---
product_id: 138478356
title: "D&D Essentials Kit (Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set) Age Range:12 Years & Up"
brand: "dungeons & dragons"
price: "$361"
currency: NZD
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/138478356-d-and-d-essentials-kit-dungeons-and-dragons-intro-adventure
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# 11 polyhedral dice set 64-page rulebook & adventure guide Double-sided fold-out map D&D Essentials Kit (Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set) Age Range:12 Years & Up

**Brand:** dungeons & dragons
**Price:** $361
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> 🎲 Unlock epic adventures — your gateway to legendary storytelling!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** D&D Essentials Kit (Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set) Age Range:12 Years & Up by dungeons & dragons
- **How much does it cost?** $361 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/138478356-d-and-d-essentials-kit-dungeons-and-dragons-intro-adventure)

## Best For

- dungeons & dragons enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted dungeons & dragons brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Dungeon Master’s Edge:** Foldable DM screen with quick-reference rules for smooth sessions
- • **Immersive Worldbuilding:** Vibrant double-sided map to visualize your epic journey
- • **Master Your First Quest:** Complete adventure for levels 1–6 with Dragon of Icespire Peak
- • **Custom Character Creation:** 6 blank character sheets to craft your unique hero
- • **Fully Loaded Gameplay Kit:** Includes 81 magic, sidekick & condition cards for dynamic play

## Overview

The D&D Essentials Kit is a comprehensive starter set designed for new players aged 12+, featuring a 64-page rulebook and adventure book, 11 polyhedral dice, 81 game cards, a Dungeon Master’s screen, 6 blank character sheets, and a fold-out map. It offers everything needed to dive into cooperative storytelling and tactical gameplay, making it the perfect next step after the Starter Set for millennial professionals seeking immersive, social tabletop experiences.

## Description

Set off on your first Dungeons & Dragons adventure with one box full of everything you need to start playing D&D with your friends. Dungeons & Dragons is a cooperative storytelling game that harnesses your imagination and invites you to explore a fantastic world of adventure, where heroes battle monsters, find treasures, and overcome epic quests. This box contains the essentials you need to run a D&D game with a Dungeon Master and one to five adventurers.

Review: suitable for D&D beginners with more affordable price - Packed with a rule book, an adventure book, 6 character creation papers, 9 uncut cardboard (9 cards each, 81 cards total), 11 dice, 1 master screen, 1 double-sided map etc., everything you need to learn D&D. It's a more affordable version of starter set without some luxurious component, which means more pen-and-paper work for tabletop RPG sessions, but also more likes traditional ways. Product quality is still good, but starter set is better. So if price isn't your most concerns, going for starter set directly would be my suggestion.
Review: ESSENTIALS KIT vs STARTER SET: Which is better? (no spoilers review) - ESSENTIALS KIT vs STARTER SET SHORT REVIEW: if you can only buy one set and are new to the game then buy the Starter Set. It explains the rules in a condensed version and easy to read manual--you will be up and running quicker than Essentials Kit. The rules and setup in the Essentials Kit has more steps and might get new players bogged down with too many details. After playing the Starter Set you wil have a feel for the flow and mechanics of the game and can then go deeper into the rules with the Essentials Kit. After playing the Starter Set and you want to move on, choose the Essentials Kit next before buying the hardcover Player's Handbook and Dungeon Master's Guide which have way too much information for new players. The Essentials Kit will build on the Starter Set by introducing magic-using races/classes and character customization. LONG REVIEW AND COMPARISON: ESSENTIALS KIT vs STARTER SET: In the Essentials Kit you get a 64-page squarebound rulebook and 64-page Adventure book. The Starter Set has a 32-page staplebound rulebook and 64-page staplebound Adventure book. I'm not going to talk about the Adventure books to avoid spoilers. But both are recommended and both should be played. The Rulebook differences are significant: in this case shorter (Starter Set) is better. The Essentials Kit has 6 blank character sheets. Players will use the Rulebook to help create their own custom character. The Starter Set has 5 pre-made characters which is NOT bad and for first time players it might be better to start this way. It forces you to play different races and classes of characters, it shows you what type of background story you might want create for future characters, it gives you an idea of how a character sheet is put together and where everything goes, and most importantly it gets you up and running quickly so you can learn how the game plays out. On your second adventure you can take the extra time to create your own character knowing what you liked or didn't like based on your first character. You can easily download and print blank character sheets online. I personally think the Starter Set's idea to use pre-generated characters is best for first time play. DICE: There are 11 dice total in the Essentials Kit but there are duplicates; there are only 7 different types. The Essentials includes a percentage die not in the Starter Set which has 6 different dice total. You only need the 6 types of die so both sets are equal to me. For the Starter Set that's all you get: Rulebook, Adventure book, pre-filled character sheets and dice. It's priced less than the Essentials Kit here on desertcart. Additional material in the Essentials Kit includes extra cards that come 9 to a sheet and you need will need to separate them. None of these are necessary to play. You could write down the information on the cards on paper, but the cards are a nice convenience and can help move the game along. The different cards are: 9 Initiative cards: these are just cards with a number on them, #1-9. 3 Combat cards: these are cheat sheets of combat rules. 24 Magic Item cards. 9 Quest cards: a description of a mini-quest players might take during the bigger Adventure Book. 9 Sidekick cards: your extra character when running a 2-player game. 14 Condition cards: when characters suffer from a certain condition this card reminds them of the symptoms. 1 Magic Charm card. Some of the cards are helpful to have and the Starter Set could be improved to include them as well. Other items in the Essentials Kit: a thin paper Dungeon Master's folding screen. It has a picture on one side and rules/tables on the other. This is very helpful for the Dungeon Master only--it has no use for players. A color map of the world. Maps are fun! And a thin cardboard box to store your dice (not fun). Both the Essentials Kit and Starter Set are good steps towards introducing new players to the game. I think they are both useful. Starter Set should be first. And the Essentials Kit should come second. After that you can play a few more adventures with the information you currently have. Or if you want to dive into the hardcover books then that's the next step. I highly recommend the Starter Set and Essentials Kit. Both are worthwhile purchases. I suggest the Starter Set first then Essentials Kit.

## Features

- Dragon of Icespire Peak—an adventure for characters levels 1–6
- Rulebook—includes guide to creating characters and all the rules you need to play
- Dungeon Master’s screen
- Fold-out poster map, 6 blank character sheets, and 11 polyhedral dice
- 81 cards describing magic items, sidekicks, and more

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | 0786966831 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #31,140 in Toys & Games ( See Top 100 in Toys & Games ) #780 in Board Games (Toys & Games) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (22,093) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Weight | 2.16 pounds |
| Item model number | Essentials Kit |
| Manufacturer | Wizards of the Coast |
| Manufacturer recommended age | 12 years and up |
| Product Dimensions | 9.1 x 2.1 x 11.6 inches |
| Release date | September 3, 2019 |

## Images

![D&D Essentials Kit (Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set) Age Range:12 Years & Up - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81-+rWV0bWL.jpg)
![D&D Essentials Kit (Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set) Age Range:12 Years & Up - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/813tDL2bzfL.jpg)
![D&D Essentials Kit (Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set) Age Range:12 Years & Up - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81ZDkChVnxL.jpg)
![D&D Essentials Kit (Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set) Age Range:12 Years & Up - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81gefLxmmzL.jpg)
![D&D Essentials Kit (Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set) Age Range:12 Years & Up - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81kBCnKDj+L.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ suitable for D&D beginners with more affordable price
*by J***N on November 17, 2025*

Packed with a rule book, an adventure book, 6 character creation papers, 9 uncut cardboard (9 cards each, 81 cards total), 11 dice, 1 master screen, 1 double-sided map etc., everything you need to learn D&D. It's a more affordable version of starter set without some luxurious component, which means more pen-and-paper work for tabletop RPG sessions, but also more likes traditional ways. Product quality is still good, but starter set is better. So if price isn't your most concerns, going for starter set directly would be my suggestion.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ESSENTIALS KIT vs STARTER SET: Which is better? (no spoilers review)
*by B***Y on September 14, 2019*

ESSENTIALS KIT vs STARTER SET SHORT REVIEW: if you can only buy one set and are new to the game then buy the Starter Set. It explains the rules in a condensed version and easy to read manual--you will be up and running quicker than Essentials Kit. The rules and setup in the Essentials Kit has more steps and might get new players bogged down with too many details. After playing the Starter Set you wil have a feel for the flow and mechanics of the game and can then go deeper into the rules with the Essentials Kit. After playing the Starter Set and you want to move on, choose the Essentials Kit next before buying the hardcover Player's Handbook and Dungeon Master's Guide which have way too much information for new players. The Essentials Kit will build on the Starter Set by introducing magic-using races/classes and character customization. LONG REVIEW AND COMPARISON: ESSENTIALS KIT vs STARTER SET: In the Essentials Kit you get a 64-page squarebound rulebook and 64-page Adventure book. The Starter Set has a 32-page staplebound rulebook and 64-page staplebound Adventure book. I'm not going to talk about the Adventure books to avoid spoilers. But both are recommended and both should be played. The Rulebook differences are significant: in this case shorter (Starter Set) is better. The Essentials Kit has 6 blank character sheets. Players will use the Rulebook to help create their own custom character. The Starter Set has 5 pre-made characters which is NOT bad and for first time players it might be better to start this way. It forces you to play different races and classes of characters, it shows you what type of background story you might want create for future characters, it gives you an idea of how a character sheet is put together and where everything goes, and most importantly it gets you up and running quickly so you can learn how the game plays out. On your second adventure you can take the extra time to create your own character knowing what you liked or didn't like based on your first character. You can easily download and print blank character sheets online. I personally think the Starter Set's idea to use pre-generated characters is best for first time play. DICE: There are 11 dice total in the Essentials Kit but there are duplicates; there are only 7 different types. The Essentials includes a percentage die not in the Starter Set which has 6 different dice total. You only need the 6 types of die so both sets are equal to me. For the Starter Set that's all you get: Rulebook, Adventure book, pre-filled character sheets and dice. It's priced less than the Essentials Kit here on Amazon. Additional material in the Essentials Kit includes extra cards that come 9 to a sheet and you need will need to separate them. None of these are necessary to play. You could write down the information on the cards on paper, but the cards are a nice convenience and can help move the game along. The different cards are: 9 Initiative cards: these are just cards with a number on them, #1-9. 3 Combat cards: these are cheat sheets of combat rules. 24 Magic Item cards. 9 Quest cards: a description of a mini-quest players might take during the bigger Adventure Book. 9 Sidekick cards: your extra character when running a 2-player game. 14 Condition cards: when characters suffer from a certain condition this card reminds them of the symptoms. 1 Magic Charm card. Some of the cards are helpful to have and the Starter Set could be improved to include them as well. Other items in the Essentials Kit: a thin paper Dungeon Master's folding screen. It has a picture on one side and rules/tables on the other. This is very helpful for the Dungeon Master only--it has no use for players. A color map of the world. Maps are fun! And a thin cardboard box to store your dice (not fun). Both the Essentials Kit and Starter Set are good steps towards introducing new players to the game. I think they are both useful. Starter Set should be first. And the Essentials Kit should come second. After that you can play a few more adventures with the information you currently have. Or if you want to dive into the hardcover books then that's the next step. I highly recommend the Starter Set and Essentials Kit. Both are worthwhile purchases. I suggest the Starter Set first then Essentials Kit.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Perfect Introduction to D&D: A Review of the Essentials Kit
*by E***I on March 7, 2023*

The D&D Essentials Kit is packed with everything you need to get started, including a rulebook, character sheets, a set of dice, and an adventure book. The rulebook is clear and easy to understand, making it perfect for beginners who may not have any prior experience with tabletop games. The character sheets are also well-designed, with plenty of space to record your character's stats and abilities. One of the standout items in the kit is the set of dice. The dice are of high quality, with a satisfying weight and feel. The set includes all the dice you'll need to play the game, including the iconic 20-sided die (also known as the d20). The adventure book that comes with the kit is also a lot of fun. It's filled with exciting quests and challenges that will keep players engaged and entertained for hours. The book is well-written, with detailed descriptions of the world and the creatures that inhabit it. But what really makes the D&D Essentials Kit stand out is its accessibility. The game is designed to be easy to learn and play, making it perfect for kids and families. The rules are straightforward, and the adventure book provides plenty of guidance and direction for players who may be new to the game. Overall, the D&D Essentials Kit is a fantastic product for anyone who is interested in exploring the world of Dungeons and Dragons. It's well-designed, easy to use, and packed with everything you need to get started. If you have kids who are interested in tabletop games or are looking to try out D&D for the first time, this kit is a great choice. It's a fun and engaging way to spend time together as a family, and it's sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

## Frequently Bought Together

- D&D Essentials Kit (Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set)
- D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle, for ages 12 Years & Up
- Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Player's Handbook (D&D Core Rulebook)

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-02-08*