (tech whizzes that let you play as a medieval Iron Man) to shake things up. New subclasses have been thrown in for good measure, too. These are almost universally excellent, ranging from psionic warriors that battle with the power of their mind to fungi-based Druid circles that feel as if they’ve been pulled from The Last of Us.  

What’s more, tweaked character traits are a revelation (even if they could do with more depth). Allowing players to escape rules that potentially force them toward one playstyle or another, it upends the table and lets you live your best fictional life. Want to be an academic orc who’d rather hit the books than smack someone with their axe? Now’s your chance.

In much the same vein, DMs are given more ideas, tools, and quest hooks than they’ll know what to do with. Tasha’s Cauldron winds up being the best D&D update in years as a result.

• Read more: Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything review

6. Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

The best Dungeons and Dragons book for advanced DMs

Specifications

For: Advanced DMs and playersFeatures: New backgrounds, subclasses, and DM tools

Reasons to buy

+Excellent subclasses+Fun character backstories+Numerous DM tools

Reasons to avoid

-Some overpowered options

The title isn’t an exaggeration; this supplement provides players and Dungeon Masters alike with new rules for almost every part of the game. No matter whether you’re looking for fresh spells, unusual subclasses, or traps in which to catch unsuspecting adventurers, Xanathar’s Guide has you covered. 

However, we’d argue that DMs will get the most out of this Dungeons and Dragons book. There are dozens of encounter tables here to make exploration more exciting (and easier, for that matter) along with extensive rules on traps. Even downtime rivalries and pastimes are included, so the advice here should give your games additional spice.

Tying this esoteric knowledge together are asides from Xanathar (a beholder crime lord whose most prized possession is a goldfish), and these add flavor to proceedings. Wry notes are scattered throughout, leaving us with a memorable read.

7. Candlekeep Mysteries

The best Dungeons and Dragons book for oneshot games

Specifications

For: Short, one-off sessionsFeatures: 17 oneshot adventures

Reasons to buy

+One-off adventures+Fresh perspectives+Memorable storylines

Reasons to avoid

-Some adventures are better than others

Although prewritten adventures make up some of the best Dungeons and Dragons books, they’re a massive time commitment. Candlekeep Mysteries bucks that trend. Offering a series of one-off stories that can be plugged into any campaign, world, or setting, these quests can be completed in a single sitting. That makes them a great fit for groups that can’t meet regularly enough for weekly or monthly sessions.

More importantly, those adventures are great. Despite being united by some sort of mystery driving the plot (hence the name), there’s a tremendous amount of variety on offer. Traditional tales of derring-do, horror, satirical comedy, and more can be found within the pages of this D&D book, so there’s bound to be something to suit your party. 

There’s a refreshing variety of perspectives on offer throughout, too. Candlekeep Mysteries isn’t limited to classic European fantasy, either; adventurers will visit places inspired by mythologies and cultures from around the world. Because so many of the stories told there are sure to stay with you for a long time, it’s well worth a look.

8. Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

The best Dungeons and Dragons book for horror fans

Specifications

For: Horror fansFeatures: New horror settings and worldbuilding tools

Reasons to buy

+Over 30 horror settings to play in+Inspiring tips on worldbuilding+Intriguing quest ideas

Reasons to avoid

-Lacks fun in-character notes

This D&D book is unsettling, but that’s the point. A whistle-stop tour of horror tropes both old and new, it’s crammed with tips on how to inject the genre into your games. Based around the horror-tinged realms of Ravenloft (prison-worlds created to contain evil Dark Lords in their own personal hell), it provides a baked-in excuse to explore any kind of fear-inducing cliche you can think of.

Like Candlekeep Mysteries, it’s got creativity to spare as well. In spite of a brisk pace that rattles through over 30 realms in total, the worldbuilding of Van Richten’s Guide is second to none. You get a real sense of each domain even though they’re only given three to four pages each, and all of them contain numerous quest hooks to fuel your campaigns. Some of these are compelling enough to maintain full-length adventures in their own right, so there’s plenty of value for your money here.

The same can be said about the book’s suggestions for creating your own horror worlds and characters. Namely, it’s insightful while also being laser-focused on what makes the genre tick (if you enjoy creating your own homebrew settings, it’s hard not to come away inspired). Sure, the genre isn’t for everyone. But the tips in Van Richten’s Guide are. This is comfortably one of the best Dungeons and Dragons books as a result.

For some models to go with your Dungeons and Dragons books, check out the best WizKids miniatures. You can also get some advice on how to create your first character in D&D or the best D&D class for beginners via our guides.

The post Best Dungeons and Dragons books 2022 appeared first on Game News.

That’s why I’ve been having a closer look at many of the new Critical Role miniatures by WizKids. Heavily inspired by artwork from the likes of Tal’Dorei Reborn, these figures promise to give you premium, tablet-ready game pieces you can throw straight into your games. But are they worthy of the Critical Role name? Similarly, how do they compare to other WizKids miniatures?

You’ll find my thoughts on all of the above here, including how well these minis would integrate with other entries from our list of the best tabletop RPGs.

Critical Role Wave 2 – Characters of Tal’Dorei (Set 1)

This pack isn’t quite what you’d expect. With a name like ‘Characters of Tal’Dorei’, it’d be understandable to think you’re getting well-known faces from the world of Critical Role – perhaps those who aided Vox Machina in their many quests.

As it turns out, there’s only one recognisable name in here… and it’s Dungeon Master Matt Mercer himself. Everything else is drawn from the creatures section of Tal’Dorei Reborn, allowing you to use them as foes, NPCs, or something else entirely.

Essential info

Price: $59.99 / £59.99
What’s included: Matthew Mercer, Rivermaw Brawler, Rivermaw Stormborn, Kraghammer Barbarian, Kraghammer Goat-Knight, Goat-Knight Steed, Kuul’tevir Rogue, Kuul’tevir Fighter, Verdant Guard Ranger

In many ways, this is a net positive. There are many suitable candidates for player characters here if you’re starting a game set in Tal’Dorei, and many of them are refreshingly unusual. The Kraghammer Goat Knight is a great example. Designed to split in half along the waist so that he can be seated on his (very grumpy-looking) steed, it’s a good showstopper piece for your party.

Another case in point would be the Rivermaw goliaths. They’re the same species as Vox Machina staple Grog, so tower over other models and boast intricate tattoo patterns all over their bodies.

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While the other miniatures are more in line with archetypes, they still offer good – if not excellent, in the case of the Kuul’tevir lizardfolk – paintwork. The Verdant Guard Ranger will appeal to anyone that finds themselves drawn to playing wood elf bowmen, for instance. That means these minis are compatible with the likes of Pathfinder; there isn’t much that ties them to Tal’Dorei specifically, letting them pull double-duty for games with different settings.

Naturally, I couldn’t go any further without mentioning Mercer himself. Matt’s miniature is delightful thanks to an outfit that evokes his real-life DM attire, along with a sly expression that suggests he’s about to drop a very nasty monster on you. He’d make a great villain for your adventurers.

As always, the only hang-up I have is price. Costing $59.99 in the USA (or $62.99 from WizKids directly (opens in new tab), where the price is currently fluctuating) and £59.99 in the UK, that’s steep for nine models – as awesome as they are.

Fortunately, UK fans can save some money if they’re quick; the minis are discounted to £47.99 at Magic Madhouse (opens in new tab).

Critical Role Wave 2 – NPCs of Tal’Dorei (set 1)

Even though it’s called ‘NPCs of Tal’Dorei’, a better name for this pack might be ‘Ashari’ – these elemental guardians are the focus. With a representative from each of the four tribes (Earth, Air, Water, and Fire) to go with elemental monsters they can battle against, the set stands out from other Critical Role miniatures thanks to unique designs. Take the Waverider; their outfit looks like something out of Aquaman, bringing a very different flavor to the tabletop. It’s nice to see more diverse body types being represented, too.

Essential info

Price: $59.99 / £59.99
What’s included: Ashari Fire Elemental, Ashari Firetamer, Ashari Shark, Ashari Octopus, Ashari Skydancer, Ashari Stoneguard, Ashari Waverider

For the most part, these models do their inspiration justice. The Firetamer has a distinctly moody expression that’s easily readable from a distance, and they’re rocking a translucent flaming sword (always a win in our books). Equally, the Skydancer has a badass shooting-a-bow-while-in-midair pose that’s elevated by opaque hair you won’t find from other miniature brands. As for the Waverider, they possess surprisingly detailed facial features despite the figure’s smaller size. That’s true across the board for Critical Role Wave 2, actually.

The monsters are cool as well if a little plain at times. The Ashari Octopus has a creepy, mindflayer-eque face that adds spice to what would otherwise have been… well, just an octopus. Meanwhile, the Fire Elemental’s aggressive flame effects and beady little eyes make for a genuinely intimidating foe. Yes, it’s a shame the shark isn’t given an equal amount of ‘awesome’ to play with, but it’s an evocative sculpt nonetheless.

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That leaves the Stoneguard. Sadly, there’s a reason I’ve held it back for last; despite having a suitably dramatic design (they’re holding something off with the haft of their axe), the paint really leaves something to be desired. While I may have ended up with a dud, the model in official PR photos isn’t much better. That makes me wonder whether the dark color scheme is to blame; the overall result is muddy.

Still, I’d say these miniatures are worth their $59.99 / £59.99 price tag on the whole – you won’t find pre-painted Ashari sculpts anywhere else.

You can currently order the set from WizKids directly (opens in new tab) (though it’s currently sitting at a slightly inflated $62.99). If you’re in the UK, you can find it for a greatly reduced £47.99 at Magic Madhouse (opens in new tab).

Critical Role Wave 2 – NPCs of Exandria (Set 1)

This pack is broader in scope than the other Critical Role miniatures listed here; it takes us through the world of Exandria’s history. King Warren Drassig is exhibit A of that particular concept. As one of the setting’s most infamous despots, he’s the perfect villain for anyone running a campaign set in the past – and the model is suitably imposing. Although I would have liked to see more layering in the paintwork (it’s somewhat plain), it’s still an epic pose with that fur cloak flapping in the wind.

Essential info

Price: $59.99 / £59.99
What’s included: Captain Avantika, Clasp Cutthroat, Clasp Enforcer, Clasp Member, Jourrael the Caedogeist, King Warren Drassig, Ravager Slaughter Lord, Ravager Stabby-Stabber, Remnant Chosen, Remnant Cultist

The other miniatures are equally well done (the criminal Clasp members ooze menace, particularly that devilish Enforcer), but the most notable one might be Jorreal, the Caedogeist. As a Critical Role villain from campaign two, she’s probably the standout because this is the only way of getting her onto your tabletop. I’m in love with the translucent, billowing smoke she’s leaping out of; it’s a nicely premium touch.

Captain Avantika is every bit as cool, if not as flashy. A long-running NPC from the second season of Critical Role, this model has suitable swagger and conveys a strong personality without much effort. It’s inspiring, practically crying out for a campaign revolving around her early adventures.

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The downside of this pack? The Ravager Slaughter Lord isn’t nearly as interesting as the art from the book, and neither is the Ravager Stabby-Stabber (though in its defence, it does have the best name ever). Tal’Dorei Reborn depicts haunting, corpse-like monsters that you really wouldn’t want to encounter down a dark alley, but the miniatures opt for very generic fantasy instead. They’re good sculpts, of course, but they don’t represent the source material all that well. Considering how close the others hew to the book’s illustrations, it’s an odd choice.

Reviewed using samples provided by WizKids.

This is just part one of our coverage, and we’ll be adding to this page with more thoughts later. Until then, be sure to check out more tabletop action with the best board games, or maybe some good board games for adults.

The post Should you buy Critical Role Wave 2 miniatures by WizKids? appeared first on Game News.