Hi there, after the Tabletop show convinced my friends we need to get into board games we've started playing a game weekly now. So far this month I've got the following games:

Talisman

Wrath of Ashardalon

Small World (plus one small expansion)

Runewars

Zombie Dice

Munchkin Deluxe

While a friend has bought Spartacus, Pandemic and Elder Sign. So far all, bar maybe Munchkin without a full group, have been a resounding success.

Now I most definitely have my eye on Descent because as enjoyable as Ashardalon is and we shall complete the campaign the game lacks a certain depth (line of site, variety and a more structured dungeon system).

So this brings me to my question to the community here. Shall I buy Descent with all the expansions a spare set of dice and preorder the lieutenants or begin with just the base game? I'm positive the game will be enjoyable and I'd like as big a selection of heroes and monsters as possible but fear that with all the added expansions there may be too many mechanics to learn at once for the group?

Alternatively do the small box expansions with the mini campaigns make a good place to learn the rules before tackling the larger base game campaign?

With your experience in games, I don't think the extra machanics will add much complication to the game. IMO, I would try just the base game first to ensure you like it.

I agree with rfisha. You can buy them as you finish each one. The reason for that is that the campaigns can take a while to do and most components (outside of heroes and monsters) will not be relevant or even help. The only one where that is different is the Conversion Kit, but proxies will be needed.

But start with the Base and build up. ^.^

Okay, thank you guys for the responses. I'll start with the base game and the lieutenants for the miniatures. After we complete our first play through of the base campaign is it best to then buy all the expansions at once? I ask because I don't believe the two smaller box expansions will add too much in their mini campaigns other than the variety of the new tiles, heroes mobs and cards?

Honestly, if you have the money, I would buy the base game and maybe one (or both) of the mini expansions. Then, you'll have a pool of 12 heroes and classes for the hero players to choose from, a few more monsters (the mini expansion monsters are actually quite powerful), two new Overlord classes, more conditions, tiles, etc. I would hold off playing the actual Rumor cards and the mini-campaigns until after you've played the base game, but it allows for more options that won't overwhelm or confuse new players.

The smaller boxes add heroes, Overlord cards and monsters. It's a good deal more, I think. It also gives you the option to make your campaign longer with a few quests called rumors. You can pick both the small expansions up at once. Not a bad idea. Labyrinth of Ruin is almost as extensive as the base game with another two roads for campaign-ing. The option is yours. ^.^

Okay, thank you guys for the responses. I'll start with the base game and the lieutenants for the miniatures. After we complete our first play through of the base campaign is it best to then buy all the expansions at once? I ask because I don't believe the two smaller box expansions will add too much in their mini campaigns other than the variety of the new tiles, heroes mobs and cards?

Whether you buy all the expansions at once or buy them one at a time, I don't think it makes a big difference. I do second the idea of only buying the core set to start, though. This game has a habit of not being what people expected it to be, so it would suck if you sank all that money into expansions before deciding you really don't like the basic mechanics.

Okay, I think taking everyones advice on board I'll get the base game and if I like it get the two mini expansions and the lieutenants for the miniatures before running the full campaign.

After which I can get the big box expansions and the upcoming big box expansion which looks to have some beautiful tiles.

I agree with the above posters. Start with the base game first, and I hope you enjoy it. As you add expansions and the conversion kit you will start to have more complexity and no doubt rules questions. The community over at BGG has started compiling an unofficial FAQ, answered by people from FFG http://www.boardgamegeek.com/article/10382471#10382471

Also be sure to visit the page here on FFG to get the official FAQ and errata

With your experience in games, I don't think the extra machanics will add much complication to the game. IMO, I would try just the base game first to ensure you like it.

Tox from crits happen, and watchitplayed to name a good few!