The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Your First TTRPG

Introduction: Your Adventure Begins Here

Have you ever watched a show like Critical Role or Stranger Things and felt a pull towards the epic stories and collaborative fun? You're not alone! Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs) are a booming hobby, but for a newcomer, they can seem overwhelming. Where do you even begin? What are all those dice for?

This guide is for you. We're going to break down the fundamentals of TTRPGs, give you clear steps to get started, and equip you with the knowledge to jump into your first adventure with confidence.

What Exactly is a Tabletop Roleplaying Game (TTRPG)?

At its core, a TTRPG is a collaborative storytelling experience. Unlike a video game with pre-defined paths, a TTRPG gives you the freedom to do almost anything you can imagine.

• Players: You and your friends, who each create and control a single character within the game's world.

• The Gamemaster (GM) or Dungeon Master (DM): One person who acts as the storyteller, referee, and world-builder. They describe the setting, the people you meet, and the challenges you face.

• The Rules: A set of guidelines and dice rolls that help determine the outcome of your actions. Can you jump across a chasm? The dice will tell you!

Imagine a game of "make-believe" where the rules are backed up by dice, and the stories you tell together are completely unique. That's a TTRPG!

Choosing Your First Game

You don't need to learn a thousand-page rulebook to get started. Many games are designed with beginners in mind or have a beginner friendly introductory adventure. The world of TTRPGs is bigger than ever and there is a massive amount to choose from, but don't be intimidated and don't stress about picking the "perfect" game. Here are a few great options to consider, and if the theme appeals to you then just start playing:

• Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition: The most popular TTRPG in the world for a reason. D&D 5e is easy to learn, has a massive community, and is well-supported with free resources and tutorials online. The D&D Starter Set is an excellent, all-in-one package for new players.

• Daggerheart: This narrative-focused game by the creators of Critical Role is all about pushing the story forward. It uses a unique "Hope" and "Fear" dice mechanic where both success and failure add new dramatic twists to the story, making it great for collaborative storytelling.

• Call of Cthulhu: If high fantasy isn't your style, this game is a perfect entry into horror and mystery. Players take on the roles of everyday people investigating sinister, unknowable forces. Combat is deadly, and the core mechanic of managing your character's sanity is what makes every discovery terrifying.

• Cyberpunk Red: Step into a dystopian future where chrome, tech, and grit are everywhere. This system is perfect for fans of games like Cyberpunk 2077 who want to run their own heists, corporate espionage, and street-level brawls. Its ruleset is streamlined for fast, action-packed gameplay.

• Mörk Borg: Known for its striking, art-heavy design, this game is a rules-lite and brutally deadly fantasy TTRPG. If you're looking for a dark, punk-rock-inspired adventure where survival is a fleeting luxury and creating a new character takes just minutes, this is the one for you.

• Alien The Roleplaying Game: This is survival horror at its finest. Play as a crew of space truckers, marines, or colonists facing the ultimate bio-weapon. The game's unique stress mechanic makes every decision a terrifying gamble and perfectly captures the high-stakes atmosphere of the films.

• The One Ring (2nd Edition): If you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings, this is the definitive way to roleplay in Middle-earth. The game captures the feeling of a long, arduous journey with its unique travel mechanics and focuses on fellowship and community in a beautifully-rendered world.

• Vampire: The Masquerade (5th Edition): Dive into a world of gothic horror and political intrigue. This game puts you in the shoes of a newly-made vampire trying to survive in a secret society. It’s perfect for players who love social roleplaying, difficult moral choices, and a deeply-layered, modern world setting.

  
  

Pro-Tip: Not all games a designed for everyone, and not everyone is designed for all games, but there is a game that is designed for you. So if you have tried playing Dungeons and Dragons and just can not get on with all the high fantasy wizardry, try something else with a different tone and feel.

If you are interested in learning about these game systems in more detail then check back again soon as we deep-dive into what makes each of these unique and potential right for you. We will also be investigating other more unique and interesting TTRPGs in the coming posts.

What Do You Need to Play?

Good news: you don't need much! Here's a basic list of what you'll want to have on hand.

• A Rulebook: Most games have a free or inexpensive starter kit that includes all the rules you need for your first few sessions.

• Dice: Most games use a variety of dice, often called a "polyhedral set." You can buy a set online for a few dollars, or even find free digital dice rollers on your phone or computer.

• Character Sheets: A sheet of paper where you record your character's stats, abilities, and inventory. Many rulebooks come with them, and you can often find them for free online.

• Pencil and Paper: For taking notes, sketching maps, and keeping track of important details.

Finding Your People

A TTRPG is a social game, so finding a group is key. You have more options than ever before.

• Play Online: Platforms like StartPlaying, Roll20, Foundry VTT, and D&D Beyond let you play with people from anywhere in the world. You can often find "looking for group" forums or Discord servers dedicated to finding players.

• Local Gaming Stores: Many comic shops and game stores host open game nights. It's a great way to meet people and find local groups.

• Friends and Family: This is often the easiest and most comfortable place to start. Gather a few friends who are also curious and learn the game together!

• Pen and Board: check out our upcoming events pages as we host pop-up board game cafes with a side of TTRPG teaser sessions where you can learn about a system and maybe find some like minded folks.

Final Advice for Your First Session

As a new player, remember this: Focus on fun, not rules. Don't worry about memorizing every rule in the book. The Gamemaster is there to help guide you. Embrace the chaos, be creative, and most importantly, be willing to try new things. Your first TTRPG experience is something you'll never forget!

If you are the Gamemaster then remember this: Focus on fun, not rules. This is collaborative storytelling, the story is what is important. So often first time Gamemasters want to be prepared for everything and learn all the rules but every veteran Gamemaster will tell you that improvisation and keeping the story moving is the most important thing. Use common sense and logic to rule in the moment, then if needed clarify anything that happened in the session later.

Phew, that was a lot for now, but hopefully you are set up to start your adventure. If you are a Gamemaster check back next time as we dish out helpful tips for set up, preparing your players and running your first session.