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Writer's pictureDungeon Master James

A Beginners Guide to Playing Dungeons and Dragons

Updated: Apr 27, 2023

Are you a fan of role-playing games ,and looking for a new adventure? Dungeons and Dragons, or DND, is a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) that offers endless possibilities for exploration and imagination.


The game has been around for over 45 years and despite the efforts of exterior and occasionally interior forces, it's still going strong. If you're a beginner and are curious about playing DND; this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to get started.

Blue Dice for Dungeons and Dragons on a table with D&D Character sheet behind

The Basics of Dungeons and Dragons

DND is a game where players create their own characters and embark on a journey through a fantastical world, guided by a storyteller called the Dungeon Master (DM). The DM sets the stage for the adventure, describes the world, and provides the obstacles and challenges that the players must overcome. The players control their characters and make decisions based on the situation at hand, which can lead to successes, failures, or even death.

Getting Started in DND

To begin playing DND, you'll ideally need to have a group of friends who are interested in playing the game. typically a group size is four to six players, but you can have more or fewer players if needed.And Once you have your group, the next step is to acquire the necessary books: The Player's Handbook and The Dungeon Master's Guide. These books will provide you with all the information you need to create your characters and start playing the game. But if you don't want t invest money upfront then the basic rules are available for free right now on https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Index:Rules, and dice are freely available to roll even on Google


Creating a Character

Bronze D20

Before you start playing, you're going to need to create your character. This can be done for free online with services like Dungeon Master's Vault or The Player's Handbook provides guidelines for creating characters, including choosing your character's race, class, abilities, and equipment.


Each race and class has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to consider how you want to play the game and what role you want to fulfill in the party.

The Dungeon Master

The Dungeon Master, or DM; is responsible for creating the adventure and guiding the players through the game! The DM sets the scene, describes the world, and creates the challenges that the players must overcome. The DM is also responsible for controlling the non-player characters (NPCs) - which are characters that are not controlled by the players. The DM's job is to keep the game moving, keep the players engaged, and ensure that the rules are followed (or not, the actual amount of rule following is something that each table of players can decide with an open discussion with their DM!!

Playing the Game

Once you've created your character, you are ready to start playing ! The DM will set the scene and describe the world, and the players will take turns describing their actions and making decisions based on the situation at hand. The game uses a system of dice rolls to determine the outcome of actions, such as attacking an enemy or searching for treasure. The D M will provide guidance and feedback,& the players will use their creativity and imagination to solve problems and overcome obstacles .



a full set of colourful polyhedral dice line up in rows

Tips for Playing Dungeons and Dragons

  1. Be creative - DND is a game that rewards creativity and imagination, so don't be afraid to think out side the box and come up with unique solutions to problems.

  2. Work as a team - DND is a team game, so work together with your fellow players to achieve your goals.

  3. Be respectful - DND is a social game; so be respectful of your fellow players and the DM. Listen to their ideas and opinions, and be open to feedback and criticism.

  4. Have fun - DND is a game, so the most important thing is to have fun! Enjoy the adventure and let your imagination run wild .

DND is a game that offers endless possibilities for exploration and imagination. With the right group of friends and the proper resources, any one can start playing and embark on an adventure that will last a lifetime. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide , you will be well on your way to creating your own character and exploring the fantastical world of Dungeons and Dragons.


So grab your dice and get ready for an adventure like no other!

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