The base game itself is actually free, if you want to first see whether you like how it plays. The GOG versions counts as the backer edition, which gets you an extra class, extra modes and some cosmetic options as a thank you. The expansions cannot be gotten for free and add more content on top of that. If you like it, I'd say get both expansions - the more content the better as the way the game works means that the more content, the more insane the combinations you can make and encounter, get. The second campaign is also shorter and easier, for if you want a more easygoing playthrough.

The game itself you can play just fine without paying any attention to the lore if you just want to get going (I've never read any of it and have zero clue of what's going on, but fighting everything with weird classes is more than fun enough), plus there are also tons of mods that add even more content. They're all DRM-free (http://te4.org/addons/tome), but the only mod I'd say is a must-have even as a beginner is the Z0mnibus pack, because it has a lot of quality of life additions, like having the option to evade the patrols. The game is very customisable, so if you find yourself annoyed by a certain feature then you can almost always find a add-on that changes it for you.

Some tips on general play:
-You can right-click on any unit and inspect it to see its stats and abilities.
-Do the arena quest once you're at a high enough level.
-Don't fight patrols when possible. You never know what skills they might have, so best not to risk it.
-Get an ability that helps you escape. You can almost always see a death coming, so being able to get away will make you die way less.
-Bog standard humans and elves are really good starting picks.

He doesn't mean a specific ability, but that magic users are squishy murder machines - especially in a group. One of the reasons the second campaign is easier is that it has considerably fewer mage bosses. :D You can absolutely do the same thing, though, and you're not limited to spellcasters to pull it off with - there's tons of loot, classes, races and abilities to tinker with so you´ll frequently stumble across beastly combinations just by trying things out. It all depends on how you want to play.


I´m not sure if I´d say it´s hard - there are way , way harder roguelikes out there - but it is quite high damage. Enemies can kill you really quickly if you get mobbed or stumble upon something that is beyond what you´re equipped to deal with, but the same goes for the player. I wouldn´t say it´s easy either, though, but I was able to beat it myself, despite being really reckless and not very good at it, so it can´t be too hardcore either. ;)