D&D’s New Starter Set: A Deeper Dive into Character Creation and Dungeon Mastering

Wizards of the Coast is poised to release a new Dungeons & Dragons starter set, "Heroes of the Borderlands," that promises to be a significant departure from previous introductory kits. This set, inspired by the classic 1979 adventure "The Keep on the Borderlands," aims to provide a more comprehensive and engaging onboarding experience for new players, leveraging the groundwork laid by the recently revamped core rulebooks.

The release of the updated Player’s Handbook, Monster Manual, and Dungeon Master’s Guide last year marked a strategic shift for D&D. Recognizing that these core books would likely be the first point of contact for many newcomers, Wizards of the Coast adopted a "show, not tell" approach. This involved weaving explanations and examples seamlessly into the rules, making the game more accessible and intuitive for players of all experience levels.

Now, with the release of "Heroes of the Borderlands," Wizards of the Coast is building upon that foundation. The new starter set is designed to capitalize on the nascent familiarity with the updated ruleset and expand upon what a starter kit traditionally teaches.

Moving Beyond Pre-Generated Characters

One of the most notable departures from previous D&D starter sets is the absence of pre-generated characters. Instead, "Heroes of the Borderlands" introduces a modular, tile-based system for character creation. This innovative approach allows players to assemble their characters by selecting from a range of options, including background, class, equipment, and spells.

This change is significant for several reasons. First, it gives players a greater sense of ownership over their characters. Rather than simply choosing a pre-made character, players have the opportunity to actively participate in the creation process, shaping their character’s identity and abilities.

Second, the modular system exposes players to the fundamental building blocks of character creation. By making choices about their character’s background, class, and equipment, players gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics that underpin the game. This knowledge will serve them well as they progress to more complex character creation options in the full D&D game.

Third, introducing even a basic character creation system significantly increases replayability. Players can experiment with different character builds, exploring various class and background combinations. This encourages them to play through the adventure multiple times, each time experiencing the game from a different perspective.

Even players who have already ventured into the world of full character creation using the revised Player’s Handbook will find value in this modular approach. It provides a simplified and streamlined introduction to the core concepts, reinforcing their understanding of the character creation process. Considering that starter sets are among Wizard’s most successful and popular D&D products, this change will ensure that a much larger audience is exposed to the fundamentals that past kits deliberately avoided.

Empowering Dungeon Masters

"Heroes of the Borderlands" also takes a novel approach to educating aspiring Dungeon Masters (DMs). The adventure booklets included in the set, similar to the revised Dungeon Master’s Guide, offer tips and tricks for various aspects of game management. These include guidance on player interaction, worldbuilding ideas, and techniques for creating engaging encounters.

Perhaps most importantly, the set explicitly encourages multiple people around the table to take on the role of DM. This not only gives the assigned DM a break but also provides other players with an opportunity to experience the game from a different perspective.

Encouraging players to switch roles fosters a deeper understanding of the game mechanics and promotes collaborative storytelling. By experiencing the challenges and rewards of DMing, players gain a greater appreciation for the effort and creativity required to create a compelling D&D adventure.

Moreover, having multiple players with DMing experience enhances the overall knowledge base of the group. This can lead to more engaging and rewarding tabletop experiences for everyone involved. Players who have DM-ing experience will be more likely to contribute to the game’s narrative, offer helpful suggestions, and understand the DM’s perspective.

Content and Pricing

"Heroes of the Borderlands" is set to release this September. The set will include three adventure booklets, designed to be replayable, along with the standard dice, maps, and tokens.

Wizard’s of the Coast has yet to reveal the final pricing details. Previous starter sets have typically retailed for around $30. Given the increased amount of materials included in "Heroes of the Borderlands," including the modular character creation system and expanded DM guidance, it is expected to cost more.

While a higher price point may deter some potential buyers, it is important to remember that "Heroes of the Borderlands" offers a more comprehensive and enriching D&D experience than previous starter sets. The set’s focus on character creation and DM empowerment makes it a valuable investment for anyone looking to delve deeper into the world of tabletop role-playing.

Wizard’s of the Coast has also not stated if players will receive a digital version of the content, but they will have the option to buy it on D&D Beyond if they want to have it.

A Promising Step Forward

"Heroes of the Borderlands" represents a significant step forward in the evolution of D&D starter sets. By incorporating elements of character creation and DM education, the set aims to provide a more complete and engaging onboarding experience for new players.

The modular character creation system empowers players to take ownership of their characters and learn the fundamentals of game mechanics. The DM guidance and encouragement of role-switching foster a deeper understanding of the game and promote collaborative storytelling.

While the increased price point may be a concern for some, the enhanced content and features of "Heroes of the Borderlands" make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to embark on a D&D adventure. This set has the potential to introduce a new generation of players to the joys of tabletop role-playing, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to create their own unforgettable stories.