A couple buddies of mine and I are about to start our first Dungeons & Dragons campaign, and we’re super excited! Having never played before, it’s a slightly daunting task.
So my question is this: does anyone have any tips for brand new D&D players? Maybe something that helped you get into the flow of the game, or tips for how to make it more fun for newbies?
For me, it's to understand how your character works so that when you guys actually play, people don't have to wait very long for you to cast your spell, or to attack which goblin. You should also watch a video or two on youtube on that topic, there are an abundance ofvideos telling you on how to have the most fun out of your D&D sessions.
Other than that respect your fellow players and DM, remember this is a cooperative experience.
Make sure your party is well rounded. Some people that stand back and shoot arrows, some people that are up front in hand-to-hand combat, and some people who cast spells.
If you want to learn about specific things, just look around the forums. I've found some really useful tips there. I also recommend going to a site called Arcane Eye. They give advice on every decision you need to make based on your ideal character and they give reasons.
Talk with the others. Communicate with them to make sure you don't all have wizards with really low health or barbarians who barely have any interest in ranged combat.
Finally, think about what you want your character to be. You know what you want the best and then try to figure out what you can do, within the limitations of the game. Try looking at different options and figure out what the best abilities are, but also how it ties in with your character.
I have been playing D&D since AD&D, way back in the back back then. Been running games since then. The most important thing through all these years is find a character class fit, make it your own, and have fun with it. The game has always been about friends getting together and having fun. Get in your character, know the base mechanics, and then roll with it. Honestly knowing the mechanics is not that important. Knowing what you want your character to be and act, then interacting with the group. For instance, I am currently running a 10 year old Drow Campaign. A lot of Evil gets done but my players know their characters, strengths and weaknesses.
Also always always roll Perception and Insight, even if your character is horrible at it!!!!!!!
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The Only True Elf is a Drow.
They Know They Have Power And Are Not Afraid To Show It.
I have played in a few now, the best thing I can say is have fun. The game is so open and vast and there is so much to do. Do not try to piss off you DM either (after all he/she has the power to give the monsters and who knows what powers it may have). I have been on many campaigns where people want to only do side things and not stick to the campaign. While this is GREAT fun there is a line (in my opinion) that shouldn't be crossed or have some side type fun (like a tavern brawl) but also keep in mind the quest/goal to reach. This bugs me personally as well as it can create tension with the DM.
Just make your character what you want, make them have whatever personality you can dream. Do not ever think you are doing things wrong (that was my biggest mistake) the game is great and is for everyone :)
I would recommend that you have a Session Zero with your DM. Make space for everyone (including the DM) to talk bout their expectations for each other. This is also a good time for the DM to establish ground rules (both for the game and for the when/how of gaming sessions themselves) and for the players to suggest changes to those rules and to mention stuff they definitely would NOT want to see happen in the game.
Also be ready and willing to repeat session zero as needed since no one ever remembers everything the first time 😳😁. Once in the game, if everyone, including the DM, is new expect the first few times to go slow as everyone works the kinks out (especially the DM who has far more to manage than any character. It does take time to get the mechanics down but having a few notes or some resources (like DDB) to look stuff up quickly can help a lot. Relax, you will make mistakes - we all did. Just laugh and move on and have fun - it is after all just a game friends are playing for fun.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
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A couple buddies of mine and I are about to start our first Dungeons & Dragons campaign, and we’re super excited! Having never played before, it’s a slightly daunting task.
So my question is this: does anyone have any tips for brand new D&D players? Maybe something that helped you get into the flow of the game, or tips for how to make it more fun for newbies?
Thanks, team!
For me, it's to understand how your character works so that when you guys actually play, people don't have to wait very long for you to cast your spell, or to attack which goblin. You should also watch a video or two on youtube on that topic, there are an abundance ofvideos telling you on how to have the most fun out of your D&D sessions.
Other than that respect your fellow players and DM, remember this is a cooperative experience.
Make sure your party is well rounded. Some people that stand back and shoot arrows, some people that are up front in hand-to-hand combat, and some people who cast spells.
If you want to learn about specific things, just look around the forums. I've found some really useful tips there. I also recommend going to a site called Arcane Eye. They give advice on every decision you need to make based on your ideal character and they give reasons.
Talk with the others. Communicate with them to make sure you don't all have wizards with really low health or barbarians who barely have any interest in ranged combat.
Finally, think about what you want your character to be. You know what you want the best and then try to figure out what you can do, within the limitations of the game. Try looking at different options and figure out what the best abilities are, but also how it ties in with your character.
I hope this helps.
I have been playing D&D since AD&D, way back in the back back then. Been running games since then. The most important thing through all these years is find a character class fit, make it your own, and have fun with it. The game has always been about friends getting together and having fun. Get in your character, know the base mechanics, and then roll with it. Honestly knowing the mechanics is not that important. Knowing what you want your character to be and act, then interacting with the group. For instance, I am currently running a 10 year old Drow Campaign. A lot of Evil gets done but my players know their characters, strengths and weaknesses.
Also always always roll Perception and Insight, even if your character is horrible at it!!!!!!!
The Only True Elf is a Drow.
They Know They Have Power And Are Not Afraid To Show It.
I have played in a few now, the best thing I can say is have fun. The game is so open and vast and there is so much to do. Do not try to piss off you DM either (after all he/she has the power to give the monsters and who knows what powers it may have). I have been on many campaigns where people want to only do side things and not stick to the campaign. While this is GREAT fun there is a line (in my opinion) that shouldn't be crossed or have some side type fun (like a tavern brawl) but also keep in mind the quest/goal to reach. This bugs me personally as well as it can create tension with the DM.
Just make your character what you want, make them have whatever personality you can dream. Do not ever think you are doing things wrong (that was my biggest mistake) the game is great and is for everyone :)
I would recommend that you have a Session Zero with your DM. Make space for everyone (including the DM) to talk bout their expectations for each other. This is also a good time for the DM to establish ground rules (both for the game and for the when/how of gaming sessions themselves) and for the players to suggest changes to those rules and to mention stuff they definitely would NOT want to see happen in the game.
Also be ready and willing to repeat session zero as needed since no one ever remembers everything the first time 😳😁. Once in the game, if everyone, including the DM, is new expect the first few times to go slow as everyone works the kinks out (especially the DM who has far more to manage than any character. It does take time to get the mechanics down but having a few notes or some resources (like DDB) to look stuff up quickly can help a lot. Relax, you will make mistakes - we all did. Just laugh and move on and have fun - it is after all just a game friends are playing for fun.
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.