Getting Started with D&D
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How do you begin playing Dungeons & Dragons?
The popularity of Dungeons & Dragons has soared in recent years. Consider series that showcase DnD like "Stranger Things" and "Community", and of course the comedic DnD movie that came out last year. Once a niche hobby for fantasy enthusiasts, the game is now a mainstream phenomenon that you can easily enjoy at home—or even over video call with friends. Interested in how to start playing DnD? Then continue reading our helpful step-by-step guide!
What is Dungeons & Dragons?
In Dungeons & Dragons, often abbreviated to D&D or DnD, you step into the shoes of an imaginary character and cooperate in a rich fantasy world. The game is played around a table with 3 to 6 players in sessions that last 3, sometimes even 6 hours. Step 1 is therefore to find a group of companions ready for adventure. Each player in the group (the party) then chooses or creates a character, and the party embarks on an adventure led by the Dungeon Master (abbreviated DM or GM/Game Master). The Dungeon Master acts as storyteller and referee while the players decide the outcome. Success for critical actions — persuading a soldier of your innocence or striking an enemy — is determined by rolling dice, primarily the iconic twenty‑sided d20. High rolls indicate success; low rolls often result in comedic failure.
What do you need to play D&D?
A big advantage of Dungeons & Dragons is that you don’t need much to get started. All you really need are the rules, a character, dice, and plenty of imagination. Fortunately, Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of Dungeons & Dragons, provides a free PDF with the basic rules. It covers everything you need to create a simple character and start playing. Wizards of the Coast also publishes Starter Sets that include pre-made characters, a set of dice, a copy of the basic rules, and a short adventure. Want to dive deeper right away? Then you can purchase the Player’s Handbook, a comprehensive book filled with everything a new player could wish for. For dice—a key part of the game—you can pick up a standard set. If you just want to play, you’ll also need a Dungeon Master—but more on that later!
Dungeons & Dragons – 5th Edition Player's Handbook
$35.99
A guide that helps you create characters, grasp the rules, and embark on adventures in the world of D&D.
Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set
$24.40
A beginner adventure designed to help new players and Dungeon Masters grasp the fundamentals of D&D through a ready-to-play story set on Stormwreck Isle.
How do I create a D&D character?
The starter PDF from Wizards of the Coast includes a few basic DnD races and classes, but if you want full choice, the Player’s Handbook is recommended. It describes all the main options in detail. You can download a template for your character sheet via this link.
A DnD character consists of several essential choices. First, pick the race: classic races like dwarves, elves, and humans, or more exotic options such as Tabaxi (cat‑folk) or Aasimar (angelic beings). After choosing your race, select your character’s class, which is comparable to their profession and largely determines what they can do. Familiar classes include Wizard, Fighter, and Ranger. Finally, you can customise and colour your character in many ways. A key method is writing a background story that explains what happened in your character’s life before the campaign begins. With so many options, you can easily lose hours crafting a character—consider yourself warned! 😉
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? No worries! New players can also choose from a variety of premade characters and then add their own creative twist. For instance, check out this website with characters. When you book a StoryForgers session, we always provide a fun selection of characters to choose from!
How do I become a Dungeon Master?
Every D&D game requires a Dungeon Master, but this role is more intricate than that of a regular player. While a player simply brings their created or chosen character to the table, the Dungeon Master prepares the entire narrative and knows the rules thoroughly. They serve as referee, storyteller, and adversary for the players, describing locations, consequences, and portraying all NPCs (non-player characters). Since this can be quite demanding, beginners are typically encouraged to gain experience as a player before stepping into the Dungeon Master role.
When you feel ready to take on the role of Dungeon Master, there are several resources available. Wizards of the Coast offers an extensive guide (the Dungeon Master’s Guide) to assist you in running the game. We also recommend the YouTube series below, which the StoryForgers DMs found particularly helpful. Still feeling overwhelmed? Then keep reading!
Dungeons & Dragons – 5th Edition Dungeon Master’s Guide
$33.99
A guide packed with tips, tools, and rules to assist Dungeon Masters in creating worlds, running games, and ensuring adventures remain thrilling.
Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master’s Screen
$24.40
A convenient screen that conceals the DM’s notes and dice rolls while providing quick-reference rules and information right at your fingertips.
The advantages of having a professional Dungeon Master
Now that you know how to start with Dungeons & Dragons, you might also consider learning with a professional Dungeon Master. The professional StoryForgers Dungeon Masters are skilled in crafting exciting stories and assisting new players in understanding the rules and developing their characters. StoryForgers has created special one-shot sessions that condense a full adventure into a four-hour experience — perfect for beginners looking for a fun first taste. At the beginning, we spend the first 20 minutes explaining the basics so even players with no experience can jump right in. We also provide all the essentials for smooth play: a set of character sheets with interesting characters, miniatures, and table cards.
In summary, learning to play Dungeons & Dragons with a StoryForgers Dungeon Master unlocks a realm brimming with adventure and creativity. Gather your friends, roll those dice, and let the adventure commence!
