Hi all!

We’re a family of three, my wife, my son (11M) and I. We would like to start playing “real” D&D, after trying a very simplified version we bought a couple years ago.

I’ve been playing “real” D&D with my friends many years ago, but only as a player, never as the DM. What I’m looking for is a set comprising a Player’s Handbook, a DM Handbook and Rules (?). I’m not really sure sure what else I would need to start… I’d be the DM and the player, at least at the beginning…

Can anyone point me towards a good starter pack, with the minimum needed books? Also, any additional suggestion would be welcome.

Thanks a lot in advance!

EDIT: Thanks to everybody! These have been very useful suggestions. I think we may start with the “Starter Set” (cheap, slightly more advanced than the one we’re using right now) and if the family enjoy it we may explore the “core rule set” afterwards. Hope my son may appreciate this kind of games, as a healtier alternative to phone/pc video games :-)

  • misery mansion
    3•5 months ago

    There are two starter sets that are relatively cheap, the newest one is literally called ‘starter set’ and a slightly older one called the ‘essentials kit’.

    These don’t contain full rules or player handbooks or anything, but are intended to provide enough to get going which is what it sounds like you need.

    You can DEFINITELY play with just two player characters and a games master and I would strongly recommend jumping in to the latter role fully, without trying to also play along. It can be done but your players will be relying on you to keep the game moving and interesting, as well as playing all the other characters they will meet.

    I’ve run the essentials kit and while it has its flaws it totally works as intended so I can vouch for that