Exactly what to buy, and in what order, when you're new to Dungeons & Dragons.
D&D has published hundreds of books over 50 years. For new players, the options are paralyzing, which books do you actually need, and in what order? This guide answers that question directly. Short version: start with the Starter Set, then decide whether you want to keep going. Everything else follows from there. Not sure what D&D is? Read our full beginner's guide first.
Best first purchase | 1 DM + 2-5 players
The single best way to start playing D&D. Contains a simplified rulebook, 5 pre-made character sheets, an adventure designed for new players, and a set of dice. One person reads the DM sections, everyone else picks a character, and you start playing the same evening. No previous experience required.
Essential for players who want to create their own characters
The foundational rulebook for D&D. Contains all character classes (12), races, spells, equipment, and core rules. Every serious player eventually wants their own copy. The 2024 revised edition cleaned up years of accumulated errata and is the version to buy if you're purchasing now.
For the person running the game
The DMG is the Dungeon Master's bible, magic item tables, encounter building rules, world-creation advice, and rules for running the game. Most DMs use it primarily as a magic item reference. Not needed to start playing, but essential once a DM wants to run original adventures beyond the starter set.
DM's creature reference
Stats for hundreds of monsters, organized alphabetically. The Monster Manual is purely a DM tool, players don't need it. Essential for any DM running homebrew (original) adventures, since it provides ready-made stat blocks for everything from goblins to ancient dragons.
One set per player
Every player needs their own set: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, and percentile. The starter set includes one set, but groups of 4-5 need more. Chessex and Kraken Dice are reliable mid-range options. Gemstone or metal dice are premium options if you want something with weight and permanence.
Best beginner DM adventure
Once you've finished the starter set adventure, Curse of Strahd is widely considered the best full-length D&D adventure ever published. Gothic horror, a compelling villain, and a sandbox structure that rewards DM creativity. Levels 1-10, designed for a group of 4-5 players, and enough content for 6+ months of weekly sessions.
Step 1: Starter Set (~$20), plays immediately, teaches everything. Step 2: If you love it, get the Player's Handbook for character creation depth. Step 3: DM gets the DMG and Monster Manual. Step 4: Pick a published adventure. You do not need to buy everything, many groups play for years with just the Starter Set and PHB.