What Do I Need to Play?

What Do I Need to Play?

If you’ve been hearing all about Dungeons & Dragons and want to join in, you might be wondering: what exactly do you need to get started?

First and foremost, you’ll need a group—either by joining an existing game or starting your own. A typical group includes three to five players, each responsible for playing one of the story’s heroes. Then, there’s the Dungeon Master (DM), who acts as the storyteller and referee for the whole game. The DM describes the world, manages encounters, and brings non-player characters to life.

Next, you’ll need a place to play. This could be your kitchen table, a local game store, or even an online platform designed for virtual play. Plenty of software options can help you play if you’re not all in the same room.

You’ll also need a copy of the rules. The basic rules of D&D are available for free as a PDF on the Wizards of the Coast website. If you want more options and a deeper dive, the three core rulebooks—Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual—are great resources and have been staples of the game for decades.

Finally, let’s talk about the extras that bring it all to life. You’ll need a set of dice (or a digital dice roller, but trust me, the physical dice are half the fun). You’ll also want something for notes—whether that’s a notebook, a phone, or a laptop.

One easy way to get all of this together? Visit your friendly local game store. They’ll have everything you need to get going, and you might even find some new friends to play with.

That’s really it! D&D is all about bringing people together to create shared stories and unforgettable moments—so gather your group, find a place to play, and start your adventure.

Cheers,
Brian