Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition, published by TSR, Inc., encompassed a core set of rulebooksthe Player’s Handbook, the Dungeon Master’s Guide, and the Monstrous Manualwhich provided the foundation for gameplay. Numerous supplementary sourcebooks expanded upon these rules, offering detailed settings, additional character classes, monsters, spells, and adventures. This edition, popular in the 1990s, distinguished itself with its proficiency system and non-weapon proficiencies, allowing for more specialized character development.
This era of the game offered a robust framework for imaginative storytelling and gameplay, influencing countless players and game masters. Its expanded rules and diverse settings, often featuring high fantasy elements, provided a rich tapestry for immersive campaigns. The availability of diverse published materials fostered the growth of the game’s community and contributed significantly to the hobby’s ongoing popularity. This edition holds historical significance as a bridge between the original game and later editions, solidifying many concepts that are still recognizable in modern tabletop role-playing.