So I’ve watched some D&D 5e on and off over the years but have recently started properly going through a series and gotten properly interested.
im looking for any advice people would have for a new player. I’ve bought myself the player’s handbook, designed a character I’d like to use or one that could be tweaked as needed and I get the general idea of how things work I think, it’s just learning what dice is used for each kind of action.
As a side note, I thought I would post this here before properly looking through the lfg section, any particular ways people recommend when looking for a group? I’ve had a quick look through on here and r/lookingforgroup
I would suggest the New Players Guide which I think is great overview of the basics of DnD 5e.
If you want to just jump in and start playing I would look on Discord for channels that focus on Adventure League (Organized DnD 5e Play by Wizards of the Coast) http://theadventurerleagues.com
Adventure League is more "standardized" to the point where you have limitations on what characters you can make but it is a good jumping off point for playing and a decent way to meet people interested in playing. The T1 (levels 1-4) tables cater to new players and the DMs are generally there to help you understand the game and have fun.
Other than learning the basics of the rules, which you have (brownie points there), I'd suggest thinking a little about the kind of game you want to be in and - arguably more importantly - the kind of game you might not want to be in. Don't overthink it, you don't have to find a perfect ideal fit, but there may be things you could bring up or ask about when reaching out to a prospective DM about joining their group - maybe you're not looking for a super technical power gamer group for your first campaign, for instance, or maybe you can ask about the theme of the campaign (if any, it's not unlikely that it's simply "thing X must be done, going to be a lot of combat and a bit of intrigue, not a lot of exploration" or something like that, which would be peachy as well) in case that's something you'd find unpalatable. Talking with a DM about joining is a two-way street: it's as much you figuring out if you'll enjoy their game as them figuring out if you'll fit in right. So, it doesn't hurt to think about what you'd enjoy before having that talk.
Mostly though the best advice will depend on the group you're joining, so when you do get in just ask the DM and the other players. Maybe they could really use a certain type of character, if so see if that's compatible with what you would like to play. Maybe the DM likes extensive backstories with a couple of potential story hooks they can use, maybe they prefer simply well-developed characters but not too much in the way of connection to the campaign before it even started - adjust your character accordingly. Maybe they have some habits you should or might like to join in, like eating together before the session or the players bringing snacks along for the DM (admittedly shameless plug as a DM). Maybe they have rules like no political discussions out of game, maybe they like to use minis and it'd be nice if you could provide one for your character instead of using a bottle cap. Every group has its own dynamic, so just ask if there's something you should know.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
To add to what pangurjan said, while you should think about the kind of game you want to play, keep an open mind. You might find you don’t enjoy a given playstyle as much as you think or will, or do enjoy one more than you think. Don’t be afraid to try out different kinds of games. And look for games that are open to new players. Some people really don’t like new players.
Other tips would be, don’t get too attached to that character you made. Lots of DMs have house rules about character creation which would mean you’ll need to re-make it.
Make sure to read chapters 7, 8 and 9 of the PHB. Add in 10 if you’re a caster.
As best as you can, know what your character does, it can really slow things down if you don’t, and can sometimes lead to other players more or less taking over your character in the name of “giving advice.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
So I’ve watched some D&D 5e on and off over the years but have recently started properly going through a series and gotten properly interested.
im looking for any advice people would have for a new player. I’ve bought myself the player’s handbook, designed a character I’d like to use or one that could be tweaked as needed and I get the general idea of how things work I think, it’s just learning what dice is used for each kind of action.
As a side note, I thought I would post this here before properly looking through the lfg section, any particular ways people recommend when looking for a group?
I’ve had a quick look through on here and r/lookingforgroup
I would suggest the New Players Guide which I think is great overview of the basics of DnD 5e.
If you want to just jump in and start playing I would look on Discord for channels that focus on Adventure League (Organized DnD 5e Play by Wizards of the Coast) http://theadventurerleagues.com
Adventure League is more "standardized" to the point where you have limitations on what characters you can make but it is a good jumping off point for playing and a decent way to meet people interested in playing. The T1 (levels 1-4) tables cater to new players and the DMs are generally there to help you understand the game and have fun.
Other than learning the basics of the rules, which you have (brownie points there), I'd suggest thinking a little about the kind of game you want to be in and - arguably more importantly - the kind of game you might not want to be in. Don't overthink it, you don't have to find a perfect ideal fit, but there may be things you could bring up or ask about when reaching out to a prospective DM about joining their group - maybe you're not looking for a super technical power gamer group for your first campaign, for instance, or maybe you can ask about the theme of the campaign (if any, it's not unlikely that it's simply "thing X must be done, going to be a lot of combat and a bit of intrigue, not a lot of exploration" or something like that, which would be peachy as well) in case that's something you'd find unpalatable. Talking with a DM about joining is a two-way street: it's as much you figuring out if you'll enjoy their game as them figuring out if you'll fit in right. So, it doesn't hurt to think about what you'd enjoy before having that talk.
Mostly though the best advice will depend on the group you're joining, so when you do get in just ask the DM and the other players. Maybe they could really use a certain type of character, if so see if that's compatible with what you would like to play. Maybe the DM likes extensive backstories with a couple of potential story hooks they can use, maybe they prefer simply well-developed characters but not too much in the way of connection to the campaign before it even started - adjust your character accordingly. Maybe they have some habits you should or might like to join in, like eating together before the session or the players bringing snacks along for the DM (admittedly shameless plug as a DM). Maybe they have rules like no political discussions out of game, maybe they like to use minis and it'd be nice if you could provide one for your character instead of using a bottle cap. Every group has its own dynamic, so just ask if there's something you should know.
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
To add to what pangurjan said, while you should think about the kind of game you want to play, keep an open mind. You might find you don’t enjoy a given playstyle as much as you think or will, or do enjoy one more than you think. Don’t be afraid to try out different kinds of games.
And look for games that are open to new players. Some people really don’t like new players.
Other tips would be, don’t get too attached to that character you made. Lots of DMs have house rules about character creation which would mean you’ll need to re-make it.
Make sure to read chapters 7, 8 and 9 of the PHB. Add in 10 if you’re a caster.
As best as you can, know what your character does, it can really slow things down if you don’t, and can sometimes lead to other players more or less taking over your character in the name of “giving advice.”