Newbie looking for some insight

Hi there. I haven't played D&D since I was a teenager and it was 2nd ed. AD&D back then. I'm starting to seriously consider looking for a campaign to get involved in again as I feel the itch and I have more free time now then I have in a while. I assumed I would have to head down to the local hobby shop and see if I could find a game to get into, but then I stumbled across Roll20. I'm curious if any of you might give me some feedback as to how this compares to sitting around an actual table with folks. I'd also appreciate it if someone could give me some ideas of anything I might need to pickup to get back into some D&D. Should I head out and purchase a copy of the Player's Handbook for 5E? Should I hold off? Anything else I might need? Finally, are there systems I really should consider instead of 5E? I see a lot of chatter about Pathfinder, but I don't know anything other than D&D personally. Anything else you think I should know please feel free to share!

I was in the same boat as you — played AD&D (1E) when I was younger and then stopped playing for a long time. I got back into it when my boys got to an age that they could play. They expressed an interest so I went out and got the new 5E manuals, etc. Anyway, we discovered Roll20 after doing traditional D&D for several sessions. We all like it a lot. It makes the game easier to play IMO. I'd recommend looking for open games and seeing if any GMs need more players to get your feet wet. As for the manuals, I'd get them if you can. They have updated a ton of stuff over the years. I can't speak to Pathfinder as I've never played it. Good luck!

Hi John! Welcome back to the fold! Let me see if I can help you with some of your questions. 1. How does Roll20 compare? As most games on Roll20 use voice chat, it's a pretty good replacement. I know many players even who prefer Roll20 to actual dice because it simplifies so many things. For new players, I can get them up and running in my game within 20 minutes, just by explaining to them what needs to be clicked when. 2. What do you need? You will need the PHB to get started.  You shouldn't really need anything else. 3. Other systems? Pathfinder is basically D&D 3.5, updated. It's much more rules-heavy and less beginner friendly in general. Unless you have some specific attachment to it, 5e is probably the best place to start. 4. Anything else? I'm a paid DM running a few weekly long-term games. If you're interested, check out my listings: Sunday evenings US time. The link can be found here. Saturday evenings US time. The link can be found here. Wed mornings US time. The link can be found here. Regards, Dennis