The image shows two twenty-sided dice on a wooden surface. The die on the left is red with white numerals and white Factal logo, featuring numbers like 2, 14, 19, 8, and 16 visible. Its surface is glossy and smooth. The die on the right is clear with a slightly smoky appearance, containing black numerals and sparkly inner elements. Numbers visible include 2, 12, 8, 14, and 10. This die also has a black Full Moon Storytelling logo resembling a full moon rising over trees with a hexagonal shape inside, located near the numeral 2.

How to start playing D&D

Whether it’s due to the explosion of interest because of Stranger Things, the massive popularity of Baldur’s Gate 3, the upcoming movie Matter of Time, the upcoming video game Warlock or the continuing surge of Actual Plays taking place in arenas more people than ever are wanting to learn how to play Dungeons & Dragons.

The simplest method

That can feel trite. Many people feel like D&D is complex, but Woll focuses on the core elements — imagination in a fantasy world, dice to determine success and moving things forward.

Stranger Things specific guidance

Alphastream’s guidance is a bit more complete and includes how to start before you play.

  1. Your Friends and a Starter Set
  2. Find a Local Party
  3. Online Games
  4. Hire a Pro DM
  5. Attending Conventions

It’s still a simple game with an encyclopodia of rules. Don’t worry about getting everything right.

There is never a better time to start playing D&D than right now. Jump in and don’t worry about getting the rules right. This is an era of perhaps too much information, but all you really need is a few friends, dice, and paper. And, perhaps, a bit of patience as you all figure it out. The reward will be a lifetime of fun.

“It’s basically pretend for adults” – Ginny Di

I learned to play as a kid. Others learn to play when they’re older. Play is vital to who we are and how we succeed. Doing that with fellow humans is important.

Ginny reinforces that simplicity in her introduction video.

Official D&D resources

Advice for Experienced DMs

  1. Be welcoming to new and returning players.
  2. Reduce house rules when they join you.
  3. Talk about the intent of your table and what type of play you focus on .
  4. Be familiar with the most popular products.
  5. Help teach your current players to DM.
  6. See if local cafes, libraries, schools, pubs, etc need DMs

I do not make a commission from any linked products. Full Moon Storytelling is a passion project and online repository for my portfolio.