Dungeons and Dragons Tips for both Newbies and Veterans
Rolling into the world of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) can be an overwhelming quest. Whether you’re fresh out of the tutorial village or a seasoned dragon-slayer, there’s always a new spell to learn or trap to avoid. So, whether you’re hunting for Dungeons and Dragons tips, eager for D&D ideas, or just looking to buff your gameplay, you’ve quested to the right place!
Beginner’s D&D Tips:
Rulebooks vs Diving into the Dungeon:
Rulebooks are your first scroll of knowledge and are strongly recommended to give a read first, for both clarity on how to play and also to save your fellow party from getting frustrated.
Remember, you don’t have to memorise every word and you aren’t expected to – even veterans forget some of the rules. Just grasp the basics and let your Dungeon Master (DM) be your guide.
Character Crafting:
Before rolling the dice, roll out a backstory for your character. Think of it as choosing your avatar in the grandest game of all. Get into their boots – or sandals, or paws! For the storycrafters amongst us, this may be the most fun aspect for you and you may write pages and we say go for it! (just warn your DM first).
For the less narratively-inclined, we would still suggest you whip up a little something, even if it is just a paragraph or two – this will not only help your Dungeon Master get your character more entwined within the story, but will also give you a baseline on how to play your character.
Team Talk:
Don’t forget, a solo bard might get the applause, but it’s the band that makes the music. Team up, talk with your party, and collaborate to ensure every adventure strikes the right chord.
If you have played a lot of Dungeons & Dragons or other role-playing games before (or if you just like the sound of your own voice) it might come naturally to you to talk for and lead the party around, but it is a team game and the best thing you can do is get your companions involved whenever you have an opportunity to do so.
D&D Tips for Veteran Players:
Trying Something New:
Always playing the sneaky rogue? Try stepping into a paladin’s holy boots. Charisma is your dump stat? Mix it up and see what charming things you can pull off, even as a gnome barbarian. Always choosing eldrich blast? Roll a dice and get a random spell instead!
Stepping out of your comfort zone is what makes for epic tales. We’ve all heard the tales of the Halfling Rogue with sticky fingers and the cheeky Half-Elf Bard, Dungeons and Dragons is about creativity and storytelling – not about min-maxing the most powerful combinations.
If you’re looking for an exciting way to mix-up your gameplay, why don’t you try a D&D character generator like on D&D Beyond for a custom character whipped up in seconds, or my personal favourite Who the f*ck is my D&D character for an overly aggressive character concept.
Gear Up Yourself:
Your fighter wouldn’t go into battle without their trusty sword, and you shouldn’t dive into a campaign without the right tools! Spice up the game the next time you are playing and bring some more thematic items with you to really immerse yourself into the world.
Start with the basics like some quality dice that match the vibe of your character. Perhaps a notebook that doubles as a spellbook for your spellcaster, or a dossier for your rogue. Take your session to the next level with snacks themed as rations and drinks as potions (or shots, if that’s your thing).
Really get involved by bringing props that your character may use, or even dress up like them! Read our Beginner’s Guide to Cosplay for more helpful tips on how to cosplay your Dungeons & Dragons character!
Lead The Way, But Don’t Be Pushy:
Ever heard the saying, “old wizards teach the best spells?” Okay, maybe we made that up, but you get the drift. Share your real world wisdom and Dungeons and Dragons tips with the newcomers to help them excel at the game and make the experience more enjoyable for everybody involved.
People learn at their own pace and enjoy the game in their own ways. If somebody doesn’t seem to be taking your tips on board don’t get upset with them, let them play the game their own way as in the end – the only thing that matters is that everybody is having a good time.