This article will be a little on the light side, as we will be talking about when DnD 5e was Released. If you’re really missing the aneurysm-inducing, long-wonder talks about mechanics – then check out our site 5eguide.
Now, onto the topic at hand. When was 5th Edition released, and what notable material has followed it since?
Table of Contents
When was DnD 5e Released?
Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition was released on the 15th of July, 2014. Since then it has spawned many more companions and extra materials that you can indulge in if you so desire.
Dungeons and Dragons is currently published and curated by Wizards of the Coast – although they did not create it. The original creators of Dungeons and Dragons are TSR. Whose first edition came out almost 50 years ago, in 1974. Can you imagine that?
Let’s talk more about its history.
The History of Dungeons & Dragons
As we mentioned above. DnD first came into being in 1974. It later began using the two versions system in 1977. One version was the simplified game mechanics for more casual players – the other was DnD Advanced, for the true masochists.
This two versions system remained up until the year 2000 when Dungeons and Dragons 3rd Edition came out. By this point, Wizard of the Coast had bought out TSR; and honesty – I much more appreciate this simplified method, where both versions are integrated into one.
After the release of Dungeons and Dragons 3rd Edition in 2000 came the release of 3,5 in 2003. This version just implemented small changes – mainly common player complaints. Improving the game by further balancing it, thus making it more enjoyable.
Five years after that, in 2008 came Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition. Including major overhauls to many systems, and on top of that adding further content.
And finally, we come to 2014. In 2014 Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition was released and it is still going strong today. The reason for this is that there is constant material being released for the game. All this means is that it is unlikely that we will see a new version coming soon, but that’s ok. We love DnD as it is – even though it can be frustrating sometimes.
Now, for the last part. I’d like to talk a bit more about the material that has been released following 5e.
Additional Material for DnD 5e
The Player’s Handbook
The Player’s Handbook is where we draw most of our sources from. It basically has everything you need to know to have a game of DnD 5e running. It’s great to read through from cover to cover, even though it isn’t technically traditional literature.
The Monster Manual
Read the monster manual long enough and after a while, Sir David Attenborough will start narrating it in your head. It’s a fun booklet that gives you an in-depth look at all the monsters and creatures that inhabit the universe of Dungeons and Dragons.
Dungeon Master’s Guide
This one is an essential must-read for aspiring Dungeon Masters. Sure, you can attempt to DM without having read it previously – but your job will just be all that harder for it.
It really is the best place where you can learn how to be the best possible DM. No site on the internet will offer you that, I can tell you that.
Core Rules Gift Set
This is the last release – at least concerning rulebooks that is. It contains a couple of rulebooks and the Dungeon Masters Screen: Reincarnated. Helpful for fleshing out your knowledge on DnD.
Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
The Sword Coast was the first of the supplements released, it expanded on what 5th Edition already had much more on top.
Volo’s Guide to Monsters
Volo’s Guide followed second. And, well as the name suggest. It mainly focused on Monsters, further fleshing them out.
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
After that came Xanathar’s Guide. Many players – including myself, see this as a second Player’s Handbook. And in many regards, it truly is. If a question is bothering you, and you can’t find the answer in the Handbook or here – then it simply can’t be answered.
Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes
Just in case you didn’t have enough foes to fight until this point – here’s some more.
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
This is the last supplement added, adding the Artificer class on top of the preexisting ones.
Conclusion
That covers in short everything relating to DnD. And most importantly, the question of when DnD 5e was Released. I hope you found it entertaining and informative. May luck ever be on your side adventurer.
