Fans of the fantasy TTRPG Dungeons & Dragons have been eagerly awaiting news about the new player handbook. This is a massive change for the brand, since the 5e ruleset has ushered in a successful era for the game since 2014. But in the decade since, many of the rules have been expanded, revised, and clarified with supplemental content. Now, D&D looks to provide a fresh set of rules carrying them forward in a highly anticipated new book.
Wizards of the Coast has just unveiled the new cover for the Player’s Handbook courtesy of Game Informer. The 5e cover was of a warrior battling a giant in a fiery location. While this new cover keeps the larger-than-life theme, more heroes are included. We see a full adventuring party on the cover. Three of them are armed with melee weapons, one has a shield and a glowing weapon, and the final is casting spells. They are facing off against draconic enemies with a massive dragon in the background.
Dungeons & Dragons certainly has had a tumultuous last few years. Despite tremendous success earlier in the decade, choices with updating their OGL, policing fan-made content, and poor leadership from their recently replaced president has marred their relationship with the fans. But some positives have emerged, such as a successful movie in Honor Among Thieves, and a useful digital platform in D&D Beyond. Perhaps these books are just what the brand needs to get back into fans’ good graces with a fresh start.
The new Players’ Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual will be available for pre-order on June 18th costing $49.99 a piece. Each book will be nearly 400 pages, offering a tremendous amount of content to consume. Though no official platforms for the pre-orders have been announced yet, D&D Beyond, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble are typical stores where such books are sold.
Will this new player handbook hold up to the high standard set by 5e? We’ll find out later this year.
