Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 HoboJustice Aug 06, 2014 12:39:30	When the info on 5e books was first revealed, there was a lot of criticism over the cost of the books as well as the total page count which could scare aware players. It was noted that other games like Numenera and 13th Age could be played with just one book which is a lot cheeper and demanded less reading than three core books. This really wasn't fair because not only is 5e supposed to be playable with just the PHB (and an internet connection), but if you were going to play another system seriously instead of D&D you're going to want more than a single book. So I wanted to make a more relevant comparison of the different game lines.   D&D 5E- 992 pages, $150 Dungeon Master's Guide- 320 pages, $50 Player's Handbook- 320 pages, $50 Monster Manual- 352 pages, $50   13th Age- 816 pages, $125 Core book- 320 pages, $45 13 True Ways*- 256 pages, $40 Bestiary- 240 pages, $40 *13 True ways is a collection of more classes, monsters, setting details and magic items   Numenera- 672 pages, $125 Core book- 416 pages, $60 Character Options- 96 pages, $25 (softcover) Ninth World Bestiary- 160 pages, $40   The books listed are what would provide roughly comparable content to the D&D core three and are the minimum most people would want if they are running campaigns regularly. When those are included, 5e is still more expensive but not by nearly as much and it provides better value on a per dollar basis. It's actually Numenera that looks dissapointing. It has the most expensive core book which makes the initial buy-in greater, but the Bestiary is really thin for its price. For just $10 more the 5e MM provides more than double the page count.   Overall, I think the price point and page count of 5e is appropriate. If you are happy with the base game, you could probably even dump the DMG in which case it's actually cheaper than the alternatives.
#2 TheLyons Aug 06, 2014 13:10:25	HoboJustice wrote:
#3 The_Jester Aug 06, 2014 16:45:21	I'm curious why the most obvious competititor, Pathfinder, is not listed. Or the other big sellers like Star Wars and Fate. 13th Age isn't even on the ICv2 chart any more and Numenera likely only placed because there's no physical D&D books. http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/29329.html   HoboJustice wrote:
#4 masterfat78 Aug 06, 2014 15:32:38	The fact that wizards might actually fix some mistakes in future reprints also is a bonus considering they where selling PHBs alongs side essentials with conflicting rules and some powers.
#5 Sturmunddrang Aug 06, 2014 16:19:59	5E seems to be half art.  I'm paying for rules, there is better art on the internet.
#6 KM.549 Aug 06, 2014 16:41:13	Pathfinder:  89.99  904 pages Core Book, covers PH and DMG in one book: 576 pages $49.99 Beastary: 328 pages $39.99
#7 ChrisCarlson Aug 06, 2014 16:49:11	KM.549 wrote:
(Reply to #6) CVB	KM.549 wrote:
#9 The_Jester Aug 06, 2014 16:50:00	Sturmunddrang wrote:
#10 Karnos Aug 06, 2014 17:16:29	Sturmunddrang wrote:
#11 HoboJustice Aug 06, 2014 17:16:55	The_Jester wrote:
#12 The_Jester Aug 06, 2014 17:19:48	CVB wrote:
#13 The_Jester Aug 06, 2014 17:36:03	HoboJustice wrote:
#14 Grazel Aug 06, 2014 17:44:46	The problem with most of these "one book to rule them all" TTRPG's is they're light on options for players and GMs alike, requiring you to buy sourcebooks which also often are split between player and GM information. If you're a GM this is fine, but if you're just a player you're often paying for a book that you use at most half of. Also since you end up needing source books you still end up with "book bloat" to play your characters. At least with the 3 core of D&D a player can likely just buy a single book and nothing more unless something comes out that they REALLY want.   Also if you don't have or aren't worried about supporting a local gaming/comic store and are willing to order online you can often get the core books for D&D (but not many other systems usually) online through major retailers for reduced cost (bn.com has the PHB for $31 and members get free express shipping, or if they buy it in store get 10% off the cover price which in my state means sales tax + a bit extra).   Also D&D with 5e also has the basic rules for those who want the core rules without buying anything, they'd just have limited options unless they're playing with others who have the books.
#15 CelticPaladin Aug 06, 2014 17:46:22	The prices are comparable. Not sure what more there is to say beyond that.
#16 AaronOfBarbaria Aug 06, 2014 17:51:57	No one is being "charged extra" when it comes to the D&D 5th edition books - the prices set for them are just what it costs to get books of that page count and production quality printed in the U.S.A. these days.   In fact, in the case of the Monster Manual, people are actually getting a better deal than the standard market prices because WotC decided to expand the page count and leave the price alone (despite being able to add about $5 to the price and it still be hitting the "normal price for the current market").
#17 lawrencehoy Aug 06, 2014 20:48:56	CVB wrote:
#18 Zardnaar Aug 06, 2014 20:54:52	At the worst it is overpriced by maybe $10 and you have to get 3 books whch makes it expensive. I'm kind of used to $10 PDFs now as well.
#19 JohnLynch Aug 07, 2014 9:16:47	The Jester wrote:
#20 Kravell Aug 07, 2014 10:03:05	Also, with PF, the Core Rulebook and the Bestiary are for experienced 3.5 GMs and players. There is little to no advice in there, almost all rules. Paizo put out a Gamemastery Book (and a Campaign Book) for newer GMs to help in building campaigns and worlds and is putting out a Strategy Guide for newer players to aid in making characters.