Will you still use the document or will it no longer offer you anything? Do you like the idea of a modern take on a self-contained game like the old Rules Cyclopedia or do you feel that you can replicate that feel with the PHB and MM? I'm just really curious about how people reconcile these things and compartmentalize them suit their needs and personalities.
For me, I initially thought that I would love having the separation of the two products like the old days of Basic and Advanced. Now, the more I see of the game, it seems that it is going to be so easy to run any sort of game that I want using the Core 3 (or even just the PHB and MM). I will definitely keep up with the changes to the Basic document and keep it up to date on my iPad, but I doubt that I will really use it much--possibly as a rules reference but I'm not even sure about that depending on the digital tools available. The only way I could see myself using Basic in the future is for a pick-up game for new players when I'm traveling--though again, depending on the digital tools it might be just as easy to use the full game.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing WotC for Basic D&D being something that it wasn't intended to be. I love the fact that they offered this game for free and I don't at all think of it as some sort of "cripleware." I'm just a person that tries to find specific uses and justifications for all things that I own. Its been interesting for me seeing a change in how I thought that I would have two distinct games to choose from to now feeling that I have one game t hat is going to allow me to do a lot of very distinct flavors of games. For me, this speaks to a really well-designed system that is both easily accessible to new players and containing a great deal of depth and options.
So what say you? Will Basic D&D be obsolete once you have the full game?
I guess I'll just file it away somewhere and use the PHB
I'll use it for monsters, magic items, and quick reference of basic rules. I'll keep a copy on my tablet to pass around the table if a second reference for common spells or other such things is needed.
I'm going to print a few copies of it out and have them nicely bound as table references. They can have all the Mountain Dew and pizza juices spilled on them while my PHB stays safe, secure and shiny in my hands.
I'll set it free. If it really loves me, it will return on its own.
Honestly though, I see basic as something that's mainly for beginning and casual players in my group, not necessarily for me.
Probably nothing. I still have to find a group to game with, so the MM and DMG will both probably be out before that happens.
It depends on how much of what from the MM and DMG gets added to it.
What I see as being most likely is that I will be using the Basic PDF for the majority of my planning, prep, running, and referencing - with the DMG sitting snuggly on the shelf because I only use it in the non-play "I'm building a new X" situations (races, subclasses, monsters - whatever tool-kits are in it) because I won't need many, if any, of the optional rules from it referenced during play.
The monster section, however, I assume will not be enough to sate my hunger for monsters (as I have an intense hunger for monsters).
In all likelyhood, my campaigns will primarily be run with no materials at the table besides my campaign notes and the Monster Manual for me to reference, and the players passing around a PHB as they need it (for spells).
I'm sticking with Basic for the most part, using only the core four races and classes (<-reflavoured a bit), with maybe a pinch of the Core from time to time as needed.
I'm glad it exists, and I'm going to use it (when it's done) to decide if we're even going to buy into 5e. If 5e becomes our group's new main game for a while, I suppose it won't be used much other than a 'disposable' printed table-aid, as someone else said, that can get stuff spilled on it and I won't care.
I know I'll be buying the MM regardless, as I often buy monster books for recreational reading and inspiration. I just like them that much.
I also hope it stays online and free for the whole run of 5e, if for nothing else, I can point people to it and always have it accessable in case of fire/flood/etc.
It'd be cool if Basic actually winds up being enough of a complete game to be truly playable and enjoyable with nothing else. But, I doubt it will be, in the end.
We point new players at the basic rules so they can get started. At our local FLGS the DM running wednesday nights gives out pregens from basic and if a player wants more advanced material we inform them that the PHB can be purchased in the store. This way people can play and we support our local FLGS once people get hooked.
Actually, one thing I think we'll all use it for at some point is to point new players towards. Someone asks you, "So... how do I learn D&D?" you just give them a link to the Basic PDF. I've already done this about ten times since it came out, without even really thinking about it.
And I think that's going to be it's main selling point and reason for existence.
Still, it is handy to have it as a knock-about table reference.
Once I'm done with it, I'll delete it from the internet.
I'll keep a printed and up-to-date copy around as an extra rules reference, assuming not everyone in my group gets their own PHB. Otherwise I'll probably just ignore it.
If someone were tight on money, I could see them skipping the PHB and just buying the MM. The basic pdf probably has everything some use anyway class wise. I know that I'm only missing the Paladin and otherwise basic has all I need. I could just say be a war cleric and be done with it. If there are extra spells and feats though that might be a reason.
If I do play 5e, and like some here I'm waiting on the DMG to make that decision, I might rewrite the basic pdf using the DMG optional rules as if they were the default choices. Then just give it out to the players. Those rules would be the offical rules and then I'd treat the PHB like a splat book. DM permission to use anything in that book.
I've been pondering the whole design premise of 5e. I like simple. I am though beginning to realize that it is an exceptions based game and not a system. In fact the only game that is a system is probably 3e. I like system games but I also want them to be simpler systems. For an example, take the rogues UMD. At 13th level, the rogue can suddenly use magic items and at 12th level the rogue cannot. It seems more sensible to me that UMD is something that you gradually get better at and that common magic items are usable at a lower level and perhaps the very hardest are usable at the highest levels. So that is one example. Right now UMD is just an exceptions based class feature.
Emerikol. wrote:
I'll probably use the Basic rules for more focused games with an old feel, and the PHB to introduce options if needed. I'm a big fan of boxed sets (such as the Red Box) and "limited" products (I mean it in the good way of limit). However, I see the MM as a must-have.
This christmas I'll be getting copies bound and giving them out as presents to lapsed players. Hopefully it'll be up to 1.0 at that point.
My father and brother are interested in the new edition (they haven't RPGed in forever), but don't wanna lay down the money. They're also not too terribly... digital oriented. Binding the Basic Rules will work very well for them I think.
[quote="Emerikol"]
For an example, take the rogues UMD. At 13th level, the rogue can suddenly use magic items and at 12th level the rogue cannot. It seems more sensible to me that UMD is something that you gradually get better at and that common magic items are usable at a lower level and perhaps the very hardest are usable at the highest levels. So that is one example. Right now UMD is just an exceptions based class feature.
[/quote]
There is a part of me that feels that way as well, but then I realize the logical conclusion of that is almost *every* class feature is like that. The "realistic"/simulationist way of doing it would be for players to have to basically "earn" their class features via roleplay/specific training. But then you end up with GURPS basically.
Several Players in my group are flat broke 90% of the time (between jobs, behind rent, no job, frequent and costly illnesses). For these guys the free Basic ruleset is PERFECT! They can't afford a PHB even at half the cost.
Other Players prefer to use a mobile device or tablet at the game table. Once again Basic fits the bill!
AaronOfBarbaria wrote:
I will print out the sections not duplicated in my PHB (monsters, DMG excerpts, etc).
Pyrate_Jib wrote:
Some parts of the basic rules are nifty to print out and have at the table. Like the conditions page. Where it takes up 2 in the PHB. Other than that id say PHB all the way. Though the basic rules are good for new players that want to break into the game with out spending a lot of cash up front before they figure out if they like it or not.
I will use it as an introduction when teaching new people the game. The fact that they can download or reference their own copies for free will help set the hooks in them.
The first taste is ALWAYS free...
In the absence of both a digital compendium and digital copies of the books, the Basic document will be a digital reference for me. I will use it to rapidly access rules, as needed, bookmark spells or the like that are contained therein, etc... Carrying an iPad mini in my bag, or even my phone in my pocket, is much easier than lugging around who knows how many books. I love digital materials.
I've already printed it and put it in a three ring binder, other than the updates I'll likely put it on the shelf. If I like the game that D&D 5e is with the complete rules then I'll use the books. If it doesn't play out according to what the Basic Rules details no matter: I will continue to play AD&D over all else.( I'll likely always play it anyway) I'll shelf my copy of the 5e Players Handbook right beside the Basic rules and rock on.
I've been in a 5e game for weeks now. When the PHB releases, any player that wants to can update his character, and the campaign will continue. No way I was waiting til then to start.
CelticPaladin wrote:
I intend to print out a good copy of the final 1.0 version and use it alongside the core set. I honestly picture myself using all four together rather equally. 
TiaNadiezja wrote:
I bought the Starter Set and PHB, plus downloaded the Basic rules. I'm sort of a traditionalist, so my plan at the moment is to stick mostly to the Basic PDF rules set with the "core four" races and classes, and perhaps supplement with a few extra options as players ask about them. (For example, if we have more than one fighter, I'd like them to be different from one another.)
I could potentially see it as a way to gradually introduce a new player. Hand them a printed copy of the PDF (relevant pages only) and let them create one of the 4 core classes if that had no other direction other than "I wanna play D&D with you guys". Once they've been playing, I can let them introduce themselves to the PHB at their own pace, without being overwhelmed at first.
I intend to stick with the basic for now, I am a great believer in keeping things simple. No doubt I will get around to getting the three core books from the FLGS at some point, but for now the Basic set will cover all my gaming needs. Once the basic set is updated and complete I'll get a copy printed off by a printer.
(Advice for WotC - they would do well considering the possibility of getting the finalised Basic PDFs set up as a Print on Demand somewhere. They could make a small profit on the printed version - whilst still keeping the PDF free to download. I am sure people would buy it, and they would not loose out on the cost to get it printed/distributed due to the way POD works).
My plan is to print & bind Basic after the "1.0" update in December and include it in the Starter Set box I'm giving to my nephew for Christmas. 
Eventually, it will be more up to date than your book.
Torg_Smith wrote:
TiaNadiezja wrote: