Intended to be the tournament rules for D&D, AD&D consolidated all the rules from five of first edition D&D's rules into three hardbound rulebooks. It relegated the D&D 2nd edition boxed set to the status of an introductory set of rules covering only the first three levels of the AD&D system.
Races: Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Halfling, Human Classes: Assassin, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Illusionist, Magic-User, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Thief Alignments: Lawful Good, Lawful Neutral, Lawful Evil, Neutral Good, True Neutral, Neutral Evil, Chaotic Good, Chaotic Neutral, Chaotic Evil Level Range: 1-29 with the maximum depending on class.
Players Handbook: Covers all the rules for character creation, equipment, henchmen, spells, movement and combat. This book also introduces the new races of the gnome and half-orc as well as several new classes such as the druid and illusionist. It is also the first occurrence of the two-axis alignment system.
Dungeon Masters Guide: The DMG covered optional and expanded rules for character creation, aging, disease, lycanthropy, money, armor, hirelings, morale, time, spells, combat, experience, treasure, magical research and the adventuring environment.
Monster Manual: This book compiled and expanded the now extensive list of monsters from the Monsters & Treasures, Greyhawk and Blackmoor books.
D&D Boxed Set: The D&D game was relegated to merely serve as a simplified selection of rules to teach new players the basics of the AD&D game. In only covered advancement from levels 1 to 3.
Fiend Folio: This book provided additional monsters for the heroes to interact with.
Greyhawk: This was the first actual setting to provide an actual world for characters to live in.
