D&D’s “Heroes of the Borderlands” Starter Set: A Classic Returns, Reimagine

Mark your calendars, adventurers! Wizards of the Coast has unveiled exciting details about the upcoming D&D Starter Set, “Heroes of the Borderlands,” set to launch in September 2025. This reveal, following the initial announcement at D&D Direct 2024 and further details at New York Toy Fair, has fans buzzing.

This isn’t just another starter set; it’s a modern reimagining of the beloved classic adventure module, “B2: Keep on the Borderlands,” and a significant step forward in making D&D more accessible to new players.

What’s Inside the “Heroes of the Borderlands” Box?

“Heroes of the Borderlands” is designed to seamlessly introduce players to the 2024 D&D rules, incorporating materials from the new Player’s Handbook and Dungeon Master’s Guide. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

A Modern Twist on a Classic: The set features a contemporary update of “Keep on the Borderlands,” with the adventure unfolding in the same region, albeit “some time has passed.”
Three Tutorial Booklets: “Caves of Chaos,” “Keep on the Borderlands,” and “The Wilderness” each include guided tutorials for a learn-as-you-go experience.
Comprehensive How-To-Play Video: Wizards of the Coast will provide a detailed video to further support learning.
Innovative Character Creation Tiles: These new tiles allow for quick and easy character creation, perfect for beginners.
Support for Multiple DMs: A groundbreaking feature, allowing multiple Dungeon Masters to run the campaign.
Quick-Start Guide: A concise overview of the 2024 D&D rules and a modular introductory adventure.
A Look Back: “Keep on the Borderlands”

For those unfamiliar, “B2: Keep on the Borderlands” is a legendary 1979 adventure by D&D co-creator Gary Gygax. Its beginner-friendly design and flexible gameplay have cemented its place in D&D history. This new starter set aims to capture that magic for a new generation.

Previous D&D 5e Starter Sets

To understand the evolution of D&D starter sets, let’s take a quick look:

2014 Starter Set: Introduced “Lost Mine of Phandelver,” a hugely popular adventure.
2019 Essentials Kit: An expanded set featuring “Dragon of Icespire Peak” and digital adventures.
2022 Starter Set: Featured “Dragons of Stormwreck Isle,” set in the Forgotten Realms.

Release Date and Pricing

“Heroes of the Borderlands” is scheduled for release on September 16th, 2025. Expect pre-orders on D&D Beyond, with potential early digital access. The estimated retail price is around $50 USD.

What Else to Expect?

WizKids miniatures tie-ins are likely.
Additional digital adventures on D&D Beyond are possible.
Integration with D&D Beyond’s 2D Maps VTT is expected, with potential future compatibility with Project Sigil.
Final Thoughts

“Heroes of the Borderlands” is shaping up to be a fantastic entry point for new D&D players and a nostalgic trip for seasoned veterans. The combination of a classic adventure with modern innovations makes this a must-watch release.