If you're looking to invite your friends to Dungeons & Dragons and they're new to tabletop roleplaying games like this, here are a few things you can try. One way is to play the game more like a board game. We all sat down, learned the rules, and then played the board game to the end.
Imagine doing the same for D&D, making everything into a step-by-step board game to help you and your players transition into full play. From movement to hit points, taking turns, and role-playing, here are some tips for turning D&D into a board game for newcomers, and even new dungeon masters.
Explain the rules
Be specific and direct
One of the scariest things that happens when a beginner sits down at a Dungeons & Dragons table is that they are intimidated by the idea that they can do anything. Organizing a game like this can be extremely burdensome and possibly unhelpful. Especially if you don't understand the limitations of the game and what they actually mean.
To fix this, explain the rules like you would any other board game. In Session 0, start with player expectations and goals. What is your end goal? How do you and your group get there? What are the limits of adventure? Check out what they know. ~can do Then allow them to expand that scope as they play and understand the rules.
Create a Cheat Sheet
Teach players what they can do on their turns.
When playing board games that require you to act independently, one of the most useful pieces in the box is a little cheat sheet that outlines what you can do on your turn. Similar to cards in games like Coup that provide descriptions and abilities for every card, a cheat sheet for the action economy during D&D will save you time and be of great help.
Having players refer to this sheet and give them an easy overview of what they can do helps make it feel like a board game rather than a free-for-all for everyone who doesn't know what to do next. There are plenty of resources online for printable cheat sheets to help you with this.
Create and use maps
It doesn't have to be fancy
Whether you draw it yourself or grab a generic map from an online store, one thing that helps give D&D a board game feel is a map for tactical play that players can see and feel. Of course, Theater of the Mind is just as valid as any other way to play, but for players trying the system for the first time, the tactile experience helps make it feel more like a board game.
This can also be done for free through online options. Cast the map to your TV or table and you'll have everything you need to play it like a board game. Players know their movement speed and can move like any other game.
Token Usage
For gold, potions, characters, etc.
All board games come with tokens and pieces for players to use. When you move yourself around a board game map, you need a person or object to express yourself. Likewise, having visual and tactile options representing gold, high points, potions, or other collectibles makes it much more like a board game than just looking at a sheet.
You can really use anything here. You can substitute marbles, printable cutouts, erasers, or even other dice for any stat you want to include. In fact, anything you have lying around the house is perfect for representing your collection on your character sheet.
Create a small scenario with a win condition
Clear goals that teach you how to succeed
Before jumping into a full campaign, make sure your party goes through their beginner quests with clear goals and objectives. You can create win conditions that are within reach and can be achieved in a single session. Clear goals and expectations help teach new players the flow of the game while also explaining exactly what they need to do, much like a board game.
As the game progresses, missions can become increasingly difficult and abstract until the player develops into a position where they are comfortable with the ability to do whatever they want.
Randomizer integration
Introduces a random element of play.
Some board games have some form of randomizer, but D&D does this in almost every interaction. Make sure the missions you undertake include a random element. Whether you choose random tools from the table in a D&D book or create your own for different situations, there are plenty of randomization options when it comes to combat and other encounters.
Allow players to see the randomization option so they know how it works and where encounters can occur when they first learn the game. This makes each encounter unique, making it more familiar with how things work, but also making it more similar to a board game where each encounter occurs randomly, like Betrayal at House on the Hill.
Customizing Character Sheets
Create easy-to-read player cards
You don't actually need to start the game with a complete character sheet. Instead, you can start with the basics. Create a simplified character card for each player that only includes hit points, movement speed, simple weapons, and a few other small details.
Even if you only use flashcards, this simplified information makes it feel more like a board game and reduces the need to read a full-page textbook to learn about the characters.
Level up light
gradually expand play
D&D is already very board game friendly. Combat is turn-based and the tactical portion plays out similarly to a board game anyway. Once you have all of this figured out, gradually open up more rules to your players and lift previous restrictions.
Much like games like Little Alchemist, which give you more options the more you complete and unlock new levels, you'll do the same in a D&D campaign. As the player levels up, the game opens up and unlocks more options in their character sheet and play until they eventually become an expert.
- original release date
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1974
- number of players
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2+
- Age Recommendations
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Ages 12 and above (young children can also play and enjoy)
- length per game
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It lasts from 60 minutes to several hours.
- franchise name
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dungeons and dragons
- publisher
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Wizard of the Coast
