Dungeons and Dragons has entered its 50th year! Half a century old, and its fan base is growing stronger by the day. This fantasy adventure game is often mocked for its geeky ways and misunderstood clichés. However, having spent many hours of my youth locked into a thrilling RPG story, I know how captivating each adventure can be.
Though the thoughts of being considered geeky may put some people off, it is usually the deep lore and complex rules that cause people to run. This is a shame as each game is as simple or as complex as you want to make them. Moreover, understanding the fundamentals isn’t as hard as it seems, and your DM or Dungeon Master can help the group navigate the early hurdles.
If this isn’t enough, the handy Player’s Handbook (released earlier this year), and the DM’s Handbook (available soon) can set you on your way. This article will cover both of these hardback books. However, I’m not going to go into every detail as over 700 pages of rules, lore, and fantasy gameplay can be found within the tomes.
Who will benefit from the Dungeons and Dragons handbooks?
50 years of adventures should be enough for people to know what they are doing. Yet, many rules, characters, species, and exceptions can throw people off course. Accordingly, it is understandable that veteran gamers may need a refresher. Additionally, if you change your class or wish to brush up on your skills, the Player’s Handbook is the ideal tool to assist you.
Alongside this, the DM role is key to creating a fun-filled and enthralling adventure for everyone. People forget that the DM is a fluid role that can adapt any game to the mood of the room. This evolution can change how a game progresses whilst improving the final product. Yet, there are rules to follow and keeping on top of everything is challenging. Subsequently, having a D&D “bible” to turn to can be a godsend.
This sense of reassurance is why these books were created. Not only do they look phenomenal on your shelf, but they have every rule and regulation that you could ever want. Furthermore, newbie gamers can remove that sense of dread as they learn the fundamentals without the pressure of a full-blown adventure.
Build quality.
Unsurprisingly, these books look and feel great! The rich imagery and striking cover art capture your imagination. Moreover, though each page is jam-packed with words and key phrases, it isn’t uncomfortable to read. The spacing of the words and well-positioned imagery make this a joy to read.
I was impressed by the rich colours and the thickness of every page. Unlike cheaper alternatives, the pages never felt like they would rip or become damaged. What’s more, the binding is strong and these books will last the test of time.
If you are a tactile person, you may be disappointed with the smooth finish and lack of texture to the inserts. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall quality. It would have been nice if a different material was used to create a sense of depth as you open the cover and begin your learning journey.
Usability.
A guide to Dungeons and Dragons would be useless if it was complex to use. Thankfully, the handy contents page and well-labelled index help you to navigate each key element. Moreover, there is a spectacular spell guide that keeps you on top of the tricky aspects. This easy-to-follow book allows adventurers to polish their knowledge or fill some dead time with ease.
If you are taking the role of DM, you could have a challenging time ahead of you. Luckily, the DM’s Handbook is a phenomenal tool that breaks down responsibilities and each task you must undertake. Alongside this, it helps you through some of the tricky elements that normally cause headaches for newbie Dungeon Masters. Subsequently, this user-friendly tool is ideal if you are new to the role or you wish to confirm some unusual gameplay aspects.
It is time to tackle Dungeons and Dragons.
If you have been on the fence about playing Dungeons and Dragons, now is a good time to begin your adventures. The 50th anniversary celebrates hours of mind-blowing RPG action from every global player. However, it is the incredible books that will inspire people to pick up the dice and begin playing. The Player’s Handbook and DM’s Handbook are essential tools for any D&D gamer. They are striking to look at, easy to handle, and beautifully presented. Additionally, they look incredible on your shelf and they will last the test of time. Consequently, I recommend buying both for the ultimate gaming experience!
(More information on Dungeons and Dragons can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! Free samples were provided for an unbiased and free review!)
