Best RPG Programming Books of 2025

The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia is a 320-page guidebook that provides a comprehensive collection of enemies, items, languages, maps, and characters from the original game to Twilight Princess HD. It expands on the lore touched upon in the previous installments in the collection, Hyrule Historia and Art & Artifacts, and includes rare development sketches of favorite characters. The book also features an exclusive interview with Series Producer, Eiji Aonuma. This book is a treasure trove of information for fans of The Legend of Zelda franchise and offers an in-depth look at the making of the best-selling video game.

The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia is a must-have for any fan of The Legend of Zelda franchise. This hardcover book offers an unprecedented collection of historical information, including never-before-seen concept art, the full history of Hyrule, and the official chronology of the games. The book also features an exclusive comic by Akira Himekawa, the foremost creator of The Legend of Zelda manga. With an insightful introduction by Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary producer and video-game designer, this book is packed with information about the storied history of Link's adventures from the creators themselves. Overall, this book is a treasure trove of information and a great addition to any fan's collection.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild-Creating a Champion Hero's Edition is a deluxe slipcase edition that celebrates Link, the chosen hero, with exclusive features such as a map of Hyrule printed on cloth, an art print of the Champions' photo, and a glass replica of a spirit orb. The book includes sketches, illustrations, and design artwork from the game's creators, as well as a historical section that delves into the in-depth history of the Hyrule of Breath of the Wild. This unparalleled collection of historical information on The Legend of Zelda franchise is a must-read for fans of the game.

Candlekeep Mysteries is a collection of seventeen short, stand-alone adventures for Dungeons & Dragons players. The book is set in the famed library fortress of Candlekeep, where each adventure begins with the discovery of a book. The book is the key to unlocking the door to danger and glory. The adventures can be played as one-shot games or adapted for other campaigns. The book also includes a poster map of the library fortress and detailed descriptions of its inhabitants. Overall, Candlekeep Mysteries is a great addition to the world of Dungeons & Dragons, with unique and engaging adventures that can be enjoyed by players of all levels.

The Escape from a Video Game: The Complete Series box set is a must-have for young readers who love interactive adventures. The series offers three main adventures plus an exclusive bonus adventure, The Lost Files, all of which are pick-your-plot stories that put the controller in the reader's hands. Each adventure takes the reader through different video games where they must defeat monsters, solve puzzles, and outsmart villains. The Lost Files provides a satisfying conclusion to the series and unlocks each book's secret adventure. The series is perfect for fans of Among Us and Fortnite with its quirky humor and frenetic pace.

The Unofficial Zelda Cookbook is a must-have for Zelda fans who also love to cook. With over 50 recipes inspired by the various games in the series, readers can recreate iconic dishes such as Lon Lon Milk and Monster Cake. Chef and pop-culture expert Thibaud Villanova provides in-depth recipes, techniques, and cooking tips that are accessible to both experienced cooks and beginners. The book is designed as a travel notebook that tells the journey of a new character, the Gourmet. This unique approach, combined with the delicious recipes, makes The Unofficial Zelda Cookbook a delightful addition to any cookbook collection.

The Art of Diablo is a must-have for any fan of the Diablo franchise. This book delves into the concept, design, and environmental art that has shaped the world of Sanctuary and the Eternal Conflict. With never-before-seen content, readers will be transported into the nightmarish corridors filled with monsters and demons that have captivated millions of players worldwide. The book also features all-new art from the upcoming Diablo 4. Written by Jake Gerli, former Editorial Director of Insight Editions, and Robert Brooks, a senior writer of Blizzard Entertainment's creative development team, this book is a treasure trove of stunning artwork and insightful commentary.

The Elder Scrolls®: The Official Cookbook Gift Set Edition is a must-have for fans of the Elder Scrolls franchise. This cookbook is full of recipes inspired by the game's world, and it comes with an official Black-Briar Meadery apron. Chelsea Monroe-Cassel, the author, has done an excellent job of bringing the game's food to life. The book has received high praise from various sources and is highly recommended for gamers and cooking enthusiasts alike. The cookbook's unique feature is that it brings the game's world to life in a new and exciting way, allowing fans to experience Tamriel's cuisine in their own homes.

The NieR: Automata World Guide Volume 1 is a must-have for fans of the game looking to delve deeper into the lore and art of the world. This 192-page hardcover volume offers a firsthand perspective of the world of NieR: Automata, including maps, character biographies, short stories, concept art, and commentary. The book is a faithful localization of the original Japanese volume of the same name, presented in English for the first time by Dark Horse Books and Square Enix. Overall, this book is highly recommended for gamers and fans of the NieR: Automata franchise.

Coding for Minecrafters: Unofficial Adventures for Kids Learning Computer Code is a fun and engaging activity book that introduces kids to the world of coding through the Minecraft world they already love. With easy-to-follow screenshots and colorful illustrations, this book guides learners through adventures that include design, music, animation, and gaming. The book teaches computational thinking and helps young coders to advance in technology education while having fun. Ian Garland, the author of the book, is passionate about video games and programming, and he shares his knowledge through writing. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for kids who want to learn how to code while having fun in the Minecraft world.