When it comes to the sheer variety of options in D&D, players can find themselves quickly overwhelmed, and full of questions. Who do they go to for advice? What do they need? Where do they go to find resources? How should they start? What should they buy? These questions, and more, can quickly become an obstacle to those wanting to begin their foray into TTRPS and the many worlds D&D has to offer -often hamstringing their excitement and leaving them more confused and a little lost.
For those wanting to take those first steps, however, it can be far simpler than at first glance. Resources for the endeavor are extensive and easily accessible if you know where to look and what you need. From core rules and guides to modules that can either be short and sweet or span years of playtime, D&D has you covered.
Searching For Resources
In the vein of what you will need to play D&D, there are a few choices to pick from and preferences to be had. If a beginner is looking to run their own game, there are some quintessential resources you need. Alternatively, if they simply want to familiarize themselves with how it works as a player, there are other options.
Generally, beginners for either role will want to pick up copies (in some combination) of the Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and the Monster Manual. But what form they take is completely up to them. Some players may prefer digital copies over physical or vice versa, so it’s truly the player’s choice. These foundational elements for D&D can be found in multiple iterations; across either digital or physical; for free or at cost; with official resources and sites being the best places to acquire them.
Core Books
For DMs, the Dungeon Master’s guide is a must. It has anything and everything you need to run your first successful campaign and offers great advice and guidance on how to be a DM. Subjects like character creation rules, class abilities, and tips on world and campaign creation, sit alongside helpful information like practical suggestions, tables and charts for various elements, lists of monsters by challenge rating, and so much more. Additionally, for those aspiring DM’s wanting more stats on creatures to throw at their players: the Monster Manual is essential.
For players, the titular Player’s Handbook should be the first step. Within its pages, players will learn everything they need to know to play D&D. How to create their characters, what classes to choose from, what abilities and skills they will have, how to be effective in combat: all this, and more, are included to give players the strongest foundation possible before they ever roll their first die. Copies of the Basic Rules can also be found online, for free, for those wanting merely to dip their toes into D&D and get a general feel for the system altogether.
Where To Go
At the jump, players decide what format they are more interested in, digital or physical. As prices vary, between books, sets, and modules. Once that choice is made, a subsequent decision needs to be made based solely on what role they wish to take. Most players start with the Player’s Handbook first, then gradually gravitate to the other core books and individual modules.
D&D Beyond
A true one-stop shop for anything D&D, this platform offers numerous services for players. Need the core books? They got them. Want to build your own character or homebrew campaign? You can do that. Want a certain module or one-shot? They are just a couple of clicks away. And all in digital format, for your convenience. Prices vary depending on what you are looking for and what modules you want to play and can range from free to nearly $200 for some bundles. Players can also sign up for D&D Beyond’s subscription services at the Hero tier (just over $2 a month) or the Master tier for just under $5 per month.
Physical Copies
Brick and mortar game shops, big box stores like Walmart, and online marketplaces like Amazon are players’ best bet: When it comes to purchasing physical copies of all core books, adventures, and modules; as well as supplementary supplies like dice sets, maps, and miniatures; these retailers can offer quite a variety to choose from and often for a great price. Additionally, if you are lucky enough to find a Local Game Shop (LGS) in your area, you may even be able to find certain essentials “gently used” and offered at even steeper discounts.
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