I’m sure by now we can all admit that Stranger Things ignited some strange and exciting fascination with Dungeons & Dragons. Some of your friends are playing, some are acting like they played before Stranger Things came out… And you’re curious, right? But where do you begin?

According to the main D&D hub itself, D&D Beyond,

“In Dungeons & Dragons, the players form an adventuring party who explore fantasy worlds together, embark on epic quests, and level up. The Dungeon Master (also known as the DM) is the game’s referee and lead storyteller.” 

Fantasy is all the rage right now, hanging out with friends is historically highly-recommended, and embarking on epic quests is unlikely in the real world! That sounds like a recipe for a great time.

Before we really get into it, I want to address the elephant in the room. For most of you, D&D probably sounds like a major commitment – and it can be – but only if you want it to be. If fear of commitment is holding you back from joining a campaign, do not fret. There are so many ways to dip your toes into it!

Clubs

So many kids are starting D&D clubs at school to attract newbies and get a campaign started with friends. These clubs are a great way to pop in with very low stakes and watch how the game is played before joining a campaign at all. Clubs held at school would be easy to attend and add a sense of familiarity, too. You may even run into a friend or get to chat one-on-one with the sponsoring teacher to get more insight on the game mechanics and storytelling.

Experienced Players

Typically, talking with an experienced D&D player (*cough, cough*… your dad?) can allow you to experience the passion and excitement that people have for this game without even playing. Much like with role-playing video games, players become invested in their characters. They want to fight the most gruesome battles, eat the best food, earn the most treasure, and have the most story-worthy adventure. An experienced player can give you a taste of the imagination it takes to create a life like that at a table, all in your head.

YouTube

Using YouTube as a resource for learning about D&D and watching it be played is one of the easiest ways to dabble in the game. No anxiety walking into a club meeting with no direction, and no risk of letting your dad know you might be interested in something he loves! All jokes aside, YouTube and www.dndbeyond.com have great resources for learning how to create a character, use the seven dice, and get a handle on basic rules. This will give you the confidence to go to D&D club or ask to watch one of your friends’ campaigns – and maybe even commit to one.

Welcome to your first adventure, Newbie. Best of luck to you.