Interested in playing D&D but don’t know where to begin? Here's a guide for how to find games to play in, along with step-by-step instructions for starting your own D&D campaign. We also explore the opportunities out there for becoming a professional Dungeon Master and how you can get paid to roll dice.
STEP 1 - Your Party
First and foremost, you’re going to need some players! Groups can range anywhere from 4 people (one Dungeon Master and three players) to however many party members you want! If this is your first time being a DM, I would encourage you to stick with 3-5 players.
FINDING A DM or PLAYERS
On easy way is to check out your local game store; odds are they host a weekly game there. If you don’t have a game store nearby or live in a remote area, or you’re uncomfortable or nervous about playing in a face-to-face group, there are plenty of great options to fit all levels of comfort.
StartPlaying.Games is a website that is designed to connect players with professional Dungeon Masters to make sure you have an incredible gaming experience. They have options for both virtual games and face-to-face games.
When COVID-19 struck and the whole world was put on lockdown, the team at StartPlaying was dedicated to providing an easy alternative for remote play. With their platform you can literally browse hundreds of games and find one that best fits YOUR schedule. Ahh yes, the nefarious arch-nemesis of D&D… the Schedule Monster (CR 50)…
Thankfully, StartPlaying has gifted us with a Wish Spell that allows us to kick the crap out of the Schedule Monster. If you’re looking for a crew to play at 1am on a Tuesday morning, you may be able to find one! The point is that you can find games that work with your schedule and not the other way around; better yet you can do it in the comfort of your own home.
STEP 2 - DUNGEON MASTER
The Dungeon Master or “DM” is the all knowing voice behind the scenes (and all-powerful, MUWAHAHA). It is the DM’s job to lay out the world and facilitate this beautiful collaborative story telling journey.
You don’t have to be a voice actor to be a good DM. This is a safe space, so if you want to try something outside of your comfort zone then go for it! No one is sitting at your table just to judge you - and if they are, then they can get eaten by a mimic!
I can get paid to be a dungeon master?!
Yes you can! If you’re a Dungeon Master looking to supplement your income and monetize your craft, StartPlaying is a great place to start (pun intended). The D&D Coalition has partnered with StartPlaying which offers an easy way to connect players to Dungeon Masters. You have the ability to sign-up as a professional on the StartPlaying website yourself or you can become a Dungeon Master of The Coalition and start monetizing your craft today.
Working with The Coalition
The main goal of DM’ing through The D&D Coalition is to provide you with a launching platform into your Professional Dungeon Master career.
More Great Resources
If you really want to play in face-to-face group you can always utilize online forums. I have personally utilized the Looking for Players & Groups forum on D&D Beyond and found some of my best friends through it. Post what/who you are looking for and a description of your game. If you’re inviting these people into your home, I would personally meet with them beforehand or even do a Skype or Zoom “interview” just to make sure it is a good fit. Other platforms like Roll20 are great for finding groups that allow you to play purely online.
Step 3 - The logistics of Running a game
You may be asking yourself, DO I NEED TO COME UP WITH THE STORY ALL BY MYSELF?
Absolutely not! There is a PLETHORA of excellent content out there to help you get started. We’re not all as creative as the wildly popular Dungeon Master of Critical Role, Matthew Mercer; but that doesn’t mean we can’t strive to be! I would recommend by starting off with a campaign guide for 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons - there are several!
There is a deep and beautiful lore for these guides and there is technically a chronological order according to the D&D multiverse, however, you can pick-up one and start wherever you’d like. Each campaign book has its own theme or flavor so you can go with what you and your party thinks sounds the most interesting.
I would also encourage first time DM’s to begin with the Starter Set’s The Lost Mines of Phandelver or the Essentials Kit’s Dragon of Icespire Peak. Either one of these will provide you with everything you need to get started.
Step 4 - Time to ROLL SOME DICE!
You’ve accomplished the feat of gathering your group of adventurers, read through your campaign guide, now for the final task of defeating Public Enemy No. 1…. scheduling. With any D&D group this is always the most difficult task. However, there are a few things you can do to help conquer this foe other than starting a free-for-all group chat with your friends. I would personally encourage you to have a Session 0.
What is SESSION 0?
A Session 0 is essentially a time to meet up with everyone before you start the campaign to discuss things like how often you’re looking to play, expectations, boundaries, character backgrounds, or the type of game that you are going to be running. I don’t mean what edition or otherwise, but the beauty of Dungeons & Dragons is that there are so many different ways to play the game! Maybe you’re looking for a role-play heavy type of campaign with lots of intrigue, or possibly a game that is more strategic with more combat. These are important things to discuss at a Session 0 so that everyone knows what to expect.
HAVE FUN
Now that you’ve had your Session 0 and everyone has their characters ready, there’s nothing left to do but to play D&D! Do yourself a favor and don’t hold yourself nor anyone else to a certain standard or timeline - let the game roll on organically and allow your players to make mistakes. I can guarantee you that your players will do the unexpected; as the Dungeon Master, your job it to facilitate their chaos! The most memorable moments will be born from these precious moments of spontaneity, so revel in them.
Meet the Blogger
Cameron A. @thedndcoalition
Hey! My name is Cameron and I am the founder of The D&D Coalition. I couldn't be more excited to be a part of this is a community that I have known and loved for nearly two decades. I grew up in a small town in Central Illinois playing Dungeons & Dragons with my family. The wanderlust to explore the world of this beautiful game that captivated me at a young age still holds me hostage today.