Q&A for How to Play Dungeons and Dragons

There are lots of ways to get into D&D without spending much money. You can find free online communities on sites like Discord to play virtually. That way you just need an account, not books or dice. Popular shows like Critical Role or Dimension 20 have Discord servers to meet other fans and play. Facebook also has groups to connect with players locally or online. If you prefer in-person games, check if your local game store hosts D&D nights. That's a great way to learn. Another idea is to get your friends together for a one-time game night. Order pizza, make characters, and give D&D a try just for fun. Often people find it so enjoyable that they want to keep playing after one session.

The books cost a lot. You should buy the starter kit to see if you like role playing games. If it is something you enjoy, then you should buy the books.

Yes, the DM may create the world from scratch, but may also use a template found online or in a D&D book.

There are numerous websites that have pre-designed character sheets for various classes, or you can make your own.

You do not need a grid. However, if you and your group are interested in using miniatures, then a 1 inch grid size is normal, with each 1 inch square marking 5 feet in the game. This can make battles more interesting, and having a ''mini" that shows off your PC's and their enemy can help the group picture whats going on in more detail.

Look up and/or purchase three core books; The Player's handbook, The Dungeon Master's Guide and The Monster Manual. You and your players would need to then read the books, and go on from there. You would also need to purchase yourself some dice. They usually come in a box from your local board game store, and the dice include a D4, a D6, a D8, a D10, a D12 and a D20.

Just get the players' handbook and a set of dice, which is all you need to be a player. You can spend as little as under 40 dollars (maybe less if you look around and buy used copies) and the player sheets can be printed out, so those are free.

Generally, the DM does not have their own character. Instead, they control the game and the NPCs. However, the DM can do whatever they want since they're running the game.

The newest edition of Dungeons & Dragons is 5th Edition also known as 5e, released in 2014.

I wouldn't be too worried! Being a nerd is "hip" these days. Everyone is pretending to know the most about LOTR lore and Harry Potter. Just find some other people who are interested in the game, and don't worry about what others think.

This information comes from the core set of rules. Certain actions require different dice. Dice rolls are also dependent on the players class, skills, and many other things.

Just ask politely. If they are in the middle of a campaign, ask if you can come and watch. That way you can learn how the game works and join the next game.

Yes, you can. However, shopping in a local store can help out small business owners and possibly introduce you to some cool people with similar interests, so that might be a good option as well if you have stores nearby that sell supplies/equipment for the game.

The dungeon master has descriptions of the areas, NPCs, encounters, and outcome of certain events, but it is largely improvisational, as there's no way to plan for every action that players make take. If you're a player, then yes; you develop your character as you envision, and then have the character react to situations and the environment in the manner you imagine he or she would.

You need three people: one Dungeon Master and two Player Characters (though more is better in my opinion).

Only creativity is needed, and its all free. The DM guide gives basic rules you can throw out the window or use.

No. There is a basic version of the player handbook with instructions on how to play and create characters, along with a few character sheets, pre-generated characters, and a starter adventure.

There are some examples and templates, as well as a few suggestions for creatures and history, but nothing is set in stone. You can experiment with following templates or creating your own universe.

No, as you need one person to be the dungeon master, and at least two others to play characters.

No. You can use a website to roll, but it’s more traditional and efficient to use the real dice.

No. You can borrow some. A good DM always brings extra dice for players. If no one shares their dice, you can always use a phone app or online dice roller.

Yes, there is a website called Roll20 where you can play many different games like D&D.

Yes, as long as you are fair and balanced and do not rig the game either way.

You can purchase one at a book or comic store, order from an online retailer, or make one out of cardboard. The advantage of making your own is that you can print your own charts and info you want to glue or tape inside the screen.

You do not. You can use a whiteboard, a notebook, or move dice around the table.

Warn him. I have been that guy before. He may not even realize he's doing anything wrong. You could even make him turn into the damsel in distress if you find it humorous enough.

Yes; DnD Beyond provides all the necessary stats and creation for D&D. You need a pen, paper, a few players, and your imagination. Then you're ready to DM.

The books determine the consequences of your actions. They determine the characters' stats, the NPCs, and the dungeons.

You may be referring to Dungeons & Dragons Online with regard to the player-controlled version. This is the computer version in which you create a D&D character and explore the realm.

It's a roleplaying game; you keep track of your character's specifics on your character sheet and react to the situations the DM presents. While use of tabletop maps and miniatures are frequently used, it's not a requirement to play. Cards (other than perhaps keeping track of spells) are not typically used.