Question:
Which Dungeons and Dragons edition should I chose?
James S
2010-08-05 09:00:02 UTC
My D&D group needs a new DM and I've offered. Problem is I've never done it before and have little D&D knowledge past playing twice. I'm confused about the editions. I'm used to 3.5, but they recently came out with 4. But I've seen on the internet where some people don't like 4. What are the pros and cons of both and which should I chose?
Four answers:
M P
2010-08-05 10:44:20 UTC
Before I answer, highly recommend the successor to v3.5 called Pathfinder. The makers of Dungeon Magazine (if you've ever read it, some of the best writers in fantasy gaming) are responsible for this edition, and it's compatible with 3.5, improving upon it in the direction Hasbro chose not to take. Unlike 3.5, new materials are constantly emerging, especially "adventure paths" that take groups from 1-20. You will be hard pressed to find better written material in the field right now. As an example of its difference, during the Beta of the rules, 50,000+ gamers contributed feedback to the company. It's an amazing community.



With that said, pros and cons.



3.5 pros: Free online rules, likely to find books cheaper, lots of online content still. You're already familiar with it.



3.5 cons: No more material produced for it. Several rules need fixed for game balance or ease.



Pathfinder pros: Free online rules, 1 game book (combines player and DM guide), terrific online community for support and resources. Game editors consistently offer input to gamers. Considered v3.75, so almost all of it will look familiar to player of 3.5. Able to use most 3.5 materials with minimal conversion. Constant stream of new products coming out. Top writers in the business contribute to Pathfinder. The main company Paizo makes or sells other fantastic game aids as well, like battle mats, critical hits cards, spell cards, etc.



Pathfinder cons: Books and adventure paths can get pricy, even if you order .pdf forms instead. Like 3.5, still a lot of rules for a new player to absorb.



4th Edition pros: Simplifies things (characters can fit info on a card), good for video-game generation of new players to grasp. Steady stream of products (more accessories than modules). Reduces # of skills to manageable level, encourages teamplay through use of skills. Website provides stream of free material to gamers as it did with 3.5.



4th Edition cons: Combats can be obscenely long, feels like playing an online game like World of Warcraft with abilities, characters are described in their role in combat. Less emphasis or material for use of special abilities outside a combat. Many released accessories are overpriced variations of earlier editions (nothing new). Absolutely no compatibility with version 3.5. No free online rules.
TheMadProfessor
2010-08-06 13:12:45 UTC
I basically agree with the above. If you want to stay 3.5, you may as well step up to Pathfinder - the combined PHB/DMG is pricey ($50) but if you don't mind an electronic version instead, the pdf is only about $10. Pathfinder does a nice job of addressing a LOT of the more grumble-worthy elements of 3.5 and made changes that make staying with a single character class actually worthwhile. 4E has it's strong points as well, altho the player options available can be daunting, especially as WotC continues to pump out new content almost every month or two. What I like most about 4E is that they have re-emphasized that it's a team game, not an individual one...it's no longer a case of "OK, my turn is over...wake me when I'm up again." - things are now more dynamic in flow.
Veteran Gamer
2010-08-05 23:21:25 UTC
M P gave an excellent answer. I would only add that the complaints about 4.0 have mostly come from people who were deeply invested (in time, money, and piles of printer paper!) in 3.5 who didn't want to go through a total conversion. I believe that 4.0 is by far the better game for persons new to pen-and-paper role-playing games; characters are far more dangerous and durable at 1st level, and the system is a step down in complexity from 3.5 or Pathfinder. 3.5/P. gives its players more options in terms of character development...but, as new source materials come out from Wizards of the Coast, 4.0 has been catching up.
2010-08-08 13:35:44 UTC
I understand your pain. I started playing D&D when it was called Chainmail. I have gone with every edition and upgrade; until now. 4th edition feels like it is whoring itself out to try and get the money from the World of Warcraft and Magic the Gathering crowd.



I loved edition 3.5, and I have good news; it is still viable. Piazo publishing, who used to do Dungeon Magazine and Dragon Magazine, and Green Ronin and others are continuing to put out 3.5 compatable material. I am including a few links for you to some of my reviews of their products; hope this helps.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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