Getting Started with Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is more than just a game—it’s a gateway to limitless imagination, heroic storytelling, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’ve heard of it through Stranger Things, podcasts like Critical Role, or curious friends, starting D&D can seem intimidating at first. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to dive into your first campaign, from choosing your first character to rolling your first d20.
What Is Dungeons & Dragons?
Dungeons & Dragons is the world’s most popular tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG). At its core, it’s a cooperative storytelling game where players assume the roles of fantasy characters—like a rogue halfling thief or a noble elf wizard—and navigate adventures designed and narrated by a Dungeon Master (DM).
In a typical session, players:
- Explore fantastic worlds
- Battle dangerous monsters
- Solve puzzles and navigate traps
- Make meaningful decisions that shape the story
The gameplay uses polyhedral dice, a set of rules, and a lot of imagination. It’s like improv theater meets strategic gameplay with a sprinkle of math and magic.
Why Play D&D?
Here’s why millions of people love D&D:
- Creativity Unleashed: You can create characters, stories, and even entire worlds.
- Social Interaction: Build friendships, laugh together, and work as a team.
- Endless Replayability: No two campaigns are the same—every adventure is unique.
- Escapism: Step away from the real world and into a fantastical realm of dragons, dungeons, and destiny.
What You'll Need to Play
Starting D&D is easier than you might think. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars or memorize rulebooks. Here’s what you need:
📘 1. Player’s Handbook (PHB)
The Player’s Handbook is your go-to source for creating characters, learning the rules, and understanding the game’s mechanics. The 5th Edition (5e) is the most accessible and widely used version.
🎲 2. Dice Set
You’ll need a standard 7-dice polyhedral set:
- d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, and percentile dice (d100)
Most gameplay involves rolling a d20 and adding modifiers.
📄 3. Character Sheet
A character sheet tracks all your stats, abilities, equipment, and backstory. Printable sheets are available online or via D&D Beyond.
🧙 4. Dungeon Master
One person in your group should be the DM, who acts as the narrator, referee, and world-builder.
🧑🤝🧑 5. Players
D&D is usually played with 3–6 players, including the DM. You can play in person or online.
🧰 Optional Starter Kits
If you’re completely new, the D&D Starter Set or Essentials Kit includes pre-made characters, dice, rules, and an introductory adventure.
How to Create Your First Character
Character creation is one of the most exciting parts of the game. It defines how you’ll interact with the world and your party. Let’s break it down:
🧬 Step 1: Choose a Race
Races offer special abilities and bonuses. Some beginner-friendly options include:
- Human – Versatile with balanced stats
- Elf – Agile and perceptive
- Dwarf – Tough and strong
- Halfling – Lucky and stealthy
- Dragonborn – Powerful and unique with breath weapons
🛡 Step 2: Choose a Class
Your class determines your role and abilities in the game:
- Fighter – Strong and straightforward, great for new players
- Wizard – Powerful spellcaster with tons of magical options
- Rogue – Sneaky and skillful
- Cleric – Healer and divine magic user
- Barbarian, Paladin, Ranger, Bard, etc. – Each offers a unique playstyle
📊 Step 3: Assign Ability Scores
There are six abilities:
- Strength (STR): Physical power
- Dexterity (DEX): Agility and reflexes
- Constitution (CON): Health and stamina
- Intelligence (INT): Knowledge and logic
- Wisdom (WIS): Perception and insight
- Charisma (CHA): Charm and presence
You can assign scores using a standard array, point-buy, or rolling dice.
🧰 Step 4: Choose Equipment and Spells
Each class starts with specific gear and may offer spellcasting. Don’t worry about perfection—your DM or the PHB will guide you.
🧠 Step 5: Pick a Background
Backgrounds (like Acolyte, Soldier, Noble) provide skill proficiencies, languages, and storytelling flavor.
📝 Step 6: Develop Personality and Backstory
Who is your character? Why are they adventuring? This helps you roleplay and connect with the story.
Understanding the Rules of the Game
D&D may seem complex, but the rules boil down to three core elements:
🎭 1. Roleplaying
Speak and act as your character. Make choices based on your traits, goals, and backstory.
🧭 2. Exploration
You’ll travel through dungeons, towns, and wildlands. Look for clues, loot, or hidden dangers.
⚔️ 3. Combat
When battle begins, players take turns based on initiative. Each turn usually includes:
- Movement: Move up to your speed
- Action: Attack, cast a spell, help an ally, etc.
- Bonus Action/Reaction: Special abilities based on class or items
🎲 Dice Mechanics
The d20 system is central:
Roll a d20 + relevant modifier vs a Difficulty Class (DC)
If your result meets or exceeds the DC, you succeed!
Finding a D&D Group
You don’t need to already know players to start D&D. Try these options:
- Local Game Stores: Many host open D&D nights
- Online Platforms:
- Social Media: Facebook, Reddit, and Meetup groups often have active D&D communities
- D&D Adventurers League: Organized play that’s beginner-friendly and consistent
Tips for New Players
Here are some quick-start tips:
- Don’t stress about rules—just focus on having fun
- Listen to actual play podcasts or watch streams to understand how the game flows
- Ask questions! The DM and your party are there to help
- Keep notes during the game about your goals and NPCs
- Lean into roleplay, even if it feels awkward at first—it gets easier
Becoming a Dungeon Master
Want to take the reins of the story? Becoming a DM is incredibly rewarding. Start small with a pre-written adventure like:
- Lost Mine of Phandelver (from the Starter Set)
- Dragon of Icespire Peak (from the Essentials Kit)
- The Wild Beyond the Witchlight for whimsical fantasy
As a DM, you’ll learn how to:
- Build encounters and puzzles
- Control pacing and narrative
- Balance player freedom with game structure
Expanding Your D&D Experience
Once you’ve played a few sessions, consider:
- Creating homebrew worlds or monsters
- Building complex character backstories
- Joining long-running campaigns
- Painting miniatures or crafting terrain
- Exploring other official D&D modules
D&D is a hobby that can grow with you—whether you play casually or dive deep into its lore and mechanics.
Final Thoughts: It’s About the Story
Dungeons & Dragons is ultimately about shared storytelling. There’s no winning or losing—just triumphs, defeats, and epic memories made with friends.
So grab your dice, choose your class, and answer the call to adventure.
Happy adventuring, and may your dice roll ever in your favor!