INTRODUCTION
Board games are an age-old tradition that has continued to evolve, with many becoming more immersive and interactive. From role-playing to strategic challenges, the world of gaming offers a wide array of experiences for players of all kinds. One game, in particular, has stood the test of time and captured the imaginations of millions worldwide – Dungeons & Dragons. If you’re reading this article, you’re either new to the game or planning on dusting off your old player’s handbook after a break from adventuring. Regardless of which category you fall into, our beginner-friendly guide will cover everything you need to know about this engaging journey.
WHAT IS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS?
Dungeons & Dragons, also known as D&D, is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) that has been entertaining gamers since its inception in 1974. In D&D, players create and embody characters that undertake adventures in varied imaginary settings, guided by a narrator known as the Dungeon Master (DM). Over time, characters experience growth, accumulating new abilities and treasures along the way.
To understand D&D, imagine combining the strategic gameplay of Chess with the imaginative aspects of an immersive novel. Unlike most games, there is no clear winning or losing in D&D – the joy lies in the journey of the adventure itself, regardless of the outcome.
HOW IT WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
To begin your D&D adventure, you first need to understand the basic elements of the game:
1. Each player must create a character; this could be a powerful wizard, a cunning rogue, or a valorous knight – the choice is yours.
2. The Dungeon Master guides the story, describing scenes, portraying Non-player Characters (NPCs) and creatures, and dictating the effects of player choices.
3. The outcome of many actions is determined by rolling polyhedral dice, adding relevant bonuses, and comparing the total to a target number.
4. Rulebooks, such as the Player’s Handbook, contain the required information, guidelines, and rules for the game.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To get started, you need a few essentials:
1. Dice: D&D uses a unique set of seven polyhedral dice.
2. Player’s handbook: Providing all the rules, characters, spells, and equipment needed to play.
3. Character Sheet: A record of your character’s abilities, skills, equipment, and more.
4. Dungeon Master’s Guide and Monster Manual (if you’re planning to be a Dungeon Master).
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Simple: Choose a basic character class like a fighter or cleric for your first game.
2. Teamwork: D&D is a collaborative storytelling game. Make sure to work as a team with your fellow adventurers.
3. Listen to the DM: The Dungeon Master guides the adventure, make sure to listen carefully to their descriptions and scenarios.
4. Use your creativity: The most exciting part of D&D is that anything is possible. Don’t be afraid to be imaginative.
5. Know that it’s ok to make mistakes. D&D is a learning process, and every player has experienced a learning curve.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
To ease the learning curve, the online D&D community offers numerous resources. Websites like D&D Beyond and Roll20 provide digital tools for players. YouTube channels such as Critical Role and Geek and Sundry are also worth checking out for gameplay examples.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Dungeon Master (DM): The game’s narrator and referee.
2. Player Character (PC) / Non-Player Character (NPC): Your created character / Characters controlled by the DM.
3. D20, D12, D10, etc.: Dice with varying number of faces, used to determine the outcomes of actions.
4. Critical Hit / Critical Fail: Rolls that are exceptionally successful or unsuccessful.
5. Initiative: Determines the order of turns during combat.
NEXT STEPS
Now you’re primed and ready for your Dungeons & Dragons adventure. Grab a starter set or download a digital edition and give the game a try. Many games stores or local hobby shops also host D&D games for beginners. Keep in mind, just like any new endeavor, practice and experience make perfect. Happy adventuring!
