Becoming a Dungeon Master (DM) for Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can be thrilling and intimidating. As the Game Master, you are the architect of your game world and help provide your players with endless hours of enjoyment. However, it can be intimidating to start as a GM initially. Fortunately, abundant resources are available to help you master the art of storytelling. In this article, I’ll provide five of the best resources new DMs can utilize to kick-start their journey.

The Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG)

Starting there is no better place than the official Dungeon Master’s Guide. It offers a wealth of advice, tools, and inspiration to create compelling adventures and manage your game effectively.

What You’ll Find Inside:

• Guidance on crafting engaging narratives and designing encounters.
• Rules for creating non-player characters (NPCs), magical items, and unique worlds.
• Tables and charts for generating random events, treasure, and more.

It is a great place to start because everything in the DMG can be easily added to your game and found on partner resources such as D&D Beyond. This will save you time in generating original items or rules so you can focus on having a great session!

D&D Beyond

D&D Beyond is the official comprehensive online platform for Dungeons & Dragons. It’s an indispensable resource for new DMs because it offers tools that simplify game management and reduce prep time.

Key Features of D&D Beyond are a digital compendium of the core rulebooks (Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual). They also have fantastic character creation tools, combat tracking, and managing campaigns. 

The platform also has a free version, which includes basic rules and starter content, making it accessible for DMs on a budget. If you’re looking for an easy way to organize your campaigns and streamline your prep work, D&D Beyond is a game-changer. If you are working with a group of brand-new players, you can easily make pre-generated characters within minutes allowing for pick-up and play sessions!

Discord

Although crafting stories of might and magic is a large part of a GM’s responsibility, another significant part is communicating effectively to the group about ideas, schedules, and more. Discord is a fantastic and free option since it will help your group discuss anything they need to in preparation for your next session. 

With features such as voice chat, screen share, and pinning messages, it can quickly become a vital resource to the group. If players don't feel like meeting in person, you can also have the sessions virtually!

Roll20

One of the most powerful tools for new Dungeon Masters is Roll20, a virtual tabletop (VTT) that brings D&D to life, especially for online groups. Roll20 offers a comprehensive suite of tools to help you manage every aspect of your campaign, making it an invaluable resource for new and experienced DMs.

Aspects that make it great are measuring tools to understand the distance between your targets, custom maps to further immerse your group in your story, and ambient music you can play during sessions! Providing a visual for players makes it even easier for them to game.

Adventure Modules

Crafting your adventure from scratch can be daunting, especially when you’re new to DMing. That’s where pre-written adventure modules can step in and help! This allows you to pick up the book, do some research, and then bring in your group to experience the story. If there are any aspects you want to change, then you are free to do so, but ultimately, it will take a tremendous amount of work off of your plate so you can focus on having a great time with your group! 

Conclusion

Starting your journey as a Dungeon Master can be intimidating, but the right resources can make all the difference. The Dungeon Master’s Guide provides the foundational knowledge you need, while tools like D&D Beyond and Kobold Press’s adventure modules make game prep manageable. Pair these with advice from experienced creators like Sly Flourish and the Dungeon Master’s Academy, and you’ll be well-equipped to create unforgettable adventures for your players.

Being a DM is about having fun and crafting memorable stories with your friends. With these resources, you’ll be ready to lead your players into the fantastic worlds of Dungeons & Dragons.

Writer bioDeAngelo is an award-nominated professional Game Master, writer, and game designer with over 15 years of experience bringing tabletop RPG adventures to life. Recognized by Wizards of the Coast, Renegade Games, and more, he combines dynamic storytelling with immersive gameplay to create unforgettable experiences for players. DeAngelo can be found on Startplaying, which specializes in crafting tales of cosmic horror, vampires, and epic fantasy.