Welcome to the World of D&D
Dungeons & Dragons is a game of imagination, teamwork, and storytelling. You and your friends create characters and embark on adventures where dice rolls determine your fate. Whether you’ve been watching Critical Role, heard your friends rave about D&D 5e, or just want to try something new and social, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get started.
How to Get Started with Dungeons & Dragons
1. Find Your Party
D&D works best with 3–6 people. One player takes on the role of Dungeon Master (DM)—the narrator, world builder, and rule referee. The others create and play as characters in the story.
Don’t know where to find players? Check out:
2. Download the Free Rules
Wizards of the Coast offers a free Basic Rules PDF that includes everything you need to play your first session. This version of D&D 5e is simple and perfect for beginners.
3. Pick an Adventure
If you’re the DM, you can:
- Use a starter campaign like Lost Mine of Phandelver or Dragons of Stormwreck Isle — these come with characters, maps, and monsters ready to go.
- Or create your own world with a homebrew setting.
Starter adventures provide structure, while homebrew offers full creativity.
4. Schedule Your First Session
Pick a night, invite your group, and start playing! Don’t worry about doing everything perfectly—learning as you go is part of the fun.
Once you’ve gathered your players and picked an adventure, it’s time to schedule your first session. This can be one of the hardest steps—lining up everyone’s availability—but it’s where the magic really begins.
Start by choosing a day with a 2–4 hour window. That might sound like a lot, but between learning the rules, building characters, and diving into your first dungeon, time flies. Use a group chat, Google Calendar, or Doodle to find a time that works for everyone.
A few tips to make scheduling easier:
- Begin with a one-shot or short intro session. It keeps things low-pressure and beginner-friendly.
- Set a casual, recurring time. Even if you only play once a month, having it on the calendar helps people stay committed.
- Prep the space. Whether you're playing in person or online, make sure everyone has what they need: dice, character sheets, snacks, and a comfortable spot.
If you're local to Philadelphia or South Jersey, Scroll & Circuit is a great place to host your game. We offer a welcoming, clean space for groups of all experience levels, and we regularly run beginner sessions, one-shots, and open-table nights. It’s a great way to meet other players and get a feel for the game in a relaxed setting.
Pro tip: Snacks help. So does laughter. Don’t stress the rules—focus on fun, and your group will be asking when the next session is before the first one ends.
What You Need to Play D&D
Here’s a quick overview of the tools and resources that make your first D&D session smoother:
| Item | Why It Matters | Link |
| Dice Set (7-piece) | Used for attacks, spells, and checks. You’ll roll a d20 the most. | Browse Dice Sets |
| Character Sheet | Tracks your stats, spells, and gear. | Use D&D Beyond or print sheets |
| Starter Adventure Kit | Pre-made adventures are great for learning. | View Starter Sets |
| Grid Battle Mat | Keeps combat organized and visual. | See Battle Mats |
| Miniatures or Tokens | Represent your character on the map. | Find Minis or Tokens |
| Player’s Handbook (optional) | A full rulebook for more depth. | Explore Rulebooks |
You can also use free or digital options like dice apps and online maps, especially if you’re playing virtually.
Tips to Make the Most of Your First Game
🎲 Watch a Game First
Actual plays like Critical Role, Dimension 20, or High Rollers show what D&D can look like. Just remember—those are professional performers. Your game will be more casual and just as awesome.
✏️ Start Small
Use pre-generated characters and stick to the basics. Focus on learning one rule at a time—combat, spells, etc.
🤝 Talk to Your Group
D&D is about group storytelling. Let your DM know what kind of game you want, and be open with your fellow players.
💡 Embrace the Weird
The fun of D&D is in the unexpected. Go off-script. Try something bold. That’s what the dice are for.
Play With Us In-Store
If you're in the area and curious about jumping into your first campaign, we regularly host beginner-friendly game nights. Our community is welcoming, our tables are open, and we’d love to help you get started.
Whether you’re looking for materials, advice, or a seat at the table, we’re here to help make your first D&D experience a great one.
👉 Check our upcoming events
👉 Need supplies? Explore beginner gear here
See you at the table. Roll initiative. Tell your story. 🐉