How I Use Props in My D&D Games

When you’re running a D&D game—whether in-person or online—props can make all the difference. They help build immersion and give your game a tactile, visual feel that brings the world to life.

I’m not talking about fancy miniatures or elaborate terrain here (though those are great if you have them!). In this video, I share some ideas for simple props you can use in any game—plus a few over-the-top examples I’ve tried myself.

A few years back, I hosted a D&D dinner party for my birthday and went all out. I turned my dining room into an inn called Providence Manor, complete with wooden plates, keys for each guest’s “room,” and even potion cocktails that sparkled and swirled in glass bottles. My players loved it—before the game even started, the atmosphere pulled them in.

You don’t have to go to those lengths, though. Even one small prop—a weathered letter, a tea set for a wizard’s tower meeting—can create a sense of place and make your players feel like they’re really there. Food is always a good bet, too: sharing a snack at the table is a great icebreaker and can mirror the camaraderie in the game itself.

Of course, playing online has its own challenges and advantages. For my Relics of the Ancients livestream, I used Canva to create digital puzzles and videos, turning dream sequences and NPC conversations into shareable visuals. Free tools like Audacity and iMovie let you edit and polish these touches without breaking the bank.

At the end of the day, props don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Even a quick graphic or a little scene description can go a long way to making your game feel real.

If you’re curious how I set this all up—or if you have ideas of your own—let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear how you bring your worlds to life!

Cheers!