Dungeons & Dragons has kept millions of players entertained over the decades and inspired other excellent games, but to anyone outside of the world of tabletop role-playing action, getting into this scene can be daunting. To help you overcome the initial hurdles, here is a quick look at how you can start enjoying D&D on a regular basis.
Get the right gear
Although much of D&D takes place in the players’ imaginations, you still need some physical equipment to actually get started. You can buy an official rule book to outline all of the intricacies of gameplay, although there is also a free downloadable version that is worth checking out.
You will also need a set of dice, as these are used to determine the outcomes of the various actions you complete in the game. Everything from combat to conversations will hang on how the dice fall, and while you can splash out custom sets, there are very affordable alternatives that are perfect for beginners.
To really bring the game to life, buying D&D dungeon terrain is an option. Having this kit in place also provides a more solid framework for the story and setting of the scenario, which is nice.
Create a character
This is one of the most intriguing and impactful aspects of getting into D&D, and many people create characters which they stick with for years, so it is also a process to tackle carefully.
The aforementioned basic rule overview from Wizards of the Coast includes all of the in-depth info you will need to build a character for yourself. You will need to choose everything from the class that you want to be, whether that is a fighter, rogue, wizard, or cleric. You will also need to kit out your character with the equipment you will take on your journey, and even select the background to determine skills and abilities.
This can all be quite intimidating, so it definitely makes sense to invest in a starter pack that includes character sheet templates. Once you have got the hang of the game, you can make more bespoke choices, but following the standardized ruleset is best for beginners.
Choose a Dungeon Master
Whether you play with friends in person or host D&D sessions over video conferencing software, you will need someone to act as the all-important Dungeon Master.
This role relies on a blend of storytelling and overarching orchestration, and if you are using a starter set or existing adventure pack, most of the hard work will have been done for you.
While the DM is not directly involved as a character in the game itself, they do hold sway over the direction it takes, so this is far from a passive role.
Agree on the rules & start playing
It is nearly time to dive into your first D&D campaign, but before you do, make sure that all players are up to speed with the rules you will be using.
Specifically, make sure that everyone knows whether this will be a no-nonsense experience or one which has a little leeway for fun and silliness.
Finally, be prepared for there to be a bit of a learning curve to overcome when the game gets underway, particularly if most players have never tried their hand at D&D before. You need to be patient with yourself and others to have a good time and avoid the temptation to get frustrated if it doesn’t click immediately.
