Read the rules and make sure you understand the mechanics of how combat goes and everything works. There are a number of threads here that can give you guidance. Youtube videos will do the same. The core to being a decent DM is being confidant that you know how things should work and then being able to apply rules that are fair to situations outside the norm.
After that, just do it.
Learn form errors in judgement or ignorance. Be patient with yourself. Have fun while you're doing it.
Watching streams or how your own DM runs things helps, too. But ultimately, all DMs learn on the job. It's a skill and the only way to get good at it is to practice.
My advice to all new dungeon masters is to be kind to yourself as you're learning. You're going to be uncertain as you figure things out, you're going to make mistakes, and it's all fine and normal. Like Wilson said, it's a game. Have fun and you're halfway there already. :-)
I started DMing recently. I haven't done any prewritten campaigns, I haven't watched any videos. While I do know that that's worked for most other people, the way I went about doing it is by learning how to write fiction. The descriptions are probably one of the most important aspects of DMing, at least for me. Another thing is learning how to improv, while not getting frustrated and overwhelmed. That's more of a learn-on-the-job kind of thing. That, with a combination of what everyone else's suggesting, is a really good jumping-off point for beginner DMs.
I'm also willing to help with specific things, if you need help with homebrew, maps, names, plot, quests/side quests, etc. It's always great to get help!!!
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Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
Keep everything as small as you can to start and build slowly as you go.
We recently had a new DM in our group who ran the Saltmarsh book, and he did a good job, but he let it get so big so fast it overwhelmed him and he gave up.
Id stay away from Curse of Strahd early, wonderful book but requires a lot of prep to run and it can get really big, fast.
Maybe Phandelver? Ive heard good things but not played it. Its free here now!
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I have been playing for 2 years, but necessity (and lack of dms) requires me to learn to be a dm.
get yourself a nice prewritten. It's a campaign already written for you. I would recommend Curse of Strahd, Icewind Dale, or Lost Mine of Phandelver
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For every user who writes 5 paragraph essays as each of their posts: Remember to touch grass occasionally
After doing that, read and be creative.
Read the rules and make sure you understand the mechanics of how combat goes and everything works. There are a number of threads here that can give you guidance. Youtube videos will do the same. The core to being a decent DM is being confidant that you know how things should work and then being able to apply rules that are fair to situations outside the norm.
After that, just do it.
Learn form errors in judgement or ignorance. Be patient with yourself. Have fun while you're doing it.
It's a game after all.
Watching streams or how your own DM runs things helps, too. But ultimately, all DMs learn on the job. It's a skill and the only way to get good at it is to practice.
My advice to all new dungeon masters is to be kind to yourself as you're learning. You're going to be uncertain as you figure things out, you're going to make mistakes, and it's all fine and normal. Like Wilson said, it's a game. Have fun and you're halfway there already. :-)
The best way to learn is to jump in and just do it.
Here is your perfect teacher:
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
I started DMing recently. I haven't done any prewritten campaigns, I haven't watched any videos. While I do know that that's worked for most other people, the way I went about doing it is by learning how to write fiction. The descriptions are probably one of the most important aspects of DMing, at least for me. Another thing is learning how to improv, while not getting frustrated and overwhelmed. That's more of a learn-on-the-job kind of thing. That, with a combination of what everyone else's suggesting, is a really good jumping-off point for beginner DMs.
I'm also willing to help with specific things, if you need help with homebrew, maps, names, plot, quests/side quests, etc. It's always great to get help!!!
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Keep everything as small as you can to start and build slowly as you go.
We recently had a new DM in our group who ran the Saltmarsh book, and he did a good job, but he let it get so big so fast it overwhelmed him and he gave up.
Id stay away from Curse of Strahd early, wonderful book but requires a lot of prep to run and it can get really big, fast.
Maybe Phandelver? Ive heard good things but not played it. Its free here now!