The revised 5th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook will feature an alternate cover, available exclusively in local game stores from September 3, 2024. This edition precedes the general release of the standard cover, which will be available from September 17, 2024.
Polygon reports that the alternate cover artwork is by Wylie Beckert and depicts a gold dragon, joined by D&D’s staple characters—a rogue, a fighter, a cleric, and a wizard—engaging in a peaceful tea party. This scene, highlighted by the dragon’s tail subtly forming an ampersand, contrasts with the more dynamic standard edition cover illustrated by Tyler Jacobsen.
The alternate cover, praised for its narrative focus, features a design that includes a gold filigree border by Simen Meyer and a 50th-anniversary logo, aiming to appeal to collectors.
Wizards of the Coast’s head of art, Josh Herman, noted that the alternate cover aims to showcase aspects of D&D that involve storytelling and rest, rather than just combat. The cover artist, Beckert, was chosen for her distinctive style and use of mixed media, which include ink, watercolors, oils, and powdered graphite.
Pre-orders for the Player’s Handbook with the alternate cover will open on June 18. Following this release, the Dungeon Master’s Guide and Monster Manual are scheduled for release in November 2024 and February 2025, respectively.
Source: Tabletop Gaming News
