New D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle

New D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle

Wizards of the Coast recently released the new Dragons of Stormwreck Isle Starter Set, an updated box that replaces the 2014 set that featured The Lost Mine of Phandelver. Right now, you can only find it at Target, but a wider release is expected soon. I managed to snag one of the last copies at my local store—D&D’s popularity is still going strong!

In this video, I give you my first look at what’s inside and how it stacks up for new players. If you’re brand new to D&D, I think this set does a great job of introducing the basics. You get a rulebook that’s clear and helpful, six essential dice, and five pre-generated character sheets that make getting started a breeze. The artwork and layout feel fresh, and there’s even a nod to the old D&D cartoon from the 80s in the art.

One thing that’s missing? Character creation rules. But honestly, that’s probably a good choice for new players. Pre-gens keep the focus on playing and learning, not on getting lost in the weeds of character building.

The included adventure, Dragons of Stormwreck Isle, looks promising. It’s designed for levels 1–3, and the structure seems flexible enough to let new DMs handle things as they come up. I haven’t run it yet, so I’m holding off on a full review—but so far, it seems like a great starting point.

If you’re a collector or you’re just getting into D&D, this is worth picking up. But if you already have the essentials, you might want to wait for a sale. Either way, it’s exciting to see D&D continuing to grow and reach new players.

Let me know if you’ve picked up this set—or if you’re curious about how it compares to The Lost Mine of Phandelver. Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Cheers,
Brian