Dungeons & Dragons Shares Artistic Updates in 50th Anniversary Editions
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a seminal tabletop RPG that has shaped the genre for decades. To celebrate this milestone, D&D is releasing updated versions of its core rulebooks: the Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual. These new editions are detailed in the current issue of Game Informer, following a visit to Wizards of the Coast, the game’s publisher.
Scheduled for pre-order on June 18 and priced at $49.99 each, these 384-page books maintain compatibility with the 5th edition while incorporating extensive updates that reflect years of gameplay evolution and increased popularity.
The cover art of the new Player’s Handbook, crafted by Tyler Jacobson, who has been involved with D&D artwork since 2009, features legendary D&D characters and a benevolent gold dragon, commemorating the game’s golden anniversary. The imagery sets the tone for the new editions, indicating a blend of historical homage and forward-looking design.
Within the books, the artwork aims to represent the dual aspects of gameplay. The Player’s Handbook chapters begin with images of famous heroes, while the Dungeon Master’s Guide focuses on villains, illustrating the contrasting roles players may adopt. Josh Herman, Wizards of the Coast’s art director, explained that each book is designed to visually narrate different elements of the game, from heroic exploits to notorious antagonists.
Notably, the books will feature a red spine, differentiating them from previous editions, and early copies will include a D&D 50th anniversary seal. Additionally, exclusive alternate covers, including one with gold foil treatment, will be available at local game stores.
