Dungeons & Dragons Encyclopedia Arrives This October From Penguin Random House

Penguin Random House has announced the upcoming release of the Dungeons & Dragons Encyclopedia, a definitive new reference book launching into retail on October 20, 2026. Whether you’re a veteran Dungeon Master looking to spice up your campaign setting or a lore-hungry player wanting to dive deep into D&D history, this looks like a must-have addition to your bookshelf.

Here is everything we know about this ultimate guide to the multiverse.

Explore the Multiverse: What’s Inside?

The Dungeons & Dragons Encyclopedia is designed to be an in-depth, comprehensive look at the sprawling settings that make up the D&D multiverse. Instead of focusing on just one realm, this book spans the cosmos to explore iconic fantasy planes, including:

• The Forgotten Realms: The classic high-fantasy setting home to Faerûn.

• Dragonlance: The war-torn world of Krynn.

• Ravenloft: The gothic, mist-shrouded domains of dread.

• Greyhawk: The legendary, old-school realm of classic adventures.

• Spelljammer: The wild, cosmic reaches of wildspace.

• …and many more!

Beyond just mapping out these planes, the encyclopedia will details the monsters lurking in the shadows, the deep histories of legendary locations, the heroes and villains who shaped the worlds, and the iconic magic items every adventurer dreams of finding.

An All-Star Creative Team

A lore book is only as good as its scribes, and Penguin Random House has assembled an absolute powerhouse of D&D experts and historians to bring this project to life. The book is co-authored by:

• Matt Forbeck (Known for his extensive work in gaming and the Marvel Multiverse RPG)

• Michael Witwer (Co-author of Empire of Imagination and Dungeons & Dragons Art & Arcana)

• Jon Peterson (Renowned D&D historian and author of Playing at the World)

• Kalysta Harmon

• Jessica Lee Patterson

With this level of expertise behind the pages, readers can expect a deeply researched, beautifully written deep dive into decades of tabletop history.

Release Date and Pricing

Release Date: October 20, 2026

Retail Price: $60.00

At $60.00, it’s positioned as a premium, coffee-table-worthy reference guide perfect for gifting (or treating yourself) just ahead of the holiday season. Keep an eye on your local game store or favorite online retailer to secure your pre-order!

Are you excited to dive into the history of the multiverse? Which D&D setting are you most eager to read about? Let us know in the comments below.