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When it comes fantasy TTPGs there’s been a lot written about how to kill monsters. What isn’t nearly as well documented is what to actually do with them afterwards. Enter Kobold Press’ Field Guide to Monster Harvesting, Vol. 1, a new digital supplement compatible with Tales of the Valiant and D&D 5e that explores how to turn monster parts into equipment, weapons, spell components and magic items.
Available now as a PDF from both Kobold Press and DriveThruRPG, the book is designed for both players and Game Masters and features new mechanics, tables and crafting recipes that can be dropped into just about any campaign or setting. Below, dig through the guts of this new book.
What’s included in the Field Guide to Monster Harvesting, Vol. 1
The Field Guide to Monster Harvesting is a 51-page PDF with a focus on adding monster crafting mechanics for D&D 5e and Tales of the Valiant. Notably, it’s written by longtime Kobold Press contributors JB Little, Meagan Maricle and Mike Welham. It includes:
- Harvesting rules and mechanics: Detailed systems for salvaging usable parts from over 700 creatures found in D&D 5e and Tales of the Valiant monster sourcebooks.
- Crafting tables and materials: Random tables and lists for turning bones, hides, teeth and other monster parts into spell components, potions, weapons and armor.
- Over 20 new magic items: Each inspired by creatures from Kobold Press’ Monster Vault Volumes 1 and 2.
- Adventure hooks: With GM advice on how to make crafting a narrative element of an adventure or campaign.
How much is the Field Guide to Monster Harvesting, Vol. 1?
The PDF retails for $9.99 USD on both the Kobold Press website or DriveThruRPG. That’s more or less comparable to what we’ve seen from other similar short from products from Kobold Press, which tend to be in the $4.99 to $9.99 USD price range. Notably, there is no print version (which is also common give it’s relatively short length).
When was “The Field Guide to Monster Harvesting, Vol. 1” released?
The book was officially released on October 7th, 2025 on both Kobold Press’ website and DriveThruRPG.
Why is the Field Guide to Monster Harvesting worth picking up?
- Adds tangible rewards to combat: Harvesting mechanics give players meaningful post-combat decisions beyond just collecting gold or loot from dead monsters.
- Supports crafting-focused play: Let’s players discover an entirely new type of gameplay that actively rewards collecting and crafting.
- Strong system compatibility: Works with both Tales of the Valiant and D&D 5e, with options that can be tailored to just about any campaign setting.
- Low cost, big content: At under $10, it’s an affordable way to add monster crafting to your game.
Final Thoughts
The first volume of Kobold Press’ new Field Guide to Monster Harvesting series looks like a solid option if you want to bring more crafting and components into your game. It remains to be seen, however, just whether or not this new series will keep cooking up new volumes.
You can purchase the PDF of The Field Guide to Monster Harvesting, Vol. 1 now Kobold Press or DriveThruRPG.