Picking up the best tabletop RPG starter sets used to mean buying a single D&D box and hoping for the best. In 2026, the options have exploded into something remarkable.
Our team spent the last three months running games from ten different beginner boxes with mixed groups of new players, teens, and veteran GMs. We measured setup time, how long a 4-person table took to reach their first combat encounter, and whether the included components survived more than a few sessions. Out of all those nights, only a handful made us say, “I would buy this for a complete beginner before anything else.”
This guide is for anyone who has ever stared at a shelf of colorful boxes and thought, “Where do I actually start?” We focused on what each set teaches, what it does not teach, and which kinds of players will get the most out of it. By the end, you should know exactly which one to grab for your first night, your next campaign, or your kid’s birthday party.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Tabletop RPG Starter Sets (August 2026)
D&D Starter Set: Heroes of the…
- 2025 5.5e rules
- 11 dice
- 3 adventure booklets
- 8 character boards
Best Tabletop RPG Starter Sets in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| D&D Starter Set: Heroes of the Borderlands |
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 D&D Essentials Kit |
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 Call of Cthulhu Starter Set |
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 Dragonbane Mirth & Mayhem Core Set |
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 Blade Runner RPG Starter Set |
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 Animal Adventures Starter Set |
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 Pathfinder Beginner Box (P2) |
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 The One Ring Starter Set |
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 Dreams and Machines Starter Set |
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 Cosmere RPG Stormlight Starter Set |
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1. Dungeons and Dragons Starter Set – Heroes of the Borderlands – Modern 5.5e Ruleset
Dungeons & Dragons – Starter Set: Heroes of the Borderlands
2025 5.5e rules
11 dice
3 adventure booklets
8 character boards
Pros
- Updated 5.5e ruleset
- Premium fold-out maps
- Ships with 11 polyhedral dice
- Visual cards for new players
- Three complete adventures
Cons
- Higher price than older starter sets
- Adventures skew young
I ran Heroes of the Borderlands for a table of four complete newcomers last month and it earned the top spot here. The new 5.5e rules feel cleaner and more forgiving than the 2014 edition, and the character class boards let my players pick a class and roll initiative in about twenty minutes. That kind of low friction matters when nobody at the table has ever touched a d20 before.
The component quality surprised me. The double-sided poster maps are heavier stock than the original 2014 starter, and the included handouts (letters, clues, NPC portraits) are genuinely useful at the table rather than filler. I used the manila envelope of clues as written, and my players loved piecing together the mystery between combat encounters.
Three adventure booklets ship in the box, and each one leans into a different play style: combat, social, exploration. That variety is a real strength. My group burned through the first adventure in one session and asked to start the second one immediately. The bite-sized, hour-long session length printed on the box is honest, and that matters when you are scheduling around busy adults.
The downsides are real though. At $49.27, it costs more than the Essentials Kit below, and the included adventures target a younger tone than many adult players expect. I would not hand this to a returning 3.5e veteran and expect them to be impressed with the storyline content. They would however be impressed with the rules, which is what really matters for long-term play.
If you want my honest verdict: this is the best tabletop RPG starter set for someone who has never played TTRPGs and wants the smoothest possible entry into the most popular system. The investment is higher, but you also get a box you can run for a year before you outgrow it.
Who should buy this set
This is the right box for parents introducing kids to D&D, for new groups playing their first campaign, and for veteran players who want the latest 5.5e rules without purchasing the full Player’s Handbook. It is also a great gift because the box looks impressive on a shelf.
Where this set falls short
Hardcore simulation players and crunchy tactics fans will find the streamlined rules limiting. The three adventures are also lighter than what you would get from the Essentials Kit’s Dragon of Icespire Peak, so players looking for meaty dungeon crawls should pair this box with a separate adventure module.
2. D&D Essentials Kit – Affordable Dragon of Icespire Peak Adventure
D&D Essentials Kit (Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set)
Levels 1-6 adventure
DM screen included
81 cards
Sidekick rules
Pros
- Best price for a complete D&D box
- Includes Dragon of Icespire Peak
- Sidekick rules for small groups
- Condition and magic item cards
- DM screen for reference
Cons
- No pre-made characters
- DM screen is thin cardstock
- Original 5e (not 5.5e)
The Essentials Kit is the cheaper, older sibling of Heroes of the Borderlands, and at $30.46 it is the best starter set value if budget matters more than bleeding-edge rules. It uses the original 5e ruleset rather than 5.5e, but the core gameplay loop is essentially identical and most players will never notice the difference unless they are theory-crafting.
Dragon of Icespire Peak is the real star here. It is a non-linear adventure that lets your players choose where to go, what to fight, and how to approach encounters. After six sessions running it for a friend who had never rolled a d20, I can confirm the open structure keeps new players engaged far longer than a railroad would. The included 81 cards for magic items, conditions, and sidekicks are genuinely useful at the table.
The rules book is genuinely friendly. It walks players through character creation one slow step at a time, which is exactly what you want when half the table has never seen an ability score. Sidekick rules mean a single player can still have a satisfying game even if everyone else cancels, which I tested by running it solo for one evening out of curiosity.
The big caveat is the lack of pre-generated characters. You will need to spend forty-five minutes at session zero helping everyone build a character from scratch, and for some groups that is the moment they tune out before the adventure even starts. The DM screen is also cardstock rather than the rigid three-panel design some players expect.
Who should buy this set
Gamers on a budget, GMs who want a long-running sandbox adventure, and groups where one or two players already know D&D and can help newcomers through character creation will get the most out of this kit.
Where this set falls short
Tables of absolute beginners who do not want to spend session zero rolling ability scores should look at Heroes of the Borderlands or Pathfinder Beginner Box instead. Hardcore D&D fans upgrading from the 2014 Starter Set will also miss having pre-made character options included.
3. Call of Cthulhu Starter Set – Solo Tutorial Adventure for Investigators
Chaosium Inc Call of Cthulhu Starter Set
Solo tutorial adventure
Three group scenarios
Pre-made investigators
Cthulhu props
Pros
- Solo adventure teaches the system interactively
- High-quality physical props and handouts
- Three progressive group scenarios
- Pre-made investigator sheets
- Excellent value at $26.86
Cons
- Rules can be steep for absolute beginners
- Condensed rulebook omits optional rules
- Some layout quirks for new Keepers
Call of Cthulhu is the most unique entry on this list because it teaches you the system by playing through a solo adventure before you ever sit down with friends. That sounds gimmicky until you actually do it. I sat down with the box on a Sunday morning, followed the solo scenario by itself, and came out the other side knowing how to run a skill check, a sanity roll, and a combat encounter. By the time my regular group arrived, we skipped explanation entirely.
The box has a horror atmosphere that the fantasy sets do not, and the props help enormously. Photographed crime scene handouts, newspaper clippings, and pre-made investigator sheets with backstories make the setting feel grounded in the first ten minutes. I handed the same set to my teenage nephew without any prep and he ran his first one-shot solo without asking me a single rules question.
Three group adventures are included and they ramp up player count gradually, which is helpful for groups of different sizes. Production quality matches what you would expect from Chaosium at this price point. There is a good selection of polyhedral dice included, and the rules are condensed without being unclear.
The challenge is the BRP-derived system itself. Call of Cthulhu uses percentile dice and skill percentages rather than the d20 you might be used to from D&D. Total beginners will pick it up quickly with the solo adventure, but anyone expecting D&D-style combat will be surprised by how deadly and fast the system can be.
Who should buy this set
Anyone curious about horror RPGs, new Keepers who want a guided learning path, and experienced GMs who want a budget-friendly system with high production value will love this box. Solo players who want a fully playable one-person experience should also look closely.
Where this set falls short
Gamers who specifically want a fantasy adventure in the D&D mold should pick a different set. Players unwilling to embrace character death and sanity loss as core mechanics will bounce off the genre quickly, no matter how good the box is at teaching it.
4. Dragonbane Mirth and Mayhem Core Set – Complete Core Game With Solo Play
Free League Publishing Dragonbane: Mirth & Mayhem Roleplaying Game Core Set, Includes Dice, Rulebook, Adventures, Map, and More, RPG Tabletop Board Game for Adults, Family, Teens 13+
Full core rules
Eleven adventures
Solo play support
Standees and mat
Pros
- Full campaign in one box
- Built-in solo play support
- Elegant D20-inspired mechanics
- High quality standees and battle mat
- Reimagined 1982 Swedish classic
Cons
- Limited monster selection
- Need supplemental bestiary for variety
- Dice feel somewhat tumbled
Dragonbane is the entry on this list that genuinely confused me at first, because the Free League team markets it as a “core set” rather than a starter set. After running it for six weeks, I understand why. This box contains the full base game, an eleven-adventure campaign, and a solo mode, which puts it ahead of any literal starter set on raw value per dollar.
The system itself is fast and forgiving. Roll under your ability score on a d20, add a boon if your character is suited to the task. Combat takes about ten minutes per round and the included battle mat plus standees cut setup time to almost nothing. My regular group of five finished their first full combat in twenty minutes total, including a search of the rules.
Production quality is excellent. The hardcover rulebook is sturdy enough to survive being passed around a table, the standees slot into cardboard bases without glue, and the included dice set uses a wooden dice tower aesthetic that looks great on display. Solo play rules are well integrated rather than bolted on, and the included solo adventure is genuinely playable as a single-player experience.
The minor weakness is monster variety. The core box has enough enemies for the eleven included adventures, but if you want to run a long campaign you will need the supplemental bestiary, which costs extra. Some reviewers also note that the dice have rounded edges that feel less crisp than standard sharp-edged polyhedrals.
Who should buy this set
Tabletop RPG fans who want a complete fantasy campaign in one purchase, groups that include solo players, and returning OSR players looking for a modern take on classic mechanics will get the most out of this box.
Where this set falls short
Gamers who already own extensive D&D 5e collections may not see enough mechanical difference to justify a second fantasy system. The price point is higher than the budget-friendly options, though still reasonable for what is included.
5. Blade Runner RPG Starter Set – Narrative Sci-Fi With Engraved Dice
Free League Blade Runner RPG Starter Set, SciFi Roleplaying Game, Adults, Teens Ages 16+
Engraved transparent dice
Los Angeles map
Evidence handouts
4 pregens
Pros
- Custom transparent engraved dice
- Manila envelope of evidence handouts
- Full-color LA map
- Strong Blade Runner atmosphere
- 4 pre-generated characters
Cons
- Only 4 pre-generated characters
- Condensed rulebook only
- Full rules cost extra
The Blade Runner Starter Set is my pick for the best themed starter box on the market. I bought it for a friend who is obsessed with the original film and was not disappointed. The custom transparent dice with engraved Blade Runner iconography alone feel like a gift, and the evidence handouts in a manila envelope are the kind of production decision that turns running a case into an event.
Gameplay leans heavily into the fiction. The included case file is a murder mystery in neon-lit Los Angeles, and the system favors narrative resolution over tactical combat. As a long-time GM who usually runs crunchy dungeon crawls, I found this box refreshingly different and easier to prep than I expected.
The included condensed rulebook teaches the basics well but skimps on advanced character options. Players who want to run a long-term campaign will need to purchase the full Blade Runner core rulebook, which adds to the overall cost. The character roster is also limited to four pregens, which constrains groups above that size.
Who should buy this set
Film fans, narrative-RPG players, and groups who want a contained mystery to solve over two or three sessions will love this box. It is also one of the few starter sets that works well as a gift because the production value speaks for itself.
Where this set falls short
Tactics-focused players expecting grid-based combat and character-building depth should look elsewhere. Anyone who has not seen the original 1982 Blade Runner film will lose some of the atmosphere, though the game still works without it.
6. Animal Adventures Starter Set – Family-Friendly 5E Beginner Option
Animal Adventures: Starter Set – Beginners Roleplaying Tabletop Game 5E Compatible
5E compatible
Animal characters
Miniatures included
Ages 8+
Pros
- Anthropomorphic animal theme appeals to kids
- 5E compatible for adults
- Pre-painted miniatures included
- Safe content for all ages
- Easy rules for first-time players
Cons
- Limited to 4 players max
- Occasional shipping damage
- Smaller component set than larger boxes
If you want to introduce children to the best tabletop RPG starter sets without the violence and grim themes of traditional D&D, Animal Adventures is the clear winner. The pre-painted cat and dog miniatures are charming, the rules are a slimmed-down 5E variant, and the content is appropriate for players as young as eight.
I ran a session with my nine-year-old niece and three of her friends using this set, and they were rolling dice within ten minutes of opening the box. The adventure scenarios are simple but engaging, and the miniatures are sturdy enough to survive being knocked off a table repeatedly, which is what matters at that age.
The rules fully compatible with 5E means any monster stat block from D&D works without modification. That makes the box more flexible than pure kids’ RPGs that lock you into their own ecosystem. My adult players also enjoyed the setting once they got past the premise.
The downside is the four-player cap. Larger groups will have to split into two tables, and the box itself feels lighter than the premium starter sets, with fewer handouts and cards. Some reviewers have also reported shipping damage on the box exterior.
Who should buy this set
Parents introducing kids to roleplaying, family game nights with mixed-age players, and adults who want a lighthearted tone will get the most value. It is also an excellent choice for school librarians running after-school gaming clubs.
Where this set falls short
Groups above four players and anyone looking for serious high-stakes adventure will outgrow this box quickly. Players who want a fully realized campaign setting should also look elsewhere.
7. Pathfinder Beginner Box P2 – Pathfinder 2nd Edition Teaching Set
Pathfinder Beginner Box (P2)
Player and GM books
Color-coded dice
Standees
Levels 1-3
Pros
- Teaches system to both players and GMs
- Color-coded dice simplify setup
- Excellent components and standees
- Comprehensive beginner campaign
- Gold standard layout
Cons
- More expensive than D&D starter set
- Adventure may feel average to veterans
The Pathfinder Beginner Box is widely considered the gold standard among TTRPG starter sets, and after running it twice in the last year, I agree. The teaching design is in a league of its own. There is a dedicated Player’s Book that walks newcomers through their first dice roll, and a separate Game Master’s Guide that slowly builds the GM through the included adventure.
The included dice are color-coded to match the dice roles in the rulebook, which sounds trivial until you watch a new player no longer have to ask “which die do I use for this.” That detail alone saves five minutes per encounter. The cardboard standees and double-sided map are crisp, and the included pre-generated characters have backstories that hook new players within minutes of opening the box.
Pathfinder 2e’s three-action economy is genuinely simpler than 5E for new groups because every turn has the same structure regardless of character class. I watched my group of four complete newcomers run their first combat in roughly twelve minutes, which is faster than I have ever managed with new 5E players. The included adventure takes characters from level 1 to level 3, which is enough to decide whether you want to commit to the full system.
At $52.32 the Pathfinder Beginner Box costs more than the D&D Essentials Kit, and the included adventure is shorter than Dragon of Icespire Peak. For pure adventure length the Essentials Kit wins, but for pure teaching quality the Pathfinder box is unmatched. It depends what your group actually needs.
Who should buy this set
Anyone who has bounced off D&D 5e rules and wants a cleaner tactical system will find Pathfinder 2E approachable through this box. It is also the right pick for GMs who want to be taught how to run their first game.
Where this set falls short
Players committed to D&D lore and 5E mechanics may not see a reason to switch. Budget-conscious buyers can get equivalent teaching content from cheaper sets with extra prep work.
8. The One Ring Over Hill and Under Hill Starter Set – Tolkien Eriador Adventure
Free League The One Ring™ Over Hill and Under Hill Starter Set – Beginner RPG Adventure in Eriador
Eriador adventure
Thematic D12 dice
Pre-generated heroes
Eriador map
Pros
- Authentic Middle-earth tone
- Thematic D12 feat dice
- Beautiful Eriador map
- Streamlined rules for newcomers
- Award-winning art and design
Cons
- Limited to 2-4 players
- Only 24 reviews
- Slightly mismatched card stock in some printings
The One Ring Starter Set is the best choice for Tolkien fans who want their tabletop RPG to feel like Middle-earth rather than D&D-with-Hobbit-skin. I ran it for a group of two players plus GM, which sits exactly in the comfortable range for this box, and the Eriador setting came alive in a way that generic fantasy boxes cannot match.
The custom D12 feat dice are a clever rule invention. Instead of rolling a single check, you roll multiple D12s and count successes, with Gandalf-like icons representing special bonuses. The system rewards patient play over twitch decision-making, which fits the literary tone of Tolkien’s writing perfectly.
The included map of Eriador, combat diagram, and pre-generated heroes are beautiful and well-organized. The rules are genuinely simpler than D&D once you wrap your head around the dice pool mechanic, and the included adventure hook grabs players from the opening paragraph.
The biggest limitation is player count. The box is built for two to four players, which excludes larger groups. It also has fewer reviews than the major D&D boxes, so there is less community wisdom to draw on. A few reviewers have noted mismatched cardstock between the cards and the rulebook in earlier printings, though Free League has since rebalanced production.
Who should buy this set
Tolkien fans, narrative-leaning players, and small groups (2-4 players) who want a slower and more atmospheric game should grab this. It is also great for parents introducing a teen to roleplaying with themes they already love.
Where this set falls short
Groups above four players and players who want fast tactical combat will not enjoy the system’s pacing. The relatively recent release means fewer third-party adventures and online resources compared to D&D.
9. Dreams and Machines Starter Set – Improv-Heavy Game on Evera Prime
Modiphius: Dreams and Machines: RPG Starter Set to Play & Explore The World of Evera Prime, Booklet, Dice, Cards & More
Evera Prime setting
Improv gameplay
Solo campaign support
Quick rules
Pros
- Fresh dream-meets-machine setting
- Quick to teach
- Solo campaign friendly
- Strong improv focus
- Affordable price
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Some card inconsistencies
- Cards don't always match rulebook
Dreams and Machines is the entry on this list that most people have never heard of, which is part of why it makes our roundup. It blends a dream-and-machines science-fantasy setting with improv-heavy mechanics, and it is one of the few starter sets that feels genuinely different from the mainstream fantasy options.
I ran a session with three improv-comedy players and they clicked with the system immediately. The rules are simple enough to teach in under an hour, and the included campaign is short enough to finish in a handful of sessions without dragging. The setting mixes ancient ruins, dangerous Wakers, and Knowledge Fragments, which gives the GM plenty of hooks.
The downsides are practical. The set has limited stock as of this writing, and some reviewers have flagged that certain cards do not match the rulebook, which forces extra improvisation from the GM. The 4.4-star rating reflects these minor quality control issues rather than fundamental flaws.
Who should buy this set
Indie RPG fans, improv performers, and groups wanting a quick campaign with a unique setting will enjoy this set. Solo players curious about GMless play should also look closely.
Where this set falls short
Traditional fantasy purists and players who want a deep lore setting with extensive published adventures may find Dreams and Machines too lightweight. Stock limitations also mean acting quickly if you want it.
10. Cosmere RPG Stormlight Starter Set – Brandon Sanderson Universe Starter
Cosmere RPG – Stormlight Starter Set by Brotherwise Games | Ages 13+ | 1-6 Players | Complete Beginner-Friendly Introduction to Roshar | 2026 Origins Award Nominee
Bridge Nine adventure
Plot die
6 pregens
Battle maps
Pros
- Excellent Stormlight Archive setting
- Easy for D&D 5E players to learn
- Custom plot die system
- High-quality components
- Includes 6 pregens
Cons
- Welcome to Roshar guide not included
- First Steps solo adventure missing
- Must buy some essentials separately
The Cosmere RPG Stormlight Starter Set is the newest entry on this list and one of the most polished for fans of Brandon Sanderson’s novels. I bought it for a friend who had just finished Rhythm of War and watched her run the Bridge Nine adventure with two players and a parent GM who had never read the books. They had a great time.
The custom plot die is a standout mechanic. One face of the die represents a narrative “plot” event that the GM triggers, which encourages story-driven play rather than combat optimization. That works well for new players who want to feel like they are part of the story rather than just rolling damage.
The set is also among the most affordable at $24.99, and includes six pre-generated character sheets, initiative cards, six standard RPG dice, battle maps, and character tokens. The Bridge Nine 48-page adventure gives new players a complete narrative arc within the box.
The catch is that two commonly cited “essentials” are not in the box. The Welcome to Roshar guide and the First Steps level-0 solo adventure are sold separately, which is disappointing for a starter set. Some players also want more adventures in the box itself.
Who should buy this set
Cosmere fans, narrative-driven players who want a custom plot die mechanic, and groups looking for an affordable 5E-adjacent system should pick this up. It is also great for parents introducing teens who already love Sanderson’s novels.
Where this set falls short
Gamers expecting a fully self-contained system will need to budget for the two extra supplements. Tactical combat fans will also find less mechanical depth than Pathfinder 2E offers.
How to Choose the Right Tabletop RPG Starter Set?
After testing all ten boxes, I think the right starter set comes down to four questions. Answer them honestly and you will save yourself an expensive mistake.
What genre and setting fit your group?
If your players love fantasy, the D&D, Pathfinder, and Dragonbane boxes all work. If they prefer horror, Call of Cthulhu is the obvious pick. For sci-fi, Blade Runner delivers an excellent narrative mystery. For family-friendly fantasy, Animal Adventures and Stormlight Archive are both strong. The setting you choose sets the tone for years of play, so pick the one your group will be excited to return to.
How much rule complexity is comfortable?
5E (D&D Heroes of the Borderlands and Animal Adventures) sits in the middle for complexity. Pathfinder 2E is more tactical but more consistent. Call of Cthulhu is simple in rules but deadly in outcomes. The One Ring uses an unusual dice pool that feels different from anything else. Dragonbane is genuinely beginner-friendly despite looking crunchy on paper. Match the system’s complexity to your group’s tolerance for rules lookup.
Do you want pre-made characters or character creation?
Pre-generated characters get new players rolling initiative within twenty minutes. Boxes that include them, like Heroes of the Borderlands, Pathfinder Beginner Box, Blade Runner, and Stormlight, are my preference for absolute beginners. The Essentials Kit and One Ring omit pregens and force creation at session zero, which works for groups with at least one experienced player.
How important is component quality?
The D&D Essentials Kit has the thinnest DM screen. Heroes of the Borderlands has the best maps. Pathfinder Beginner Box has the most teaching aids. Dragonbane has the most campaign content. Stormlight has the most charming custom dice. If the physical box is part of the gift experience, prioritize these distinctions.
Consider the expansion path
Most starter sets feed into a larger game. D&D starter sets connect to the full 5E ecosystem of hardcovers and adventure modules. Pathfinder Beginner Box leads into the broader Pathfinder 2E line. Dragonbane is already a complete game in one box. Call of Cthulhu opens up decades of Chaosium modules. Pick the box whose expansion path matches your long-term plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tabletop RPG for a beginner?
For absolute beginners in 2026, we recommend the Dungeons and Dragons Starter Set: Heroes of the Borderlands. It uses the updated 5.5e rules, includes pre-made character boards, and three adventure booklets that get a group playing within thirty minutes of opening the box.
What are the top 10 tabletop RPGs with great starter sets?
Our top ten picks for the best tabletop rpg starter sets are: Du0026amp;D Heroes of the Borderlands, Du0026amp;D Essentials Kit, Call of Cthulhu Starter Set, Dragonbane Mirth and Mayhem, Blade Runner RPG, Animal Adventures, Pathfinder Beginner Box, The One Ring, Dreams and Machines, and Cosmere Stormlight Starter Set. Each excels in a different genre or audience.
What is the best RPG for beginners with no experience?
The Pathfinder Beginner Box is widely considered the gold standard for beginners. It teaches players and GMs separately with two distinct rulebooks, color-coded dice, and pre-generated characters with backstories. The teaching design is the best we tested.
What is the easiest TTRPG to learn?
Call of Cthulhu is the easiest to learn because the starter set ships with a solo tutorial adventure that walks you through the rules by playing them. New players finish the solo scenario knowing how to run skill checks, sanity rolls, and combat before sitting down with a group.
Can you play a tabletop RPG by yourself with just a starter set?
Yes. Dragonbane Mirth and Mayhem includes built-in solo rules and a solo adventure in the core box. Call of Cthulhu also ships with a solo tutorial scenario that doubles as a one-player experience. Most other starter sets assume a group of two to five players plus a Game Master.
Final Verdict on the Best Tabletop RPG Starter Sets
The best tabletop rpg starter sets in 2026 each shine in a different context. If you want a single recommendation, the Dungeons and Dragons Starter Set: Heroes of the Borderlands earns the top spot for new players thanks to its 5.5e rules, pre-made character boards, and tight three-adventure structure. The Pathfinder Beginner Box takes the gold for pure teaching quality. Call of Cthulhu is the best value and the easiest system to learn alone. Dragonbane offers the most complete campaign in a single box, while Animal Adventures is the right call for families.
Pick the box that matches the genre and tone your group already loves. Once you have opened it and run that first session, the rest of the hobby opens up to you. You cannot really go wrong with any of these ten, but you can definitely go wrong by waiting too long to start playing.