$3/ month isn't that bad. And you really only need it if you want to use homebrew.
I have used it when DMing online as a way to have monster stats readily available. It is much more convenient than grabbing books while sitting at the computer.
While it sound good, I tend to have the relevant stats copied down for each monster in each encounter or an easy to use cheat sheet if they are used in multiple encounters. Makes it easier for than referring to a book or website.I know you haven't decided for yourself yet, but for me, this is what sells it. I really dislike having to bounce between multiple pages in the MM (and possibly even another book or two) if the fight I'm running contains two or more types of monster. Having everything all consolidated when it comes to foes is definitely worth the price of admission for me...
What would you even need the PHB for? Isn't the srd content included already? Could probably just enter in the eldritch knight details yourself via the homebrew content if that is the fighter subclass you want to use.Regardless of the quality of DDB, I can understand the frustration of those that don't want to pay full price again for digital products they've bought on other platforms. Multiplatform digital licensing shouldn't be this difficult for WotC to nail down.
While it sound good, I tend to have the relevant stats copied down for each monster in each encounter or an easy to use cheat sheet if they are used in multiple encounters. Makes it easier for than referring to a book or website.
I have wanted to love this since it first came out as a beta. It's been disappointing in some ways. I have used it when DMing online as a way to have monster stats readily available. It is much more convenient than grabbing books while sitting at the computer. However, the character builder is not particularly useful. Why can't I print out my character on a standard character sheet for my live game? The character builder has minimal applicability for online gaming since the major interfaces store character sheets online. The question in my mind is will I use it? At this point, I would have to say not enough to warrant purchasing it. Still I go online to dndbeyond frequently to see what additional features have been added. I want to like it. I want to want to buy it. But I just don't at this point. Can anyone help me make the right decision?
Is 5e so complicated you really need a character builder? People who are willing to go buy a sub to this thing probably have plenty of ability to level up their characters with paper, pencil, and dice.
Its not Moldvay/Cook/Marsh but this is the first Wizards edition where I don't feel the need for one at all.