Apparently and unfortunately, it seems like the physical boxed Essentials Kits no longer come with codes that unlock content on Beyond, as I have recently came across this and this thread. On Reddit, a user reported not being able to find the codes too. Wizard's main site for the Essentials Kit also no longer mentions about having codes to digital content.
Since new GMs and players sometimes browse the forums and social media looking for advice from the community on how to start, they might be relying on outdated information on which products to purchase. I have not noticed Wizards and Beyond announcing anything about this, so I figure that it is up to us the community to be transparent and inform new hobbyists of the change in case the topic of what to purchase ever comes up, especially in regards to the boxed sets.
With the recent overall changes, the biggest impact for me is that I will no longer recommend EK for new GMs and players. Before the change, while EK's DOIP never felt as polished as the Starter Kit's LMOP, EK overall does have much better value compared to SK due to the codes. With the codes no longer being part of the deal, I do not think the extra physical trinkets in EK is enough to beat the quality of SK's LMOP. And with LMOP being free on Beyond, the value proposition for the physical SK is much better now.
Starter Kit is scheduled to be replaced end of this month with a new SK, maybe WotC is phasing out both the prior SK and the EK in favor of this product (though I see no DDB mention in the promo material for the new Starter Kit)? Also seems weird to modify a new print run of the EK by removing what used to be an "essential" component of the EK.
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Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
As GammaRay pointed out, access to DDB content via the Essentials Kit was in fact advertised on WotC's product page for the Essentials kit until very recently.
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Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
Think it was known prior to this that non-English versions of the kit never had codes?
I wasn't complaining. To the contrary I was simply pointing out that it is not the case that all printings have those codes. They are not an advertised feature of the boxed set, either.
It was an advertised feature of the Essentials Kit in English. It wasn't very prominently displayed, but it was there.
At this point in time, I don't think I'd recommend any starting kit. Perhaps they'll do something to make the new one worth it, but neither current ones are particularly worth it now. The stuff you get with them are low quality, but at least with the EK you had the Beyond Icespire Peak Trilogy to top it up to a full adventure. Sure, it wasn't a great quality one, but you had everything you needed to do a decentish adventure while you decided whether you liked it or not.
Now, it's a shortish adventure (not as short as LMoP, but certainly on the short side) that definitely doesn't keep up with other ones in terms of quality. The rules are available for free. The DM screen is optional anyway and isn't of great quality at all - since I got a nice one with the core rules, I've never used the EK one. The magic item cards...maybe? We stopped using them in favour of lists, it was just easier to manage. The dice are really good (4d6 is really useful for character generation, 2d20 is pretty nice), even if their quality is average. I think I'd just recommend using the free basic rules, buying your own dice and getting a proper adventure.
The current Starter Set is even worse value.
It's a shame, because the EK used to be a really nice introduction to D&D5e, and the only criticism I really had was the adventures could have been better, but was fine with it as the cost was low in comparison. Unless they've changed it so you get a physical copy of the BIP trilogy instead, then it's a pretty mediocre product.
I'm also curious as to the future of DDB. I would never have come here if it weren't for the EK freebie, and I know several others are in that same category. Maybe it won't make a difference, but I'm curious how site traffic will be affected now that the EK won't be tempting people to come here.
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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.
Starter Kit is scheduled to be replaced end of this month with a new SK, maybe WotC is phasing out both the prior SK and the EK in favor of this product (though I see no DDB mention in the promo material for the new Starter Kit)? Also seems weird to modify a new print run of the EK by removing what used to be an "essential" component of the EK.
Yeah, I am not sure if modifying EK to exclude the codes is a good idea from a PR standpoint, since some new people who have engaged with the community before buying the product may have gotten outdated information and would be disappointed.
I knew that they are releasing a new box set, but I did not know that they would phase out the Starter Kit. Well, LMOP is free online now, so it is not a huge loss in my opinion, but it is nice to have the the physical booklet to accompany the digital version in my opinion.
Wait, did mine have a code?! I got it a year or so ago.
Check it. I bought mine in August 2021 and had codes. It'll say on the box if it did (you may have lost the sheet that had the codes on or threw it away).
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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.
Though I joined DDB at the very beginning, I was very wary of purchasing on the site because I was concerned that WoTC would pull the plug one day. When I got the Essentials Kit and saw the codes and the 50% off PHB coupon in an official product I gained enough confidence to invest in the digital books. A Legendary Bundle sale code later and I was all in. Had the EK not had those codes I may never have given DDB my money.
Though I joined DDB at the very beginning, I was very wary of purchasing on the site because I was concerned that WoTC would pull the plug one day. When I got the Essentials Kit and saw the codes and the 50% off PHB coupon in an official product I gained enough confidence to invest in the digital books. A Legendary Bundle sale code later and I was all in. Had the EK not had those codes I may never have given DDB my money.
Yeah, I think the old EK is a great value due to the much bigger adventure. The new EK on the other hand, not so much, with basically its adventure being cut by 75%, not to mention the 50% off PHB code.
Unfortunately, even with Wizards acquiring Beyond now, it seems like future physical-digital bundles would be limited to one box set at a time, so we cannot even keep the old EK.
No. That's about retroactive grants. The main problem with including codes with physical copies is that it's easy to steal or scan the code, but I would expect that to be less of an issue with boxed sets as it's less expected that it's possible to open them in the store.
No. That's about retroactive grants. The main problem with including codes with physical copies is that it's easy to steal or scan the code, but I would expect that to be less of an issue with boxed sets as it's less expected that it's possible to open them in the store.
Unfortunately, there is no possibility of backwards granting access to content on D&D Beyond, for free, based on physical books you already own.
On top of other reasons, there is no way to legitimately discern who has purchased a physical book (barcodes/receipts etc are not viable).
With regards future book purchases, we are exploring options. We're not able to share what that might look like as, at this point, it's still exploratory.
Whilst probably not the answer that you wanted to read, I hope this provides the answer requested.
Though I joined DDB at the very beginning, I was very wary of purchasing on the site because I was concerned that WoTC would pull the plug one day. When I got the Essentials Kit and saw the codes and the 50% off PHB coupon in an official product I gained enough confidence to invest in the digital books. A Legendary Bundle sale code later and I was all in. Had the EK not had those codes I may never have given DDB my money.
Yeah, I think the old EK is a great value due to the much bigger adventure. The new EK on the other hand, not so much, with basically its adventure being cut by 75%, not to mention the 50% off PHB code.
Unfortunately, even with Wizards acquiring Beyond now, it seems like future physical-digital bundles would be limited to one box set at a time, so we cannot even keep the old EK.
More like 50%. While the number of adventures has been reduced by 75%, the additional ones were all substantially shorter and combined, in terms of levels progressed, were actually still shorter than the original DoIP adventure (which took characters from L1-7, the BIP trilogy took them from L7-13). BN it yeah, it's a massive blow. Unless they're replacing that kind of feature in the new SS, I don't think I'll be recommending any starter packs anymore. They're just generally low quality. At least EK had everything you needed plus a decent length adventure. Now, it's just throwing money away on the off chance that you don't like D&D.
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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.
Apparently and unfortunately, it seems like the physical boxed Essentials Kits no longer come with codes that unlock content on Beyond, as I have recently came across this and this thread. On Reddit, a user reported not being able to find the codes too. Wizard's main site for the Essentials Kit also no longer mentions about having codes to digital content.
Since new GMs and players sometimes browse the forums and social media looking for advice from the community on how to start, they might be relying on outdated information on which products to purchase. I have not noticed Wizards and Beyond announcing anything about this, so I figure that it is up to us the community to be transparent and inform new hobbyists of the change in case the topic of what to purchase ever comes up, especially in regards to the boxed sets.
With the recent overall changes, the biggest impact for me is that I will no longer recommend EK for new GMs and players. Before the change, while EK's DOIP never felt as polished as the Starter Kit's LMOP, EK overall does have much better value compared to SK due to the codes. With the codes no longer being part of the deal, I do not think the extra physical trinkets in EK is enough to beat the quality of SK's LMOP. And with LMOP being free on Beyond, the value proposition for the physical SK is much better now.
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 >
Starter Kit is scheduled to be replaced end of this month with a new SK, maybe WotC is phasing out both the prior SK and the EK in favor of this product (though I see no DDB mention in the promo material for the new Starter Kit)? Also seems weird to modify a new print run of the EK by removing what used to be an "essential" component of the EK.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
Think it was known prior to this that non-English versions of the kit never had codes?
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
As GammaRay pointed out, access to DDB content via the Essentials Kit was in fact advertised on WotC's product page for the Essentials kit until very recently.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
It was an advertised feature of the Essentials Kit in English. It wasn't very prominently displayed, but it was there.
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At this point in time, I don't think I'd recommend any starting kit. Perhaps they'll do something to make the new one worth it, but neither current ones are particularly worth it now. The stuff you get with them are low quality, but at least with the EK you had the Beyond Icespire Peak Trilogy to top it up to a full adventure. Sure, it wasn't a great quality one, but you had everything you needed to do a decentish adventure while you decided whether you liked it or not.
Now, it's a shortish adventure (not as short as LMoP, but certainly on the short side) that definitely doesn't keep up with other ones in terms of quality. The rules are available for free. The DM screen is optional anyway and isn't of great quality at all - since I got a nice one with the core rules, I've never used the EK one. The magic item cards...maybe? We stopped using them in favour of lists, it was just easier to manage. The dice are really good (4d6 is really useful for character generation, 2d20 is pretty nice), even if their quality is average. I think I'd just recommend using the free basic rules, buying your own dice and getting a proper adventure.
The current Starter Set is even worse value.
It's a shame, because the EK used to be a really nice introduction to D&D5e, and the only criticism I really had was the adventures could have been better, but was fine with it as the cost was low in comparison. Unless they've changed it so you get a physical copy of the BIP trilogy instead, then it's a pretty mediocre product.
I'm also curious as to the future of DDB. I would never have come here if it weren't for the EK freebie, and I know several others are in that same category. Maybe it won't make a difference, but I'm curious how site traffic will be affected now that the EK won't be tempting people to come here.
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.
Yeah, I am not sure if modifying EK to exclude the codes is a good idea from a PR standpoint, since some new people who have engaged with the community before buying the product may have gotten outdated information and would be disappointed.
I knew that they are releasing a new box set, but I did not know that they would phase out the Starter Kit. Well, LMOP is free online now, so it is not a huge loss in my opinion, but it is nice to have the the physical booklet to accompany the digital version in my opinion.
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 >
Wait, did mine have a code?! I got it a year or so ago.
Check it. I bought mine in August 2021 and had codes. It'll say on the box if it did (you may have lost the sheet that had the codes on or threw it away).
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.
I wonder if it has something to do with this: (https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/d-d-beyond-feedback/144748-dnd-beyond-codes-from-physical-d-d-books?comment=5).
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Though I joined DDB at the very beginning, I was very wary of purchasing on the site because I was concerned that WoTC would pull the plug one day. When I got the Essentials Kit and saw the codes and the 50% off PHB coupon in an official product I gained enough confidence to invest in the digital books. A Legendary Bundle sale code later and I was all in. Had the EK not had those codes I may never have given DDB my money.
Yeah, I think the old EK is a great value due to the much bigger adventure. The new EK on the other hand, not so much, with basically its adventure being cut by 75%, not to mention the 50% off PHB code.
Unfortunately, even with Wizards acquiring Beyond now, it seems like future physical-digital bundles would be limited to one box set at a time, so we cannot even keep the old EK.
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 >
No. That's about retroactive grants. The main problem with including codes with physical copies is that it's easy to steal or scan the code, but I would expect that to be less of an issue with boxed sets as it's less expected that it's possible to open them in the store.
Reread what she wrote about future publications.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
More like 50%. While the number of adventures has been reduced by 75%, the additional ones were all substantially shorter and combined, in terms of levels progressed, were actually still shorter than the original DoIP adventure (which took characters from L1-7, the BIP trilogy took them from L7-13). BN it yeah, it's a massive blow. Unless they're replacing that kind of feature in the new SS, I don't think I'll be recommending any starter packs anymore. They're just generally low quality. At least EK had everything you needed plus a decent length adventure. Now, it's just throwing money away on the off chance that you don't like D&D.
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.
I was just helping a person who recently bought the Essentials kit after recommendations from people.
He told me, "everyone kept telling me about the DNDB code, but I don't see one here"
After walking him through the entire box and him sending me pictures of the sheet minus any codes, I googled it and found this thread.
I'm just glad I could help him find the right tools now that wotc is removing content and not lowering prices.