Equipment & AccessoriesEssentials: Core Rule Books (Player's Handbook / Dungeon Master's Guide / Monster Manual) (2014) |
First Published 30 April 2016 | Last Updated 17 May 2022
The core rule books
D&D 5th edition uses 3 core rule books to hold all the rules and guidelines.
 Dungeons and Dragons (5e) [2014-08-19] Player's Handbook.jpg)
The Player's Handbook
Released 19 August 2014
The Player's Handbook (PHB) contains all the rules a player needs to play the game. This includes information on races and classes, guidelines for character creation, details on equipment, and rules for combat. It also has a full list of spells available. Pretty much everything a player may need in a normal gaming session. It is recommended every player owns a copy of this book, but it isn't really essential until you are an established.
 Dungeons and Dragons (5e) [2014-12-09] Dungeon Master's Guide.jpg)
The Dungeon Master's Guide
Released 9 December 2014
The Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG) contains guidelines on how to run a game. Although players will occasionally have a use or two for this book, it is mostly for DMs (as eluded to in the name...). It mostly contains a lot of information on world building, making adventures, and fleshing out NPCs. There are also loads of magical items and treasures that can be used in campaigns.
 Dungeons and Dragons (5e) [2014-09-30] Monster Manual.jpg)
The Monster Manual
Released 30 September 2014
The Monster Manual (MM) is a reference book of creatures that exist in The D&D Multiverse. This book is designed for the DMs eyes only. Every creature has full game statistics, and some of the more important creatures (such as the mighty dragons) have a lot of background information on their origins and ecology.
As a player you are only required to read the Player's Handbook, but feel free to also have a look through the other two - just not too closely... If you feel like buying a copy (and it is recommended you do if you can afford it), you can pick one up for about $60 at most hobby or gaming shops.
