How can I start getting into Dungeons and Dragons?

Question

I know the 4th edition is coming up early next year...I would just like to know what set I should buy to start playing D&D? I don't really have a limited budget...but nothing TOO expensive.

Thanks.

Answer 1

If you want to play AD&D cheaply and you have other people around who have played it in the past, you can buy AD&D second edition pretty cheaply at used book stores, eBay, etc.. (The current version is 4th.) One thing to keep in mind that that, while 1st and 2nd edition are pretty similar, 3rd is different and 4th is different again, almost to the point of being unrelated games. Which one you go with should depend on your play style, and what your friends want to play. 4th edition is more tactical and more geared towards playing superhero characters, and 1st and 2nd are grittier and maybe more fantastic and wild. http://www.therpgsite.com/ can tell you more.

Answer 2

If you don't know much about it...then just buy the Player's Handbook for now and try to find a game. The local paper is always game for that. Sometimes libraries will want to start a game also.

Answer 3

Actually 4th edition is already out. It came out in June of this year. To get started you'll need the 3 core books (Players Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual).

If you can find a group of people that already play, you should only need the Player's Handbook since the other 2 are for DMs mostly. If you don't have a group that plays already, then you'll need to find some others that are interested in playing and you'll need all 3 of the books.

Dice will also be needed. One each of the following as a minimum 20, 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4 sided dice. I typically recommend 2 of the 10 sided and about 4 of the 6 sided.

Answer 4

Actually you only need the Player's Handbook if you want to play.  You will need the other 2 books to DM.  Check out your local comic/gaming supply store or a bookstore as they might have a group that meets there regularly.