WotC's New Deck of Many Things: Is It Worth the Price?
It feels like just yesterday I was venting about the upcoming and overpriced Deck of Many Things, and now Wizards of the Coast (WotC) has unveiled more information pre-release.. But before we dive into the latest reveal, let's recap what we've discussed previously about its hefty price tag and explored a more cost-effective alternative.
WotC is set to release a box set that includes brand-new set of cards, a book dedicated to the Deck of Many Things and Digital Content,…..and, yes, it's still on the expensive side. However, this time there's a twist. Unlike previous releases, this new set allows you to assemble your own Deck of Many Things tailored to your campaign's needs. So, while it may be overpriced, you're at least getting some customization for your coin.
The official release date for this set is October 31, 2023, and it comes in both standard and special editions. But is it worth the investment? Let's take a closer look.
In this set, you'll discover the Book of Many Things, a guide that sheds light on the mysteries of the deck and equips Dungeon Masters with the tools to unleash its chaos in their campaigns. The book contains advice, adventure ideas, and a slew of new monsters for DMs. For players, it offers character options, magic items, and organizations, all inspired by the infamous Deck of Many Things.
Now, what sets this apart is the inclusion of illustrated cards for the Deck of Many Things. In the past, the Deck was based off a standard 52 card deck, yet this set also features additional cards that effectively triple the deck's size. This allows you (the DM) to pick and choose to make “the perfect deck for your campaign”.
But, as mentioned earlier, the price is a concern for many. Initially set at a staggering $109.99, it has seen a slight reduction to $99.99. It's undeniably a premium purchase. The question remains: is this set worth the investment for Dungeon Masters and players?
In my personal opinion - not even close. The Deck of Many Things should be treated almost as an artifact that there are very few of (if maybe only one in a particular world). It should rarely appear and, to be honest, should be something characters know nothing about, except maybe fear. Instead, WotC has turning it into such a common item that there are characters options for it, mixing up of the decks and everything is common knowledge. What a joke.
In the end, for $99.99 you get something you can do with a printer or a $2 deck of cards, a splat book that speaks to the lowest common denominator in hobby , and access to a digital copy that we should be given for free on any book released.
Instead, go and grab a pdf edition of the 1st Edition DMG. You can create just as much chaos with that one table as your party can handle in one session, and you get a reoccurring headache out of your game pretty quickly.
What are your thoughts on WotC's latest offering? Share your opinions in the comments below.
