CBR

Dungeons & Dragons

Read up on the latest Dungeons & Dragons News, Reviews and Features from the team at CBR.

Dungeons-and-Dragons-Poster
Dungeons and Dragons

Franchise
Dungeons & Dragons
Original Release Date
January 26, 1974
Publisher
Wizards of the Coast , TSR Inc.
Designer
E. Gary Gygax , Dave Arneson
Player Count
4-8 Players Recommended
Age Recommendation
12+
Length per Game
3 hours +
Expansions
Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition , Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition , Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition , Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

Summary

Dungeons & Dragons is the fantasy tabletop role-playing game that has persevered for nearly 50 years and continues to grow strong. Created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, the game first made publication in 1974 and now falls under the Wizards of the Coast publishing wing. A typical game of DnD consists of 4-6 players, with one player acting as the Dungeon Master. Players can take a sheet and by consulting the various rule books and expansions, can create their own character with weapons, skills, and physical appearance. Once all characters are created, the Dungeon Master sets them off in a campaign of their choosing or design, where players will have to follow the rules of the DM as they roleplay their way through storylines. The characters will level up, find equipment, and experience permanent changes based on the way the story plays out. A roll of the dice can mean the difference between a successful hit, and a painful end. The most recent edition of Dungeons & Dragons is the 5th edition rule book.

latest

A split image showing The Mighty Nein, Vox Machina, and the cast of Critical Role 1
10 Tips for New Critical Role Listeners

Matt Mercer's Critical Role is more popular than ever, but it can be a daunting show for new listeners. Some basic tips can make things easier.

By 
dnd wizards one gnome with tattoos, two reading together, and one casting a lava spell 1
The Best Wizard Subclasses In Dungeons & Dragons, Ranked

Dungeons & Dragons wizards have a ton of great options to choose from, but some of their subclasses are even better than others.

A D&D party plowing through maps and papers on an enormous table. 1
Dungeons and Dragons: The Basics of Player Comfort

Dungeons and Dragons is all about telling a story with each person at the table. Respecting boundaries can save a campaign from certain doom.

By 
Dungeon and Dragons Lich and Hags 1
15 Dungeons & Dragons Monsters Perfect For A Horror Campaign

D&D is full of monsters that work for epic, high fantasy campaigns, but it also has a bunch perfectly suited for more terrifying stories of adventure.

By  and
Dungeon and Dragons 5e Spellcasting 1
Dungeons & Dragons: How Bonus Actions Work

In Dungeons & Dragons, bonus actions provide extra opportunities to cast spells, make attacks or disengage from a sticky situation.

By  and
The cover of the Player's Handbook base rules for Dungeons & Dragons 1
How to Start Playing Dungeons & Dragons

Dungeons & Dragons is more popular than ever, but new players can feel daunted when first getting into the tabletop hobby.

By 
Raven holding key (left); Lich casting spell (center); Drow Gloom Stalker ranger (right) 1
15 Spookiest D&D Subclasses For A Halloween One-Shot

Among Dungeons and Dragons: 5th Edition's many subclasses are a few that would make the perfect additions to a spooky-themed game.

By  and
split: Percy from Vox Machina animated, Jester and Fjord from Mighty Nein 1
10 Best Magic Items In Critical Role

The characters of Critical Role, across their Vox Machina and Mighty Nein campaigns, have used some of the best D&D magical items.

By 
DnD Rogue Sneak Attack 1
How The Rogue's Sneak Attack Works In D&D 5e, Explained

The Sneak Attack is the bread and butter of a Dungeons & Dragons 5e Rogue, but it can be difficult for new players to grasp all the feature's details.

By  and
split image: Keyleth from Vox Machina animated, Marisha Ray and Mighty Nein Beau in Critical Role 1
10 Best Marisha Ray Moments In Critical Role

Marisha Ray has shined in many moments across the Vox Machina and Mighty Nein Critical Role campaigns, as both Keyleth and Beau.

By 
Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft 1
Dungeons & Dragons: 10 Halloween One-Shot Ideas to Spook Your Players

Bringing terror to the table this Halloween doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here are ten ideas for spooky D&D one-shots.

By  and
Dungeon and Dragons Way of Shadow Monk 1
D&D: How To Build The Perfect Shadow Monk In 5e

The Way of Shadow monk combines utility and stealth features to create one of the best subclasses in Dungeons & Dragons 5e.

By 
A split image showing Grog Strongjaw, Vecna, and Lucien in Critical Role fights 1
10 Best Critical Role Fights, Ranked

From one-shots like The Search for Grog to Vox Machina's battle against Vecna, the greatest Critical Role fights kept fans on the edge of their seats.

By 
A halfling Druid from DnD with two birds 1
How to Build Dungeons & Dragons' Most Powerful Druid

Druids can play many roles within a D&D party from healer to spy, their range of abilities making them an incredibly reliable asset in any campaign.

By 
Cover art for Tomb of Annihilation; scary DnD monster collage. 1
15 Beginner Friendly D&D Campaigns Newcomers Should DM

Anyone looking to start DMing with a pre-made Dungeons & Dragons campaign has a ton of excellent published options at their disposal.

By  , , , and
Dungeons and Dragons Vampire sitting on a throne in front of spooky woods 1
D&D Creature Feature: Vampires

D&D vampires are monstrous figures but offer plenty of enjoyment for players and DMs. They're a staple in the tabletop game's roster of monsters.

By 
DND 5e Dhampir, Necromancer, and Hexblood 1
10 D&D 5e Character Options Inspired By Classic Horror

Horror is a popular option for D&D character creation, especially during Halloween, with players choosing subclasses like Dhampirs and Shifters.

By 
Dungeon and Dragons Arkhan wielding Fane Eater 1
20 Strongest Legendary Weapons in Dungeons & Dragons

Dungeons & Dragons has tons of magic items to choose from, but the legendary weapons are some of the most powerful and the most fun.

By  , , and
MTG Animate Library card art showing a creature made out of books storming through a library 1
Dungeons & Dragons: The 10 Best Pre-Made Adventures for Beginner Campaigns

Everyone could use a little support when starting their first campaign. Here are seven pre-made D&D products that are perfect for beginners

By 
A rogue wielding a glowing knife and using sneak attack in DnD 5e 1
How to Build Dungeons & Dragons' Most Powerful Rogue

A Rogue's sticky fingers may bother upstanding members of a D&D party, but when the Rogue pulls their weight, it's easy to overlook their disposition.

By  and
See more articles +