Do I need to play the 1988 Pool of Radiance first?

No. The 2001 Sorcerer's Place FAQ states you do not need knowledge of the original Gold Box Pool of Radiance. This wiki page covers only Ruins of Myth Drannor (2001 / 2026 remaster).

What should I change in settings before my first fight?

Sources recommend turning the turn timer off until you know the action bar, tooltips, camera, and combat animation speed. Legacy mode is optional if you want the original look and feel; exact menu paths in the remaster are partly unverified.

How big is the party at the start?

You create up to four characters, and the campaign allows two more recruited companions later for six total (Steam store page and 2001 FAQ, checked 2026-11-07). Party builds are covered on our best party guide.

Is this the same game as the 1987 Gold Box Pool of Radiance?

No. Ruins of Myth Drannor (2001) is a separate Forgotten Realms CRPG. Do not confuse it with the 1987/1988 Gold Box title on C64 and other platforms.

How long is a full playthrough?

The original FAQ and store materials cite roughly 100+ hours for a complete run (Original 2001). We have not independently verified pacing in the 2026 remaster.

How to Play Ruins of Myth Drannor (Beginner Guide)

What is Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor?

Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor (often shortened to RoMD) is a party-based, turn-based CRPG built on D&D 3rd Edition rules. Stormfront Studios shipped the Original (2001) PC release; SNEG published a Remaster (2026) on Steam and GOG on 2026-11-06 that keeps the same core campaign while adding resolution, UI, and input options (Source: Steam store page, checked 2026-11-07). You explore dungeon hubs around Myth Drannor, fight in tactical rounds, and level characters to a 16-level cap with 8th-level spells on spellcasters (same store listing).

This beginner guide stays spoiler-free: no story beats, boss names as plot points, or area walkthrough order. For structure after you are comfortable, see the walkthrough overview.

Is this the 1988 Gold Box Pool of Radiance?

No. The 1987/1988 Pool of Radiance on Gold Box platforms is a different game and era. Ruins of Myth Drannor is a late-2001 title with 3E mechanics and real-time exploration plus turn-based combat (Source: Sorcerer’s Place FAQ, 2001). Gaming.net’s remaster tips explicitly warn newcomers not to mix the two names (2026-11-06). You do not need any earlier Pool of Radiance product to start (FAQ, 2001).

What should I tune in the first ten minutes?

Store copy and day-one guides agree: spend a few minutes in options before you commit to a long session.

Setting	Practical starting point	Source note
Legacy mode vs modern enhancements	Try default first; switch to Legacy if you want original gameplay and presentation preserved (Remaster 2026).	Steam store page
Turn timer / timed turns	Off (unlimited) while learning actions and tooltips	Gaming.net 2026-11-06; AIssil combat hints (Original 2001)
Action bar and tooltips	Leave enhanced bar and extra tooltips on unless Legacy replaces them	Steam store page
Camera and combat animation speed	Lower animation speed if fights feel sluggish; adjust camera with remaster camera controls	Steam; Gaming.net
Keyboard/mouse vs controller	Full gamepad support is advertised—pick one scheme early for muscle memory	Steam Features, checked 2026-11-07

Exact menu names for each toggle in the Remaster (2026) are Unverified in the remaster beyond what the store page lists. For a dedicated Legacy walkthrough, read Legacy mode. Combat timers and animation are expanded in combat settings.

How to play Ruins of Myth Drannor: your first hour

Facts we can cite without spoiling the plot:

Finish character setup — You roll up to four created heroes. The game supports Default characters in the Original (2001) walkthrough (GameFAQs AIssil, 2002). The remaster creation flow is Unverified in the remaster step-by-step; see character creation when you need point-buy numbers.
Use a balanced four-class core — Community guides for the 2026 release recommend Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, and Sorcerer for roles (tank, healing, skills, arcane damage) (GameTruth party guide, 2026-11-06). Our best party page explains why, without copying a full build order.
Learn exploration controls — Every class has Search as a class skill, but only Rogues can use Open Lock and Disable Device, and only Rogues use Search to find traps on objects (Manualzz §Search, Original 2001; GameTruth 2026-11-06 aligns on Rogue-only trap detection). In travel mode the party auto-Searches while moving (Original 2001 manual; remaster UI Unverified in the remaster). Walk when you are unsure; save before risky doors.
Read combat feedback — Initiative order, attack rolls, and action points show in the on-screen log and bars (visible in official remaster screenshots). Open the Spells tab on the action bar when you prepare casters (multiclass guide later if you branch).
Expect a long campaign — Official materials cite about 100+ hours for completion (Original 2001 FAQ). Pacing in the remaster is Unverified in the remaster.

Keyboard, mouse, or controller?

The Remaster (2026) lists full controller support and reworked camera control on Steam (checked 2026-11-07). GOG lists controller support as well. Gaming.net suggests trying both input methods early in a short session (2026-11-06). Steam Deck compatibility is discussed on Steam Deck and controller; Valve had not assigned an official Deck Verified rating as of our store check.

How hard is it for a new CRPG player?

Original (2001) reputation: lengthy fights, many undead encounters, and stingy hit chances—walkthrough authors advise turning off timed turns, fighting at doorways, and using frequent reloads where the design allows (AIssil combat hints, 2002). That tone still informs player reviews on Steam and GOG after the remaster launch (community opinion, not a difficulty slider fact).

The remaster adds optional timed turns (Steam) but does not advertise a new “story mode.” Treat difficulty as system mastery + patience, not action reflexes. ESRB rates the game Mature 17+ for violence (Steam, 2026).

Where should I go next on this wiki?

Best party — role coverage and companion timing (editorial, sourced tables).
Remaster vs original — what changed in 2026 versus patching the 2001 disc.
Worth it? — price, review snapshots, and fit before you buy.
Tips and tricks — meta habits that survive from Original (2001) guides.

Sources and what we haven’t verified

Sources: Steam store app 4834760 (2026-11-07); Gaming.net beginner tips (2026-11-06); Sorcerer’s Place PoR2 FAQ (2001); GameFAQs AIssil walkthrough (2002); GameTruth party guide (2026-11-06).

Unverified in the remaster: Full Settings menu map; every Legacy sub-option; character creation UI parity with 2001; remaster-specific balance or tutorial changes; whether all 2001 multiplayer or random dungeon modes exist (Steam lists single-player only).