UNBOXING: DnD 5e Starter Set vs Essentials Kit

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Having trouble picking a class to play? I have a playlist of the BEST thing about each D&D 5e class here: kzbin.info/aero/PLg6OY3wCE5jSJ7-3JX--62kqTRyexV--K

[@wemustuplift]

I've played both, and they're great. The biggest difference between the two for me was Lost Mines was a more "Linear" and Straightforward story as where Icespire was a "Sandbox" that can go anywhere at anytime. Lost Mine is my choice and recommendation for new D.M.'s.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Thanks for watching! Linear adventures can definitely be a plus for new players!

[@Dndsteve5e]

How long do the campaigns last i've got a 2 year magazine with encounters i'm weaving into a campaign could these campaigns be woven into that as side campaigns as something to play between issues? As i get 1 encounter per weekly issue with 4 weeks between a 4 issue delivery the encounters so far all start in phandalin My idea is to run lost mines as a prequel to what we've already played so we get some lore to phandalin and if plots or locations overlap i will be adapting encounters to give a sense of the laws of coursality so my players learn how an action needs to be considered

[@wemustuplift]

@@Dndsteve5e Campaigns can last as long as you like and any idea's you have can be worked in as "Side Quest" as you see fit. I like the Prequel idea also. Stay Vigilant Adventurer

[@Dndsteve5e]

@@wemustuplift so would you say playtime is down to how much time you dedicate to things like map travel,npc interaction,backplot etc as far as i can tell so far combsat is the one uncontrolable side as it's purely based on lucky rolls but i'm aiming for shorter sessions to fit in 2 or 3 games a week(my son does side plots too where my session end is his jump off point i give him monster stats that i used previously and give him free reign so i may give him swarm of rats and it becomes an orc ... Just as a way to give him a taste of dming before having to study rule books)

[@craven1927]

Also both adventures are set in the SAME TOWN, so that town map you get in the Essentials Kit can be used with the Starter Set. And you can pull quests from one and insert them into the other to combine both adventures together, or customize it how you would like.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

That sounds like a GREAT way to do it! Thanks for sharing this and thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@Dndsteve5e]

so in theory i could have both run as 2 campaign with cross over so starter set heroes could be npcs in essentials kit stuff? I plan on not buying extra stuff outside of starter boxes and my 80 magazines for my first year and a half to 2 years of play Only then will i get 5e(or perhaps one dnd) core books Although i plan on getting fun bits like weather dice and ready to roll potion bottle d4s just to add to the game

[@gibbx3321]

Great work reviewing the two kits. I love that the starter set comes with pregenerated characters. Eventually making your own PCs can become on of the most rewarding parts of the game, but at first there are a lot of rules to get familiar with. The PHB does a good job walking you thru it but if you have never played before it can be a little daunting. Open the box and play. I love it. Also the lost mines of phandelver sounds like a cool adventure. Hmmm Starter Set or Essentials Kits... tough choice. I would probably end up doing what I always do when faced with such decisions. BUY BOTH! At the local game store of course. I really appreciated you mentioning that. Can't wait for next week's Video!

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Those pre-generated ones are a plus! But even the Essentials Kit only gives you limited races, classes, and backgrounds to choose from to make it easier. Choosing one over the other is hard, but luckily I have both 😉

[@ReadingAde]

My understanding is that you can't do the Starter kit campaign with only 2 players (DM and PC). Is that correct?

[@chimpcraiglist6348]

Nice job comparing and contrasting the two sets!

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@tracyvis5668]

Thanks for this comparison. I am brand new to playing D&D after playing hours of Baldur’s Gate 3. I have one other friend possibly interested in playing with me and I was looking at both of these kits online and wondering which to get. Now I know the essentials kit has rules for a two player game I’m going to get that one. Hopefully we can find others to play with but this will be a good start for us.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

So happy the video helped! Let me know how your game goes once you start - thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@coletidwell7120]

How isn't your channel bigger?? You explain everything so clearly!!! And I ended up buying both. I got more dice plus pre-made characters to use in two different adventures. Plus extra blank sheets to let my friends and myself learn 😀 without the deep plunge of finding a full sized adventure. These are great for teaching multiple people at a time. Also I got both of these at Target. Starter was 19.99 and the essentials was 15.99, I think.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Cole! I appreciate the compliment! Let me know how your game goes once you start playing - thanks for watching 🤓

[@denisekirste1775]

Hi! Thank you for your fantastic and authentic videos! I started DnD in October 2020 and the first thing I did was starting watching videos about everything! I like your style very much and its so refreshing to see your flow through everything! I'm now at the point buying my first own adventures and stuff and I will definitely start with the Essentials Kit :D thank you!! Many greeting from Germany

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Wow, thanks so much for the kind words! 😊 I'm glad you are enjoying my content and I am very happy to have you here - you are about to journey down the rabbit hole of fun and epic adventures 🤓 Thanks for watching! I think you will really enjoy the Essentials Kit...

[@denisekirste1775]

@@KristensEpicAdventures thanks 🤗 I started in a group playing strand and will soon DM Humblewood! Hope to see much more of your great videos! I also decided to follow you on Twitter in hope to see more content ♡

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

@@denisekirste1775 Oh Humblewodd is SO much fun! Really enjoying the adventure and our group is loving it! We have a mapach rogue, a corvum wizard, jerbeen fighter and a hedge druid!

[@denisekirste1775]

@@KristensEpicAdventures that sounds awesome. We just started to plan everything and I think we will start next month something! Can't wait for it and am really excited!

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

@@denisekirste1775 The adventure that comes in the campaign setting is really good! Very balanced with combat, role-playing, and exploration.... Keep us updated on how it goes!

[@USER-wm7hu]

I have never played DND and I didn’t know which one it get but you have genuinely helped me make my choice thank you

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Glad i could help! Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@psiphyre]

Thank you for this comparative review. It was very helpful & informative!

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Thanks so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed it! 🤓

[@alxjalmeida]

I am glad you posted this video. I purchased the Essentials Kit and the three rulebooks. After I did that, I noticed the "Starter Kit" at Target and thought to myself, wonder what the difference is. Now I know! I might actually pick up the Starter Set at some point just to read through the adventure that's included there and understand the details of the pre-rolled characters. Thanks for posting this awesome content!

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

So glad this video was helpful! Both adventures are really good and great for beginners. Let me know how your game goes once you start playing! Thanks for watching 🤓

[@VhaidraSaga]

Both and combine them together into an epic beginners' adventure for levels 1-6.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Great idea!! They are both great products for folks to try without spending a ton of money and see if they like the game. Thanks for watching 🤓

[@thegremlin3194]

I got both one gets 2 adventures which one can linked together ,more dice for players and an extra set of rules one could be given to players to use and one for the DM

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

That's awesome!! Have you started playing yet? Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@SigurdKristvik]

Awesome, I keep watching these review.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Thanks so much for watching! I really enjoy making them 😊

[@stevenkennedy4130]

I bought both of these, plus the PHB. Off to the races I go!

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

How exciting! Did you start playing yet? Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@stevenkennedy4130]

@KristensEpicAdventures Not yet. Hard to get a group together. One of the guys in our group worked for WotC. He used to run their games during games day. Another player is Greg Ragland of Necromancer Games fame. One day!

[@pixelpat777]

Hi Kristen, I am waiting for my essential's kit from Amazon but still thinking a head of which beautiful 5e adventure book I should start with. I have never played or DM'd before :)

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

There is an adventure included in the Essential's Kit to start with, but if you want to purchase and adventure book I'd look for a theme or story line that interests you and be sure it starts at level 1. For example, Curse of Strahd is a vampire horror themed adventure, Tomb of Annihilation is a jungle setting, Ghosts of Saltmarsh is a seaside pirate-type adventure! Good luck and let me know how it goes :)

[@pixelpat777]

@@KristensEpicAdventures Wow! There is so much choice, most of the reviews say deepwater is the best book but prefer vampires than jungle. Hmm might go with Strahd...

[@zxcbvnm90]

Thanks for these videos, grabbed both and getting geared up to run through them soon!

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

They are both pretty great products for learning to play! Let me know what you think when you start playing - thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@drewneedsmoresleep6680]

I think you just sold me on the essentials kit.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

It's a really good set! So much stuff included and great for beginners or seasoned players... Thanks for watching!

[@drewneedsmoresleep6680]

Kristen's Epic Adventures I think it might be perfect for my niece. She has played before, and would give her and her friends more to do then sit on the couch.

[@ΑντιγόνηΚυριακάκη]

Thanks so much. You help me sooooo much

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

You are very welcome - thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@danteviperbrandolini]

Extremely Wonderful & Articulate D & D Video Production put together by you....🙃👻👽

[@MilanStier]

Excellent video! I was urging to grab those, but didn't know if both were worth buying. Nice.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Glad I could help! The main difference is how many players you have and if you want to build your own characters or use pre-generated ones to start. Please let me know how your game goes and which one you play 1st - thanks so much for watching 🤓🎲

[@samhain409]

If me and two friends would like to try this out for the first time but we have to play online because of location, would each one of us need to purchase a box?

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

You do not each need one. Only the person running the adventure as the DM needs the box. The maps in the book are for the DMs eyes only as they can reveal hidden info. You would be playing using theatre of the mind and the players would just be imagining everything that the DM describes.... Thanks so much for watching!

[@kiwibird1980]

Thankyou :) Ive already bought the starter kit. My husband used to play (pre me meeting him) but i never have. Im going to be DM and help our 5 year old with her character, My husband and 7 year old will habe characters and he will help her a little. Im going to try and get into a beginners game online as a player too to try out that side too :)

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

I'm so excited for you to try out the Starter Kit! A game with the family sounds like a perfect way to get started 🤓 Please keep me posted how it goes and how your kids are liking it!! Thanks so much for watching!

[@JeffBurnsThePath]

I am totally new to D&D. I bought both the Essentials and Starter Kit. My daughter and I are excited about the Essentials Kit because it has a two-player option. Could you apply the two-player option to the Starter Kit also? Thanks for all you do and making such awesome videos.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

That's awesome!! I think you could apply the "sidekick" component that the Essentials Kit has to the Starter Set to that it would be playable by a DM and 1 player. You can also make adjustments to the monsters if needed like lower their Hit Points or how much damage they can do, to make it more playable by 1 player. Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@ironfae]

I agree that rookies should begin with the Starter Kit. It’s cheaper, conveniently organized, and easy enough for any new players to follow. After playing that, the Essentials Kit is a logical next step. It’s got everything to expand the game for new players and DM’s. If someone decides they don’t enjoy it, the starter kit only cost them $20. Combine both kits for less than $50 and they’d have a TON of gaming fun for months. I’d only recommend the core books to new players who’ve already exhausted both of these kits first. Most players know spending over $100 takes a real commitment to the game. Outside of these two kits, EVERY player or DM should go out and buy their own complete set of dice. Neither of these kits have enough for a gaming group. Great video. 👍

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

I really love that the company put out both of these products! Definitely a low cost way to try out the game to see if it's your thing or not. Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@ironfae]

@@KristensEpicAdventures No problem. I enjoyed the video. BTW- Do you prefer using pre-made maps or making your own? I really don’t think there are enough user friendly options for new players.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

@@ironfae I usually use premade maps. I have a book on how to draw maps by hand (review video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gau4o3h5p86Urtk ) but I'm not fantastic at it. There are however some great online sites to generate maps too....

[@ironfae]

@@KristensEpicAdventures Ok, just curious. I’m an artist by nature so I’ll only use pre made maps as required. The rest of the time I’ll make them up myself. Do you allow players to have map copies for their characters, or make them figure it out as they go?

[@chrisb3976]

When your premade character reaches lv 5 and the game is coming to an end can you take that same character and jump in other games and possibly level up more that way?

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Yes you can! To level characters up further you would need the Player's Handbook. The info in these sets just has basic rules and not the full character rules... Also, if you play the Dragon of Icespire Peak in the Essentials Kit there are 3 more games available digitally on DnDbeyond.com for $5 each that will take your same characters up to LEVEL 13!!! www.dndbeyond.com/marketplace/adventures Thanks so much for watching!

[@sakshampathak4870]

Thanks now I know what to buy.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Glad I could help - which one did you decide to get? Great, affordable way to get started playing D&D! Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@simounobrien9096]

I love how your not giving out a “Pick this one” and instead you acknowledge both sets with genuine and fair facts. My opinion, I say buy both and have fun 😇

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Thanks so much for watching! Glad you liked the video - definitely buy BOTH!! LOL 🤓

[@ramgladore]

I bought the Starter kit from Gamestop. Though I wish i would have gone to a comic book shop to get it. I don't have any comic book shops near me except in the next town over, like a 30 min drive away but I go there usually to buy old vintage video games. But I'll buy D&D stuff there now that I'm actually gonna get into playing. And I think I can probably buy ink cartridges for my old printer to make the maps I'll need.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Lots of stores are carrying the Starter Set now which I think is great to get more people interested in playing the game. My nearest game store with a great selection is 1 hr away in the next state over so you have me beat LOL Thanks so much for watching! 🤓

[@Nephilim225]

i bought both and incorporated them into one game as they are set in the same area

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

That is a great idea! Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@simounobrien9096]

I got both at once so that means, it doesn’t matter because both are great!

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Yes they are!!! 🤓

[@angeloszois9673]

Newbie, never played before. I will pick one of them to play for first time with my 10 year son. Which to select?

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

If you and your son are the only 2 playing, I would suggest the Essentials Kit because you can use the sidekick rules so he will get an NPC companion to help with the adventure. Thanks for watching - enjoy playing with your son!!

[@adriananaya5142]

How much replay value does each campaign have?

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

If you wanted to replay the campaign, you'd have to play with a different group of people because the players that just experienced it now know all the secrets. This is why they make the intro kits pretty affordable and with a small adventure. After this one you might want to try one of the other D&D campaign books or even write your own campaign! Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@sidneyphipps7961]

Keep up the good work!!

[@sidneyphipps7961]

👍

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Thanks for the great feedback! Trying to improve with every video - thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@christianschmeisser1396]

Already bough the starter kit :) Just need to find a group

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

You are on your way then! Did you find a group yet? Lots of people are playing online these days, or if you have a local game store that is open.... Thanks for watching, Christian!

[@christianschmeisser1396]

@@KristensEpicAdventures Sadly my local store is closed :( And I'm having difficulties finding people online

[@manjunathbariki9005]

now I figured what to buy ,but what should I buy after playing the starter set

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

There are so many fun options to play after the starter set! I would look on the D&D website and see if one of the other adventure books interests you. There are vampire adventures, jungle adventures, dungeon type adventures - so many options! Have fun and let me know what adventure you chose to play next! Thanks for watching 🤓

[@traderush8348]

1:12 Woah Woah Woah slow this down a little, so I shouldn't be forcing my six-year-old brother to play d&d? I mean he's better at roleplaying than my eleven-year-old brother. Me: "As you enter the tavern vibrant faces turn toward you, a high elf fighter, a dragon born sorcerer, and a half orc cleric stare at the feeble adventuring party." 11 year old: "I sit down and flex my gemstone to everyone." Me: "where did you get a freaking gem?!" 11 year old: "Minsc." Me: "Who?" 11 year old: "yknow the epic ranger." Me: "oooooh, wait when did you meet Minsc?!" 11 year old "he trained me." Me: "ok... Thomas (6 year old) what do you do?" Thomas: "I walk past the adventurers and stroll up to the bar (Thomas puts on a British accent, which I'm surprised that he extremely good at, but it still just sounds like a six-year-old) "I'll take a drink please." Me: "coming right up, sir." Thomas: "ya hear any gossip lately, anything that would interest?"

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

This is awesome!!! I love this game so much because of all the fun stories and I hope you are enjoying it too! Thanks so much for watching! 🤓

[@camronelliott7126]

❤

[@orangegoober6395]

fyi there is actually 4 d6's u just didnt notice but that is ( for ppl that dont know) for character rolling

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

I'm so embarrassed that I didn't catch onto that LOL, but someone else pointed it out too! Maybe I was too wrapped up in what was actually in the box! Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@themadmoderator8465]

going pick these up to play with the kids

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

They definitely are a great way to get started playing! Everything you need in 1 box before you invest more $ in all the core books - thanks again for watching!

[@paulfrancis7972]

I like the content that you produce but I noticed that you buy a lot of stuff from Amazon. Do you not have a Local Game store that you could support? You have opened things that I haven't seen and I had my LGS order them so that I could pick them up. Thanks and keep doing what you are doing.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

My local game store is about 90 min away so I don't get there very often. Also my full time job rewards us with Amazon gift cards for making healthy choices through our health insurance, so often I am able to use those to get items to review for the channel without an out of pocket expense. Glad you are enjoying the content - thanks so much for watching! 🤓

[@paulfrancis7972]

@@KristensEpicAdventures I work at a local game store so if there is ever anything I can do to assist with your content please let me know. Really love the channel.

[@craven1927]

Every review on KZbin: The Essentials Kit does NOT have pre-generated characters. Me: You do realize the sidekicks are pre-generated characters... you can use those. If you can get both I highly recommend getting both because there's lots you can use from both, but the Essentials Kit just comes with SO many more tools for both new players and new DMs to use. It's really the better option. Half of the Starter Set is literally just empty space (seriously, half the box is just a cardboard spacer). The Starter Set has its place, but the Essentials Kit is just a better value from top to bottom. If you can only get one, that's the one I would recommend.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

I also recommend both! And you are correct, the essentials kit has pre-generated NPCs that you could substitute for PCs if the players don't want to make characters from scratch - great idea! 🤓

[@chrismead1464]

This works for Dungeon in a box?

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

These kits have the basic rules and are good for the adventures that come included with them. While it would be sufficient to run the Dungeon in a Box adventures, I'd suggest getting the full rules from the DM guide (if you're running the game) or the Player's Handbook (if you're a player)... thanks so much for watching 👀 👍

[@IBLostToo]

Thank you for mentioning the "graduating" method idea. As I was watching, that is one thing I wish I had more of.... a "layered" learning curve instead of being shoved off the end of the dock and be told to sink or swim.....

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

So glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@okrainz]

You need at least 20000 subs

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Awww thanks! I'll get there for sure - feel free to share the channel and video with your friends so we can grow faster 😊 Thanks so much for watching! 🎲🤓

[@Zeros_Hobbies]

Great video I came across your dungeon box unboxing video and am enjoying your content. I'm part of a growing community of up n coming youtubers who are working together to help each other channels grow. We have a discord group called the Tabletop Dungeoneers and we'd love to have you join us.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

That sounds awesome! I'd love to join that discord and follow your channels as well! Is there an invite link you can send me? :)

[@Zeros_Hobbies]

@@KristensEpicAdventures Absolutely just tell em Zero sent ya.lol discord.gg/KNFh9Z5

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Awesome! Joined 😃

[@amkorped8768]

in my country essentials is cheaper

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

That's great news! The Essentials Kit is great too! Did you get one? Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@grim_mnaz8783]

None of em have figurines and that makes me mad..... Ik its a fantasy game but still.... Why aren't they included?? Fucking thieves

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

Dungeons and Dragons was originally designed to be played with just your imagination and it still can be played that way! You can opt to use maps and minis in your game if you want - I have found it fun both ways! Thanks so much for watching 🤓

[@zorgatone3708]

They decided not to translate the Essentials Kit into other languages 😡

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

That stinks! Maybe one day if enough people request it? 😯

[@ramgladore]

I bought the Starter kit from Gamestop. Though I wish i would have gone to a comic book shop to get it. I don't have any comic book shops near me except in the next town over, like a 30 min drive away but I go there usually to buy old vintage video games. But I'll buy D&D stuff there now that I'm actually gonna get into playing. And I think I can probably buy ink cartridges for my old printer to make the maps I'll need.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

I think you will really enjoy the Starter Set! It's one of the best ways to start playing and see if you like it - keep me updated on how your game goes! Thanks so much for watching!! 🤓