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, such as “Stranger Things” and “Community”, along with the comedic DnD film released last year. Once a niche pastime for fantasy enthusiasts, the game has become 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 handy 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, chiefly the iconic twenty‑sided d20. High rolls indicate success; low rolls often lead to comedic failure.
What do you need to play D&D?
A major benefit 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, offers a free PDF with the basic rules. It provides 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 jump in deeper right away? Then you can purchase the Player’s Handbook, a comprehensive guide filled with everything a new player could desire. For dice—an essential part of the game—you can grab 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 shows you how to 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 narrative 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 details all the main options thoroughly. 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 akin to their profession and largely determines what they can do. Familiar classes include Wizard, Fighter, and Ranger. Finally, you can customise your character in various 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 spend 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 DnD 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). As this can be quite demanding, beginners are generally advised 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 at your disposal. Wizards of the Coast provides a comprehensive guide (the Dungeon Master’s Guide) to assist you in running the game. We also recommend the YouTube series below, which the StoryForgers DMs themselves 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 useful 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 think about 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 session — ideal for beginners who want a fun first experience. At the start, 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. So gather your friends, roll those dice, and let the adventure commence!
