How to Play

The World's Greatest Roleplaying Game

Ready to begin playing Dungeons & Dragons? Let's get you started!

FOR PLAYERS

Dungeons & DragonsIn D&D, each player creates a heroic character to represent them in the game: this might be a skilled fighter, a devout cleric, a deadly rogue, a spellcasting wizard, or something else entirely!

Together, the Dungeon Master (or DM) and players create an exciting story where their bold adventurers confront deadly perils. Even if the group doesn’t complete the adventure successfully, the good time and memories make everyone a winner.

Prep for Adventure

In every game of Dungeons & Dragons, one person serves as Dungeon Master; and the rest as players. In the following video, we'll walk you through all the steps needed to play your first game as a heroic adventurer!

Further Resources

How to Roleplay?

We talk through what roleplaying can be—and how you can get the most out of your D&D experience.

BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE!

Dungeons & Dragons takes you and your friends on epic journeys. Become characters you create, battle deadly foes, uncover secrets, find treasure, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Interested in playing? We've pulled together resources to get you started, create a D&D Beyond account to begin!

EXPLORE D&D

Character Quiz

What Role Should I Play?

Take this quiz to see which character you should play from the D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle: The Hill Dwarf Cleric, Wood Elf Fighter, Human Paladin, Lightfoot Halfling Rogue, or High Elf Wizard.

And as always, you can create your own character at D&D Beyond.

Question 1 of 9
You and your friends are taking in the sun on the Sword Coast when a shadow passes overhead. Down swoops a flock of blood-sucking stirges, and they’re aiming for you and your friends! How would you react?
You’ve received a life-changing letter in the post. Which of these would you rather receive?
When introducing yourself, what is the first thing people notice about you?
Where’s your preferred place to pick up new skills?
You’ve been caught by someone in a place you shouldn’t be. They’re ready to get you in trouble. How would you convince them to let you stay and stay out of trouble?
You see two of your best friends fighting. What do you do?
What’s the last thing you do before heading to bed at night?
You’ve just knocked your friend’s antique clock off its perch and it breaks on impact! How do you fix it?
You and your friends will come to face many challenges during your adventures. Which of these mantras would you like to embody the most when facing danger?

Start Playing

Looking to start playing immediately? Our D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle is your place to start!

This set contains the essential rules of the game plus everything you need to play heroic characters on perilous adventures in worlds of fantasy.

Learn More
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