How to Play D&D for Free! (or Almost Free)

With all the talk around new editions and the shift to digital tools, it’s easy to worry that playing D&D might start getting expensive. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a mountain of books or a shiny subscription to get rolling. In this video, I share some of my favorite ways to play D&D for free—or at least close to it!

I start by talking about the basic rules—Wizards of the Coast actually offers them as a free PDF on their website. If you’re brand new to the game (or just want to keep it simple), these basic rules have everything you need to get started: classic races, basic classes, and enough spells and monsters to launch a full campaign.

From there, I share some DIY solutions. For example, you can turn the grid on the back of wrapping paper into a battle map. Or if you’re a dice goblin (like me), dollar stores often have cheap sets. But if you’re really trying to go zero-cost, your smartphone can roll dice for you!

I also explore the digital side of things. D&D Beyond’s free account gives you access to the same basic rules, and Owlbear Rodeo is a fantastic, totally free virtual tabletop if you’re playing online. And for campaign planning? Google Drive, Google Docs, and even your phone’s note app can help you track everything without paying a dime.

Is it the full D&D experience with all the bells and whistles? No. But honestly, you can still have years of great games with just these basics. And for me, that’s a big part of the hobby’s magic—using what you have and making the story your own.

If you want to hear more about these free (or nearly free) options, including a few more practical tips, check out the full video.

Cheers,
Brian