D&D 5E Newish and Possiby Missing the Point but...

[designbot]

Thanks for the info guys, this is all good stuff. I will say, I'm a little surprised that the Starter Set has been recommended a couple of times. I bought the one for 4E (Red Box) and it felt very bare-bones. I don't really mean that it was lacking in Adventure/Fluff, I would expect that, but it seemed like it was even missing some rules type stuff. I'd have to dig it back out to be certain, but I thought it was literally a toned down version called "D&D Essentials" or something like that. Is the 5E version better in that regard?

The included rulebook is basically the same as the Basic Rules you can download for free, meaning it only includes a few core classes, races, and options. You already have the Player's Handbook, so there is nothing new here for you.

It also comes with pregenerated character sheets (which can also be downloaded for free) and a set of dice.

The real value of the Starter Set is the included adventure, Lost Mine of Phandelver, which is a lot of fun and very easy to run as a first campaign.

 

[Lancelot]

If you're going to be a player, you already have everything you need if you have the PH and the SCAG. Arguably, you didn't need either of those. The basic rules are free online. But, if you really want to get into it as a player, and appreciate having nice books and lots of options... then the PH and SCAG are good choices.

You don't need (or want) any of the other books if you're not DM'ing. They will simply ruin your surprise and sense of discovery in the game.

If you are thinking about DM'ing, then I'm going to go against some of the advice provided here and say that you don't want Out of the Abyss, and you might not want Princes of the Apocalypse. You want the Starter Set. The module in the Starter Set (Lost Mine of Phandelver) is an excellent introduction to DM'ing. It's straight-forward, the monster and treasure stats are all available in the Starter Set (so you don't need the DMG or MM), and it's simply a fun adventure. Great maps, well-designed, and includes some surprises.

Princes of the Apocalypse is more complex. You'd probably want some experience as a 5th edition DM before taking it on. However, it's still a lot more straight-forward than...

Out of the Abyss is very complex for a new DM. There are a ton of NPCs to track, it's very free-form, and it gives absolutely no @#$%'s for ensuring balanced encounters. Unless the DM knows what they're doing, a 1st or 2nd level party could just stumble into a grell or a hunting pack of gnolls, and it's a quick TPK. I think it's a really good and flexible module for an experienced group, but I'd never recommend it for starters.

 

[S'mon]

As you plan to play not GM, the only thing you need right now is a GM!
Find a GM/join a group. Ask for their advice on what to get - the only thing they're likely to expect you to get is a PHB. Listen to your GM/group, more than to Internet advice. Internet advice is generally more useful to GMs - the loneliness of command.

As a non-GMing player, DO NOT BUY ANY MODULES. It's ok to get the SCAG, but it won't be much use if the GM isn't setting his game there.

BTW I am not totally 100% certain you are clear on the difference between the player role and the GM role. Have you played with other groups (not just your dad)? Keep an open mind about expectations - some of yours may seem odd to others.