How To Play 5e Dungeons Dragons - Guide to Getting Started

New to 5e Dungeons & Dragons? We've got you covered! From books to polyhedral dice & play fundamentals- if you want to know how to play DnD like a pro, start here!

Playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition, often abbreviated as "5e," can be a fantastic and immersive experience. Here's a guide to getting started with the game:

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1. Gather Supplies:

• Rulebooks: You'll need the Player's Handbook (PHB) for players and the Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG) if someone will be the Dungeon Master.
• Dice: You'll need a set of polyhedral dice, including a 20-sided die (d20), 12-sided die (d12), 10-sided die (d10), 8-sided die (d8), 6-sided die (d6), and 4-sided die (d4).
• Character Sheets: You can find printable character sheets online or use digital tools like D&D Beyond.
• Miniatures or Tokens: These are optional, but they can help visualize combat situations.

2. Assemble a Group:

• You'll need a group of friends who are interested in playing. A typical group consists of a Dungeon Master (DM) and 3-6 players.

3. Create Characters:

• Each player creates a character by choosing a race, class, background, and alignment. The PHB provides guidance on character creation.
• Determine your character's ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma) using a method agreed upon by your group, such as rolling dice or using a point-buy system.
• Select skills, spells, and equipment for your character based on their class and background.

4. Learn the Rules:

• Familiarize yourself with the basic rules in the Player's Handbook. Pay attention to combat mechanics, skill checks, and character abilities.
• The DM should read the Dungeon Master's Guide and be familiar with the rules for running the game.

5. Start Playing:

• The DM sets the stage and narrates the story, while the players describe their actions and make decisions.
• The game is driven by a combination of storytelling, role-playing, and dice rolling to determine outcomes. The DM interprets the dice rolls to determine success or failure.

6. Character Advancement:

• As characters complete quests and overcome challenges, they gain experience points (XP) and level up. This allows them to improve their abilities and gain new skills and powers.

7. Role-Playing:

• Encourage role-playing by getting into character, speaking as your character, and making decisions based on their personality and background.

8. Combat:

• Combat is turn-based. Players take turns in combat rounds, during which they can move, take actions (like attacking), and use bonus actions or reactions.
• Players roll a 20-sided die (d20) to determine if their attacks hit, and they also roll dice to calculate damage.
• Pay attention to positioning, cover, and other factors that can affect combat outcomes.

9. Solve Puzzles and Explore:

• D&D is not just about combat. Players will encounter puzzles, mysteries, and exploration, which often require problem-solving and creative thinking.

10. Have Fun:

• Remember that D&D is a collaborative storytelling game. The primary goal is to have fun, so be creative, work together, and enjoy.

Dungeons & Dragons is a versatile game that can be adapted to various settings and styles of play. The key is to embrace the storytelling and immerse yourself in the world of adventure and imagination that D&D offers.