Best Puzzle & Game Reference Books of 2025

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Puzzle and game reference books are an excellent resource for anyone who loves to engage in challenging and exciting games. These books offer a wealth of information on a variety of games, including crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and word search puzzles. They feature step-by-step instructions, tips, and strategies for solving even the most difficult puzzles. Puzzle and game reference books are perfect for both beginners and experienced players who want to improve their skills and challenge themselves with new and exciting puzzles. With their comprehensive guides and helpful hints, these books are a must-have for any puzzle or game enthusiast.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Puzzle & Game Reference Books
D&D Player’s Handbook (Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebook)
The D&D Player’s Handbook is a must-have for any Dungeons & Dragons player. As the core rulebook, it provides essential information on character creation, combat, spells, and more. The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, with helpful illustrations and charts throughout. What sets this book apart is the depth of detail and the level of customization it allows players to have in creating their characters. Overall, the D&D Player’s Handbook is an essential reference for any D&D player, whether they are a seasoned veteran or just starting out.
D&D Monster Manual (Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebook)
The D&D Monster Manual is a must-have for any Dungeons & Dragons player. This core rulebook provides an extensive list of creatures, from the classic dragons and orcs to the more obscure aboleths and mind flayers. Each entry includes detailed information on the creature's abilities, lore, and tactics, making it an invaluable resource for both Dungeon Masters and players. The book's layout and artwork are top-notch, adding to the immersive experience of exploring the D&D universe. Overall, the Monster Manual is an essential addition to any D&D player's collection, and its comprehensive nature sets it apart from other games' reference books.
D&D Dungeon Master’s Guide (Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebook)
The D&D Dungeon Master’s Guide is a core rulebook for the popular tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons. It provides the Dungeon Master with all the necessary information to create and run exciting adventures for their players. This guide is an essential tool for any serious Dungeon Master, offering tips and advice on how to create engaging storylines, build challenging encounters, and manage the game mechanics. The book also includes a wealth of information on the game world, from geography and history to magic and monsters. Overall, the D&D Dungeon Master’s Guide is a must-have for any Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast looking to take their game to the next level.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild The Complete Official Guide: -Expanded Edition
The Expanded Edition Guide to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a comprehensive 512-page hardcover guidebook that covers everything in the main game and the two Expansion Pass DLC packs. It includes detailed maps, expert combat strategies, and exhaustive appraisals of all items and monsters. The guide also features concept art, a large map poster, and a 4-page index for easy navigation. This guidebook is a must-have for any serious gamer who wants to fully explore and enjoy this iconic game.
How to Win at Chess: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond
How to Win at Chess: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond is a refreshing and fun guide to learn chess from International Master Levy Rozman (aka GothamChess). The book is clever and informative, teaching everything players need to know about the game, including important moves and strategies to start off strong and keep thinking ahead. With practical tips for improving gameplay, over 500 instructional illustrations, and exclusive bonus content on Chessly, this book is perfect for recreational players or those training to be a Grandmaster. Overall, this is a unique and interactive introduction to the world of chess.
The Game Master's Book of Traps, Puzzles and Dungeons: A punishing collection of bone-crunching contraptions, brain-teasing riddles and ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series)
The Game Master's Book of Traps, Puzzles and Dungeons is a comprehensive tool for Game Masters looking to add excitement and challenge to their RPG adventures. With over 60 puzzles, 60 traps, and 50 modular dungeon chambers, GMs have endless options to create unique and engaging scenarios. The technical illustrations and top-down location maps are beautifully rendered, and the addition of three one-shot adventures written by RPG influencers makes this book a must-have for any GM's collection. Overall, The Game Master's Book of Traps, Puzzles and Dungeons is a fantastic resource for GMs looking to take their game to the next level.
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess is the ultimate guide for anyone looking to learn or improve their chess skills. Written by the greatest player of all time, the book offers a unique learning experience through a programmed method. The book presents questions and exercises, providing explanations for incorrect answers and hiding the correct ones on the following page. The left-hand pages are printed upside-down, creating an efficient and enjoyable way to master the art of checkmate. This Bantam book is a must-read for chess enthusiasts who want to learn from a master.
Volo's Guide to Monsters (Dungeons & Dragons)
Volo's Guide to Monsters is a supplement for Dungeons & Dragons that provides players and Dungeon Masters with a deep dive into the lore behind some of the game's most iconic monsters. The book includes dozens of new monsters for players to include in their adventures, as well as new playable races to build unique characters. The book's unique approach is the inclusion of a fantastical dissertation by Volothamp Geddarm, which is challenged by the renowned Elminster. This book is a must-have for any serious player or Dungeon Master looking to expand their knowledge of the game's lore and monsters.
Modern Chess Openings, 15th Edition
Modern Chess Openings, 15th Edition is the go-to resource for serious chess players looking to improve their game. This completely revised and updated edition includes the latest information on recent matches and the most up-to-date theory on chess openings, making it an invaluable resource for club and tournament players. Written by acclaimed chess expert Nick de Firmian, this book is ideal for intermediate players looking to elevate their game or International Grandmasters who want to stay on top of recent chess innovations. Overall, Modern Chess Openings is a must-have for anyone serious about improving their chess skills.
A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg: How to Play the Game & Win
A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg is an expert guide to learning the complex game of American Mahjong. The book provides step-by-step instructions, clear diagrams, and hands-on exercises for players of all levels. What makes this guide unique is its focus on the official National Mah Jongg League rules and its color text, which shows various hands and tiles. Elaine Sandberg, the author, was a Mah Jongg instructor for many years and taught American Mah Jongg for Holland America Cruise Lines and classes in the Los Angeles area. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning the game or improving their skills.
During our puzzle & game reference book research, we found 1,200+ puzzle & game reference book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 304,463 customer reviews through our big data system to write the puzzle & game reference books list. We found that most customers choose puzzle & game reference books with an average price of $21.34.

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.