Hey, I'm new to D&D and I figured out that Wizards of the coast just purchased D&D beyond. I've been trying to decide on weather I should purchase a physical book or get it online but can I get both because its made by the same company now?
As of right now I believe the only cross promotion between a physical product and access to dndbeyond is the Essentials Kit. The box provides a code to unlock the included adventure. The box also provides a code for 50% off the purchase of the PHB on dndbeyond.
That's a shame. thank you for thee feedback though.
that's a popular opinion -but keep in mind when you buy most books - you don't get the ebook. If you buy a blueray movie or a music CD (if you're still into those), you don't get to download it or stream it.
The book price covers the cost of the book, the staff, and everything that went into it.
the DDB price covers this fancy web site and a whole different staff.
You can use some of the tools on Dndbeyond for free to see if you like the way the system is before choosing one way or the other. Similar, the rules that you'd have access to for free on Dndbeyond are also free online if you wanted to try printing them and having a go on paper.
If you are brand new to D&D, I super-duper-highly and very-very-strongly recommend that you do NOT buy anything for D&D until you have at least one or two campaigns under your belt.
D&D can be played completely for free, and if you are just starting out, there is high chance that your players will get analysis paralysis by having too many options if you get the books. Just the Basic Rules/Standard Reference Document, Elemental Evil's Player Companion, and a few free third party Critical Role options on D&D Beyond are more than enough for beginners. There are also lots of free short adventures that you can test the waters before you commit to playing D&D.
Once you know for sure you like D&D, you have a group to play with, and you want more options, it is not too late to purchase the books then.
The purchase of DDB by WotC is a little while off, and even if they do decide that DDB should be free with physical purchases or do bundles etc, these things don't turn in dimes. I'd imagine that such a change would take a year or two to be implemented - which would be the 2024 version of D&D. Whether that'll actually happen is unknown - anyone who claims otherwise is giving personal opinion and proclaiming it truth.
Personally, I'd advise you to get the Essentials Kit. It gives you everything you need to play a physical game of D&D, including an adventure for levels 1-7. It also gives you free access to the same adventure plus three more top up adventures that will take you up to L13 in DDB. Now, the adventure isn't amazing, but it's alright. More importantly, you'll be able to access the stuff on DDB, so you can see what things are like when run physically and via DDB, so you can see which you prefer. I prefer physical, but you're not me, so you can decide for yourself.
It's fairly cheap, and certainly cheaper than any other official adventures that run for a similar length. If you decide to go through DDB, you'll get a 50% off voucher for the PHB on DDB, which will save almost (but certainly not all) what you will have spent on the Essentials Kit - and you get a L1-13 adventure out of it, dice, dungeon master screen and a box to keep them in.
Alternatively, Roll20 are doing Lost Mine of Phandelver for free in April (I believe access will be stopped at the end of April, so hurry up if that's what you want to do).
If you want free electronic copies in general though, WotC is not your guy. That may change, but it probably won't. If you are after free electronic copies of your TTRPG, I know Modiphius gives free PDFs of everything they sell, regardless of where you buy them (so long as it's bought from a legitimate shop).
Of course, that is not D&D, much less 5e. I believe you can [legitimately] get PDFs for prior versions, but not 5e. Barring the Essentials Kit, if you want a digital copy, you need to buy it and it will not take into account if you've already bought physical - and vice versa.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
WotC hasn’t bought DDB yet, they announced they are going to, probably in another 3-6 months.
My guess is the announcement happened because they have portioned the finds for the acquisition in the 2021/22 financial year, the announcement coincided with year end and anyone paying attention would have seen a line item - 140 million set aside to purchase of DnD beyond. This way WOTC avoid having to pay tax on that 140 million, and in 2022/23 they can then write off any additional expenses linked to the acquisition (of which I have no doubt there will be many ;) )
but in answer to the question no, I suggest you do what I do, buy the physical books because it is easier to read and then just pay specifically for the stuff you need for your campaign. For me on day 1 of the campaign, that was the monsters from the monster manual, the magic items from the DMG, and the races that my players where going to use.
That's a shame. thank you for thee feedback though.
that's a popular opinion -but keep in mind when you buy most books - you don't get the ebook. If you buy a blueray movie or a music CD (if you're still into those), you don't get to download it or stream it.
Actually, that used to be quite common for blurays and Amazon still does it for CDs. WotC just has a serious allergy to digital content and especially PDFs. Figure it probably won't change now- we'll still be able to buy access on DDB but it's unlikely that we'll be able to get physical and digital combos any time soon.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
That's a shame. thank you for thee feedback though.
that's a popular opinion -but keep in mind when you buy most books - you don't get the ebook. If you buy a blueray movie or a music CD (if you're still into those), you don't get to download it or stream it.
Actually, that used to be quite common for blurays and Amazon still does it for CDs. WotC just has a serious allergy to digital content and especially PDFs. Figure it probably won't change now- we'll still be able to buy access on DDB but it's unlikely that we'll be able to get physical and digital combos any time soon.
Amazon however does not do it for digital or audio books, at best you get a discount on buying it, and there is a reason for that, turning music or a CD into a digital version takes no effort because now days the music/movie is stored in that format anyway. To turn the written word into a digital format takes time and effort, to turn it into an audio book requires paying a voice actor etc.
Let's at least compare like with like here when accusing WOTC of doing something evil, lets also wait until DnD beyond is actually integrated and wizards has figured out what they are going to do moving forward. Also people seem to be ignoring the fact that Wizards has licensing deals still with Roll 20 and fantasy grounds, I can't see them being happy with DDB users getting physical access when there users don't as it will drive yet more people away from buying through them.
This is the one thing I completely hate about D&D Beyond; you have to buy the books twice at full price. Obviously an electronic copy of a book is much cheaper to produce and yet they charge the same price as the printed copy. To me, this is a complete rip-off and is preventing several of my friends getting a D&D Beyond account. I did buy the books, very irritability and grudgingly, because I needed them for what I was doing. But having to pay double for content was just, I thought, ridiculous. But, not having a choice, I had to do it.
Charging less for the electronic content would be nice. Charging full price is just plain greedy.
This is the one thing I completely hate about D&D Beyond; you have to buy the books twice at full price. Obviously an electronic copy of a book is much cheaper to produce and yet they charge the same price as the printed copy. To me, this is a complete rip-off and is preventing several of my friends getting a D&D Beyond account. I did buy the books, very irritability and grudgingly, because I needed them for what I was doing. But having to pay double for content was just, I thought, ridiculous. But, not having a choice, I had to do it.
Charging less for the electronic content would be nice. Charging full price is just plain greedy.
They charge quite a bit less for the digital copies though... Just for example, Fizban's is only 2/3 the price of the hard copy.
The compendium only version is 60% off the MSRP of physical copies. Full access to that stuff in their digital toolset is only an extra $10, which is still 40% cheaper than MSRP of a physical copy.
If you want to use the dndbeyond digital tool set so badly, why are you spending money on physical copies?
This is the one thing I completely hate about D&D Beyond; you have to buy the books twice at full price. Obviously an electronic copy of a book is much cheaper to produce and yet they charge the same price as the printed copy. To me, this is a complete rip-off and is preventing several of my friends getting a D&D Beyond account. I did buy the books, very irritability and grudgingly, because I needed them for what I was doing. But having to pay double for content was just, I thought, ridiculous. But, not having a choice, I had to do it.
Charging less for the electronic content would be nice. Charging full price is just plain greedy.
This false equivalency between DDB books and physical books is silly. You say yourself you have the books, your friends have the books. What do the books lack that DDB brings to your game? That's what you're paying for, the capacity to do that. It isn't simply a pdf iteration
DDB is not essential to playing D&D anymore than minis or dice made out of precious stones, $10k game tables with cupholders, Beedle and Grimm editions, Wyrmwood accessories, etc.
As mentioned, DDB books are sold for less than the MSRP of physical copies. Moreover given the price point of content like Spelljammer in wake of the sale to WotC announcement, it's pretty clear that DDB price points are set in consultation with WotC. As I've said in many threads, WotC did not pay $140 million to give players free stuff. It paid that much money because it sees the potential of making more money from the D&D player base.
Thanks all for your suggestion. I also want to know whether I should purchase a physical book or get it online thanks to all for answering my question. I was about to ask it in a new thread but now I don't need it because I found my answer here. I am reading all the information before buying a book because I have taken a loan by taking help from Fit My Money and I don't want to waste my money on this book. I love to read digital books and that is why I am also curious to buy this one.
Hey, I'm new to D&D and I figured out that Wizards of the coast just purchased D&D beyond. I've been trying to decide on weather I should purchase a physical book or get it online but can I get both because its made by the same company now?
short answer - no, not at all.
slight caveat - you can buy the physical dragon of icespire peak (edit: this is the Essentials Kit) and get it unlocked online as well.
Guide to the Five Factions (PWYW)
Deck of Decks
As of right now I believe the only cross promotion between a physical product and access to dndbeyond is the Essentials Kit. The box provides a code to unlock the included adventure. The box also provides a code for 50% off the purchase of the PHB on dndbeyond.
How to: Replace DEX in AC | Jump & Suffocation stats | Spell & class effect buff system | Wild Shape effect system | Tool Proficiencies as Custom Skills | Spells at higher levels explained | Superior Fighting/Martial Adept Fix | Snippet Codes Explored - Subclasses | Snippet Math Theory | Homebrew Weapons Explained
My: FEATS | MAGIC ITEMS | MONSTERS | SUBCLASSES Artificer Specialist: Weaveblade
Dndbeyond images not loading WORKAROUND FIXED!!! (TY Jay_Lane for original instructions)
WotC hasn’t bought DDB yet, they announced they are going to, probably in another 3-6 months.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
That's a shame. thank you for thee feedback though.
that's a popular opinion -but keep in mind when you buy most books - you don't get the ebook. If you buy a blueray movie or a music CD (if you're still into those), you don't get to download it or stream it.
The book price covers the cost of the book, the staff, and everything that went into it.
the DDB price covers this fancy web site and a whole different staff.
Guide to the Five Factions (PWYW)
Deck of Decks
That's true, But I just can't decide between the physical book or the digital one, so I was hoping I could get both but I understand.
You can use some of the tools on Dndbeyond for free to see if you like the way the system is before choosing one way or the other. Similar, the rules that you'd have access to for free on Dndbeyond are also free online if you wanted to try printing them and having a go on paper.
Buyers Guide for D&D Beyond - Hardcover Books, D&D Beyond and You - How/What is Toggled Content?
Everything you need to know about Homebrew - Homebrew FAQ - Digital Book on D&D Beyond Vs Physical Books
Can't find the content you are supposed to have access to? Read this FAQ.
"Play the game however you want to play the game. After all, your fun doesn't threaten my fun."
If you are brand new to D&D, I super-duper-highly and very-very-strongly recommend that you do NOT buy anything for D&D until you have at least one or two campaigns under your belt.
D&D can be played completely for free, and if you are just starting out, there is high chance that your players will get analysis paralysis by having too many options if you get the books. Just the Basic Rules/Standard Reference Document, Elemental Evil's Player Companion, and a few free third party Critical Role options on D&D Beyond are more than enough for beginners. There are also lots of free short adventures that you can test the waters before you commit to playing D&D.
Once you know for sure you like D&D, you have a group to play with, and you want more options, it is not too late to purchase the books then.
Check Licenses and Resync Entitlements: < https://www.dndbeyond.com/account/licenses >
Running the Game by Matt Colville; Introduction: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-YZvLUXcR8 >
D&D with High School Students by Bill Allen; Season 1 Episode 1: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52NJTUDokyk&t >
The purchase of DDB by WotC is a little while off, and even if they do decide that DDB should be free with physical purchases or do bundles etc, these things don't turn in dimes. I'd imagine that such a change would take a year or two to be implemented - which would be the 2024 version of D&D. Whether that'll actually happen is unknown - anyone who claims otherwise is giving personal opinion and proclaiming it truth.
Personally, I'd advise you to get the Essentials Kit. It gives you everything you need to play a physical game of D&D, including an adventure for levels 1-7. It also gives you free access to the same adventure plus three more top up adventures that will take you up to L13 in DDB. Now, the adventure isn't amazing, but it's alright. More importantly, you'll be able to access the stuff on DDB, so you can see what things are like when run physically and via DDB, so you can see which you prefer. I prefer physical, but you're not me, so you can decide for yourself.
It's fairly cheap, and certainly cheaper than any other official adventures that run for a similar length. If you decide to go through DDB, you'll get a 50% off voucher for the PHB on DDB, which will save almost (but certainly not all) what you will have spent on the Essentials Kit - and you get a L1-13 adventure out of it, dice, dungeon master screen and a box to keep them in.
Alternatively, Roll20 are doing Lost Mine of Phandelver for free in April (I believe access will be stopped at the end of April, so hurry up if that's what you want to do).
If you want free electronic copies in general though, WotC is not your guy. That may change, but it probably won't. If you are after free electronic copies of your TTRPG, I know Modiphius gives free PDFs of everything they sell, regardless of where you buy them (so long as it's bought from a legitimate shop).
Of course, that is not D&D, much less 5e. I believe you can [legitimately] get PDFs for prior versions, but not 5e. Barring the Essentials Kit, if you want a digital copy, you need to buy it and it will not take into account if you've already bought physical - and vice versa.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
My guess is the announcement happened because they have portioned the finds for the acquisition in the 2021/22 financial year, the announcement coincided with year end and anyone paying attention would have seen a line item - 140 million set aside to purchase of DnD beyond. This way WOTC avoid having to pay tax on that 140 million, and in 2022/23 they can then write off any additional expenses linked to the acquisition (of which I have no doubt there will be many ;) )
but in answer to the question no, I suggest you do what I do, buy the physical books because it is easier to read and then just pay specifically for the stuff you need for your campaign. For me on day 1 of the campaign, that was the monsters from the monster manual, the magic items from the DMG, and the races that my players where going to use.
Thank you for the feed back! It's really appreciated! The only difficult part for me is finding people to play with.
You might find this helpful:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/general-discussion/13989-a-buyers-guide-for-d-d-beyond
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Actually, that used to be quite common for blurays and Amazon still does it for CDs. WotC just has a serious allergy to digital content and especially PDFs. Figure it probably won't change now- we'll still be able to buy access on DDB but it's unlikely that we'll be able to get physical and digital combos any time soon.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
Amazon however does not do it for digital or audio books, at best you get a discount on buying it, and there is a reason for that, turning music or a CD into a digital version takes no effort because now days the music/movie is stored in that format anyway. To turn the written word into a digital format takes time and effort, to turn it into an audio book requires paying a voice actor etc.
Let's at least compare like with like here when accusing WOTC of doing something evil, lets also wait until DnD beyond is actually integrated and wizards has figured out what they are going to do moving forward. Also people seem to be ignoring the fact that Wizards has licensing deals still with Roll 20 and fantasy grounds, I can't see them being happy with DDB users getting physical access when there users don't as it will drive yet more people away from buying through them.
This is the one thing I completely hate about D&D Beyond; you have to buy the books twice at full price. Obviously an electronic copy of a book is much cheaper to produce and yet they charge the same price as the printed copy. To me, this is a complete rip-off and is preventing several of my friends getting a D&D Beyond account. I did buy the books, very irritability and grudgingly, because I needed them for what I was doing. But having to pay double for content was just, I thought, ridiculous. But, not having a choice, I had to do it.
Charging less for the electronic content would be nice. Charging full price is just plain greedy.
They charge quite a bit less for the digital copies though... Just for example, Fizban's is only 2/3 the price of the hard copy.
The compendium only version is 60% off the MSRP of physical copies. Full access to that stuff in their digital toolset is only an extra $10, which is still 40% cheaper than MSRP of a physical copy.
If you want to use the dndbeyond digital tool set so badly, why are you spending money on physical copies?
How to: Replace DEX in AC | Jump & Suffocation stats | Spell & class effect buff system | Wild Shape effect system | Tool Proficiencies as Custom Skills | Spells at higher levels explained | Superior Fighting/Martial Adept Fix | Snippet Codes Explored - Subclasses | Snippet Math Theory | Homebrew Weapons Explained
My: FEATS | MAGIC ITEMS | MONSTERS | SUBCLASSES Artificer Specialist: Weaveblade
Dndbeyond images not loading WORKAROUND FIXED!!! (TY Jay_Lane for original instructions)
This false equivalency between DDB books and physical books is silly. You say yourself you have the books, your friends have the books. What do the books lack that DDB brings to your game? That's what you're paying for, the capacity to do that. It isn't simply a pdf iteration
DDB is not essential to playing D&D anymore than minis or dice made out of precious stones, $10k game tables with cupholders, Beedle and Grimm editions, Wyrmwood accessories, etc.
As mentioned, DDB books are sold for less than the MSRP of physical copies. Moreover given the price point of content like Spelljammer in wake of the sale to WotC announcement, it's pretty clear that DDB price points are set in consultation with WotC. As I've said in many threads, WotC did not pay $140 million to give players free stuff. It paid that much money because it sees the potential of making more money from the D&D player base.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
Thanks all for your suggestion. I also want to know whether I should purchase a physical book or get it online thanks to all for answering my question. I was about to ask it in a new thread but now I don't need it because I found my answer here. I am reading all the information before buying a book because I have taken a loan by taking help from Fit My Money and I don't want to waste my money on this book. I love to read digital books and that is why I am also curious to buy this one.