DUNGEON MASTER’S GUIDE

I am very happy with this 5th edition much needed Dungeon Masters Guide Upgrade. I am totally in love with the cover showing Venger and Warduke from the Dungeons and Dragons Cartoon show from the 1980s. The cover is glossy like I like it. This is the best Dungeon Masters Guide cover ever (the worst ever cover award goes to the first edition Dungeon Masters Guide with a red Efreeti on it). Also great is the book is thick and heavy. It has quality paper and construction.Chapter one is the basics. It is very helpful for beginners in training to be a Dungeon Master. This tells you what you need to know, and answer your questions. This is the best Dungeon Masters Guide for a new Dungeon Masters to read what the game is about. It is really nice. Chapter 2 is actually running the game. This includes combat and exploration. Chapter 3 is a DMs toolbox for creating monsters , spells, magic items, and other things. I like the Hazard section which presents the effects of hazards such as poison gas, webs, and even contact with the river Styx. Seige equipment is a must have section. Chapter 3 also provides information on explosives and firearms which I love. There is also a great names table for your to roll for a NPCs first and last name. Very useful. I like how they presented traps! There is a description of each common trap, how it works, and how to disarm it. This is amazing useful detail in any game. Chapter 4 is creating an adventure. It provides tables you roll on to get an adventure statement that you would then use to create a scenario or whole adventure. This is great to have help in planning what your next module for the characters will be about. I think it is fun to obtain random rolled results and use my imagination to fill in a surrounding story.Chapter 5 is creating a campaign with the inclusion of an overview of the world of Greyhawk which was created by Gary Gyax. It was the first complete world for D and D (more fully developed in release over the Blackmore Campaign world created by Dave Arnenson). In the back of the book is a quality map of Greyhawk which is a very nice touch. Thank you Wizards of the Coast.Chapter 6 gives a great overview of the Outer planes which is very informative. It also explains the Blood War. The Inner planes, Demi-planes, and the Feywild are reviewed as well. My favorite plane, the Plane of Shadow (also called the Shadowfell) is presented.Chapter 7 is on treasure items. Chapter 8 includes Strongholds (Bastions) and their creation for player characters. Appendix A has a lore glossary which is great for looking up names of individuals and places to know what they are. This is a must have. Very nice is Appendix B displaying various maps for you to use.What would veteran Dungeon Masters like myself find useful? Useful things are the Urban and Wilderness Chase tables, Weather Table, Terrain and Encounter distance table. There is a section for creating magic items and spells that is very helpful. I also like the Sample Fear and Mental Stress Effects section. And again, I like the table on page 73 for Firearms, Futuristic Items, and Explosives which are great for encounters on another world. Page 93 has many tables on settlements to give population, defining traits, tavern names, and random shops. This is very useful, even you won’t know what the settlement will be like in a final version which is part of the fun.A negative part of the book is the drawing of “super cute” characters on some of the handouts. This really ruins the handouts to the point that I would not use them. If they had to do this, it would be nice to have one version with a cute character drawn on it, and another with realistic characters such as a dwarf or a dragon.Initiative is covered in this book. Really to add excitement and the chaos of the unknown, I have my players reroll initiative every round (as a group)! This way no one then know what to expect, even the Dungeon Master.This is an A plus Dungeon Masters Guide in giving beautiful artwork. But most of all, it provides all the useful tables to run your games in one book. This book reminds me of the first edition Dungeon Masters Guide by having soooo many useful tables and tips. This edition guide gives clarity and organization that is easy to understand. No stats in here for Venger or Warduke, guess we have to wait. Having a physical book in your hands is like nothing else.

This D&D Dungeon Master’s Guide is truly a treasure trove for anyone who feels called to lead a game—and a little soul—on extraordinary quests. From the moment I cracked open the hardcover, I was impressed by its depth and wisdom: world-building insights, advice for crafting memorable NPCs, guidelines for running balanced encounters, and rich moral frameworks that invite meaningful storytelling.💡 What I love most:Creative Inspiration – Endless lore, story hooks, and troublemaking ideas that spark imagination and conversation.Clarity and Confidence – Whether you're a brand-new DM or a seasoned storyteller, this guide gives you the tools to run smooth, exciting sessions that draw players in.Heart and Purpose – Beyond rules and mechanics, there’s a deeper invitation to guide others through stories that reflect hope, courage, redemption, and fellowship.As I read through the Guide, I couldn’t help but see parallels to life—and leadership—in Christ. Just like a Dungeon Master shepherds their party through challenges, Jesus guides us, sustains us in trials, and empowers us to face the unknown with wisdom and love. The unfolding adventures we shape echo His call to walk with integrity and courage in every “campaign” of life.If you’re considering this essential book, know that it delivers not only practical tools but also timeless inspiration—encouraging you to weave stories that resonate with truth, friendship, and purposeful leadership.Highly recommended for every DM who wants to lead their party—and their hearts—with boldness and grace. 🙌🎯🙏

This was a gift for my grandson, who said it is exactly what he asked for, so I guess it's the best! Haven't read it so I cannot comment on anything except that this is the book he requested.

Love this creature book easy to read and find creatures. Good quality pages and construction. Functional with active DND play. Value is typical for this type of product.

I bought this to complete my collection. I have every edition going back to the original AD&D in the late 1970s.