The best tabletop RPG book depends on what you want to play. A rulebook is a tool for running a particular kind of game, so the right purchase for a group that wants heroic fantasy is different from the right one for a group that wants space horror. This guide sorts books by what they do and names well-known examples in each group.
What kind of book are you buying?
Most tabletop RPG books fall into a few categories.
- Core rulebooks contain the rules you need to play. Some games fit everything in one book, while others split the rules across several volumes.
- Setting books describe a world, its factions and its tone.
- Adventures and campaigns give a game master ready-made scenarios.
- Supplements add options such as new character types or optional rules.
New players usually get the most from a single core book that is complete on its own. Check the publisher’s page for a free quickstart or preview before buying.
Core books for fantasy
Fantasy remains the most common genre in the hobby, and several books are widely recommended.
- Dungeons & Dragons. The fifth edition rules have been the entry point for many players, and a revised set of core books was released in 2024. If you want the game most people have heard of, start here.
- Pathfinder. Paizo’s Pathfinder Second Edition is known for detailed character options and tactical combat, and it has been updated with a remastered set of core books.
- Ironsworn. A narrative game that can be played solo, cooperatively or with a game master, and which publishes its core rules for free in digital form.
- Dungeon World. A rules-light game based on conversation and moves rather than detailed tactical rules.
- Dolmenwood and similar old-school books. These suit groups who like exploration and folklore. Dolmenwood appeared among the most anticipated games of 2024 in a community vote on EN World.
Core books for science fiction and horror
If you are looking for space settings, our guides to sci-fi tabletop RPGs and the best sci-fi tabletop RPG picks go into detail. A few books come up repeatedly.
- Traveller for trade, ship ownership and exploration.
- Stars Without Number for sandbox space adventures with old-school rules.
- Mothership for science-fiction horror. A new boxed first edition was among the games anticipated for 2024. See our guide to sci-fi horror tabletop RPGs.
Books for dark and gritty campaigns
If you want danger and bleak settings, look at books built around lethal rules and grim tone. Our guide to grimdark tabletop RPGs covers options and ways to make an existing game harsher.
What people were excited about in 2024
An annual EN World community vote ranks the most anticipated tabletop RPGs of the coming year. The 2024 list included an alternate fantasy system from Kobold Press (Tales of the Valiant), Mothership’s boxed set, Daggerheart from the makers of Critical Role, Dolmenwood, a Monty Python-themed game, a Cthulhu game set in ancient Rome, and a second edition of 13th Age. Anticipation is not the same as quality, so read reviews before you buy. Our tabletop RPG reviews guide explains how to judge them.
How to choose your first book
- Pick a genre first. Decide whether your group wants fantasy, science fiction, horror or something else.
- Choose a rules weight. Rules-light books are faster to learn, while crunchier ones offer more tactical options.
- Check the cost of entry. Look at how many books you need to run the game.
- Try free material. Quickstarts and free rules reduce the risk of buying a game that does not suit you.
- Consider who will run it. The game master reads the most, so choose a book that person is excited about.
Building a shelf over time
Many experienced groups keep a small, varied shelf: one dependable fantasy game, one rules-light game for one-shots, and one genre game for a change of pace. You do not need every supplement. Buy the next book when your group has a specific reason to want it.