Which edition of D&D should I buy?

Question

I want to get back into D&D. Simple fun with friends nothing too hardcore. Should I buy edition 3.5 now or wait untill edition 4? Edition 4 will cost more than twice the amount and doesn't release for several months.

Answer 1

if you're wanting to avoid the 'hardcore,' you might want to check out the SAVAGE WORLDS system by pinnacle. it's a far simpler game system than and version of D&D that emphasizes action and role-playing over extensive rules and level grinding. it's a generic system that you can adapt to any genre- there are quite a few published, as well as lots of free adaptations available on the internet, and the best part is: you only HAVE to buy one book! having played a LOT of different RPGs (D&D, call of cthulhu, champions, and others) over the years- this is a very fun and very satisfying game!

Answer 2

Any edition should work.  Technically, the game is agreed upon by the players and usually the final word on the rules should fall on the DM and not what a book says.  Many DMs make their games with a particular set of rules in mind.  A good DM will make this known to the players before the start of the game.  I knew a DM that would not allow certain special abilities in the game even when they are listed in the various books.  So, get whichever edition you can and work with it.  It is not like there is a D&D police squad out there.

Answer 3

The newest, you should get that becaue they simplified som of the rules for more casual players

Answer 4

The answer is really simple:  buy what your group will play.  If they are playing 3.5 until 4E comes out, go over to piazo.com and download their Pathfinder rules for free (Piazo is going to keep 3.5 as their rule set and are currently alpha testing it, so the rules are free.

If your group is moving on to 4E then just wait.  Costing twice the amount?  I don't know about that.  The three core books, PH, DMG, and MM cost about $30 each, and 4E will cost $35...so it's only 15 bucks (total more).

You can order the 4E gift set (all three books) on amazon.com for UNDER $60 >WITH< free shipping.  (that with a pre-order that comes with 5% off.

If I was you, I'd pre order the books, AND download the piazo rules for free.  That way you have them both, and with the Pathfinder rules, you're able to play now and won't need to invest heavy cash to do so.

Anyway, welcome back to the hobby.

Answer 5

I reccomend 3.x (3.5 edition)

I've been playing this game for over 20 years and through it all i have found 3.x to be my favorite edition.

You have almost limitless options for character design and the rules allow the game to flow quite smoothly so you can spend more time playing (either role playing or killing things and taking their stuff) than looking for rules.

Plus the simple fact is alot of people will switch to 4th and the 3.x books will become available on the market for dirt cheap.

Unfortuantly i have everything that has been put out for 3.x so i wont be getting anything cheap... :(