“I don’t understand the attraction of gods. Why would anyone worship anything other than me?”—The Xanathar
The beholder Xanathar, Waterdeep’s most notorious crime lord, meticulously gathers and hoards information about everyone. His twisted mind believes he can record absolutely everything. But what is Xanathar’s Guide to Everything in the context of Dungeons & Dragons? It is the first major rules expansion to D&D fifth edition. This book is a treasure trove of new options for both players and Dungeon Masters (DMs), offering a wealth of additional content to enrich your campaigns.
Diving Deeper with D&D Beyond
A digital copy unlocks the book for use in the D&D BEYOND compendium and toolset. D&D BEYOND is the official digital toolset for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. Features include character creation, digital dice rolling, Dungeon Master tools like the Encounter Builder and Combat Tracker. The Master Tier subscription unlocks Maps, D&D BEYOND’s virtual tabletop, letting you host game sessions on official maps or create your own.
Expanded Character Options
“I’ve always liked druids because they are made of natural ingredients. And I believe that everyone should have such a healthy diet.”—The Xanathar
Over 25 New Subclasses
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything significantly expands character customization by introducing over 25 new subclasses. This allows players to further define their characters and explore unique playstyles. Some notable examples include:
- College of Glamour (Bard): Bards of the College of Glamour use illusions and enchantments to awe and inspire others.
- Circle of Dreams (Druid): Druids of the Circle of Dreams draw power from the Feywild.
- Hexblade (Warlock): Warlocks of the Hexblade make pacts with powerful entities from the Shadowfell, wielding magical weapons.
- Way of the Drunken Master (Monk): Monks of the Drunken Master use unpredictable movements and staggering techniques.
The book also incorporates subclasses initially featured in Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide, such as the Swashbuckler and Mastermind roguish archetypes.
20 Racial Feats
For players seeking to further customize their characters, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything introduces 20 racial feats. These feats are specific to certain races, offering unique abilities and bonuses that further enhance their cultural heritage.
- Bountiful Luck (Halfling): Allows halflings to share their inherent luck with their allies.
- Infernal Constitution (Tiefling): Enhances tieflings’ connection to their infernal bloodline, granting damage resistances and other perks.
Enhanced Spellcasting
“You know one of the great benefits of living underground? No weather. Don’t mess this up for me.”—The Xanathar
The book greatly expands the magical options available to spellcasters. Including spells like charm monster, mass polymorph, illusory dragon.
- Storm Sphere: Unleash a magical tornado, striking enemies with bolts of lightning.
- Create Bonfire: Conjure a bonfire, dealing fire damage to those who enter or remain in the flames.
Dungeon Master Tools & Optional Rules
“Pit traps are hilarious! Because when one of you walking things steps on one you fall down! And get hurt! That’s the best part.”—The Xanathar
Designing Traps & Balancing Encounters
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything provides invaluable resources for Dungeon Masters. The guide contains more information on encounter building, downtime activities, and trap creation. It also includes optional rules for handling various situations, such as tying knots or falls in combat.
Magic Item Tables
DMs can use the extensive magic item tables to quickly generate loot for their players. The tables are organized by rarity and divided into minor and major items.
Random Encounter Tables
The book offers random encounter tables tailored to specific environments and character levels. These tables introduce unexpected challenges and opportunities, enhancing the realism of your campaigns.
Whether your players are facing Yeti attacks in the arctic or stumbling upon luminescent fungi in the Underdark, these encounters will keep them on their toes. Xanathar’s Guide to Everything gives you a framework to make your campaigns more engaging.
