Should i learn dungeons and dragons version 3.5 or 4

Question

I am just starting out DM'ing for a group of kids (9 -11, my sons and their friends). Should I start with 3.5 or go straight to 4? I notice in the game stores that are not stocking much of 3.5 so I am thinking about going straight to 4, what do you think?

Answer 1

4.0 will be easier for the kids to learn so best bet is to go with 4.0  

Answer 2

If you have not invested too heavily into D&D 3.5, then I would go with 4.

Some of the 'improvements' with the new edition will make it easier on them as well (such as an easier skill system), and they will probably like the idea of getting powers at every level.

The major 'con' of 4th edition is the lack of additional resources. Whereas in 3.5, there are a lot of supplement books and fan-content available.

Unless that is a big concern for you, then I would just go with the new edition.

Answer 3

You should go with 3.5. The books for it will be going on sale because people will be wanting to get rid of them.

AND....

As opposed to 4e, you know there is an end in sight to the 3.5 materials. With 4e, they will be re-cycling all the 3.5 books and trying to wring more money out of you with other accessories.

If you do go 4e, you should be able to get the idea behind a 3.5 adventure and reverse engineer it with 4e mechanics.

Answer 4

Umm, you could steal story ideas from 3.5 adventures, but that would be about it.  The systems are different enough that it would be quite a bit of work to recreate whole adventures accurately in the new edition.

Thankfully, though, 4e will have lots of adventures very soon.  There is one published adventure in stores already (Keep on the Shadowfell) and follow-ups to it one the way.  In addition, the RPGA (Role Playing Games Association) will have LOADS of FREE adventures for its "Living Forgotten Realms" campaign.  The first batch of fifteen or so should be released later this month, and more will follow in short order.

If you aren't familiar with the RPGA, you should check it out.  It's totally free, and they have a cool "organized play" setup, part of which is the free adventures I mentioned.  They're at wizards.com/rpga, I believe.    

Answer 5

Have you considered 1st Edition?  There is a tremendous online community of 1E players, many of whom have been playing for 30 years.  The hardcover books are available on eBay or can be purchased in downloadable PDF format for $4 each.

In the forums at Dragonsfoot you'll find a lot of people who are new to 1E, as well as those teaching it to their kids. My 12 yo started DM'ing last year ... he's doing fine!

Food for thought ...

Answer 6

While it's true that 4E materials are supplanting 3.5 in stores, something to consider is that there is a LOT of 3.5 material in print and much of it will be moving into reduced-list bins or pop up on eBay, etc. If you don't want to make a major outlay right off, you might go 3.5 to start with. OTOH, a lot depends on the player base in you area. If most of the estabished gaming groups are moving to 4, you might want to do likewise. (Of course, if your group isn't likely to game outside your immediate circle, this is less of an issue, but something to think about.)

Answer 7

play 4e.