All new covers for the core D&D rulebooks together for the first time

GAMES
By James

When Wizards of the Coast begins releasing the revised Fifth Edition rules for Dungeons & Dragons this summer, the role-playing game’s three core rulebooks will get a completely new look. They also come in two different editions: a more traditional set available at mass retailers, and a collectible alternative art set only available at local game stores. After weeks of teases and reveals, we finally know what all six books will look like.

The core books are illustrated, front and back, by Tyler Jacobson – the same artist who provided art for the covers of the Player’s Handbook (2014) and the Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014). But as you’ll see in the images below, his style is subtly different here, with a more dreamy look on the front that matches the timeless nature of the subjects. More accurate views emphasize the character’s facial expressions on the back. Jacobson said earlier this week prints will be available soon on his website.

The alternate covers, on the other hand (including the collectible Player’s Handbook first revealed here on Polygon) are from two different artists: Wylie Beckert And Olena Richards — they are united with a unique filigree design from signmaker Simen Meijer. That’s the same artist who created the collector’s cover Candle mysteries.

Due to the printing volume required to produce all three hardcover volumes, the release of all three books will take until next year. The Player’s Handbook (2024) will be available for pre-order from June 18 before arriving in local game stores on September 3. Fans can expect Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024) a little later in November, with Monster Manual (2025) arrival in February.

Player’s Handbook (2024)

A sinewy golden dragon rises to support a group of heroes, including figures from the early days of D&D like the Paladin and Strongheart.
Image: Tyler Jacobson/Wizards of the Coast

A barbarian, a halfling rogue and other adventurers fly high over a medieval world on the back of a golden dragon.

A square image, which will appear on the back of the book, shows a similar golden dragon carrying another group of adventurers aloft.
Image: Tyler Jacobson/Wizards of the Coast

Beckert's art in situ, positioned behind Meyer's gilding. There is also a subtle weathering in the gray/brown finish of the rest of the volume.

The alt art cover of the Player’s Handbook (2024) features a party consisting of D&D’s four iconic classes – the Fighter, the Wizard, the Cleric and the Rogue – all gathered around a friendly golden dragon, sharing tea. The gilded filigree, spread over all three alt covers, is by Simen Meyer.
Image: Wylie Beckert and Simen Meyer/Wizards of the Coast

Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024)

A one-horned dragolich stands with wings spread atop a glowing blue altar. Before them, a legion of blue-eyed skeletons. He is assisted by a witch and a warrior with a winged blue helmet.

A Dracolich, the witch Skylla and Warduke defiantly appear on the cover of the mainline Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024). There is a mind flayer temple on the back.
Image: Tyler Jacobson/Wizards of the Coast

On a burgundy background, a huge spider with a woman's face wraps silk around a humanoid. Only their pleading eyes are visible in the dim light.

The alt art cover of the Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024) is about a calm Lolth, the Spider Queen, who takes on an adventurer. Filigree by Simen Meyer.
Image: Olena Richards and Simen Meyer/Wizards of the Coast

Monster manual (2025)

A spectator surprises a group of adventurers on a staircase, while an impersonator and other horrors lurk beneath.

The mass market version of the Monster manual (2025) features a spectator, with Minsc and a little Boo right in the middle of the action.
Image: Tyler Jacobson/Wizards of the Coast

A blue monster with a confused mouth and red eyes offers the viewer a small purple worm. The worm's teeth are bared.

The collector’s version of the Monster manual (2025) features a mind flayer, who offers a small tadpole for you to enjoy.
Image: Olena Richards and Simen Meyer/Wizards of the Coast

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