Ken 10/28/24 Ken 10/28/24

A Beginner’s Guide to Dungeons and Dragons

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a complete newcomer, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) offers endless storytelling, epic battles, and creative adventures. This beginner’s guide will walk you through what D&D is, how to play it, and even tips for going solo or playing in a smaller group.

START YOUR D&D JOURNEY!

WHAT IS D&D?

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG) where players create characters and team up to embark on quests, battle creatures, and solve mysteries. It’s all about creating an interactive story where each player shapes the outcome. One person, called the Dungeon Master (DM), serves as the storyteller and referee, guiding players through their adventure.

How It Works

At the heart of D&D is collaborative storytelling. Here’s how it breaks down:

The Dungeon Master (DM) creates the story and world.
Players create characters who interact with the story and each other.
Dice Rolls determine the outcomes of various actions.

Each session is unique because of the players' decisions, so no two adventures are the same.

HOW TO PLAY D&D

Gather the Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to play:

Player’s Handbook (5th Edition) for game rules.
Dice set: D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, and D20 for different outcomes.
Character sheets to keep track of your character’s stats.
A DM (or take turns!) who guides the story.

Choose an Adventure

For beginners, a “one-shot” (an adventure that lasts one session) is a great starting point. The D&D Starter Set is excellent for newbies, with pre-made characters, a basic rulebook, and dice. You can also explore pre-made adventures online for a quick game.

Create Your Hero

Every player creates a character who represents them in the game. The character has a unique background, appearance, and personality.

Picking a Race

Choose a race for your character (like Elf, Dwarf, or Human) to give them special abilities and traits.

Selecting a Class

Your character’s class (such as Fighter, Wizard, or Rogue) defines their skills, strengths, and weaknesses. This choice sets up the style and role your character will play within the group.

LEARN THE GAME MECHANICS

D&D may look complex, but it boils down to a simple three-step process:

Describe: The DM describes a scenario.
Decide: Players decide how they want to act.
Roll: Players roll dice to determine if they succeed or fail.

This cycle of decision and outcome drives the story forward, making each adventure an engaging experience.

PLAYING AS A CHARACTER

Building your character is one of the most enjoyable parts of D&D. Think about your hero’s appearance, personality, and background story. Are they a strong fighter, a wise healer, or a sneaky rogue? Adding depth to your character can make the game feel more immersive.

PLAYING AS THE DUNGEON MASTER

The DM creates the adventure, describing everything from the setting to the creatures players meet. They also manage the rules and make sure the game runs smoothly. If you’re interested in being a DM, start by choosing an easy, structured adventure and focus on setting the scene for players.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ... AND DICE?

Dice are crucial in D&D, adding a level of unpredictability to actions. Rolling higher numbers typically means success, while low rolls may lead to setbacks. For example, if your character tries to kick down a door, rolling a high number could mean success, while a low roll could result in failure.

RESOURCES FOR FIRST-TIME PLAYERS

Here are some helpful resources to get you started:

Start Playing Now

For complete beginners, try the Intro to Stormwreck Isle adventure. It’s a beginner-friendly journey into the world of D&D, designed to ease players into the basics of gameplay.

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set

This set includes everything you need for your first game: a rulebook, pre-made characters, an adventure book, and dice.

FIND A D&D GROUP TO PLAY WITH

If you’re ready to join or start a game, here are ways to find players and DMs:

Discord

Join the Dungeons & Dragons Discord to connect with other players and find games online. You can find ours here.

Live Play Weekends

Some stores and game lounges offer regular D&D weekends where players can meet up, play, and learn the game together.

Socials

Check for D&D groups on socials; you might be surprised by how many local and online groups are available.

PLAYING D&D WITH JUST TWO PLAYERS OR SOLO

D&D is usually a group game, but playing with just two players or solo is entirely possible with a few adjustments.

Solo Play

Playing D&D alone is more of a storytelling experience. You’ll take on the roles of both the DM and the player, creating the story and deciding outcomes yourself. Solo play lets you focus on learning the rules at your own pace.

Two-Player D&D Tips

If you’re playing with just one other person, here are some tips:

Alternate DM Roles: Take turns as DM to keep things fresh.
Control Multiple Characters: Each player can create two or more characters to make the world feel full.
Use NPCs: Well-developed Non-Player Characters (NPCs) help flesh out the game and add excitement.
Focus on Storytelling: Small games benefit from rich stories rather than heavy combat.
Simplify Combat Rules: With fewer players, streamline the rules for faster, more enjoyable gameplay.

FAQs About Dungeons & Dragons

What do I need to play D&D online?

You’ll need a group, an internet connection, and ideally, an online platform like D&D Beyond or Roll20 to handle character sheets and dice rolls.

Can I play D&D alone?

Yes, solo D&D is possible, but it’s different from a traditional game. You’ll act as both DM and player, making it more of a guided story than a collaborative adventure.

How do I become a good Dungeon Master?

Start with a simple adventure, practice storytelling, and focus on creating an enjoyable experience for your players.

What’s the best way to learn the rules?

Begin with the Player’s Handbook or a Starter Set for a structured approach. Playing a one-shot adventure is a great way to learn the basics.

Can I play D&D with just two people?

Yes! A two-player game can be a lot of fun with some adjustments. Alternate DM roles, use multiple characters, and focus on storytelling to make the game engaging.

THERE'S PLENTY MORE TO HELP YOU GET STARTED!

Remember, the most important part of D&D is having fun! You don’t need to know all the rules perfectly—learning as you go is part of the adventure. Whether you’re playing solo, with one friend, or a full party, D&D is about creativity, storytelling, and having a great time together.