How to get into roleplaying

Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) have been around for decades and have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. When I was younger the hobby was a very particular niche which led to the stereotype of the bookish, stickler-for-detail nerd. Nowadays this has changed to be more inclusive and attracts people from all demographics, young, and old, it doesn't matter everyone seems to be giving TTRPGs a try and I am overjoyed to see such an influx of people looking to the hobby. The great thing about the hobby is that it offers a unique and immersive experience where players create their own stories and characters, and take part in thrilling adventures. If you're new to tabletop RPGs, getting started can be intimidating, but fear not, I will outline a guide to what I feel will help you get started on your TTRPG journey!

1)Choose a game that interests you- Using this blog I will be doing a series to shine a light on hidden gems I feel are well worth a look, at that, I have played over the years in the hobby. Feel free to give them a peruse (the list isn't exhaustive, just a few I feel deserve discussing) Thankfully the internet is full of information for every TTRPG ever produced(or most anyway). Some popular RPGs include Dungeons & Dragons(currently on its fifth edition), Pathfinder(currently on its second edition), and Call of Cthulhu. Take some time to research the different games available and find one that appeals to you.

2)Find a group-  TTRPGs are meant to be played with a group of people, so finding a group to play with is essential. You can find groups online(Roll20 has a feature where you can hook up with groups), at your local game store, or by asking friends if they're interested in playing. Joining a group that is already established can be helpful, as they can provide guidance and support as you learn the game.

3)Learn the rules-This step can be done before or after setting up or joining a group. The rulebook can be intimidating but don't worry, you don't need to know every rule to get started. Start with the basics and work your way up. Many games also have beginner-friendly rules or quickstart guides to help new players. Most gaming systems have free downloadable barebone starter rulesets or starter boxsets for sale that can keep costs low while you decide if your chosen TTRPG is the one you want to invest more time and money into.

4)Create a character- Creating a character is one of the most exciting parts of playing a TTRPG. Most games have character creation rules that guide you through the process. Think about what kind of character you want to play, their backstory, and their personality. Don't be afraid to get creative! Something I always try to get across to new players is that the abilities you roll are merely a figure to make the various systems used in the game work as pass/fail mechanics but "character" is what makes them tick, in D&D your character should be more than the sword you stab the dragon with. Questions should be why does he stab dragons, what did he do before wanting to stab dragons, and where did he get the sword from. All these decisions add depth to a character that helps round them out. That way they become more than a list of numbers on a sheet and become a fully formed player character.

5)Start playing- With your character created and the rules learned, it's time to start playing. The game master (GM) will guide the story and set the scene, while you and your fellow players make decisions and roll dice to determine the outcome of your actions. Remember, the goal of the game is to have fun and create a story together. Over the years I have had many memorable game sessions with just me and my DM, two player games can be a good learning experience when starting out on the hobby path, especially when building up a gaming group and deciding if the system is right for you.

6) Practice Makes Perfect- TTRPGs can be complex, and it may take a few sessions to get the hang of it. Don't be discouraged if you make mistakes or don't understand everything right away. Practice makes perfect, and as you play more, you'll become more comfortable with the game.

So, those are my thoughts and suggestions on how you can start out on the TTRPG hobby, with a few incites and hints. TTRPGs are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a world of adventure and creativity. By choosing a game, finding a group, learning the rules, creating a character, and starting to play, you'll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned RPG player. So grab some dice(or in this age of technology download a dice roller), gather your friends, and get ready to embark on a journey of epic proportions!

Thanks for reading, Why not check out this blog post about table-top gaming?

Scott