Book · in order

Discworld Books in Order

By the Bingerun team · How we choose the order →

All 41 of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels in publication order. You don't have to read them that way, though — the series splits into sub-series you can each start cold.

Why this order?

Discworld is the rare giant series with no "wrong" way in. Terry Pratchett wrote 41 novels set on the same flat, turtle-borne world between 1983 and 2015, but they aren't one continuous story. Publication order — the default below — is the safe, complete spine: every book in the order it appeared, so you watch the world and Pratchett's craft deepen from broad parody into some of the sharpest satire in fantasy.

The catch most readers wish they'd known sooner: the early Rincewind books, The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic, are the weakest entry point. They're loose parodies written before Pratchett found his voice, and starting there has turned off countless first-timers. The series actually clusters into self-contained sub-series, and each has its own clean starting point. The City Watch books begin with Guards! Guards! (1989) and are the most beloved thread — a noir-tinged cop story starring Sam Vimes. The Death sub-series starts best at Mort (1987). The Witches follow Granny Weatherwax from Equal Rites and Wyrd Sisters. The Tiffany Aching young-adult arc opens with The Wee Free Men. Moist von Lipwig's con-man trilogy launches with Going Postal (2004). And Small Gods (1992) is a near-perfect standalone you can hand anyone.

So the practical advice: read in publication order if you're a completist who wants the full arc, or pick a sub-series and dive in — Guards! Guards!, Mort, Small Gods, or The Wee Free Men are the four best on-ramps. Threads cross over as you go, rewarding the deeper you read. Fans of Good Omens (Pratchett's collaboration with Neil Gaiman) or the wit of Douglas Adams will feel right at home.

Timeline 1983–2015

Every release plotted by year — taller stacks mean more that year. Hover a marker for the title.

Where to play it today

Affiliate links (Bookshop.org for books, store links for games/films) slot in here.

Frequently asked questions

How many Discworld books are there?

There are 41 mainline Discworld novels, published between 1983 (The Colour of Magic) and 2015 (The Shepherd's Crown), Terry Pratchett's final book. There are also companion volumes, short stories, and maps outside the main 41.

What order should I read Discworld in?

You can read in publication order for the full arc, or pick a sub-series and start fresh. The series splits into the City Watch, Witches, Death, Rincewind, Tiffany Aching, and Moist von Lipwig threads, each readable on its own.

Where should a beginner start with Discworld?

The four best on-ramps are Guards! Guards! (City Watch), Mort (Death), Small Gods (standalone), and The Wee Free Men (younger readers). Avoid starting with The Colour of Magic — it's the weakest first book.

Do I have to read Discworld in publication order?

No. Because the novels cluster into self-contained sub-series, you can jump into any thread at its first book. Publication order is only essential if you want to follow the world's evolution chronologically.

What are the Discworld sub-series?

The main threads are Rincewind, the Witches, Death, the City Watch, Tiffany Aching, and Moist von Lipwig, plus several standalone novels like Small Gods, Pyramids, and Monstrous Regiment.

Which is the best Discworld book?

Opinions vary, but Small Gods, Night Watch, and Going Postal are the most commonly cited favorites. Small Gods is a frequent pick for the single best, and it works as a complete standalone.