The 20 Best DnD 3rd Party Books for 5e
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We look beyond Wizards of the Coast official books and dig into the top titles for Dungeons & Dragons
The fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons is over a decade old now, and during that time the game has seen publisher Wizards of the Coast release dozens of official DnD 5e books. And while these titles remain a core part of the brand, the fact is that over the years there have been hundreds of 3rd party DnD books released by publishers like Kobold Press, MCDM, Sly Flourish, Free League and Darrington Press, not to mention individuals and smaller indie studios.
Yet with so many of these titles to choose from, it can often be overwhelming to figure out which ones are worth picking up. To help make sense of it, we’ve put together our picks for the best 3rd party materials that use the DnD 5e system. For ease of reference, we’ve included the name of the publisher, whether it’s for Players or Dungeon Masters, and included a brief rationale for why we chose it.
So head off the beaten WotC path and get your hands on these epic TTRPG tomes as we delve into… the 20 best DnD 3rd party books for 5e.
20. The Ultimate Adventurer’s Handbook
Publisher: Sterling Vermin Adventuring Company
Who Is It For: Players & Dungeon Masters
Why We Chose It: Created by the award-winning 3rd party DnD publisher Sterling Vermin Adventuring Company (the brain child of award-winning TTRPG designer Benjamin Huffman), The Ultimate Adventurer’s Handbook offers a ton of content for DnD 5e players, including new races, subclasses, feats, spells and magic items. Coming in at almost 300 pages in length, the material here is incredibly polished and brilliantly designed (not to mention, surprisingly affordable). If you’re looking to enhance your campaign and go beyond the official Wizards of the Coast line, then this book has you covered.
19. Monster Manual Expanded
Publisher: Dragonix Books
Who Is It For: Dungeon Masters
Why We Chose It: As the name suggests, Monster Manual Expanded is a 320-page sourcebook that’s really designed to expand on the official Wizards of the Coast 2014 Monster Manual. The book aims to provide Dungeon Masters more options and flexibility in designing adventures and introduces a wider variety of creature types. In fact, in total, there are over 470 unique monster stat blocks, each of which features background info and original art. The book was so popular it also spawned Monster Manual Expanded Volumes II and III, both of which are just as awesome as the original.
18. Valda’s Spire of Secrets
Publisher: Mage Hand Press
Who Is It For: Players & Dungeon Masters
Why We Picked It: This detailed expansion really shows what third party publishers can bring to DnD 5e rules set. The 380-page book includes 10 new base classes, 150+ subclasses and 130+ new spells. If that wasn’t enough it also features new races and customization options, offering a ton of possibilities for players who are really looking to build characters that stand out from the usual fare offered in the official Wizards of the Coast 2014 Player’s Handbook.
17. Strongholds and Followers
Publisher: MCDM Productions
Who Is It For: Players & Dungeon Masters
Why We Chose It: The brainchild of legendary RPG designer Matt Colville, Strongholds & Followers is a supplement for DnD 5e that gives your character something to spend their hard-looted gold pieces on, offering a robust set of options for downtime. With over 260 pages of content, the book provides rules that let players raise armies, research new spells and even build their own spy networks. While the supplement features a variety of unique game mechanics (something which Wizards of the Coast attempted with its Bastion system), the book also introduces ideas for how to handle unique roleplaying and narrative elements as players expand their influence in the world around them.
16. Tal’dorei Reborn
Publisher: Darrington Press
Who Is It For: Players & Dungeon Masters
Why We Chose It: Created by Darrington Press (the publishing wing of the popular Critical Role franchise), this unique DnD 5e sourcebook is set in the world of Exandria. With content created by Matthew Mercer and the Critical Role team, the book is really a guide to each major region, in addition to introducing new subclasses, backgrounds, magic items and monsters. The supplement was so popular it was eventually released on D&D Beyond, becoming the first 3rd DnD party book to appear on Wizards of the Coast’s official online content platform.
15. Grim Hollow Player’s Guide
Publisher: Ghostfire Gaming
Who Is It For: Players & Dungeon Masters
Why We Chose It: One of the most unique DnD 5e campaign settings in recent years, Grim Hollow introduces the world of Etharis, a war-torn realm of dark fantasy filled with a horrific monsters and ancient curses. The Grim Hollow Players Guide offers a variety of character options designed for Etharis, with new subclasses, races, backgrounds, magic items and spells. It also features several new rules, including an alternate inspiration system and schools of magic. And while the materials are designed for Grim Hollow, they’re versatile enough to work in just about any fifth edition campaign, making this a treasure trove for DnD fans looking for a hefty dose of grim dark action.
14. The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Core Rules
Publisher: Free League Publishing
Who Is It For: Players & Dungeon Masters
Why We Chose It: The world of JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth gets the full DnD 5e treatment in this amazing supplement developed by 3rd party publisher Free League Publishing. Notably, the rules themselves are actually based on the second edition of The One Ring roleplaying game created by Italian TTRPG designer Francesco Nepitello. This new edition, however, features stunning artwork, enhanced rules and original content. In particular, the book features six new classes, dozens of monsters and NPCs, and additional rules that cover travel, artifacts, diplomacy and magic. It’s the perfect way for fifth edition DnD players to delve into one of the most iconic fantasy settings of all time.
13. Uncaged: Goddesses
Publisher: Uncagged Anthology
Who Is it For: Dungeon Masters
Why We Chose It: Winner of a Gold 2022 ENNIE Award for Best Adventure, this unique supplement showcases some the most iconic goddesses in Dungeons & Dragons history and provides epic, multiverse-spanning adventures for high level characters. Coming in at almost 300 pages, the book focuses on the powerful female deities from the Forgotten Realms, Eberron, Ravenloft and Theros, exploring the goddesses’ histories, conflicts, and goals. In addition to 21 adventures (each focused on one particular goddess) the book also features 27 new stat blocks, 15 maps and over 100 pieces of custom artwork. The end result is one of the most intriguing 3rd party DnD adventure books ever created.
12. Griffon’s Saddlebag
Publisher: Hit Point Press
Who Is it For: Dungeon Masters
Why We Chose It: If you’re looking to add more unique magic items to your DnD 5e campaign beyond what’s available in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, then the Griffon’s Saddlebag offers the perfect solution. Featuring 365 individual items that range in power, utility, rarity and design, the book includes stunning illustrations and interesting narrative hooks that can help flesh out your campaign. The end result is arguably the greatest collection of RPG magic items ever created. Notably, the book has since spawned a sequel and a popular subReddit – both of which are also worth checking out.
11. Exploring Eberron
Publisher: Keith Baker
Who Is it For: Players & Dungeon Masters
Why We Picked It: Over the years, Eberron has become of one of the most popular DnD campaign settings, appearing in the 3rd, 4th and 5th editions of the game. Originally created by Keith Baker back in 2022 as an entry in a Wizards of the Coast contest to find their next game world, it’s since become an incredibly detailed setting. Baker later created Exploring Eberron as an unofficial 3rd party title available via DMsGuild, and the book shows why the setting has remained so popular. It covers everything from world history, religions and races, to new playable character subclasses, spells, monsters and magic items, making this a must have for fans of Khorvaire and the Dragon Between.
10. The Lazy DM’s Forge of Foes
Publisher: Mike Shea (Sly Flourish)
Who Is it For: Dungeon Masters
Why We Chose It: One of the greatest monsters books ever created, Forge of Foes is a 128-page supplement that’s more than just a list of stat blocks. Instead, the book is all about helping DMs build, customize and run truly memorable monsters. Co-written by award-winning 3rd party game designers Teos Abadía, Scott Fitzgerald Gray and Mike Shea, the book is chocked full of incredible advice, covering mechanics and rules, as well as narrative hooks and ways to be make monsters more interesting. The end result is a game changer for DnD creature encounters.
9. Tome of Heroes
Publisher: Kobold Press
Who Is it For: Players & Dungeon Masters
Why We Picked It: Created by Kobold Press – one of the largest 3rd party DnD publishers – Tome of Heroes expands on the original 2014 Player’s Handbook, offering up over 70 new subclasses, 20 new races, 50 new spells, and a dozen new backgrounds. The book also includes a ton of new equipment, and optional rules for mounts, companions, downtime and creating an adventure party theme. It’s a brilliantly designed and beautifully illustrated supplement that offers almost limitless possibilities when it comes to character creation for 5e.
8. Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass
Publisher: 1985 Games
Who It’s For: Players & Dungeon Masters Dungeon Masters
Why We Picked It: Inspired by the animated films of Studio Ghibli and Japanese anime, Obojima is easily one of the most original campaign settings to ever appear in DnD 5e. Created by 3rd party publisher 1985 Games (who is perhaps best known for their stunning battle maps, dice and game journals), Obijima was brought to life by a Kickstarter that raised over $2.6 million. The 250-page campaign setting includes 8 new subclasses, 3 new races, 50 magic items, 60 new monsters, and new rules for potion crafting. It also includes a detailed campaign setting that brings to life the unique fantasy vibes of director Hayao Miyazaki, offering an incredible blend of magic, surrealism, nature and exploration.
7. Odyssey of the Dragonlords
Publisher: Modiphius Entertainment
Who Is It For: Dungeon Masters
Why We Picked It: One of the greatest 3rd party DnD campaigns ever created, Odyssey of the Dragonlords is set is Thylea, a world inspired by Greek mythology. Over the course of the adventure, players go from Levels 1 to 15 in a sprawling 5e epic that’s incredibly well told. The book also includes a ton of background material, lore, optional rules and monsters. Notably, the book was created by a team of video game designers who’d worked on triple-A titles including Baldur’s Gate, Dragon Age and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, with the end result being a campaign that’s as good (if not better) than any of the official supplements created by Wizards of the Coast.
6. Call from the Deep
Publisher: JVC Parry
Who Is It For: Dungeon Masters
Why We Picked It: Set in the Forgotten Realms in the Sword Coast region, this epic series of adventures takes players from Levels 1 to 12 and combines high seas action, urban intrigue and a touch of arcane horror. Featuring incredible original art, a beautiful design and a unique story, the end result is easily one of the best DnD 5e campaigns ever made. More importantly it showcases just what modern 3rd party DnD publishers can achieve.
5. Midgard World Book
Publisher: Kobold Press
Who Is It For: Players & Dungeon Masters
Why We Picked It: Coming in at almost 500 pages, this unique campaign guide explores the original realm of Midgard, offering a gazeteer-style views of its many lands, cities and inhabitants. In this single book there’s enough adventure hooks, NPCs, monsters and magic items to take a lifetime to play through. While some of the materials are for DMs only, there’s plenty here that players will love. It’s one of the greatest DnD campaign guides ever created and is something every 5e player should pick up.
4. Flee, Mortals
Publisher: MCDM Productions
Who It’s For: Dungeon Masters
Why We Picked It: This epic supplement contains over 339 monster stat blocks, plus new rules for action-oriented creatures, minions, companions, retainers, encounter-building, and more. While the book was created by Matt Colville and the team at MCDM, it was really brought to life by a massive Kickstarter that raised over $2 million in funding in 2023. If you’re a DM looking for crunchier combat when it comes to your creatures, then Flee, Mortals is definitely going to be your jam.
3. Tome of Beasts III
Publisher: Kobold Press
Who Is It For: Dungeon Masters
Why We Picked It: In Tome of Beats III, you’ll find a ton of monsters that fit into pretty much any type of DnD 5e campaign you can think of. From arctic abominations to forest fiends, there really is no shortage of possibilities and each beast is beautifully illustrated with complete stat blocks and background information to help bring it to life. At over 424 pages in length, if there really is one DnD monster book to rule them all, then Tome of Beasts 3 has got to be it.
2. Dungeons of Drakkenheim
Publisher: The Dungeon Dudes (Ghostfire Gaming)
Who Is It For: Dungeon Masters
Why We Picked It: Originally appearing as a campaign setting in an actual play series developed by popular YouTubers The Dungeon Dudes, this unique DnD 5e campaign was later Kickstarted and generated over $1.2 million dollars in backer support (eventually being published by Ghostfire Gaming). The adventure takes players from Level 1 to 13 and is set in Drakkenheim, a grim dark city which has been destroyed by cataclysm, and is now haunted by rival factions and deadly monsters. The book was so popular that it’s since been ported over to D&D Beyond, making it yet another 3rd party DnD success story.
1. Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Publisher: Mike Shea (Sly Flourish)
Who Is It For: Dungeon Masters
Why We Picked It: Winner of a Gold ENNIE for Best Product, Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master is not only one of the greatest 3rd party DnD books ever created, but it’s an absolute must-own for Game Masters who are interested in running any type of fantasy TTRPG system. Featuring practical tips for planning and running games, it’s smart, succinct and a genuine time saver for DMs. Forget the official 2014 Dungeon Master’s Guide. If you’re a new DM or an old pro looking to up your game, then Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master really is the only book you need.
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Ollie Delano is a Staff Writer who lives in Chicago, Illinois where he majored in Journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He’s been playing Dungeons & Dragons for over 10 years and currently plays in a weekly game group where he rolls way too many natural 1s and chugs way too much Mountain Dew. His favorite D&D campaign setting is Eberron and his favorite character to play was a Tiefling rogue named Draxiss who enjoys both literal and figurative backstabbing.
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