This is going to be a quick one today because it is late and I’m really missing my tabletop games right now. With a lot of big things shaking up in my life, I’ve put my own games on hold, but playing D20 based tabletop RPGs is something that has drastically improved my life. Not even an understatement.

With the cult-like popularity of the game, sometimes it can be intimidating jumping into the hobby. Have no fear, I’ve got some beginner’s tips on how to play Dungeons and Dragons. For today’s Table-talk Tuesday, I’ll spitball some thoughts on getting started the right way, and how to best start a game. I would also encourage you to engage in either your local TTRPG community or the online one, as it is typically a very inclusive group of folks passionate for the games.

1. Fun above all other things

Remember that you’re spending your real time doing this, so you should get some value out of it. Now, everyone is going to approach and value the experience a little differently, and part of the challenge of the game is finding the balance where everyone is involved. Remember that everyone at the table is sacrificing whatever else they could be doing to play an imagination game with you.

2. Don’t focus on perfection, just start playing

Sure, you should know the rules. I wish every player read the books like I do, but they don’t. The more you know about the game, the more you’ll enjoy it, but don’t sweat a lack of knowledge. Know enough about your character, their abilities and personality, and a general idea of how combat works, and you’re ready to jump in. Many games are very narrative, so come ready to get weird, and try out some character voices.

3. The Matt Mercer Effect

If you happen to be the Dungeon Master (or you are criticizing yours) remember not to compare yourself to pros like Matthew Mercer, Aabria Iyengar, and Brennan Lee Mulligan. These are some of the most sought after DMs in the world and they have been practicing for years. It is okay to use a prewritten adventure. It is okay to make mistakes and to not know the rules. Forgive yourself, and don’t compare yourself to the Critical Role cast. Forge your own style instead.

4. Skip magic your first go around (unless you can’t resist)

Some of the most fun you’ll ever have playing Dungeons and Dragons is as a class that just beats the snot out of folks. I love bash and crash characters as much as casters, and I often recommend first time players stick to these classes. Sure, playing a Druid and transforming into a cat is cool, but it’s not cool getting absolutely smoked by that zombie horde.

Fighter has so much versatility, and is an essential member of every party. Barbarians are also a fun class if you like hitting stuff and hulking out. I’m serious when I say try playing one of these characters for your first go around. Who doesn’t love a barbarian named O’leera who fights in a kilt and their bare knuckles? Magic is an extra dimension of complexity in the game, and you can always pick it up later in the game if you are so inclined.

5. If you learn to DM, the players will come

This is what I did when I got out of the Navy. I bought a bunch of 4e books on sale, read them all in a week or two, and decided to start running weekly games with a sort of open-door policy. We had lots of games that were too big, I spent tons of time helping people create characters, and my cast rotated pretty steadily. But eventually, some folks stuck, and we decided to start an official campaign.

From there, I’ve been pretty confident in setting up groups, as tons and tons of people are dying to play. If you like storytelling and structure and gamification, I would encourage you to give DMing a shot. It is a fun and satisfying hobby, but be warned: you will work your ass off for zero to no praise. Maybe celebrity DMs get praise, but your average DM is hardly recognized by their players or audience. We do it for the love of the game that we would do anything to share and spread with the world.

As a final note, the world would seriously be better if everyone played Dungeons and Dragons. I hope this helps you find or start a game. Buy the Beginners set for Starfinder or D&D. What’s stopping you? It is a game that hearkens you back to an age when you played with sticks and imagined yourself a secret agent. An age of wonder and unbridled joy. Have a great night, and I’ll catch you on the flip side.

Keep it Frosty, like Wendy’s,

Kbizzle