Dungeons & Dragons is by and large the most popular and iconic tabletop RPG of all time. However, as a game that has been around for over forty years, the game can seem daunting and unapproachable. Luckily, there are numerous beginner-friendly ways for newcomers to get into D&D and see everything that the game has to offer. Whether a digital program or an official beginner product created by Wizards of the Coast, players have plenty of choices when figuring out where to start.

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So today, we're going to examine the best ways for new players to get into D&D and which products and programs they should consider using!

10 The Basic Rules PDF

fifth edition cover

First and foremost, D&D is a game for everyone regardless of financial situation. While each of the D&D books released by Wizards of the Coasts greatly enhances the game and provides a significant amount of additional content, a PDF of the basic rules of the game is freely available on the official D&D website. While a barebones variation of the player's handbook, this PDF provides all of the basic rules regarding character creation and playing that a newcomer would need to get started!

9 DnD Beyond

dnd beyond

DnD Beyond is an official D&D site run by Wizards of the Coast that allows players to build their character sheets digitally and join online campaigns. Due to the user-friendly interface, character creation is quite easy on DnD Beyond, even for a new player with no prior experience.

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Additionally, with easy access to a character's abilities and spells, the site is an excellent tool that can help new players get better-acquainted with the rules of the game.

8 Roll20

roll20 screenshot

Another digital option, Roll20 is a website that allows players to set up online campaigns with their friends or even join campaigns with complete strangers. In addition to serving as an excellent platform for an online campaign, Roll20 provides players with easy access to the game's rules with everything from class abilities to the stats of various monsters.

7 Listen To Some D&D Podcasts

jesper ejsing knight of the tusk art magic the gathering

While not actually playing D&D one's self, listening to D&D podcasts such as Critical Role can be very beneficial for those looking into getting into the game.

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There are currently countless live play podcasts around that showcase what D&D is all about, and for someone with absolutely no knowledge of the game, listening to a few episodes of one of these series can help convey how the game works.

6 D&D Adventurer's League

Beholder chases adventurers in stormy ruins
Monster Manual Cover Art via Wizards of the Coast

An excellent option for players who don't currently have a group to play D&D with, D&D Adventurer's Leagues are commonly found at local game stores. Most often run by experienced Dungeon Master, these leagues offer sanction D&D events that are often easy to jump into and start enjoying the game.

5 Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set

dnd starter set
d&d starter set box art dragon

The Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set is the perfect way for inexperienced players to sit down and play the game with minimal setup. Coming with dice, a miniature version of the basic rules, numerous pre-made characters, and a short low-level adventure. This allows players to easily dip their toes into the game with very little prior planning similar to a board game.

4 Stranger Things D&D Starter Set

stranger things dnd

The Stranger Things D&D Starter Set is quite similar to the original starter set. While it comes with similar rules and premade characters, the premade character sheets are each based on various characters from Stranger Things. While someone with no attachment to Stranger Things would likely get more out of the original Starter Set, the fans of Stranger Things may find this version preferable.

3 Dungeons & Dragons Vs. Rick And Morty

Rick and Morty D&D

As is the case with the Stranger Things Starter Set, while those apathetic towards Rick and Morty have little to no reason for getting Dungeons & Dragons Vs. Rick And Morty, fans of Rick and Morty may find it to be an excellent jumping on point. With a mini rule book, numerous pre-made character sheets, dice, a DM screen, and a premade adventure themed around Rick and Morty, this is another starter set that new players can pick up and play with ease, granted that one is a fan of the series.

2 Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit

dnd essentials kit

Like the Starter Set, the Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit is an affordable out-of-the-box experience that allows players to easily start playing D&D. However, this product exchanges accessibility with freedom. Rather than coming with pre-made characters, the Essentials Kit comes with blank character sheets and the rules of how to make one's own characters. This means that while a game may take longer to set up, players will be much more likely to be attached to their characters.

1 Animal Adventures

animal adventures

While not an official Wizards of the Coast product, Animal Adventures is a 5E compatible starter set based around playing as animal characters. With numerous premade characters and a premade adventure, Animal Adventures notably features unique abilities for characters based on the fact that they're animals. For players looking for a more lighthearted and adorable beginner-friendly first taste of D&D, Animal Adventures may be the perfect place to start.

Next: Dungeons & Dragons: A Complete Guide To Your RPG Adventure