Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Dungeons & Dragons 5e is the most popular tabletop role-playing game on the market. With its simplified rules, diverse settings, and player-driven customizability, it’s easy to see why! Perhaps you’ve dreamed of slinging arrows like Legolas, crushing enemies like Conan, or attacking angry chickens like Link—you can make that a reality in D&D 5e! There are three main aspects to a game of D&D: combat, exploration, and roleplay. Different games will feature different balances of these depending on how the people like to play but it’s up to you and your Dungeon Master (DM) to craft a world that you love! Whether it’s the Forgotten Realms, Critical Role’s Wildemount/Exandria, your own steampunk-themed world where wizards ride dinosaurs, or anything in between—your imagination truly is the limit!
Originally created by Wizards of the Coast
Details
Themes
Publisher
Release Date
Dungeons & Dragons 5e Reviews (118)
See what other Game Masters and players are saying about Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition is a highly adaptable tabletop RPG that allows players to tell any kind of story they want. At its core, it is a game about fighting monsters, but it also supports deep, story-driven narratives filled with social interaction and roleplaying. The rules are fairly intuitive, making it easy for new players to learn while still offering enough depth for veterans. Combat, exploration, and roleplaying all blend together, giving players plenty of ways to engage with the world. One of the best parts of D&D is its iconic monsters. Creatures like gelatinous cubes, beholders, and mind flayers are hallmarks of the game, bringing a unique flavor that sets it apart from other RPGs. Whether you want to run a classic dungeon crawl or a complex political intrigue, 5th Edition gives you the tools to make it happen.
Dungeons & Dragons 5e is undeniably the most popular RPG system, but many others surpass it in different ways. It strikes a balance between accessibility and depth—complex for newcomers but rewarding for those who invest in character creation and mechanics. More than most systems, 5e gives back what you put into it. Its broad scope allows for a wide range of experiences, but that flexibility can also lead to unfocused campaigns if the group isn’t aligned in expectations. At its core, 5e often feels like two separate games. Out-of-combat play leans heavily on narrative with minimal mechanics, while combat is rigidly structured, creating a stark contrast in pacing and engagement. This shift can feel jarring, and I often find myself relying on house rules and homebrew systems to smooth out the experience. Additionally, the system offers little mechanical support for roleplay, making it harder for less extroverted players to engage fully. All in all, I think 5e is just okay. It serves as a solid sample platter of RPG mechanics, but with so many options available today, it's easy to find systems that do specific things better. With a little digging, most players can find games that resonate with them on a deeper, more personal level.
5e DnD is a great starting point for ttrpgs. Introducing players to concepts that will be found in other systems of play. What DnD 5e play focuses on tactical combat and action economy focused turns. 2014 version streamlined much of the game system - while 2024 increases player power, but not necessarily improves game balance and arguably breaks as much as it fixes. The system doesn’t do much to impact storytelling or narrative play which live largely independently from combat. Overall it’s a great starting point into ttrpg which benefits from its popularity. But it is a system that is largely middling doing everything just ok. Depending on your play style and themes of play there are better choices.
D&D 5e introduced a lovely mechanic called 'Advantage' and its cousin 'Inspiration' (now Heroic Inspiration for D&D 2024). Those elegant and simple introductions are 5-star-worthy improvements to the beloved (and reviled) franchise. Oh, and I like Bastions. But every edition of D&D suffers from its own heritage and success. A TTRPG designer friend of mine put it succinctly, (paraphrase) "When the first rule of your game is 'ignore and change anything you want,' then the game is [already a mess]." We've debated this. I see his point. D&D is cumbersome, it claims to have three pillars (combat, exploration, and roleplaying), but really has one pillar (combat) and two bollards in a trenchcoat (exploration and roleplaying). I love it. I play it. I run it. But I can't give it 5-stars.

How to play D&D 5e
The core mechanic of Dungeons and Dragons is rolling a 20-sided die, adding bonuses and modifiers from your character’s abilities, and trying to beat a target number. Players build their characters by choosing a fantastical species, class, abilities, skills, equipment, and magic spells, then embark on adventures to advance their wealth and power. D&D also has a robust tactical combat system for fighting monsters and other adversaries, plus rules for delving dungeons and exploring the wilderness.
Online Dungeons & Dragons 5e campaigns
Online Dungeons & Dragons 5e one-shots
Dungeons & Dragons 5e Dungeon Masters
4 years on StartPlaying
1353 games hosted
Average response time: 2 hours
Response rate: 100%
3 years on StartPlaying
1101 games hosted
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
2 years on StartPlaying
66 games hosted
Average response time: 2 hours
Response rate: 100%
Dungeons & Dragons 5e map makers
Cze and Peku
Cze and Peku are well-known in the TTRPG community for their vibrant and highly detailed battle maps. They specialize in fantasy, sci-fi, and modern settings, offering maps for everything from dungeons to sprawling cities. Their Patreon provides a variety of map styles, along with grid and gridless options, making them perfect for both virtual tabletops and print. With frequent updates, they’re a go-to for immersive game experiences.
Explore MapsTom Cartos
Tom Cartos is a renowned creator of highly detailed, multi-level battlemaps for tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons. His work enhances gameplay by providing immersive environments that captivate players. Tom offers a diverse range of maps, including fantasy and modern settings, available through his website and Patreon. Patreon supporters gain access to weekly map sets, asset packs, and monthly adventures, with higher tiers offering additional benefits such as DungeonDraft integration and limited commercial licensing.
Explore MapsVenatus Maps
Venatus Maps specializes in creating clean, modular battle maps for virtual tabletops. Their work covers a wide range of environments, from haunted forests to ancient ruins, with meticulous attention to detail. Venatus Maps also offers map packs designed for specific adventures, making it easier to plug them into existing campaigns.
Explore MapsHeroic Maps
Heroic Maps delivers high-quality, printable battlemaps that cater to both fantasy and sci-fi settings. Known for their versatility, Heroic Maps provide a mix of atmospheric dungeons, vivid landscapes, and detailed interiors. Their offerings include modular designs that can be pieced together for expansive settings, perfect for GMs looking for flexibility in map design.
Explore MapsDungeons & Dragons 5e community artists
Tyler Jacobson
Tyler Jacobson is a renowned fantasy artist whose work has graced the covers of several D&D 5th Edition books, including the 2024 Player's Handbook. His dynamic and detailed illustrations capture the essence of D&D's expansive universe.
Explore ArtWylie Beckert
Wylie Beckert is known for her intricate and atmospheric artwork. She contributed the alternate cover art for the 2024 Player's Handbook, showcasing her unique style that adds depth and intrigue to the D&D world.
Explore ArtEkaterina Burmak
Ekaterina Burmak is a Ukrainian artist celebrated for her vibrant and detailed illustrations. She provided the cover art for "Light of Xaryxis," a component of the "Spelljammer: Adventures in Space" boxed set, bringing the cosmic adventures of D&D to vivid life.
Explore ArtJustin Gerard
Justin Gerard is a fantasy illustrator whose work has been featured in various D&D publications. He created the cover art for "Boo's Astral Menagerie," another part of the "Spelljammer: Adventures in Space" set, capturing the essence of D&D's diverse creatures.
Explore ArtFrequently asked questions about Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Popular Dungeons & Dragons 5e adventures
Explore Dungeons & Dragons 5e Classes
Artificer
Why wait for magic items when you can build your own? The Artificer makes use of tools and science to make magic. This gives you a grab bag of abilities from healing to damage dealing to quickly making a necessary tool. Artificers can enchant normal items to take on magical properties, outfitting their team with powered-up gear or giving themselves a fantasy Iron Man suit.
Barbarian
This one’s for those who love to play the undying tank in video games. Barbarians use their rage to perform great feats of strength and halve incoming damage. You can also channel the protection of the world tree, bond with animals, or just kick butt like Grog from Vox Machina. It’s a simple but rewarding playstyle, one that’s perfect for new players who don’t want to get into the complexities of magic.
Bard
Your inner theatre kid probably brought you to the Bard. This class uses a variety of performance styles to cast spells and inspire other characters. Let your imagination run wild as you unleash your power through dance, song, spirit calling, or sword dancing, to name a few. You’ll be charming enough to talk your way out of a fight, but tricky enough to hinder opponents once the fists start flying.
Cleric
MMO players might see Cleric and think dedicated healer, but that’s not the case. While a Cleric can harness powerful healing magic, their full suite of abilities depend on their god. As such, they can wield damaging radiance, craft illusions bestowed by trickster gods, or become the hammer of a war deity. Clerics end up with a nice balance of damage, utility, and sturdiness.
Druid
When you gotta have an animal companion (or twenty) in every game, Druid is for you. Druids draw upon nature’s fury to heal allies, bind enemies, and transform into animals themselves. You can also summon a pet or many deadly pets at higher levels. Become a feral freedom fighter by playing a Druid.
Fighter
If your power fantasy is being the big guy with a big sword, look no further than Fighter. This classic DnD class gives you all the weapons and straightforward rules for using them. Just hit the bad guys a lot. If you want to get tactical, some Fighters can use fancy maneuvers or magic. Whether you want to be swift like Legolas, strong like Guts from Berserk, or versatile like Link from Legend of Zelda, Fighter’s got you covered.
Monk
The martial arts fantasy is alive and well in the Monk. While Fighters often rely on heavy armor and lots of weapons, the Monk is meant to move swiftly and strike with many blows. DnD Monks wield an inner power that’s not quite magic but still lets you perform all sorts of gravity-defying maneuvers. As more abilities unlock, you can become a shadowy assassin, heal with your hands, or wield all four elements like the Avatar.
Paladin
The image of a knight in shining armor is iconic to medieval fantasy, and the Paladin delivers with magical flair. They wear armor like the Fighter and can heal like the Cleric, but pack an extra punch with their signature smite. This attack lights your weapon up with divine power and lets you roll extra dice which always feels nice. You can design your Paladin as a holy warrior of justice, guardian of nature, or tortured warrior of vengeance.
Ranger
Become a lone warrior of the wilds, a wandering blade that protects the fringes of society from evil. The Ranger commands nature magic with pure survival skill to guide the party on long journeys. In battle, they wield weapons with precision to hunt down targets. With level ups, you can boost your Ranger’s abilities with fey powers, shadow magic, or give them a beast companion.
Rogue
A good stealth character can tear enemies apart from the shadows or discover secrets that stop the battle before it even begins. The Rogue is where you go to get that fantasy. You can choose from a variety of skills to customize your Rogue, such as poisoning your blades to become an assassin, learning magic for illusions, or just being a crafty thief.
Sorcerer
The Sorcerer class leans into the glass cannon build popular in video games. Their health is on the lower side and they don’t wear armor, but they cast some of the most powerful spells in the game. Sorcerers also have magical mutations that let you empower your spells beyond those of other spellcasters. You also get to choose the source of your magic, be it eldritch mystery, pure chaos, or the blood of dragons.
Warlock
If you like your magic creepy and mysterious, check out the Warlock. These characters get magic from a patron, which can range from a demonic pact to an unknowable elder god. This unique approach to magic grants warlocks a few spells that they specialize greatly in. When a Warlock takes their turn in combat, everyone notices. Warlocks are also fantastic for roleplay as they have a built-in storyline with their patron.
Wizard
The original spellcaster, and the one who gets all the spells. Wizards don’t get divine help or a mysterious patron, so they have to learn magic the old-fashioned way: by reading. This allows Wizards to gain more spells than any other class as long as they can find books. Wizards can come to the rescue in almost any situation, as their magic can save allies, fool enemies, boost physical abilities, learn secrets, and blow things up.