DnD 5e - Starter References for Beginners

I recently began Dungeon Mastering 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons for my kids and their friends. The ages range from 9 to 12-years old.  None of them had any of the books or any knowledge of D&D, so I had to start them out from scratch.

I created this reference guide for them as a starting point.  I hope you find some use from it as well.



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Dungeons and Dragons Website:     https://dnd.wizards.com

Basic Rules (Printable Rules):     http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

Basic Online Rules:     https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop/players-basic-rules

Character Sheets:     https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/character_sheets

You can play the basic game with the just the above resources, but if you want to play more than just the 4 basic classes and 4 basic races you will need the below books.

You can find Books on Amazon or local gaming/book stores. You may be able to find them at used book stores, but make sure the covers look like these.  There are 4 previous versions of the game that have different rules.

• Player's Handbook
  
  For Players and DMs
• Monster Manual
  
  DMs Only

• Dungeon Masters Guide
  
  DMs Only
• 
  
  Boxed Set for beginners.* 

* This has the same info as the free Basic Online Rules plus an adventure'

Copyright dates for the correct products are all 2014 or later. An easy way to tell if it’s the right book is to look for any of these three Logos:

  








Miniature Figures and maps don’t have to be version-specific, however, maps should have a 1-inch square for the grid, and figures should be the appropriate size (around 1-1/2” for standard human size, and shorter or taller depending on the race).  Normally the Dungeon Master (the Referee) will provide the map.  You might want to get your own figure if you have a specific one in mind.  Here is a link to Amazon.com D&D Miniatures.

Dice are also an important part of the game.  Most people don't know, but dice come in many shapes and sizes, other than the standard 6-sided dice.  Dungeons and Dragons use 20-sided, 12-sided, 10-sided, 8-sided, 6-sided and 4-sided dice.  Head to your local gaming store, or check out the selections at Amazon.com at this link: Polyhedral Dice.