How to Play Dungeons and Dragons for Free

Co-authored by Eric McClure

Last Updated: March 4, 2023 Approved

Dungeons and Dragons can be an engrossing and exciting game, but many view the cost of the materials as a significant barrier. Luckily, there are a couple of ways to experience the world of D&D without spending a dime, just by following these easy steps.

Sample Campaigns

Dungeons and Dragons Night of the Lichen Campaign

Dungeons and Dragons Greenwind Depths Campaign

Dungeons and Dragons Flayer's Valley Campaign

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Playing on Pen and Paper

1
Select an edition of Dungeons and Dragons to play. The most popular edition is the 2014 fifth edition, which currently has official support by Wizards of the Coast, and also has both an SRD and a Basic Rules document. The older 2003 Version 3.5 is more complex, but free resources can be found such as an SRD, and archives of the D&D website from 2008 exist with articles on the edition.
2
Learn about the game. Visit the Basics of Play article on the Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) website. This will familiarize you with the game and give you a basic idea of the flow and systems at work. Dungeons and Dragons is traditionally played on a tabletop, with paper and dice. The books can get expensive, but the basics are available online for free. The average player does not actually have to purchase anything, as the game host, or DM, is in charge of creating the game.
- The Systems Reference Document (SRD) (v3.5) (5e) contains the rules of D&D, which are important to consult as you learn to play. Read the Basic Rules and Spells sections. If you're planning to be the Dungeon Master (DM), read the Monsters and Magic Items as well. Don't worry about any of the other sections for now, they're for advanced players. Be advised: The SRD is not comprehensive, and lacks vital information on subjects, like character generation and gaining levels for version 3.5, and famous monsters such as the Beholder for all editions.
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3
Find a dice substitute. Dice are the only material that is required from all players. Find a dice roller site online such as Rolladie.net, or find a printable paper template and make your own physical dice. A pencil with dots on each side makes an inexpensive replacement for six-sided dice.
4
Make up a character sheet, or use a pre-made one. If you will be the DM, you'll want to assist with character sheets for each other player. Other players only need to deal with creating or selecting their own character.
- Printable character sheets are available for fifth edition here.
5
Make up your own story line. This is what makes your game interesting, making your own story line could be the hardest, but most fun part of the process. You can choose to have whatever characters you want, and whatever mythology you want - possibly even make up your own mythology.
6
Get together in a group and play! Dungeons and Dragons is a complex game that will take some time getting used to, so encourage everyone playing to read the core materials and go over the WOTC tutorial. Stay persistent and your game sessions will become much more rewarding.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Playing Online

1
Select an edition of Dungeons and Dragons to play. The most popular edition is the 2014 fifth edition, which currently has official support by Wizards of the Coast, and also has both an SRD and a Basic Rules document. The older 2003 Version 3.5 is more complex, but free resources can be found such as an SRD, and archives of the D&D website from 2008 exist with articles on the edition.
2
Learn about the game. Visit the Basics of Play article on the Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) website. This will familiarize you with the game and give you a basic idea of the flow and systems at work. While there are official digital versions of D&D books, they are paid products still, and even the digital books can get expensive. The basics are available online for free. The average player does not actually have to purchase anything, as the game host, or DM (Dungeon Master), is in charge of creating the game.
3
Find an online campaign. Websites such as Roll20 and Start Playing can be used to find upcoming games, or campaigns, looking for new people to join. Remember to filter for the correct edition of Dungeons & Dragons, or else you may accidentally join a game on a different system than you intended. Depending on the campaign, you may be able to join the game immediately, or you may need to apply for the game. It is recommended that you look for games that "welcome new players" if you're not used to the edition of D&D you're playing, and state as such in the application or after you've joined the game.
4
Check the schedule. You'll need to know when the sessions start so that you can be at the game at the right time. Don't settle for a time where you know you'll be mentally exhausted or otherwise not ready for the D&D game, or a time you'll be unavailable - such as work hours or during your bed time, or are due to an event on that first day. If the schedule is bad, you should look for another campaign with a better time schedule that you'll be better suited for.
5
Determine the platform of playing. When you get accepted for a game, you'll need to check what the DM uses to host the game. The DM may host D&D games using a virtual tabletop such as Roll20 or Foundry, or simply use a text/voice chat service such as Discord, or use a combination of a virtual tabletop and a voice chat service to run the game.
6
Use digital dice. Virtual tabletops have a built in dice roller, your DM will likely instruct you on how to use it if you ask. You may be able to find how to do generic dice rolls in an obvious place, but rolls using character specific abilities such as skills or spells may require you to enter your character sheet in order to end up with the correct total roll value. On a chat service, a "bot" may be used to do the rolls, or the DM may do the rolls on a website or ask you to do the same.
7
Create or select your character. The DM will soon have you create a character or select an already pre-made one depending on the campaign. While you may get assistance from the DM to create the character, you can check the character creation rules in the Basic Rules in order to understand the creation process better. Your DM may select a character instead for you to play or have you choose from a list of already made character sheets.
8
Get together in a group and play! Depending on the campaign, you may start the game campaign either immediately after everyone's characters are created, or on another day when the first real session starts. Dungeons & Dragons is a complex game that will take some time getting used to, so make sure to read the core materials and go over the WOTC tutorial. Eventually, you'll learn enough of the rules that you'll start to have to read them on the spot less and less.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Playing the D&D MMO

1
Download the Dungeons and Dragons Online program here. Dungeons and Dragons Online is free-to-play, and does not require a monthly subscription. Online play is a natural fit for a game like Dungeons and Dragons, and now you can play it for free.
2
Create a free account. You will need to create an account in order to download the game. All it requires is a working email address.
3
Install the program. Be sure that your computer meets the minimum requirements to play.
4
Online games can take a lot of time to get ahead. Take a look at our guide for casual players to get the most enjoyment out of your game.

Community Q&A

Question

What are the dice used for?

Community Answer

Players use the 20-sided dice (commonly called a d20) when trying to determine the success or failure of an action. A pair of 10-sided dice are used to determine percentages (one represents the tens, the other the ones). The other dice are most often used for rolling damage of various weapons/spells. The dungeon master will use the dice for a variety of other purposes; for example, there may be a 1-in-8 chance of wandering monsters while camping for the night in a region, or a 6-sided die roll may to determine which of the six players is attacked by a creature.
Question

What dice do I need to play Dungeons and Dragons?

Community Answer

You'll need a few 20 sided dice, 12 sided dice, 6 sided dice, 4 sided dice, and maybe a few 10 sided dice.
Question

Can I make an account without giving away any personal information like my e-mail or name?

Community Answer

No, you need to at least provide a valid email to create and account.