Last Updated on February 17, 2022 by OoS

So, you just started Dungeons & Dragons but don’t know where to start? Let us take care of that for you. We listed down the best Dungeons & Dragons starter set campaigns to help you get on your way into the game properly. Obviously, the book you need to start out first is the Dungeons & Dragons Starter. Read more below.

Best Starter Set: Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set

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Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set
  • For 4-6 Players
  • Everything you need to start playing the world's greatest roleplaying game
  • Presents the newest edition of the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop roleplaying game in a way that’s easy to learn and fun to play.
  • Wizards RPG Team (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

While it may not be indispensable as a book for beginners, D&D Starter Set is a game-changer thanks to creating a drastically smoother process in gameplay and more streamlined gameplay. Its blurb is already a dead giveaway:

“Explore subterranean labyrinths! Plunder hoards of treasure! Battle legendary monsters! The Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set is your gateway to action-packed stories of the imagination. This box contains the essential rules of the game plus everything you need to play heroic characters on perilous adventures in worlds of fantasy.”

It is only 64 pages for both DM and characters including all essential rules. Don’t start a game without it if you’re still new.

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set

Pros

  • Best introduction to the game
  • Inexpensive
  • Includes DM and player chapters

Cons

  • Long-time players will only see this as a tutorial
  • Not really for advanced players
  • Hard to find the hardbound copy

Best Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set to Start: Player’s Handbook

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Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master's Guide (Core Rulebook, D&D Roleplaying Game)
  • Product is for use in the Dungeons and Dragons role playing game
  • Product Number: WOC A92190000
  • Models and games are supplied unpainted and may require assembly or preparation before play
  • Any scenery, paint, or glue is not included.
  • Hardcover Book

This considered the Bible of every D&D player. It includes all of the most essential and crucial rules, shows the revised versions with complete comparisons with the old versions and a great introduction for new and old players.  

Arm yourself for adventure.

The Player’s Handbook is the essential reference for every Dungeons and Dragons roleplayer. It contains rules for character creation and advancement, backgrounds and skills, exploration and combat, equipment, spells, and much more.Use this book to create exciting characters from among the most iconic D&D races and classes.”

Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master's Guide (Core Rulebook, D&D Roleplaying Game)

Pros

  • Has a comparison table between 5e and previous versions
  • Fixed all the problems from 4e
  • Essential for every D&D player

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Hard to find the hardbound copy version
  • Barely anything to criticize

Best and Vital Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set: Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit

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Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit (D&D Boxed Set)
  • Size: Standard
  • Essentials kit
  • For 2-6 players
  • Ages 12+
  • Officially licensed

Essentials Kit is highly praised as one of the best starter sets ever made not just in D&D but in tabletop RPGs. Wizards of the Coast never claimed that this replaces everything you know from Starter Set, it does expand from Starter Set and give you even plenty more options than ever before. It includes various dice, a rulebook, papers and a long list of the most essential NPCs and monsters. It is also complete with cardstock sheets,  a flat-fold box and a DM’s screen. It is definitely a bundle that is worth buying if you want to experience D&D at its finest from the get-go.

Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit (D&D Boxed Set)

Pros

  • Includes different materials
  • Already includes dice
  • Expands on Starter Set

Cons

  • Limited supply these days
  • May feel like a waste of money If you have its materials beforehand
  • Nothing much to criticize

Alternative Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set

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Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual (Core Rulebook, D&D Roleplaying Game)
  • Officially Licensed
  • No Dungeons & Dragons adventure is complete without monsters to challenge the player characters!
  • Contains game statistics and illustrations for creatures like the beholder and the mind flayer.
  • Includes an appendix of nonplayer characters like assassins, druids, gladiators, and more!
  • Hardcover

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Hasbro Gaming Stranger Things Dungeons & Dragons Roleplaying Game Starter Set
  • The stranger things themed Dungeons & Dragons starter set has everything you need to unleash your imagination and live out the dream of exploring the upside down from the Netflix original series, stranger things
  • Embark on an exciting Dungeons & Dragons adventure, hunt for the thessalhydra, and have hours of fun with the Adventure book created By the character Mike wheeler
  • Get all the essential rules you need to start playing from the D&D fifth edition starter set rule book with a new colorful stranger things theme
  • Battle your way through the D&D universe & The upside down as one of the characters played by the stranger things gang. Five Ready to Play character sheets are included
  • The starter set also includes 6 Polyhedral dice and 2 stranger things Demo gorgon figures, including one to paint and customize

What Would I Buy?

For real, buy every book here. They are truly the best Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set kits for you to start right now. But, if you ask for the highest recommendation, of course you should begin the journey with Starter Set. And then, follow it up with the Player’s Handbook and then the Essentials Kit.

FAQs

What is in the D&D Starter Kit?

It includes various dice, rulebook, DM’s screen, flat-folded box, cardstock sheets and a monster catalog.

Is the D&D Starter Set worth it?

Yes, it is truly worth the money especially if you want a bundle that helps you and your friends play the game immediately.

How do you play Dungeons and Dragons for beginners?

You will need to purchase the 3 books listed above. There, it includes all your necessities for you to start.

Can you play D&D by yourself?

Yes you can, but it is always better with friends. Up to at least 4 players shows the game’s very best experience.

Is D&D hard to learn?

It really is not hard to learn. All you need is a pen and paper, a D&D starter book and a good work of imagination.