Whether you're a new player or a veteran of the game, finding a Dungeons & Dragons group can be challenging. If you've only just discovered D&D, you might be the only person you know who wants to play. But don’t despair. D&D is more popular now than it’s ever been before, and there are plenty of ways to find a gaming group. Here are three ways you can start your first D&D group:

• Ask Your Friends to Play
• Find a D&D Group Online
• Find a D&D Group at Your Local Gaming Store
• What You Need to Start Playing

Forming a D&D Group? Be Prepared to Run the Game

If you want to form a D&D group, be prepared to be the Dungeon Master (DM) — that is, the person who creates the dungeons, plays the NPCs, and otherwise sets the scene in-game and organizes the game sessions in real life. Being the DM can be a lot of work, but it’s incredibly fun, and being a DM means you’ll always be in hot demand when people want to play.

1. Ask Your friends to Play

Even if you don’t think your friends are the sort of people who would want to play D&D, consider asking! Folks who tend to take an interest in D&D typically enjoy other “geeky” activities — like reading fantasy novels, watching fantasy films and shows, writing, and playing video games. Of course, you don’t have to look any farther than Joe Manganiello or Travis Willingham to see that even folks who don’t look like a geek stereotype can love the game In fact, sports-lovers can become some of the most die-hard D&D players, once the adrenaline of fighting monsters kicks in.

It’s almost always better to start by suggesting a single one-shot game of D&D than trying to plan a whole campaign right off the bat — even if that’s what you want to do most. Let people dip their feet into the water before leaping into the deep end.

Once everyone’s all together, you might notice that people just want to socialize and be pals rather than play D&D. Don’t worry about this. They came here because you invited them to play D&D; they have school or work just like anyone else, and they have steam to blow off in casual conversation before they can buckle in to learn the ins and outs of a brand new roleplaying game. If people want to chat, don’t cut them off. Just hang out for a half-hour or so before getting everyone around the kitchen table to play.

Share Your Books With Friends

Although you can play Dungeons & Dragons for free by using the basic rules, players will discover tons of additional character options in the Player's Handbook. Similarly, DMs will find helpful tools and tips for running the game in the Dungeon Master's Guide. If you've bought any books in the D&D Beyond marketplace, you can unlock them for your friends by signing up for a Master-tier subscription. This is a great way to introduce friends to the game who might not yet be interested in purchasing any of the books.

2. Find a D&D Group Online

Whether you're seeking a group to play with online or just local groups in your area, the internet is a great place to find like-minded fans of the game. D&D Beyond offers two resources for finding groups:

• Looking for Players & Groups board in the D&D Beyond forums
• Specific channels in the D&D Beyond Discord 

Joining a Play-by-Post game is a great alternative for those with a tricky schedule or who just love the written word. These types of campaigns are run entirely in the forums. The DM and the players type out everything that happens in the game and roll dice in replies. A play-by-post game can be a safe environment for you to learn the game at your own pace.

If you find and join an online D&D group, you'll want to ensure your internet connection is stable and that you've reduced background noise to minimize distractions in-game. As with games that happen in person, take plenty of notes and do your best to stay focused.

Find a Game to Play With StartPlaying

D&D has partnered with StartPlaying, the largest network of players and professional DMs, to make finding your next D&D group more effortless than ever!

When you're ready to sign up for StartPlaying, use this referral link when you create your new account for $10 off your first game.*

* The above offer is managed by StartPlaying (a partner of Wizards of the Coast) and is not controlled by Wizards in any way. We cannot guarantee its availability. For details on how to redeem that offer or any other questions you may have about the StartPlaying service, please reach out to StartPlaying.

3. Find a Group at Your Local Gaming Store

When you're trying to find a D&D group, your local game store is another great place to start. Most gaming stores and hobby shops have at least one of two things: a bulletin board where groups can post flyers looking for new players or groups of people playing D&D Adventurers League. Both can land you a seat in a game. (Not sure where to find a store? The Wizards of the Coast website has a store and event locator.)

Ask the staff if their store hosts any D&D events. Some have a weekly D&D Adventurers League night, where you'll pay a small entry fee to join a group of players in a game. As people can freely jump in and out of games from one week to the next, you'll meet plenty of new and veteran players. Keep in mind, Adventurers League sessions tend to be more focused on combat and overcoming game challenges than roleplay. If you want a story-telling-focused experience, joining a group might be preferable depending on the DM.

If you're interested in joining a local D&D group, be upfront about your experience level, what you're looking for in a campaign, and what your schedule looks like. Every DM has a unique style and prefers to run their campaigns in a certain way. You'll want to ensure your playstyle aligns with theirs and their group's. Further, when getting to know new people, trust your instincts and don’t play with those who make you uncomfortable.

Don't Overlook Your Local Library or School

Your local library could be another way to find a group to play with. Ask the front desk if the library runs any games or would be open to you running a game of your own. Chances are, if there's a lack of D&D groups in your area, you can attract players by posting a notice at your library. Similarly, if you're in school, seek out any gaming clubs or start one of your own. A video game or board game club could be the perfect place for you to find other people interested in the game.

What You Need to Start Playing

If you and your friends are new to Dungeons & Dragons, you'll need to learn how to play! The basic rules of the game are free on D&D Beyond. Don't feel pressured to memorize everything, however. What's most important is that each of the players has a character to play and the Dungeon Master has an adventure to run.

Use the free character builder to easily make a character. The free introductory adventure Intro to Stormwreck Isle,  which leads into Dragons of Stormwreck Isle, is great for new Dungeon Masters and players. 

James Haeck (@jamesjhaeck) is the former lead writer for D&D Beyond, the co-author of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus, and the Critical Role Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, a member of the Guild Adepts, and a freelance writer for Wizards of the Coast, the D&D Adventurers League, and other RPG companies. He lives in Seattle with his fiancée, Hannah, and their animal companions Mei and Marzipan.