How Can I Set Up the First D&D Game With My Friends?

Starting your first Dungeons and Dragons game with friends is less about rules mastery and more about creating a comfortable, engaging experience. Most first games fail not because of bad storytelling, but because expectations are unclear, preparation is scattered, and the session feels intimidating instead of fun.

This guide walks you through setting up your first D&D game with friends in a way that is simple, structured, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Step 1: Pick the Right Group Size

For a first game, keep the group small.

The ideal setup is:

• One Dungeon Master

• Three to four players

Smaller groups are easier to manage, move faster, and give everyone more space to participate. Large groups slow pacing and make new players feel lost.

Step 2: Choose D&D 5th Edition

D&D 5th Edition is the best starting point for new groups.

It offers:

• Clear and flexible rules

• Massive online resources

• Beginner-friendly character options

• Strong support for both in-person and online play

Avoid house rules or advanced variants at the beginning. Learn the system as written before experimenting.

Step 3: Decide How You Will Play

Before planning anything else, decide whether you are playing in person or online.

In-person games require:

• A shared physical space

• Dice or a dice app

• Printed or digital character sheets

Online games require:

• A virtual tabletop or shared screen

• Voice chat software

• A plan for visual immersion

Online games need more intentional setup to avoid feeling disconnected. Tools and presentation matter more than people expect.

Step 4: Choose a Dungeon Master Early

Someone needs to take the lead.

The DM does not need experience. They need:

• Willingness to prepare

• Comfort making quick decisions

• Interest in guiding the story

Remind your DM that mistakes are normal. Confidence grows through play, not perfection.

Step 5: Run a Session Zero

Before playing, meet once to align expectations.

During this session:

• Create characters together

• Explain basic rules

• Agree on tone and boundaries

• Decide session length and frequency

This prevents confusion and sets a shared foundation for the group.

Step 6: Start With a Simple Adventure

Do not start with a massive campaign.

A good first adventure:

• Can be completed in one session

• Has a clear objective

• Includes light combat and roleplay

Starter adventures or short custom quests work best. Complexity can come later.

Step 7: Help Everyone Stay Immersed

New players often struggle to stay in character, especially online.

Immersion improves when:

• Characters feel visually distinct

• Players feel present in the world

• The experience feels more than just a voice call

Faes AR helps groups enhance immersion by allowing players to visually embody their characters in real time using fantasy masks and character elements. This makes roleplay feel more natural, especially for first-time groups playing remotely.

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Step 8: Keep the First Session Light

Your first game does not need:

• Perfect rule knowledge

• Deep lore

• Complex combat tactics

It needs:

• Clear descriptions

• Player choice

• A sense of progress

If a rule slows things down, make a ruling and move on. Momentum matters more than accuracy early on.

Step 9: Talk After the Session

After your first game, ask simple questions:

• What did you enjoy?

• What felt confusing?

• What would you like more of next time?

This feedback helps the group improve together and keeps everyone invested.

A Better Way to Begin

Setting up your first D&D game with friends should feel exciting, not stressful. Keep the group small, the rules simple, and the focus on shared fun.

When players feel comfortable, represented, and immersed, they come back. That is how one session turns into a campaign.