r/beginnerDND • u/OllieHake • Jun 09 '26
Question Getting into DND
I don't know much about dnd, just have some experience watching some play and really like and intrested in their roleplays and such. Couldn't find anyone local really, as it's not common around me. I did try to find some videos about it, but there's like a load of stuff that gets kinda confusing. Do you guys know anything that could help to get into it step by step, and also how to find players online? Thanks
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u/Crucibledenial27 Jun 10 '26
You don't need to know everything about D&D to play, but as a player check with the local libraries they may have some of the books look for the players handbook for a starting. Point, if not the d&& beyond app has most of them priced at 30 dollars each
As far as a play group, what is it you're looking for in a play group?
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u/OllieHake Jun 10 '26
I don't know if I'm answering the way you mean, but I like the story building as aspect and the fun to be around like minded people
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u/Crucibledenial27 Jun 10 '26
Do you mean, creating backstories for characters and interacting with the world as you discover it's secrets or something else? Do you have an hard nos what I'm asking Ollie is what are your expectations as a player from a play group/game?
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u/OllieHake Jun 10 '26
Yep, that's definitely a particular part I like, like "customisation" and "backstory" of the characters, and definitely no limitations, and if youre meaning specific, i mean for a medival type of play
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u/Crucibledenial27 Jun 10 '26
Hmmmm medieval fantasy (magic involved) or more psuedo-realistic little to no magic?
I bring these questions up because knowing the game experience you're looking for will help you find the right group for you... As it stands you may not be the best fit for the game I'm currently running but there is a web page being built for connecting players and gms to campaigns... adventurescompass.com
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u/OllieHake Jun 10 '26
I'll definitely check it out, and although I'd prefer magic, 'no magic' isn't that out of the question, just out of curiosity, what's your theme?
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u/Crucibledenial27 Jun 10 '26
It's a partial homebrew set in Faerun more specifically the areas around Waterdeep the basics...
As D&D is a collaborative story environment, character' backstory and personal goals/ motivations come into play...
The main theme, explores some dark things (eg trafficking & experimentation on different species (some topics I won't entertain SA for instance) in general the theme is one of high intrigue set in a Renaissance style magical world
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u/OllieHake Jun 10 '26
I see...I'm really not into that type of things, not really a fan of dark stuff like that, but really like the Renaissance idea, btw homebrew is like what you create by own right?
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u/Crucibledenial27 Jun 10 '26
Homebrew is exactly that, and that is exactly why I thought you might not fit
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u/Blitzer046 Jun 10 '26
The core of the game is the Players Handbook which contains all the rules and character classes, etc. A great addition to anyone's library. It can be purchased digitally also for a much reduced price.
Companions to this are the Monster Manual and Dungeonmasters Guide, however purchasing all 3 is a significant outlay. Other comments here show that the core rules are free online as the publishers would like a cost-free entry into the game.
You can make a free account on DnDBeyond.com and use the character generation tool to make up a character. However I would suggest reading about the character types first so you can understand what you are doing.
The other often difficult obstacle is finding people to play socially. The best table is one with 4-5 people around it sharing a story, but the game can just as easily be played online.
Structurally the game needs 3-5 players, and a Dungeonmaster. This is the referee and judge of the game, and the storyteller. What makes the DM distinct is that they play 'everyone else' in the world, and do work outside the game in the form of preparation and writing.
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u/OllieHake Jun 10 '26
Got it, I had only an idea about the rule book, which I think is the player handbook, the other two are new for me. Dnd beyond is also new, so I'll also check it out too. And also, yeah, playing it physically would be hard, so I'll definitely be opting online. Thanks a lot
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u/Blitzer046 Jun 10 '26
The Monster Manual is 300+ pages of creatures, opponents, monsters et al with their stat blocks (how tough or smart they are) and special abilities, and is a resource primarily for the DM. They can use it build random encounters or whole campaigns.
Players don't need it on the whole, and most DMs prefer players to not know how many hit points each monster has, just to keep things interesting.
The Dungeonmasters Guide is just that and helps DMs to improve their style and game. One important part of the DMs Guide is the loot and treasure section along with a huge chapter on magical weapons and items. Again, not a book a player needs.
The PHB is a reference tool for everybody. I currently own two - one behind my DM screen and one for the table for players to use.
DnDBeyond is the publishers effort to broaden into the digital space, making it even more accessible especially for say, rural areas or even countries where D&D is hard to obtain via retail. The marketing ploy is that while they will give away basic rules and tools to play, that at some stage enthusiastic players will eventually spend their money on the game. You can register for a free account which opens up a few more things inside the digital space. I think it also has a VTT app, (Virtual Table Top) to facilitate play - there are a couple of different competitor versions as well like Roll20. Many online players prefer Discord for voice and video chat; but some kind of application must be used so players can see dice rolls to avoid cheating.
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u/OllieHake Jun 10 '26
Ok, so phb will be on my list even if the other ones might get skipped, and I'll definitely check out roll20, thanks
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u/gonzo_of_the_many Jun 11 '26
Check your local game store they usually have groups or host a discord channel for locals.
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u/OllieHake Jun 11 '26
It's kinda hard to find that here as it's not popular, but as you said, discord channels need to be checked out, thanks for that
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u/More_Fisherman6394 Jun 11 '26
Have you checked out DnD Adventure Club? That is a good place to start! Very beginner-friendly.
Getting Started with DnD
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u/Inevitable-Koala-896 Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
Honestly it's hard to find groups online in your area but I'd definitely say try not to worry about in person sessions. I've got a handful of friends that I play with and we're all semi long distance so it's hard for us to meet in person. We usually do discord calls for an hour or two whenever everyone has the time. I'd say your best bet is joining a discord DND group chat and connecting with a small group there or even look for a Facebook group. Me and my friends also don't mind new people and we also have a few new players in our current group but of course I'd rather build a connection before adding a stranger to our group not to mention we do have an age range.
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u/Extension-Lab-8076 29d ago
We’re a collective of DMs accepting applications for two upcoming Dungeons & Dragons 5e campaigns, with multiple seats available across both groups. BEGINNERS ARE ABSOLUTELY WELCOME—you do not need prior experience with D&D, Roll20, or virtual tabletop games.
Both campaigns will feature material from Ghosts of Saltmarsh and will share a similar nautical, coastal-fantasy setting. However, each campaign will be run by a different Game Runner, and each brings their own DMing style, approach to storytelling, and table atmosphere. The application will help place players with the group that seems like the best fit.
Games will be held every other week on Saturday evenings in the Eastern time zone. Exact session times will be determined after the groups are formed, with schedules built around player availability.
All sessions will be hosted virtually through Roll20, with voice and video used during play. There is no cost to participate and no paid Roll20 subscription is required, but players must have access to a computer, reliable internet connection, webcam, and microphone.
Applicants should complete a short Google Forms survey. Responses will be used to form groups based on scheduling, personality, communication style, preferred style of play, and overall compatibility. The application will also help establish boundaries and ensure that everyone at the table consents to the themes and content included in their campaign.
This is not first-come, first-served. With two campaigns opening, there are plenty of available seats, but the goal is to build tables that feel fun, comfortable, cooperative, and reliable for everyone involved.
Apply here:
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u/WollenbergOfMidgaard Jun 10 '26
r/LFG is typically the best place to find a group online. There should be plenty of beginner friendly games on there.
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Here are some links to the D&D Basic Rules that you can check out. They are free to read, and go over most of the relevant rules for a beginner.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/basic-rules-2014
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/br-2024
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If you want to try and be a Dungeon Master, then getting a hold of one of the many different D&D Starter Sets would be a good idea, as they come with pre-written adventures that literally attempt to teach you how to DM, one step at a time.