D&D 3.x 3 vs 3.5 which is better for a newbie?

[Pinotage]

From a complexity point of view they're both pretty much the same, but 3.5e is much clearer, more consistent, and generally from a rules point of view an improvement. I'd go for 3.5e. Besides, it's also the current version, so supported by most publishers.

Pinotage

 

[the Jester]

I recommend 3.5, it's basically 3.0 with some (most) of the problems and abuses fixed.

If you are used to 2e.. i would clearly suggest 3.0 is it so much closer to 2e. I might even say that 3.0 and 3.5 is nearly as far apart as 2e and 3e...

I couldn't disagree more! The differences between 3.0 and 3.5, in my opinion, are akin to the differences between 1e and 2e. 2e to 3e is more like... er... the difference between the original 3 little books and 2e with all the splats.

 

[sfedi]

I recommend 3.5 too.

Fewer unbalances that may "corrupt" you vision of the game.

 

[Goolpsy]

I guess this isn't a 3.0 vs 3.5 battle topic.
3.0 really hold a better flavor overall... and there isn't that much that needs to be houseruled.. It all depend on the level of playing...
if you're new to the system it doesn't matter that much which one you use, though 3.5 is certain alot easier to get the books.

 

[Nail]

3.5e simply has more publisher support. Why bother going backwards...and if you want "vintage", why not stick with 2e?

 

[Infiniti2000]

3.5e simply has more publisher support. Why bother going backwards...and if you want "vintage", why not stick with 2e?

Egad, man, bite your tongue! If you want vintage, use 1e.

 

[Nail]

Owww!

Thow I can'th thpeak tho good.........

 

[Herobizkit]

I'd say if you were running a homebrew campaign, stick with 3.0. You'll find the books cheaper (probably) and, at its core, it's still D&D. If you plan on using all kinds of new supplements, you might as well go 3.5... but whatever you do, don't lay them side-by-side and compare; you'll be sorely disappointed at the watering-down of 3.5 spells.

Example:

3.0 sleep; affects 2d4 HD of creatures, no save.
3.5 sleep; affects up to 4 HD of creatures, Will save negates.

And don't get me started on Sanctuary.

 

[diaglo]

I'm not a newbie to D&D, but my experience is mostly with 2e. I plan on playing some PBP or PBEM games, and most of them I see are these versions (3 & 3.5).

Which of the two is a better system, and will work better in the format I've detailed?

TIA.

if you are playing with yourself might i suggest you get the computer game: Temple of Elemental Evil.

iirc, it uses the revised rules.

once you get the hang of it. then find a group.

 

[Infiniti2000]

but whatever you do, don't lay them side-by-side and compare; you'll be sorely disappointed at the watering-down of 3.5 spells.

Actually, as has been noted above, you'll be very happy with the watering-down. The Three H's.