Here’s step-by-step instructions for how to start your own D&D game. We have provided you with links to all the tools and materials you’ll need.
Step 1 - Players
First and foremost, you’re going to need some players! Groups can range anywhere from 4 people (one Dungeon Master and three players) to however many party members you want! If this is your first time being a DM, I would encourage you to stick with 3-5 players.
Finding players
Check out your local game store, odds are they host a weekly game there at the store. If you don’t have a game store nearby or live in a remote area, there are other options.
If you really want to play in face-to-face group you can always utilize online forums. I have personally utilized the Looking for Players & Groups forum on D&D Beyond, and found some of my best friends through it. Post what/who you are looking for and a description of your game. If you’re inviting these people into your home, I would personally meet with them beforehand or even do a Skype “interview” just to make sure it is a good fit.
Playing remotely
If playing face-to-face isn’t an option, there are platforms like Roll20 that allow you to play purely online.
Check us out on social media for helpful tips and tricks for becoming a better Dungeon Master!
step 2 - Dungeon Master
The Dungeon Master or “DM” is the all knowing voice behind the scenes (and all-powerful, MUWAHAHA). It is the DM’s job to lay out the world and facilitate this beautiful collaborative story telling journey.
You don’t have to be a voice actor to be a good DM. This is a safe space, so if you want to try something outside of your comfort zone then go for it! No one is sitting at your table just to judge you - and if they are, then they can get eaten by a mimic!
Do I need to come up with the story all by myself?
Absolutely not! There is a PLETHORA of excellent content out there to help you get started. We’re not all as creative as the wildly popular Dungeon Master of Critical Role, Matthew Mercer; but that doesn’t mean we can’t strive to be! I would recommend by starting off with a campaign guide for 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons - there are several! They all technically go in chronological order according to the Lore of the D&D multiverse, however you can start wherever you’d like! Each campaign book has its own theme or flavor so you can go with what you and your party thinks sounds the most interesting.
I would also encourage first time DM’s to begin with the Starter Set, The Lost Mine of Phandelver! This coupled with the Essentials Kit will provide everything you need to get started.
You can purchase the Starter Set, Essentials Kit, or any other module by clicking the image! Your purchase through The D&D Coalition’s Amazon page helps fund our mission of helping more people play Dungeons & Dragons.
Step 3 - ROll SOME DICE!
You’ve accomplished the feat of gathering your group of adventurers, read through your campaign guide, now for the final task of defeating Public Enemy No. 1…. scheduling. With any D&D group this is always the most difficult task, however there are a few things you can do to help conquer this foe other than starting a free-for-all group chat with your friends. I would personally encourage you to have a Session 0.
SEssion 0
This is an excellent way to discuss how often you’re looking to play, expectations, boundaries, character backgrounds, or the type of game that you are going to be running. I don’t mean what edition or otherwise, but the beauty of Dungeons & Dragons is that there are so many different ways to play the game! Maybe you’re looking for a role-play heavy type of campaign with lots of intrigue, or possibly a game that is more strategic with more combat. These are important things to discuss at a Session 0 so that everyone knows what to expect.
HAVE FUN
Now that you’ve had your Session 0 and everyone has their characters ready, there’s nothing left to do but to play D&D! Do yourself a favor and don’t hold yourself nor anyone else to a certain standard or timeline - let the game roll on organically and allow your players to make mistakes. I can guarantee you that your players will do the unexpected; as the Dungeon Master, your job it to facilitate that! The most memorable moments will be born from these precious moments of spontaneity, so revel in them.
Start rolling dice!
Want to take your game to the next level?
Dungeons & Dragons can be played with nothing but paper, a pencil, and some dice; but if you’re looking to add an extra layer to your combat encounters, there are so many options out there for you! Check out our Tools section below and sign-up for our newsletter for exclusive discount codes and offers with our fellow Coalition Sponsors!
Special Thank You to Breanna (@breannaflaim on Instagram) for the header photo!