This site is reader supported and may include affiliate links on purchasable products at no extra cost to you.
Welcome to the World of Dungeons & Dragons!
Are you ready to embark on epic adventures, battle fearsome monsters, and weave tales of heroism? You’ve come to the right place! In this starter’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to play D&D in 4 simple steps, absolutely free.
Step 1: Find an Adventuring Party
First things first, you’ll need a group of adventurers to join you on your quest. A typical adventuring party consists of 3-6 players, each assuming the role of a unique character, as well as a Dungeon Master (DM) who will serve as your guide. You can gather your friends and family or find some fellow enthusiasts who share your love for fantasy and adventure online or in your local area. Check out some tips for find a group to play with here!
If you’re feeling particularly inspired, you can even elect to become the Dungeon Master yourself! Check out how to become a DM here.
Step 2: Learn the Rules
Before diving into your first adventure, take some time to familiarize yourself with the Basic Rules of the current 5th Edition, which are available here completely free! The Basic Rules are your go-to resource for all the rules, from combat mechanics to spellcasting. Don’t worry, they may seem overwhelming at first, but you only need to know a few things to start. Your DM is in charge of knowing most of the other rules and you’ll learn more as you play.
For now, all you need to worry about is Part 1: Creating a Character.
Step 3: Choose Your Character
Next it’s time to create your character. First, you’ll get to choose from a variety of races, such as humans, elves, dwarves, or halflings, each with their own unique abilities and traits. Next, select a class, such as a brave fighter, a wise wizard, or a sneaky rogue, which determines your character’s skills and abilities. Finally, decide who your character is going to be – their personality, background, ideals, flaws, and even funny quirks.
Your DM may have specific rules you have to follow so be sure to check with them before you start creating! You can also find many more character creation options in the form of races and classes in the wide variety of books available. The most common choice for beginners is the Player’s Handbook (PHB) but you can see all the available options here.
Step 4: Start Playing!
With your adventuring party assembled, characters created, and rules perused, it’s time to start playing! Gather around the table, set the mood with some atmospheric music, and let the adventures begin. The DM will describe the world, the players will make decisions, and the dice will determine the outcomes. Remember: the most important thing is to just have fun and let your imagination run wild!
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve finally delved into the exciting world of D&D, you’ll probably want more! Whether you want to try your hand at becoming the Dungeon Master or you want to craft epic adventures for others, the worlds, characters, and possibilities for exploring them are nearly endless. So keep searching for your next great adventure!