D&D newbies will have to wait more than a year for an up-to-date starter set

Tabletop GamingDungeons & DragonsD&D newbies will have to wait more than a year for an up-to-date starter setWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Tabletop GamingDungeons & DragonsD&D newbies will have to wait more than a year for an up-to-date starter setWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Wizards of the Coast)

adventurers leaning over a spellbook Dungeons and Dragons

If you were hoping to rope someone you know into their first-ever game of D&D anytime soon, you’re going to be in a bit of a pickle. That’s because, according to the recently streamedD&D Direct, a Starter Set compatible with OneDND isn’t due to arrive until Fall 2025.

Undoubtedly, Starter Sets aren’t the only way to get into Dungeons & Dragons, but I can’t say I don’t think the absence of one for 5.5E isn’t going to be harshly felt. Since way back in the 1970s with the advent of the ‘Basic Set’, Dungeons & Dragons has had a focused means of easing players into their journey with one of thebest tabletop RPGs. Even to the uninitiated, these pared down boxes of rules and mini campaigns offer a great welcome mat to precede your more in-depth adventures.

In terms of sheer volume of content, these Starter Sets don’t hold a candle to thebest Dungeons & Dragons books. However, they are exceedingly useful for those who are new to the world of D&D or tabletop roleplaying games as a whole. That’s what makes it all the more inconvenient that players are going to have to wait more than a year to pick one up.

(Image credit: Wizards of the Coast)

Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit promo image with book, dice, and DM screen

While not technically a distinct edition, OneDND introduces a swath of tweaked rules and important changes to Dungeons & Dragons as a system. And, as we progress further through the release lineup of 2024 core rulebooks, the existing 5th Edition Starter Set is becoming more and more redundant. That’s not to say that 5th edition isn’t worth playing with (it definitely is), but beginner adventurers are going to have to confront the unfortunate reality of having to learn 5.5E just as they start to really get the hang of 5E.

If you’re looking for even more great additions to your tabletop nights, check out of rundown of thebest board games. Alternatively, kick the littles one out and enjoy ourfavorite board games for adults. Our round-up ofboard game dealshave you covered too.

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1

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Shadow brandishes a gun in Sonic The Hedgehog 3

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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5

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Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Nicola Coughlan as Joy in Doctor Who Christmas special Joy to the World

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1

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3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

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Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

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4

Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

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5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5

Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

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