First Time Playing D&D? Here’s What You Need to Know
So, you’ve taken the plunge into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Maybe you’ve dabbled in a digital RPG like Baldur’s Gate or Skyrim, but this is your first time stepping into the unpredictable world of a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG). Welcome, brave adventurer! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer weight of rules, character sheets, and the pressure of “getting it right,” don’t worry—you’re not alone.
D&D can seem daunting at first, but it’s one of the most rewarding games you’ll ever play. The beauty of tabletop games lies in the collaborative storytelling and shared chaos between friends. I’ve been there—new to the game and worried I’d embarrass myself—but now I’m here to guide you with some hard-earned wisdom.
This isn’t a guide to D&D mechanics, nor will I lecture you on every line of your character sheet. Instead, think of this as a survival guide—a list of tips to help you enjoy your first campaign, respect your party, and avoid becoming “that guy” at the table. Whether you’re playing D&D 5E, Pathfinder, or any other TRPG, these lessons will serve you well.
1. Learn Your Moves (And Keep Them Handy)
Before every session, take a moment to familiarise yourself with your character’s abilities, spells, and items. You don’t need to memorise everything, but you should know the basics:
- What abilities and spells you have.
- How they work (what rolls they require, their effects, and any conditions).
- What modifiers you need to add to your rolls.
Trust me—nothing kills the flow of combat faster than flipping through your spellbook for 10 minutes trying to remember what Guiding Bolt does. Keeping a cheat sheet or having reference notes for key moves will save you stress and make you look like a pro.
2. Don’t Metagame (Play Your Character, Not Yourself)
Metagaming is when you, as a player, act on information your character wouldn’t reasonably know. For example:
- You overhear the rogue stealing something out of character, so your character suddenly starts searching their pockets.
- You, the player, know trolls are weak to fire, so your character magically “realises” they need to light up a torch.
It might feel tempting, but metagaming kills immersion and can frustrate your DM (and fellow players). Focus on staying in character and reacting only to what your character knows and sees. It’ll make your roleplaying experience so much richer.
3. Bring a Notepad (Seriously)
A notepad will quickly become your best friend in D&D. Keep track of:
- NPC names (your DM will forget too).
- Locations, quests, and clues.
- Important conversations or lore.
Your DM juggles a thousand details, so you’ll be a hero for keeping track of the small stuff. Not only will it impress your tablemates, but it’ll also make you feel like the most organised adventurer in the room.
4. Give Everyone a Turn
Remember: D&D is a co-op game, not a solo show. If you’re the party’s leader, talker, or problem-solver, it’s easy to dominate the action. Instead:
- Let others try skill checks or speak during key moments.
- Share the spotlight. Offer up a huddle or ask others for ideas before diving in.
If you notice someone hasn’t spoken much, try involving them in a roleplaying moment. Everyone deserves their chance to shine.
6. Be Kind to Your DM
Being a Dungeon Master is hard work. Your DM is running the story, controlling monsters, and managing rules all at once. They will make mistakes. They might call for rolls you don’t agree with. Cut them some slack.
- Avoid arguing mid-session. It slows everything down.
- Save constructive feedback for after the session.
- Be patient when asking questions—let them finish their thoughts before bombarding them with details.
Your DM is the architect of your epic adventure. Trust them, respect their rulings, and remember they’re probably plotting something dastardly for you anyway.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
The D&D rulebooks are hefty. No one—neither you, your party, nor your DM—can remember every single rule or mechanic. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t suffer in silence. Ask questions!
- How do I roll for this spell?
- What’s the DC for climbing this wall?
- Can I interact with this weird glowing statue?
Your fellow players or DM will appreciate you asking instead of guessing. Plus, learning as you go is part of the fun.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos
Your first D&D session might feel overwhelming, but don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on having fun, telling a great story, and collaborating with your party. You’ll get better at the rules and roleplaying as you go—it’s all part of the adventure.
D&D is as much about the journey as it is the destination. Whether you’re fighting Mindflayers, charming kings, or accidentally setting taverns on fire, the shared stories you create will keep you coming back for more.
Now grab your dice, take a deep breath, and prepare to roll for initiative. Welcome to the table, adventurer—you’ve got this!