Learn How to Play 2025 D&D | Rules Made Easy
As popular as it is, Dungeons & Dragons is a complex game system. Get ready to learn-by-doing as we dive in together.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Saturday - 12:00 AM UTC
Feb 14
Session Duration / 3.5–4 hours
0 / 8 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
When it comes to Dungeons & Dragons, where do you start? There’s 5 ‘editions’, 31 official modules, 12+ sourcebooks, 2 Player Handbooks, and a Pantheon in a pear tree. I’m here to help simplify D&D and make the process easy. Whether you’ve played before, are familiar through live plays like Critical Role or Roll 20, or have never played a ttrpg, this is the game for you. We will cover everything related to the most recent rule set, the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons Players Handbook. Each player will be walked through the character creation process. We’ll discuss all your options in character creation, how your abilities work in game, and how to play your character. Once everyone is set, we will run a short one shot so everyone can learn by being in the action and seeing what playing D&D is like. Whatever your familiarity is, I will meet you where you are. There is no judgement. No experience is required. If you’re familiar with the 2014 rule set, but not the 2024 rule set, this is a great place to notice any differences and see everything they added. Players will also receive resources including access to the free 2024 rules on D&D Beyond’s and D&D Beyond’s character sheet creation tool. This course is kid friendly and recommended for anyone who’s ever been curious about the game and anyone looking to play with a new group. Ready to get started?
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(15)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
8 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Storytelling, Creativity
About me
Hello! I’m Matthew, and I have been a professional DM for 3 years, hosting game nights at local game stores, weaving long term campaigns, and even running Dungeons and Dragons events for kids. I began playing D&D in 2017, which soon turned into recording content and later working alongside creators such as Beholder to No One and Awfully Queer Heroes. In 2022, I became very active at my local game store where I began hosting public D&D nights every week. In 2023, I became involved in a Dungeons & Dragons for Kids program and I had the wonderful opportunity to be a Game Master for children ages 11-16. I’ve since been building my online game running skills with complex maps, unique tokens, and dynamic combat. I have found a new love for running games where I can meet new players and see fresh and veteran players come out of their shells and find camaraderie in a story told together. The best Game Master feeling is always when you present your players a difficult choice with two solutions, and they throw all your plans out the window and make a third choice you never thought of yourself. I love it every time.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Character creation will happen as part of the session! If you're already familiar with D&D, or if you're just excited to learn, think of what kind of character you'd like to play as. A warrior, a spell caster, a musician, an assassin. Then when you learn about the different character creation options, you'll already have a path in mind. This is not mandatory. You are more than welcome to hear all the options and see what inspires you!
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Players will receive an invitation to the discord where they can see game information and introduce themselves. Players will also be given a link to a Google form where they can fill out the Lines and Veils checklist. Players may use physical dice if you own them or I will provide a way for players to roll digitally as well.
What Matthew J Walsh brings to the table
I bring 5 years of introducing new players to D&D, with 2 years of working with groups of kids create characters and learn the game. Players will have access to the full character creation tools on D&D Beyond through this game and the 2024 rules. When it comes time to play, I utilize ambient music through discord, so players may choose to allow it to play or not for them. You can expect character voices, or at the very least, changes in cadence and inflection. Combat will be theatre of the mind, or occasionally on the free to use, no sign up required, Virtual Tabletop, Owlbear Rodeo if we need a clear visual or its a large battle. I often like to keep combat fluid and dynamic.
Homebrew rules
When learning to play, I leave out Homebrew rules. Its better to learn the rules now so you can break them later.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Matthew J Walsh creates a safe table
Every player will be sent a link to complete information about their character and to complete a Lines & Veils checklist. At any point during the session, players may feel free to utilize the Open Door method and request a break. Players may message me directly about anything at anytime. We will take a break half way through and check in on the players. If any subject at any point is too much, most content warnings below can be circumvented. This session should have minimal Content Warnings. If any players are under 18, I also make sure to keep all content appropriate for the ages of those at the table.
Content warnings
Safety tools used