Dungeons & Dragons is a game that is notoriously complex and daunting to new players, as arcane as the spells described in its rulebook. Even if you are familiar with other games, even complex video games, it can be difficult to keep track of everything that needs taking care of.
This is where online gaming platforms come in, providing solutions to issues that get in the way of new players getting into the game.
Here’s a breakdown of common problems new players face when starting D&D, and how StartPlaying.Games solves each:
1. Finding a Group to Play With
Problem: It's hard to find friends interested in playing D&D, or schedules never line up.
Solution: StartPlaying connects players directly to groups actively seeking new members. You can use the game group search to filter groups by date, time, frequency, or specific interests, so you instantly find a game that fits your schedule and can expect a consistent group to play with.
2. Finding a Good Dungeon Master
Problem: A bad DM can ruin your first experience, and experienced DMs are often booked or hard to find. Even DMs who are good for experienced players may not be skilled at handling new players, or might be unwilling to.
Solution: StartPlaying offers professional, verified Dungeon Masters with reviews from real players. This ensures you’re joining a high-quality, enjoyable game run by someone who knows exactly what they're doing.
3. Lack of Knowledge of the Rules
Problem: D&D’s complexity can overwhelm beginners, leading them to quit early after experiencing difficulty, or hesitate to join in the first place. New players often worry about rules, roleplaying, or making mistakes at the table.
Solution: StartPlaying specifically offers beginner-friendly games, clearly marked as welcoming spaces. DMs expect new players and work to create comfortable environments designed to ease newcomers in. DMs on StartPlaying regularly run introductory sessions and one-shots designed explicitly to teach game rules gently, without overwhelming new players.
4. Inability to Commit to a Long Campaign
Problem: Many beginners aren’t ready to commit months or years to playing through an entire campaign.
Solution: StartPlaying offers one-shot adventures and short campaigns, so players can experience D&D without a long-term commitment.
5. Accessibility and Location
Problem: Some players don’t have easy access to local groups or game stores.
Solution: StartPlaying runs games online, letting players join from anywhere, eliminating geographic barriers.
6. Finding a Compatible Play Style
Problem: Players might prefer either heavy roleplaying, combat-focused gameplay, or narrative-driven adventures, and not all groups match.
Solution: StartPlaying’s filters clearly identify playstyles, genres, and themes, making it easy to find a group that matches your preferences.
7. Fear of Judgment or Feeling Unwelcome
Problem: New players worry about joining existing groups where friendships already exist, feeling like an outsider.
Solution: Games on StartPlaying explicitly state their openness to newcomers, with clear descriptions of the table atmosphere and expectations, reducing the anxiety around fitting in.
8. Difficulty Knowing Where to Start
Problem: Beginners often don’t even know how to begin looking for a game, which system to try, or how to create a character.
Solution: StartPlaying’s beginner tools, including recommendations, quizzes (like the Starter Set feature), and clear descriptions help new players quickly figure out their preferences and easily join their first game.
There is a great amount of new and mounting interest in TTRPGs and in D&D in particular. Despite this, it is not commonly known how to actually find a group to play with, and multiple other obstacles increase the learning curve for a new player just getting into the game. StartPlaying is an online platform that removes barriers for new players and provides them with the resources they need to find games and learn the ins and outs of this deep and fascinating game.
