rpg game master books

If you're looking for RPG Game Master (GM) books, there are many excellent resources available to help you run tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) more effectively. These books provide guidance on storytelling, worldbuilding, rules mastery, improvisation, and player engagement. Below are some of the best GM-focused books across different RPG systems: General Game Mastering Guides (System-Agnostic) The Lazy Dungeon Master (Mike Shea / Sly Flourish) - Focuses on efficient prep and improvisation for GMs. - Great for D&D but applicable to any RPG. Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master (Mike Shea) - Updated version with even more streamlined advice. Robins Laws of Good Game Mastering (Robin D. Laws) - Classic guide on running engaging RPG sessions. Unframed: The Art of Improvisation for Game Masters (Multiple Authors) - Tips on improving storytelling and handling unexpected player choices. Never Unprepared: The Complete Game Masters Guide to Session Prep (Phil Vecchione) - Helps GMs organize and streamline their prep work. The Ultimate RPG Game Masters Guide (James DAmato) - Advice on worldbuilding, pacing, and player engagement. Dungeons & Dragons (D&D 5e) GM Books Dungeon Masters Guide (5e) (Wizards of the Coast) - Core rulebook for running D&D 5e, with worldbuilding, NPC creation, and optional rules. Xanathars Guide to Everything (Wizards of the Coast) - Includes expanded rules and GM tools for 5e. Tashas Cauldron of Everything (Wizards of the Coast) - More GM tools, including session zero advice and alternative rules. The Monsters Know What Theyre Doing (Keith Ammann) - Tactical advice for running monsters intelligently in combat. MCDMs Flee, Mortals! (MCDM Productions) - A monster book with GM-focused encounter design tips. Pathfinder GM Books Gamemastery Guide (PF2e) (Paizo) - System-neutral and PF2e-specific advice on running games. Pathfinder: Kingmaker Adventure Path (Paizo) - A sandbox-style campaign with GM tools for open-world play. The Book of Challenges (Paizo) - A collection of unique encounters for GMs. Worldbuilding & Adventure Design The Kobold Guide to Worldbuilding (Kobold Press) - Essays by industry veterans on crafting compelling settings. AEGs Toolbox (Alderac Entertainment Group) - Random tables and inspiration for GMs. Perilous Wilds (for Dungeon World, but useful for any RPG) - Great for procedural generation and sandbox play. Maze Rats / Into the Odd (Chris McDowall) - Minimalist but brilliant GM tools for OSR-style games. OSR (Old-School Revival) & Indie RPG GM Books Principia Apocrypha (OSR Principles) - Free guide to running old-school-style games. The Black Hack 2e GM Guide - Simple, effective advice for running OSR games. Stars Without Number: Revised Edition (Kevin Crawford) - Includes amazing GM tools for sci-fi sandbox campaigns. Blades in the Dark: Game Masters Kit - Focuses on narrative-driven GMing for heist games. Online & Free Resources Matt Colvilles "Running the Game" (YouTube Series) The Alexandrian (Blog) GM Advice & Tools DrivethruRPG GM Section (Many PDFs & Resources) Final Recommendation For D&D 5e GMs: Start with The Lazy Dungeon Master and The Monsters Know What Theyre Doing. For System-Agnostic Advice: Robins Laws and Unframed. For Worldbuilding: Kobold Guide to Worldbuilding. For OSR/Indie GMs: Stars Without Number or Perilous Wilds. Would you like recommendations for a specific RPG system or style of play?