How Can I Set Up My First D&D Game?

Setting up your first Dungeons & Dragons game can feel overwhelming. Rulebooks, character sheets, dice, maps, players, schedules-it looks like a lot because it is. The good news is that you do not need to master everything on day one. A solid first session only needs a clear structure, a simple story, and the right tools to support immersion.

This guide walks you through setting up your first D&D game step by step, whether you are playing in person or online.

Step 1: Choose the Right D&D Edition

For first-time players and Dungeon Masters, D&D 5th Edition (5E) is the safest choice. It has:

• Clear, beginner-friendly rules

• Massive online documentation and tutorials

• Strong support across virtual tabletops

• A large player base, making it easier to find help

Avoid homebrew systems or heavy modifications for your first game. Keep the rules vanilla until everyone understands the basics.

Step 2: Decide How You Will Play (In-Person or Online)

Before anything else, lock this decision.

In-person play requires:

• A physical space

• Printed or digital character sheets

• Dice (or a dice app)

• Basic maps or theater-of-the-mind narration

Online play requires:

• A virtual tabletop (Roll20, Foundry, etc.)

• Voice chat (Discord works fine)

• Digital character sheets

• A way to maintain immersion visually

Online play removes geography limits but increases the importance of visuals, presentation, and atmosphere. This is where many first-time games struggle—and where the right tools make a big difference.

Step 3: Assign Roles Clearly

You need two things:

• One Dungeon Master (DM)

• Two to five players

The DM does not need to be an expert. Their job is to:

• Describe the world

• Present challenges

• Make fair rulings

• Keep the game moving

Players only need to:

• Understand their character

• Engage with the story

• Respect table rules

Set expectations early. Decide session length, tone (serious or light), and commitment level before the first roll.

Step 4: Create Characters Together

Do not let players show up with fully optimized characters from the internet.

For a first game:

• Build characters together

• Use official races and classes

• Start at level 1

• Focus on personality over power

This session—often called Session Zero—prevents confusion later and helps players understand how their abilities actually work in play.

Step 5: Start With a Simple Adventure

Avoid massive campaign books at the start.

A good first adventure:

• Takes 2–4 hours

• Has one clear objective

• Includes one combat, one roleplay moment, and one decision point

Classic starter adventures or short homebrew quests work best. Complexity kills momentum in early sessions.

Step 6: Build Immersion Early

Immersion is what turns a rules session into a memorable game.

For online games especially, immersion depends on:

• Visual presence

• Character identity

• Consistent atmosphere

This is where many first-time D&D games fall flat. Players feel disconnected from their characters, especially on webcam.

Faes AR solves this by letting players visually embody their characters in real time. Instead of just talking about a fantasy world, players appear as part of it—wearing masks, costumes, and character elements that match the game.

You can explore Faes AR here:https://www.faes.ar/

And access the full product here:https://gumroad.com/products/qyoqv

Step 7: Run the First Session Light and Flexible

Your first session does not need:

• Perfect rules knowledge

• Flawless combat flow

• Deep lore

It needs:

• Clear descriptions

• Player agency

• A sense of progress

If a rule slows the game down, make a ruling and move on. You can correct it later. Momentum matters more than precision.

Step 8: Get Feedback and Improve

After the session, ask three questions:

• What was fun?

• What was confusing?

• What should we do more of next time?

Use this feedback to adjust pacing, difficulty, and presentation. Every strong campaign improves because the group adapts together.

Final Thoughts

Your first D&D game does not need to be perfect. It needs to be engaging, welcoming, and immersive enough that players want to come back.

Structure gives confidence. Simplicity builds momentum. Immersion creates memories.

If you are playing online and want your game to feel less like a video call and more like a shared fantasy experience, tools like Faes AR can dramatically raise the quality of your sessions.

Start simple. Play consistently. Improve every session.