Which DnD rule set is best for beginners

I'm interested in getting into DnD but unsure which rule set I should look for. If this has been discussed before, please direct me to the thread. Thanks!

Unfortunately, there's no concrete answer to that - people are going to come up with which ever version they learned on or their particular favorite. I'd really recommend trying to find a good group you get along with first through the "Looking for Group" search or forum and then worrying about edition second. Good luck!

Here is a clone of Basic D&D called "Basic Fantasy RPG" which is free to download and modify. I recommend this starting point. There are only 4 classes of characters to choose from, just the basics of the game at first. Downloads page, <a href="http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html</a> Direct link to the free BFRPG core rules PDF, <a href="http://basicfantasy.org/download.cgi/Basic-Fantasy" rel="nofollow">http://basicfantasy.org/download.cgi/Basic-Fantasy</a>... Now links to 2 game groups on Roll20 that welcome new players using BFRPG, <a href="https://app.roll20.net/lfg/listing/14638/bfrpg-gro" rel="nofollow">https://app.roll20.net/lfg/listing/14638/bfrpg-gro</a>... The campaign for this I started, click to join if you want to try playing this in a basic dungeon where the Game Master is me, <a href="https://app.roll20.net/join/214613/lJYbmA" rel="nofollow">https://app.roll20.net/join/214613/lJYbmA</a> If you want an actual DnD game (not a free re-written clone of it) you might want to check out the brand new 5th Edition D&D. It also has a free Basic PDF to download (out now on Wizards Of The Coast website), and the printed Player's Handbook will be newly released later this month in stores (and on Amazon). The basic part at least, is made for beginners.

While it is true everyone will have their own opinion and most likely link to their favorite or what they think is best.. here goes mine: D&D 5e The player's handbook will be released within the next few days but the basic rules, which i'd say are what you need, are free and available online right here . If you can, give it a read, they're pretty easy to understand and i love playing the latest edition. Hope that helps! Nick.

I agree with Nick, D&D 5e is the latest version and the basic rules are downloadable for free. If you decide you like it, then you can spend money for the more advanced books. On the other hand, if you are interested in really old-school D&D, the people like Gold or myself can help you there. :-)

I started with D&D Next (the test version of 5e) a year ago, and while I have not played any previous version I personally feel it was simple enough to pick up and start playing right away. Now with the basic being a free PDF ( I didn't want to pay before seeing if I would like it), I would think it is one of, if not the best place to start. With basic you could either then find a DM that is running a new player friendly game. Or take your time and learn it yourself and DM it. Either way, even with the handbook coming out, it isn't required. and I'm sure DMs will say for those who are new that they can stick to basic while more advanced players can run their own characters from the handbook. There is the perfect quick pickup of the starter set for just over $10 on amazon for 5e. I'm in a campaign playing it, and feel like they did a really good job with it. I bought it for my nephew as well as I figured it would be a good place to start for him.

Having got both, I would have to recommend the Pathfinder Beginner Box (which is basically D&D) over the new D&D Starter Set for a tabletop game, for Roll20 maybe not so much. The PF Box contains materials which will hit your table long after you move on while the D&D one has a longer and (possibly) better scenario. For purely Roll20 play I would say that the system doesn't matter. Find an experienced group and chat with them a little to see if they're people you want to play with. When you find a group you like, jump in and learn the game they play. In truth, only the GM/DM needs a copy of the rules to get started and its up to you whether you like the game enough to buy your own copy. From there the world opens up and you can make a system decision based on a more knowledgable position.

Thank you everyone for giving input and for some subtle friendly invites.