New to being a Dungeon Master?

1. Read the Basic Rules

You don't need to memorize everything. Focus on how ability checks, combat rounds, and spellcasting work. The free Basic Rules from Wizards of the Coast cover all of this.

2. Get a set of dice (or use a digital roller)

You need a d20, d12, d10, d8, d6, and d4. A digital dice roller works just as well — Lorekeeper has one built in.

3. Pick a starter adventure

Don't write your own campaign yet. Run a published adventure first so you can focus on learning the flow of the game.

4. Gather 3–5 players

Four players is the sweet spot. Fewer is fine for learning — even two players and a DM can have a great time.

5. Help players create characters

Walk through character creation together. A guided tool like Lorekeeper's character wizard makes this painless.

6. Run a Session Zero

Set expectations about tone, safety tools, scheduling, and house rules before you play. It prevents 90% of table problems.

7. Prep your first encounter

Have one combat encounter and one social encounter ready. That's enough for a 3-hour session. Use the encounter builder to check difficulty.

8. Write a one-paragraph opening

Set the scene in 3–4 sentences. Where are the characters? What's happening? What do they see, hear, and smell?

9. Prepare a cheat sheet

Write down the DC for easy (10), medium (15), and hard (20) checks. Note your NPCs' names and one personality trait each. That's your safety net.

10. Just start playing

You will make mistakes. Every DM does. Your players won't notice most of them, and the ones they do notice don't matter. The goal is fun, not perfection.