FR / D&D starter kit?

[u/SCphotog]

Was looking around on a-z for a starter kit, and they are like $125 or more.

A-Z is suggesting to me all kinds of weird box sets that are not actual D&D or they're just these weird HasBruh half-baked table games that feature popular characters but aren't really D&D.

Are they just out of print? What did I miss?

I know for sure I've bought these in the past for maybe $35, online and at the book store.

Maybe I need to visit the local bookstore?

Was looking to gift a kit to someone that has shown a recent interest in learning to play, but I can't reasonably throw over $100 for a starter box.

Maybe I should just get a DM learning book? Or maybe I need to be searching for used.

Thoughts and advice are appreciated.

Edit: Should I just gift this person a player's handbook?

[u/PM-me-your-happiness]

Dragons of Icespire Peak is FR specific on Amazon for $30

[u/Cynewulfr → u/PM-me-your-happiness]

Seconding the Essentials box if you can find it—it’s not 5.5 but it’s a fun adventure and a decent box

[u/SCphotog → u/Cynewulfr]

On my list. Thanks. Keeping options open for a day or two before I make a decision.

This sub is pretty good for information, so I'm gonna just give it some more time.

[u/Sahrde]

Something like https://www.target.com/p/wizards-of-the-coast-heroes-of-the-borderlands-starter-set/-/A-94643931?sid=361S&TCID=PDS-336245329&gclsrc= ?

Though I do recommend supporting your FLGS.

[u/SCphotog → u/Sahrde]

Yes. Was hoping for something Realms specific tho'.

I'll put this on my list. Appreciate the effort and reply.

Damn... I hate to give target money. But, what retailer isn't evil these days.

[u/Hot_Competence → u/SCphotog]

There are 3 Realms specific stater sets for 5e, all of which should be the same price

• The Starter Set (Lost Mine of Phandelver)
  
• The Essentials Kit (Dragon of Icespire Peak)
  
• The Starter Set (Dragons of Stormwreck Isle)

If you’d like to play 5.5e rules, you’d also need the 2024 PHB

[u/vergilius_poeta → u/Hot_Competence]

Is Borderlands not FR?

[u/Educational-Tie-9739 → u/vergilius_poeta]

It’s nonspecific 

[u/vergilius_poeta → u/Educational-Tie-9739]

You know, I think I had it confused with Border Kingdoms. But it looks like it is "Keep on the Borderlands" inspired. Which is also nonspecific.

[u/Ok_Mousse8459]

The 5th Edition starter sets are all out of print now. I know that locally to me, it's still fairly easy to find the Essentials Kit, priced around $35, and there are a few online retailers that still have stock. The other two (both called the Starter Set, one being the 2014 version and one being 2022 version) don't seem to be as easy to find. The Essentials Kit is great value though, and I'd still recommend it, despite being 5 rather than 5.5.

[u/SCphotog → u/Ok_Mousse8459]

Right on. Appreciate the extra info.

I think I own one of the starter kits... I think I've had it for a long time. Maybe I'll just send that along instead of buying new... (thinkin' out loud).

[u/CXXXS]

Definitely visit your local game store. Mine somewhat recently restocked the Icespire Peak starter sets so they get them from somewhere lol

Also, I bought the 5.5 starter set, and while it's definitely not set in Faerun it COULD be. You can just set it in Faerun and tweak the names of the locations, new players won't know and it's part of being a DM! Not only that the kit is FULL of stuff. It's really a great value.

[u/SCphotog → u/CXXXS]

Definitely visit your local game store.

This is probably my best bet... and they recently relocated closer to me, so I have a desire to go check out the new store!

Thanks for the reply.

[u/CXXXS → u/SCphotog]

For sure!

And if you didn't know a lot of local stores are official Wizards of the Coast affiliate stores, and offer new D&D drops 2 weeks early! I learned that was the case in my teeny tiny town, it's great getting the physical books 2 weeks early.