Though it’s been around for decades now, the vast popularity ofDungeons & Dragonsshows no sign of abating anytime soon. Some players pick up this tabletop game because they love video games likeThe Elder Scrollsand want a game with even more freedom of choice. Meanwhile, others want to be a part of their own fantasy novel likeLord of the Rings.
For some, especially those who aren’t used to roleplaying with others, it can seem a little intimidating at the start. There’s a lot involved in creating a character, and a lot of mechanics to learn and navigate. But for those who love RPGs and spending time with fellow fantasy nerds, there’s no need to fear. Every tabletop veteran starts somewhere.
Updated Jul 24, 2025, by Demaris Oxman:WithBaldur’s Gate 3having been named 2023’s Game of the Year, it’s no wonder so many gamers are eager to check out the tabletop adventure that inspired it:Dungeons & Dragons. From the world in which it’s set to the very mechanics, everything inBG3is based on the classic TTRPG. Plenty ofBaldur’s Gatefans have either had their interest renewed inD&D, or been inspired to pick it up for the first time.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for a new gamer, eager for an epic fantasy adventure, to sit down at aD&Dtable, only to wind up confused, frustrated, and discouraged by a game they had hoped to enjoy. To help newcomers avoid these situations, this list has been updated with more tips on how to choose the right campaign and party, get invested in the story, and fall in love with the magic of this classic tabletop game.
14Choose The Right People To Play With
Learn Alongside Friends
As a first-time player, it helps to have a mixture of experienced and new players at the table. Obviously, old-timers' knowledge can help speed up the process of learningD&D’s somewhat dense and complex systems. Meanwhile, having one or two other new players at the table helps avoid the feeling of being on the spot.
Unfortunately, many gaming communities — including those surrounding tabletop RPGs — have their share of elitists or gatekeepers. Avoid joining campaigns with players who share these attitudes, which can be discouraging and ultimately make the game less fun. Thankfully, there are plenty ofD&Dplayers who are always excited to find new converts. New players, especially timid gamers, should find a party of friends who make them feel at ease as they get into character, make mistakes, and learn the ropes. Learning the game together can ultimately be a fun bonding experience.
13Keep the Party Small
Too Many Players Can Get Frustrating
On a similar note, consider party size. In an adventuring party of seven or eight, it’s easy for newD&Dplayers to get lost or overwhelmed. It also makes it harder to find room to participate, leading to players growing bored or struggling to work together. It’s hard to enjoy the game if one can’t get a word in edgewise.
An adventuring party of three or four (plus the DM) is perfect for a first-time player. With different characters filling a few different roles (damage, stealth, support, etc.), a party this size should be well-balanced in terms of gameplay, and will give everybody room to participate.
12Choose a Beginner-Friendly Class
Some Roles Are Easier To Learn
For someone dipping their toes into the world of TTRPGs, someD&Dclasses are much easier to get the hang of than others. Classes like Druid and Sorcerer can be a lot of fun, but new players can easily get overwhelmed trying to keep track of their myriad mechanics. Area-of-effect spells can be hard to control, while being the designated healer can cause a lot of stress for a beginner.
MostD&Dplayers agree thatmelee classes are the easiest for beginners. The role of aFighterorBarbarianis simple: hit things and hit them hard. These characters decimate enemies and tend to be pretty sturdy in battle, so new players can make it through encounters with confidence. New players might find these classes boring at first glance, but there’s a lot more to them, especially considering the wide variety of subclasses. A Battle Master Fighter learns tons of unique attacks with specific effects, while an Eldritch Knight fighter incorporates magic into their melee.
For new players who have their hearts set on playing a casting class,Warlockis a good choice. Many players bemoan this class’s lack of spell slots, but some feel that these limits make it easier to save spells for just the right moment. (Not to mention, they recharge with a short rest instead of a long one.) And, of course, the excellent cantrip Eldritch Blast tends to be their main means of offense, not requiring a spell slot to use. This is also a very versatile class. Warlocks can gain a wide variety of powers that make it easier for new players to navigate the Forgotten Realms, from invisibility to animal speech.
11Take Time To Create A Backstory
Put the Role in Roleplaying
D&Dgives players an incredible amount of freedom in their roleplaying, so creating an interesting character is essential for immersion.Choosing a race, class, and background is important, but thinking about what they mean for an individual helps breathe life into a character.
Sketch out this character’s upbringing, their core personality traits, impactful events in their lives, and what led them to strike out on their adventure. Once players do this, it’ll be easy to picture how their character reacts to an ogre rushing at them, an NPC telling a lie, or a fellow party member engaging in wild antics. It can also make the game much more rewarding. If players are invested in their fictional character, it’s natural to want to know what will happen to them next, to want to take them on a journey to achieve their goals.
10Keep The Player’s Handbook Nearby
The Sacred Text Holds the Answer to (Almost) Every Question
The Player Handbook is everyD&Dplayer’s bible. Here,information can be found on every race, class, background, spell, god, aspect of combat, and more. New players should take time to read through it in their own time and gain an understanding of the mechanics, particularly ones that pertain to their class.
Keep it handy during sessions as well, to quickly look up spells or items if need be. However, in the midst of the game, players might not always be able to find speedy answers by flipping pages (or using scrolling through a PDF). This leads into the next point.
9Ask Questions
The Player Handbook Isn’t Always Clear
Not surewhat a spell’s description means? Can’t remember what AC or DC stands for? Don’t know what it means to be behind cover? Ask! Pausing the game’s action for a few seconds is worth it to help make sure everyone is on the same page and having a good time.
More often than not, DM’s and other players will be glad to answer questions for friends who are learning the game. And if they aren’t…well, refer to the first point. They might not be the best people to play with, especially for a first campaign.
8Communicate & Speak Up
Don’t Be Shy
Following on from the previous point, it’s important for party members to talk to each other and discuss. In every campaign, situations will arise that require players to make choices. If players are new to the game, they shouldn’t let that fact keep them from speaking up.
Share ideas on how the party might distract that guard or break into that ominous tower. Does the new player’s character havea spell that’ll teleport or disguise the party? Interrupt, and let others know — new players have a lot to offer! This kind of strategizing and discussion is especially fun when players stay in character, adding to the atmosphere.
7Don’t Take Over
The Whole Party Should Contribute to the Game
While some new players might have trouble speaking up, it’s also not uncommon for some newcomers to try and center themselves at the table. Remember thatD&Dis a collaborative effort — working together is the most important aspect of the game. Every party member deserves a voice, so don’t drown others out.
New players should feel free to share their ideas and roleplay their hearts out, but make sure everyone else gets to do so as well. Approach every situation as a team, whether it’s a horde of giants or a dark maze of underground tunnels.
6Take Notes
An Adventure Journal Can Come In Handy
A lot can happen in one session. After a week (or two or three, depending on how busy players' lives are) has passed in real time, it might be hard to remember everything that transpired the session before. So make notes of important plot points, especially ones that were relevant to one’s own character, to avoid feeling lost once everyone rejoins to play again. The character sheet has plenty of space for note-taking — and if it runs out of room, feel free to attach more paper.
In addition to making plot notes, it can also help new players to make notes on certain mechanics. If a player finds themselves forgetting that they have to reload a certain weapon, or prepare specific spells, write it down. Thosewho play spellcastersoften find it helpful to write out spell descriptions on note cards, rather than flipping to the appropriate page every single time. The same may apply to weapons, magic items, and more.
5Expect The Unexpected
Even the Best Plans Can Fail
Veteran TTRPG players and game masters know that it’s incredibly rare for anything to go as planned. Players might circumvent a DM’s masterfully engineered fight with awild gambit from a bardor rogue. On the other hand, someone’s bad roll might result in that gambit going down in literal flames.
Every time a player rolls a die, there’s no way to know what’s going to happen. Part of learning to playD&Dis learning how to improvise. This is where understanding a character’s backstory can come in especially handy – it makes it easy to react to even the wildest situations.
