Players wanting to venture into the world of D&D are often faced with multiple options to sift through. Yet many often struggle about where to start and how much they’ll invest to begin their adventures. With D&D, there are plenty of resources available online for those who want play on their budget. Conversely, the opposite is true, as numerous supplementary additions and editions can cost extra if you are willing to spend more.
What Players Need
Generally, the first thing to look out for is the core rules. Official publications, such as the Player’s Handbook, or digital documents such as the Basic Rules pdf, are readily available online for players to peruse and download at their discretion. If digital is not preferred, many sets come with stripped-down versions of core books in paperback. So, you can have a physical copy in hand whenever you need it. But which set is the best? Which version will give players the best bang for their buck?
Starter Set
An official release by Wizards of the Coast, the D&D Starter set is considered the base requirement to play Dungeons and Dragons and the easiest route into the system by far. The set includes the basic rules book, one set of dice, pre-generated characters, and one of the most respected beginner modules: The Lost Mines of Phandelver. A campaign perfect for beginners that walks you through everything from combat to role play, while making every bit of the game feel simple and enjoyable.
Essentials Kit
In the same vein as the Starter Set, the Essentials Kit takes it a step further by including more resources and perks to help players on their journey. The kit includes a basic rule book with expanded resources for character creation, cards for adventure and magic items, a set of dice, a DM screen, and, more importantly, the Dragon of Icespire Peak adventure module. A campaign which, by all accounts, is one of the most enjoyable stories to explore. With its easy-to-follow narrative, fun encounters, interesting characters, and fascinating location, the praise it has received is well justified and it is often cited as most new players’ first foray into the Forgotten Realms.
Honorable Mention
The 6th edition of the Starter Set, released in July 2022, reinvents the original starter set and replaces Icespire Peak with a new adventure called the Dragons of Stormwreck Isle. Which boasts a setting that “draws adventurers into the midst of an ancient war among dragons as they explore an island that has long been a battlefield in that conflict.” Pre-made character sheets, dice, and an introductory rule book are still included.
Where To Buy
Various retailers offer these sets, and more, for relatively good prices. Places like Amazon or major box stores, like Walmart and Target, are often the go-to stop for those interested in the more physical forms of sets, kits, books, modules, and campaigns. For those looking to buy supplements and adventures digitally, the D&D Beyond marketplace is your best bet.
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