This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Eric McClure is an editing fellow at wikiHow where he has been editing, researching, and creating content since 2019. A former educator and poet, his work has appeared in Carcinogenic Poetry, Shot Glass Journal, Prairie Margins, and The Rusty Nail. His digital chapbook, The Internet, was also published in TL;DR Magazine. He was the winner of the Paul Carroll award for outstanding achievement in creative writing in 2014, and he was a featured reader at the Poetry Foundation’s Open Door Reading Series in 2015. Eric holds a BA in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and an MEd in secondary education from DePaul University.
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Dungeons and Dragons can be an engrossing and exciting game, but many view the cost of the materials as a significant barrier. Luckily, there are a couple of ways to experience the world of D&D without spending a dime, just by following these easy steps.
Steps
Sample Campaigns
Pen and Paper
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1Learn about the game. Visit the Basics of Play article on the Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) website. This will familiarize you with the game and give you a basic idea of the flow and systems at work. Dungeons and Dragons is traditionally played on a tabletop, with paper and dice. The books can get expensive, but the basics are available online for free. The average player does not actually have to purchase anything, as the DM is in charge of creating the game.
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2Find a dice substitute. Dice are the only material that is required from all players. There is a dice roller at WOTC's site, or you can find a printable paper template and make your own. A pencil with dots on each side makes an inexpensive replacement for six-sided dice.Advertisement
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3Make up a character sheet, or use a pre-made one. If you want the traditional DnD-style game, go with dwarves, elves, humans and even half-lings. If you want sci-fi, you can use any sort of aliens you want.
- The Systems Reference Document (SRD) (v3.5) (5e) contains the rules of D&D, which are important to consult as you learn to play. Read the Basic Rules and Spells sections. If you're planning to be the Dungeon Master (DM), read the Monsters and Magic Items as well. Don't worry about any of the other sections for now, they're for advanced players. Be advised: The SRD is not comprehensive, and lacks vital information on subjects like character generation and gaining levels.
- Printable character sheets are available for fifth edition here.
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4Make up your own story line. This is what makes your game interesting, making your own story line could be the hardest, but most fun part of the process. You can choose to have whatever characters you want, whatever mythology you want or you can even make up your own mythology.
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5Get together in a group and play! Dungeons and Dragons is a complex game that will take some time getting used to, so encourage everyone playing to read the core materials and go over the WOTC tutorial. Stay persistent and your game sessions will become much more rewarding.
Playing Online
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1Download the Dungeons and Dragons Online program here. Dungeons and Dragons Online is free-to-play, and does not require a monthly subscription.Online play is a natural fit for a game like Dungeons and Dragons, and now you can play it for free.
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2Create a free account. You will need to create an account in order to download the game. All it requires is a working email address.
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3Install the program. Be sure that your computer meets the minimum requirements to play.
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4Online games can take a lot of time to get ahead. Take a look at our guide for casual players to get the most enjoyment out of your game.
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat are the dice used for?
Community AnswerPlayers use the 20-sided dice (commonly called a d20) when trying to determine the success or failure of an action. A pair of 10-sided dice are used to determine percentages (one represents the tens, the other the ones). The other dice are most often used for rolling damage of various weapons/spells. The dungeon master will use the dice for a variety of other purposes; for example, there may be a 1-in-8 chance of wandering monsters while camping for the night in a region, or a 6-sided die roll may to determine which of the six players is attacked by a creature. -
QuestionWhat dice do I need to play Dungeons and Dragons?
Community AnswerYou'll need a few 20 sided dice, 12 sided dice, 6 sided dice, 4 sided dice, and maybe a few 10 sided dice. -
QuestionCan I make an account without giving away any personal information like my e-mail or name?
Community AnswerNo, you need to at least provide a valid email to create and account.
Things You'll Need
- Internet connection
- Printer
About This Article
To play Dungeons and Dragons for free, play the Wizards of the Coast demo online and read up on the core materials so you don’t need to pay for the books. You can also print off free character sheets to help you create your hero. Once everyone has created their characters, make up your own storyline to make your game unique. If you’re the Dungeon Master, download the Basic Rules and Spells Section of the System Reference Document so you can refer to them while you play. Unless someone in your party already owns a set of dice, use a free online dice roller to save you money. For more tips, including how to play Dungeons and Dragons for free online, read on!
