Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is having its 50th anniversary this year, with plenty of surprises in store for fans of the popular tabletop role-playing game. Publisher Wizards of the Coast shared a series of new books coming in 2024, along with more exciting news — an apparel collection is in the works at Converse, as well as an official LEGO set.
In a first for the new line of books, preordering on the official store will get you both the physical book and a D&D Beyond digital version, though it’s unknown whether this option will be available in retail stores.
Vecna makes a grand return in Vecna: Eve of Ruin (Stranger Things fans might recognise the familiar archlich), a 10th to 20th level adventure which will take players across beloved settings in the multiverse like the Forgotten Realms, Eberron, Ravenloft, Dragonlance, and Greyhawk to save their worlds from his nefarious plan. The book teases that Dungeon Masters can expect over 30 new monsters to play with, revisiting iconic locations, and an explosive confrontation with Vecna. Vecna: Eve of Ruin will release on 21 May.
D&D will also release an official making-of book: The Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons: 1970-1977 on 18 June, which chronicles how the game became a tabletop staple in a behind-the-scenes look. D&D co-creator Gary Gygax’s original 1973 draft of the game will also be included, which has remained a secret up to now, though fragments of the document exist online.
The Infinite Staircase will make a comeback in the fifth edition, introducing the noble genie Nafas who will aid players on their quest, and adapts six classic adventures for its setting. Quests from the Infinite Staircase will drop on 16 July.
The Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual will also get revised copies adding new mechanics, player options, and fearsome new monsters to defeat. The Player’s Handbook and Dungeon Master’s Guide is set to release on 17 September and 12 November respectively, while Monster Manual hits shelves on 18 February 2025.
Also making a comeback to US conventions and game stores are tournament-style events where players can delve into Descent into the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth, a sneak-peek adventure from Quests from the Infinite Staircase.
Other exciting announcements include a Converse fashion line themed after D&D, and while not much has been revealed, the official site’s description has confirmed it will include footwear and apparel. Avid LEGO builders will also be treated to an official D&D set, which comes after players participated in a competition to create a set for the franchise. The winning creation designed by BoltBuilds, is Dragon’s Keep: Journey’s End, which will also include iconic minifigures.
There’s plenty to look forward to as Dungeons & Dragons celebrates its 50th anniversary, and we’re excited for more to come.
Trinity is a geek who enjoys watching anime, superhero and Sci-Fi movies and TV shows. She enjoys gaming (however has terrible gacha luck) and creates cool homebrew campaigns in her free time. She’s always up for a new adventure — with a cosy jacket and a good book in hand.
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