Daggerheart Core Set vs Bard Class Pack: What to Buy First
By Critical Role Store | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Comparisons
The Core Set gives you the full Daggerheart game, while the Bard Class Pack adds one class. Here's how to decide which to buy first.
Quick answer
Buy the Daggerheart Core Set first. It contains the full game your group needs to play, while the Bard Class Pack adds a single class and assumes you already have the core rules.
What each purchase actually gives you
The Core Set is the entry point: it's the complete tabletop roleplaying game of epic and heartfelt tales, tuned by your group. The Bard Class Pack is a focused add-on that expands your options with the Bard's Grace and Codex domains—not a standalone game.
The trade-off: breadth vs. a single class
The Core Set gives every player at the table a way to start, but it doesn't add the Bard's specific flavor. The Bard Class Pack gives one player a rich, performance-driven class, but it won't help a group that doesn't yet own the core rules. If you're buying for a group, the Core Set is the safer first purchase; if you already play and someone wants to be a Bard, the Class Pack is the efficient choice.
Format and delivery differences
The Core Set offers a physical edition, a digital Daggerheart Nexus edition fulfilled by partner Demiplane, or a bundle of both—so you can choose the format that fits your table. The Bard Class Pack listing does not specify format options, so check the product page if you need digital or physical specifics before ordering.
Decision rules for your first Daggerheart purchase
- If your group has no Daggerheart rules yet: Choose the Core Set. It is the complete game and the only option here that lets a group start playing from scratch. You cannot run a game with the Bard Class Pack alone.
- If you already own the core rules and someone wants to play a Bard: Choose the Bard Class Pack. It adds the Bard class with its Grace and Codex domains without repeating the core book. Check the product page for format options if you need a digital copy.
- If you are buying for a group with mixed experience: Start with the Core Set, then add the Bard Class Pack later once the table is familiar with the rules. Buying both at once is fine only if you know someone will play the Bard.
Product facts
- Daggerheart Core Set: Available as a physical edition, a digital Daggerheart Nexus edition, or a bundle of both. You can start playing in person, online, or both without buying twice.
Daggerheart Core Set - Bard Daggerheart Class Pack: Draws from the Grace (charisma) and Codex (intensive magical study) domains. The Bard rewards players who enjoy social manipulation and magical study rather than pure combat.
Bard Daggerheart Class Pack
Which should you buy?
Best for
- New groups who need the full game to start playing
- Game masters building a shared table library
- Players who want physical, digital, or bundle format choice
Not for
- Groups who already own the Core Set and want to add a Bard
- Solo shoppers buying a gift for an existing Daggerheart player who specifically wants the Bard class
