I’m brand new to D&D 5E and would like to buy one of the boxed sets. I can’t decide between the Starter Kit and the Essentials Kit. What are some advantages and disadvantages of each one?
By way of background, I’ve played every other edition of D&D and am most familiar with v.3.5. I’ve been playing RPG’s for many years, so I understand the concept, and I’m planning to teach the game to my kids. I’m not opposed to buying both kits as long as there won’t be too much duplicated content.
The Starters kit includes a great adventure, that is relatively easy to run with minimal dming experience. It posses everything out in a clear and understanding why, as well with a few premade characters, and a rulebook with some information. The essential kit adventure is a bit more complicated than the Starter kit, but is easy enough to learn. But it does include a dm screen, and a rulebook with some brief info on how to create a character, and couple class to pick from. All in all, technically speaking the essentials kit probably is a better bang for your buck, but the starter kit adventure in my opinion is amazing. Also the essentials includes a map of the area, and town, which both adventures take place in.
I wouldn't bother with either, to be honest. You'll probably have the stuff that comes with it (dice, DM screen, etc), and the adventures are pretty meh. I'd run Lost Mine of Phandelver as an intro (it's free here on DDB) and then just dive into a full adventure. If you do want to run the adventures (Dragons of Stormwreck Isle & Dragon of Icespire Peak), you can get them here on DDB for cheaper. But to be honest, they're pretty expensive for what they are.
I'd only recommend buying either of the kits to people who are trying D&D for the first time and so don't have any of the stuff ready and don't want to commit to getting things in bulk (which is cheaper per unit but risks more). Even then, I'd be doing so through gritted teeth.
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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.
It really depends on what you’re picking one for. Since you mentioned teaching your kids (love that btw), I’d maybe look into Starter Set. It’s a bit more linear and on the rails for starter players who may have issues coming up with their own decisions.
The Essentials Kit is awesome but it’s much more sandbox and has players make more decisions on what direction they go in. Has great resources like Sidekicks and Magic Item cards too mine came with a DM Screen, which is handy if you want a one-stop package for trying 5e
You won’t get much repeated content. The new Starter Set is based around an island and the Essentials Kit is based out of a frontier town. If you get the old starter kit, that adventure takes place in the same town as the Essentials Kit but there’s enough differences to keep things seperate. The adventure in the old Starter Kit is also free on DnDBeyond, the Lost Mines of Phandelver. I will add that they’re releasing a full blown campaign/adventure based on that area called Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk later this year.
For new DM i'd suggest going with Lost Mine of Phandelver over Dragon of Icespire Peak as it may be simpler to run being more linear as opposed to more sandboxy.
Gave Starter Set to a teacher for her lower elementary children, she talked like an old pro after reading it over the weekend. She liked the pre-generated characters. You might find it easier to read, my "How to Play D&D: A Quick Guide for New Players" you can download here: Dungeons-and-Dragons-Quick-Guide.pdf
For new DM i'd suggest going with Lost Mine of Phandelver over Dragon of Icespire Peak as it may be simpler to run being more linear as opposed to more sandboxy.
As someone who has just DMed for the first time using Lost Mines of Phandelver it was really accessible, everything was explained well and fairly linear so I knew exactly what to prep each session. However by the end (only took 6 sessions) I was already feeling a bit constrained by it. Looking through the Essentials kit Dragon of Icespire Peak has a lot more of a sandbox feel and is slightly longer so there's more freedom to play around and add your own bits in.
If you buy the physical Essentials Kit it also has a D&D Beyond download code for Dragon of Icespire Peak and several short add on campaigns so you can continue playing very easily where as the Lost Mines campaign just ends at level 4 or 5 and leaves you without much guidance on where to go after
As someone who has just DMed for the first time using Lost Mines of Phandelver it was really accessible, everything was explained well and fairly linear so I knew exactly what to prep each session.
You must have had some really obedient players - I found it was very awkwardly written because it assumed a certain approach to everything, and once players decide to do something slightly off, it causes mayhem with the module.
Looking through the Essentials kit Dragon of Icespire Peak has a lot more of a sandbox feel and is slightly longer so there's more freedom to play around and add your own bits in.
That's true. It's a double-edged sword - the narrative is harder to work in, but there is much more freedom.
If you buy the physical Essentials Kit it also has a D&D Beyond download code for Dragon of Icespire Peak and several short add on campaigns so you can continue playing very easily where as the Lost Mines campaign just ends at level 4 or 5 and leaves you without much guidance on where to go after
This is only true now if you buy the physical + digital bundle, which pushes the price right up (beyond what I'd want to pay for it, given the quality of the adventure). They stopped including the digital parts as standard a year ago, give or take.
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.
We ran the Essentials Kit, and really enjoyed it. It goes to level 6, and you can run the follow-on trilogy to level 12.
The quests are small and easily digestible. Most are 2 pages (including the half-page map). It took my players 17 three-hour sessions to complete Dragon of Icespire Peak (from the Essentials Kit). I haven't kept track of how many sessions we've spent on the follow-on trilogy, but it's been more than that.
But as long as your players make PCs that want to help the people of Phandalin, you'll be good with either adventure.
Thanks for all of the responses so far, you’ve all definitely given me a lot to think about! I think I’m leaning more toward the Essentials Kit at this point, but I’m not 100% sure. It seems like you get more for your money, which I like. But on the other hand, the more linear approach to the Starter Set might help my daughter learn the game better (she’s 6). Guess I’ll have to toss this one around some more …
Thanks for all of the responses so far, you’ve all definitely given me a lot to think about! I think I’m leaning more toward the Essentials Kit at this point, but I’m not 100% sure. It seems like you get more for your money, which I like. But on the other hand, the more linear approach to the Starter Set might help my daughter learn the game better (she’s 6). Guess I’ll have to toss this one around some more …
If it's any help, as others have said, the adventure included in the original Starter Set (Lost Mine of Phandelver) is free on D&D Beyond, so if you know what you're doing you could combine both Lost Mine and Dragon of Icespire Peak, since they both take place in and around Phandalin
The new Starter Set takes place elsewhere, on Stormwreck Isle
I would get both. Why? Because the Starter set and the essentials kit holds a lot of useful stuff. To make thing interesting you can pick bits and pieces from both adventures and make you own unique experience that suits your players. What I also find useful, part from the extra dice, cards and pregen, is the take on how to outline adventures and locations. With a minimal bit of imagination you can expand on the areas to suit your and your group's needs. I've been playing (DMing) D&D since the first edition and I really like the simplicity of these introductory set.
In short, both are great buys. I can really recommend them.
A six year old? I think that changes things! I think the rules are going to be far too much for a six year old. I would basically let the child lead the story and let them go and do wherever they want. I wouldn't even use character sheets. Just have them describe the kind of character they want to make and just go for it. I would go very slow and let them describe the world they are in, the bad guys they want to face, and the quests they want to go on.
A six year old? I think that changes things! I think the rules are going to be far too much for a six year old. I would basically let the child lead the story and let them go and do wherever they want. I wouldn't even use character sheets. Just have them describe the kind of character they want to make and just go for it. I would go very slow and let them describe the world they are in, the bad guys they want to face, and the quests they want to go on.
Good luck!
Idk, a friend of mine has a 6-7 year old son, who can easily grasp gameplay mechanics and rules. Obviously will be different depending on the individual, but kids are often smarter than people give them credit for.
So I think I’ve decided to buy both sets! You all did a really good job explaining them - exactly what I was hoping for. I see a lot of benefits in each of them.
With a promotion at work coming soon, and having just taken my 10-year-old to see Honor Among Thieves (we loved it!), the timing couldn’t be better!
I don't kow how bright your 6 year old is they are all different but my kids were no way ready for DnD at 6, I'm just learning the game myself to play it with when they reach 10 and 11 respectively.
There is a game out there called HeroKids very DnD like but very straightforward rules. You can get it on Drive Thru RPG or search on Facebook for HeroKids. It's nicely written there are a ton of adventures and very easy for yongsters to learn
Hello everyone,
I’m brand new to D&D 5E and would like to buy one of the boxed sets. I can’t decide between the Starter Kit and the Essentials Kit. What are some advantages and disadvantages of each one?
By way of background, I’ve played every other edition of D&D and am most familiar with v.3.5. I’ve been playing RPG’s for many years, so I understand the concept, and I’m planning to teach the game to my kids. I’m not opposed to buying both kits as long as there won’t be too much duplicated content.
Thanks in advance!
The Starters kit includes a great adventure, that is relatively easy to run with minimal dming experience. It posses everything out in a clear and understanding why, as well with a few premade characters, and a rulebook with some information. The essential kit adventure is a bit more complicated than the Starter kit, but is easy enough to learn. But it does include a dm screen, and a rulebook with some brief info on how to create a character, and couple class to pick from. All in all, technically speaking the essentials kit probably is a better bang for your buck, but the starter kit adventure in my opinion is amazing. Also the essentials includes a map of the area, and town, which both adventures take place in.
I wouldn't bother with either, to be honest. You'll probably have the stuff that comes with it (dice, DM screen, etc), and the adventures are pretty meh. I'd run Lost Mine of Phandelver as an intro (it's free here on DDB) and then just dive into a full adventure. If you do want to run the adventures (Dragons of Stormwreck Isle & Dragon of Icespire Peak), you can get them here on DDB for cheaper. But to be honest, they're pretty expensive for what they are.
I'd only recommend buying either of the kits to people who are trying D&D for the first time and so don't have any of the stuff ready and don't want to commit to getting things in bulk (which is cheaper per unit but risks more). Even then, I'd be doing so through gritted teeth.
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.
It really depends on what you’re picking one for. Since you mentioned teaching your kids (love that btw), I’d maybe look into Starter Set. It’s a bit more linear and on the rails for starter players who may have issues coming up with their own decisions.
The Essentials Kit is awesome but it’s much more sandbox and has players make more decisions on what direction they go in. Has great resources like Sidekicks and Magic Item cards too mine came with a DM Screen, which is handy if you want a one-stop package for trying 5e
You won’t get much repeated content. The new Starter Set is based around an island and the Essentials Kit is based out of a frontier town. If you get the old starter kit, that adventure takes place in the same town as the Essentials Kit but there’s enough differences to keep things seperate. The adventure in the old Starter Kit is also free on DnDBeyond, the Lost Mines of Phandelver. I will add that they’re releasing a full blown campaign/adventure based on that area called Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk later this year.
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For new DM i'd suggest going with Lost Mine of Phandelver over Dragon of Icespire Peak as it may be simpler to run being more linear as opposed to more sandboxy.
Gave Starter Set to a teacher for her lower elementary children, she talked like an old pro after reading it over the weekend. She liked the pre-generated characters. You might find it easier to read, my "How to Play D&D: A Quick Guide for New Players" you can download here: Dungeons-and-Dragons-Quick-Guide.pdf
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good advice I agree with your comment
As someone who has just DMed for the first time using Lost Mines of Phandelver it was really accessible, everything was explained well and fairly linear so I knew exactly what to prep each session. However by the end (only took 6 sessions) I was already feeling a bit constrained by it. Looking through the Essentials kit Dragon of Icespire Peak has a lot more of a sandbox feel and is slightly longer so there's more freedom to play around and add your own bits in.
If you buy the physical Essentials Kit it also has a D&D Beyond download code for Dragon of Icespire Peak and several short add on campaigns so you can continue playing very easily where as the Lost Mines campaign just ends at level 4 or 5 and leaves you without much guidance on where to go after
You must have had some really obedient players - I found it was very awkwardly written because it assumed a certain approach to everything, and once players decide to do something slightly off, it causes mayhem with the module.
That's true. It's a double-edged sword - the narrative is harder to work in, but there is much more freedom.
This is only true now if you buy the physical + digital bundle, which pushes the price right up (beyond what I'd want to pay for it, given the quality of the adventure). They stopped including the digital parts as standard a year ago, give or take.
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.
We ran the Essentials Kit, and really enjoyed it. It goes to level 6, and you can run the follow-on trilogy to level 12.
The quests are small and easily digestible. Most are 2 pages (including the half-page map). It took my players 17 three-hour sessions to complete Dragon of Icespire Peak (from the Essentials Kit). I haven't kept track of how many sessions we've spent on the follow-on trilogy, but it's been more than that.
But as long as your players make PCs that want to help the people of Phandalin, you'll be good with either adventure.
Good luck!
Why not both Starter Kit and the Essentials?
Thanks for all of the responses so far, you’ve all definitely given me a lot to think about! I think I’m leaning more toward the Essentials Kit at this point, but I’m not 100% sure. It seems like you get more for your money, which I like. But on the other hand, the more linear approach to the Starter Set might help my daughter learn the game better (she’s 6). Guess I’ll have to toss this one around some more …
If it's any help, as others have said, the adventure included in the original Starter Set (Lost Mine of Phandelver) is free on D&D Beyond, so if you know what you're doing you could combine both Lost Mine and Dragon of Icespire Peak, since they both take place in and around Phandalin
The new Starter Set takes place elsewhere, on Stormwreck Isle
[REDACTED]
I would get both. Why? Because the Starter set and the essentials kit holds a lot of useful stuff. To make thing interesting you can pick bits and pieces from both adventures and make you own unique experience that suits your players.
What I also find useful, part from the extra dice, cards and pregen, is the take on how to outline adventures and locations. With a minimal bit of imagination you can expand on the areas to suit your and your group's needs.
I've been playing (DMing) D&D since the first edition and I really like the simplicity of these introductory set.
In short, both are great buys. I can really recommend them.
A six year old? I think that changes things! I think the rules are going to be far too much for a six year old. I would basically let the child lead the story and let them go and do wherever they want. I wouldn't even use character sheets. Just have them describe the kind of character they want to make and just go for it. I would go very slow and let them describe the world they are in, the bad guys they want to face, and the quests they want to go on.
Good luck!
Idk, a friend of mine has a 6-7 year old son, who can easily grasp gameplay mechanics and rules. Obviously will be different depending on the individual, but kids are often smarter than people give them credit for.
[REDACTED]
So I think I’ve decided to buy both sets! You all did a really good job explaining them - exactly what I was hoping for. I see a lot of benefits in each of them.
With a promotion at work coming soon, and having just taken my 10-year-old to see Honor Among Thieves (we loved it!), the timing couldn’t be better!
Thanks again!
I don't kow how bright your 6 year old is they are all different but my kids were no way ready for DnD at 6, I'm just learning the game myself to play it with when they reach 10 and 11 respectively.
There is a game out there called HeroKids very DnD like but very straightforward rules. You can get it on Drive Thru RPG or search on Facebook for HeroKids. It's nicely written there are a ton of adventures and very easy for yongsters to learn
Thanks for the tip, I’ll check it out!