Dungeons & Dragons 4E?

Question

What books do i need? Do i need both versions of the DM Guide? Handbook? and Monster Guide? Do i need both versions? or just the newest ones? I would really like to start, but what are the things i need?

THANKS!

Answer 1

First, all the different EDITIONS of DnD are completely different games, and they are not compatible with each other.



On the other hand, the regular and deluxe 4th edition books are the same. The deluxe books have the errata corrections in the text, and are of slightly higher (but not necessary) production values. You can use either book interchangeably.



The BARE minimum needed to play is the Players Hand Book (PHB). Ideally everyone in your group should have their own copy, but you can get away with one with a little work.



Also at least one person per gaming group will need the Dungeon Master Guide (DMG) and the Monster Manuel (MM).



You should also have a full set of dice, lots of paper, and some pencils. I would recommend going online and printing your own copies of the character sheets.



The newer versions of the core books: Players Handbook 2, Dungeon Master Guide 2, and Monster Manuel 2 just expand on what is in the original books. They are not required to play, and in fact are not stand alone books, you must still have the PHB to have the core rules to play with.



So to summarize, you at least need the Player's Handbook to play, along with a set of dice. Beyond that, additional books give you more options, but are not required.

Answer 2

To play, the minimum needed is the PHB. However, the PHB2 gives you additional options (mainly in race and class, but to a lesser degree in feats and equipment.) There are also a number of splatbooks (and more on the way) which give even more power and feat options (Arcane Power, Martial Power, Divine Power, etc.), a few that give options tied to particular setting (Players Guide to Forgotten Realms, Manual of the Planes, etc.) and some for just equipment (Adventurer's Vault I&II).



The DMG is of less import unless you plan on running games - again, the DMG2 has expanded options.



The MM, MM2 (et al) are probably least important if you play only. Much more important if you GM (unless you only run pre-packaged adventures).



WotC has an aggressive publishing schedule, with a new expansion of the core 3 (PHB, DMG and MM) every year and other supplements monthly. Again however, you can get along fine (especially to start) with just the core books (PHB at a minimum.) An alternative if you want access to all the content without buying all the books is D&D Insider - for the monthly subscription rate, you can get much of the info via their Character Builder software (plus content from their Dragon e-zine.)

Answer 3

Aiden,



I would propose that the only books you will need to get started will be the basic three (DM's Guide, Players Handbook, and Monster Manual). Get those, study them, and then you should have an inkling if you need any other manuals.



One big mistake of fledgling DMs is they take on too much at once. Take it in bite-sized chunks and you should do fine.

Answer 4

in all honesty I would ditch 4E and go with 2nd its a much better system. But if your bound and determined to play 4E then yes you need to get all both the DM books and the monster guide might be helpful if you intend to Level your characters and create your own adventures. If you dont feel like buying the books you can get the entire collection of any edition you can download them at www.Mininova.com just type in Advanced Dungeons and Dragons (insert edition) and download to your hearts content. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

To play the 4th Edition, you will at least need the new players hand book. None of the old 3.5 books are usable with the new rules.