The Evolution of Dungeons Dragons: From Chainmail to Advanced Edition

Introduction

Dungeons Dragons (DD) is one of the most iconic role-playing games (RPGs) ever created. Its journey from a supplement of another game to the well-recognized system we know today is a fascinating one. This article explores the historical evolution of Dungeons Dragons from its roots in Chainmail to the advanced editions.

The Roots in Chainmail

The genesis of Dungeons Dragons lies in an expansion set for another miniatures wargame called Chainmail. Chainmail itself was an expansion on a game called Siege of Bodenburg, published in 1967. Chainmail was first released in 1971, initially as a supplement that included a 14page fantasy supplement which would become the foundation for Dungeons Dragons.

The Early Supplements

The initial supplements that became Dungeons Dragons were released in 1974. It was expected that players were familiar with not only Chainmail, but also Outdoor Survival. The original supplements formed Dungeons Dragons:

Men Magic Monsters Treasure The Underworld Wilderness Adventures

Additional supplements would be added in later years, with Swords Spells being one of the most essential to the system.

The White Box Set

The first standalone Dungeons Dragons set emerged in 1976, titled the White Box. This set, which included the above-mentioned supplements and additional material that are now considered essential, is often mistakenly referred to as the 1974 parchment-colored original as "White Box."

The Development of Advanced Dungeons Dragons

The first official expert-level set, referred to in the RPG community as "ODD" or "Original Dungeons Dragons," was released in 1974. This original boxed game was then expanded into two divergent rule sets, Basic and Advanced, created by different authors. The term "First Edition DD" or "1e" generally refers to the first edition of Advanced Dungeons Dragons, authored by Gary Gygax, co-author of the Original DD set and its predecessor Chainmail.

Advanced Dungeons Dragons (1st Edition)

Advanced Dungeons Dragons (1st Edition) was officially published between 1977 and 1979. The core publications included:

Monster Manual (1977) Player's Handbook (1978) Dungeon Master's Guide (1979)

In parallel, the boxed Holmes Basic edition was also released in 1977, designed to introduce new players to the game. An updated version, known as Advanced Dungeons Dragons (ADD ADD), was introduced between 1977 and 1979, with the game rules reorganized and re-codified across three hardcover rulebooks.

This evolution underscores the imaginative and pioneering spirit of game design that launched Dungeons Dragons into its enduring legacy in the realm of RPGs.