Updated 2026-06-17 · 6 minute read
Get to session one
Dungeons & Dragons is the best-known tabletop RPG, which makes it easy to find products, videos and players. It also means beginners can be overwhelmed by choices. The aim is not to understand every book before playing. The aim is to get a small group, a simple adventure and a first evening where everyone understands what their character can try.
You need one person to act as Dungeon Master, usually called the DM, and two to five players. The DM describes the world, plays the monsters and presents choices. The players describe what their characters do. Dice and rules help decide uncertain outcomes, but the game is mostly conversation, decisions and consequences.
What to buy first
A starter set, essentials-style box or beginner adventure is the cleanest route. These usually provide rules, pre-made characters and an adventure designed to teach play as it goes. If your group already has an experienced DM, a Player's Handbook or current core rulebook may be enough for players, but brand-new groups should avoid buying multiple hardbacks immediately.
- Start with pre-generated characters if character creation feels like homework.
- Use one set of dice per player, or share at the first session.
- Print character sheets or use simple digital sheets.
- Add miniatures and maps only if the group enjoys visual combat.
Finding people
If friends are curious, run a one-shot before asking for a campaign commitment. If you are starting alone, ask local shops about beginner nights, Adventurers League-style events, Discord groups or noticeboards. Online games are common, but new players should still ask about tone, age range, session length and table rules before joining.
What to ignore for now
Ignore optimisation guides, long lore arguments and debates about the one correct edition. A first character only needs a clear fantasy, a few abilities and a reason to cooperate. The DM only needs the next location, a handful of non-player characters and a problem the party can poke.
After the first game
Ask the table what they enjoyed: exploration, combat, jokes, mystery, character drama or tactical planning. That answer should shape the next purchase and the next adventure. A campaign grows from repeated fun, not from owning a shelf of books before anyone has rolled initiative.
Useful next steps
Read the Dungeons & Dragons profile, compare Pathfinder, browse RPG shops, and use RPG clubs if you need a table.