Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Binsk Oct 29, 2014 17:53:51	I've been interested in roleplaying games of a while now, but have never really investigated them. My question is first if I should buy the 5th edition or another, and if I truly need the starter kit. Is it more beneficial to have the starer kit if I plan on getting the player manual? Also why do some people like Pathfinder better?  From what I can tell D&D looks more enjoyable.
#2 Rhenny Oct 29, 2014 18:08:47	Welcome to the hobby.   If I were you, I'd try to play D&D 5e using the basic rules.  If you have a local game store nearby try out encounters.   If you like it then decide if you want to buy PHB or other products.     Pathfinder is a refined D&D 3.5e.  It has an established fan base, but the rules are more complex than 5e.  5e plays a bit faster and loser.  Some people like the way Pathfinder has a zillion character builds and big numbers for attacking and Defense (AC).  5e was basically designed to keep numbers more manageable.    In the end it comes down to personal choice and availability of games.  Personally I find 5e flexible and fun.  I find it hard to go back to 3.5e or Pathfinder (as both a DM and a player).
#3 bawylie Oct 29, 2014 18:09:48	The rules are free on the website. Sort of a basic version with 4 classes, rules to play, and some foes. It's good stuff and the price is right for trying it out.    The starter set has pregen characters and a nice adventure. Also priced well. But not necessary.    The caveat is, IMO (strictly IMO) if you're new, there's kind of a lot going on. Therefore I strongly recommend using pregenerated characters and playing the starter set. It's like learning to walk, in a sense. Or talk. Words before sentences. Sentences before novels, right?   Getting through the basic set adventure will teach you a lot. (So will we).    I might be the wrong person to ask about pathfinder. It's the once-hunky cousin of D&D's 3rd edition, but he got fat after college. That said, pathfinder's parent company routinely turns out products that are highly acclaimed. I don't use their adventures (write my own), but I have purchased a lot of peripheral materials.    Youll try a lot of stuff before settling into your particular wheelhouse. D&D's 5th edition is as simple or complex as you like. Good luck.
#4 Artifact Oct 29, 2014 18:16:21	There are a lot of tabletop fantasy roleplaying games out there.  D&D is the best known.  Which means there's also a lot of 'spin-offs'.  Pathfinder is one such game (it's an update of the earlier D&D 3.5 edition --which was a revision of original 3rd edition).  Anyway, lots of games; everybody seems to have favorites.  The current edition of D&D is 5th edition (sometimes called 'D&D Next').   Earlier editions are still being played but they're all outta print.  Spinoff games like Pathfinder are a nice because it means on-going support for an earlier system (one many players are already familiar with). My favorite game of D&D is 4e.  It's very different from the other editions, which is why I also enjoy 5e, because it's *traditional*.  So, with two games of D&D, I've never had time to check out Pathfinder (I did play v3.5, the game its related to). Maybe someday.   The Starter Set is nice if you're unfamiliar with tabletop RPGs.  If you're ready for the Player's Handbook, that's good.  The Starter Set has a solid introductory adventure but otherwise there's nothing that isn't already available in the PHB. For me, it's a luxury buy.
#5 seti Oct 29, 2014 18:49:53	Like everyone else, I'd recommend the Starter Set first, and then the free PDFs second. If you (and your friends; D&D isn't a solo experience) are still into it, and want more, then think about stuff like the hardcover rulebooks. Earlier editions of D&D and other TTRPGs are great too, for lots of different reasons. The nice thing about 5e, with the starter set, is that the buy in is cheap, and the rules, adventure, and pre-gen characters are nice and simple.   It is a fun, and addictive, hobby when you get into it. But, it can be hard to learn and play without a like-minded group and/or an experienced player/DM to 'mentor' you for a bit.   Hope you have fun!
#6 Binsk Oct 30, 2014 17:39:45	Thanks for the response so far. I plan on playing D&D encounters and maybe playing with some friends using an online platform. I was wondering what would best prepare for for playing with others who already know about D&D. If I took the time to understand the Players handbook, would it be more beneficial than the starter set, or should I focus on the starter set first and then buy the handbook? Also is there a good youtube channel where I could watch some gameplay of 5e?
(Reply to #6) Rhenny	Binsk wrote:
#8 Timborama Oct 31, 2014 8:23:01	Depends. I'm the kind of guy who snags the whole rulebook and reads it cover-to-cover. For fun.   But you may want to immerse yourself without being overwhelmed. If so, stick with the basic rules for now, then read little chunks at a time (races first, then maybe classes, next week try combat section, then go for feats and equipment, then read up on ability scores and skills, stuff like that).   Also, your friends can help you in the meantime. And if not, well, we're here!