How to Play D&D | Dungeons & Dragons (original) (raw)
Create a Hero
In D&D, you are the hero. You decide what drives your character, what scares them, and what they’re willing to risk when battle breaks out.
D&D Beyond helps you manage your character, no subscription required:
- Make your character easily in the guided builder.
- Access their character sheet in the browser or app.
- Create and maintain up to 6 characters for free.
Take Action
During your adventures, you’ll weave a story together with the Dungeon Master and other players. When you take risks or battle foes, you describe what your character does, then your Dungeon Master will tell you what to roll.
Your D&D Beyond digital character sheet handles the busywork, so you can focus on the fun:
- Track Hit Points, spells, and key resources in one place.
- Automatically calculate healing and damage.
- Roll 3D dice that do the math for you.
Hone Your Power
With experience, your character will grow in knowledge and skill. Your Dungeon Master will tell you when it's time to level up, so you can pick new abilities and features!
With D&D Beyond's digital Character Builder, you can easily level up your character, make choices, and ensure you don't miss anything.
- Level up easily—no math required.
- Choose your path through subclasses, feats, and spells.
- Unlock additional options with digital supplements.
Start your campaign
Running your first game doesn't have to mean spending hours learning how to play it. With D&D Beyond, you can jump in fast with tools that keep the session moving and the rules handled—so you can focus on describing the world and reacting to your players’ choices.
Run your games in the Maps VTT
The Maps virtual tabletop makes running your games easy—learn how here!
7 tips for running your first session
Every great game starts with a great first session. Get some tips on how to host a game your friends will never forget here!
In-Person or Online
How to get to a table fast
Whether you’re looking for your first table or your next long-running campaign, there are more ways than ever to meet players and Dungeon Masters.
Want to play this week? Here's where to start.
- Have a party but don't know where to start? The easiest way to start is playing with the D&D Starter Set. Just get your group together and learn as you play.
- D&D’s Discord is full of new and experienced players looking to adventure together. Sign up today!
- Looking for a low-pressure on-ramp? In-person events are happening all across the world! Get in contact with your Local Game Store to learn more.