R.A. Salvatore's New Forgotten Realms Release Officially Announced
R.A. Salvatore's best-selling work has literally shaped and redefined the Forgotten Realms for generations of readers over the years. Since the release of the iconic The Crystal Shard in 1988, Salvatore has built an expansive library of unique adventures starring the legendary dark elf ranger Drizzt Do'Urden, with beloved novels including Homeland, Exile, Sojourn, Streams of Silver, The Halfling's Gem, and countless later entries in The Legend of Drizzt saga.
With dozens of novels featuring the infamous lone Drow that have consistently landed on bestseller lists, Drizzt is one of Dungeons & Dragons' most recognizable characters both inside and outside tabletop gaming. Salvatore's work also serves as a gateway into the broader Forgotten Realms, D&D's flagship campaign setting created by Ed Greenwood.
Salvatore's novels bring iconic locations such as Icewind Dale, Menzoberranzan, and Mithral Hall to life while weaving together the races, monsters, magic, and lore that have defined the franchise. And now, Salvatore is officially returning with a brand-new Forgotten Realms release thanks to a massive D&D initiative launching later this year (via D&D Beyond).
According to a major update to Dungeons & Dragons that will see several exciting new projects and initiatives in the coming months, the new D&D Icons initiative is designed to reunite some of the most influential creators in Dungeons & Dragons history with the worlds and characters they helped make legendary. Led by newly appointed Chief Creative Officer Joe Manganiello, the program will see veteran authors and designers collaborate directly with Wizards of the Coast on future setting guides, adventures, accessories, and other projects.
One of the biggest announcements was the return of R.A. Salvatore, whose Legend of Drizzt novels have sold more than 50 million copies worldwide and appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list over 20 times. Salvatore confirmed he is developing a brand-new Drizzt Do'Urden project for D&D Icons, bringing one of Forgotten Realms' most iconic heroes back into the spotlight.
Salvatore is joined by several other legendary D&D creators, such as Dragonlance co-creator Tracy Hickman who is returning to help deliver a new vision for the beloved setting, while Luke Gygax is using previously unreleased notes from his father, D&D co-creator Gary Gygax, to create new Greyhawk experiences planned for 2027.
Manganiello will also expand his own Death Saves universe as part of the initiative, making D&D Icons a long-term effort to celebrate the game's most influential creators while introducing their work to a new generation of players.