How Much Should I Read?

Okay, so I don't know if this is a stupid question, but...I've always been interested in tabletop RPGs, and I've heard about Roll20's newb-friendliness. Seems more convenient than meeting up with a group, too (I finally found a group of friends who are interested but we're all noobs, so...). Just wondering, though, how much are people generally willing to teach? How much research should I do before I hop into a game? A lot of people seem to start up campaigns or on short notice and I'm not sure which particular system to read up on exactly, since there are so many to choose from. Should I already know the rules of a game I join in even as a newbie, or will they be willing to guide me? I don't want to barge in enthusiastically into a game then come off as a hindrance when everyone except me knows the basics of how to play. If you recommend prior research, which system would be the most newbie-friendly and easiest to find a game for? Thanks in advance!

I'd say the best is to sort-of flip back and forth, until you get going. Research game types, then try joining a new-player-friendly game of that type. If you like it, buy the books of that game & read more. First try to find some reviews of games, or ask people who play different games, so you start to have a general idea what kind of game system you might want to start in. For example D&D has a new version called 5E, 5th edition, and that is a popular game that would be a good place to start, but there are other games that also accommodate new players. Outside of the different D&D editions, there are also space games, westerns, anime-based, vampire/werewolf type of games, super-hero games, and a whole category sometimes called 'story games' that's quite popular too. Maybe read a little of one game's rules (Example: D&D 5E Starter Set or Player's Handbook), but I wouldn't spend a lot of money/time on the books for that game system until you've had a chance to try it in-action and test to see if it's to your liking. Maybe skim the introductions/reviews of a few games, write down some that you want to try, then apply for some new-welcoming games on here. Follow-up by asking the Game Master of the games you join, 'what rules should I read up on before the game day?' or just look in LFG on here for games marked "Welcomes New Players" and read the descriptions, and ask the GM's what you need, see what appeals to your group by seeing what's on offer. Note that new offerings are added daily in LFG so keep checking back every few days for a new assortment. happy adventuring and welcome to the hobby & Roll20

On roll20, it's likely a GM will show up early or be in the game beforehand. If people show up early to a new player friendly game or a one time game, they can ask the GM questions and find out the basics of that game. Pre gen character games are nice when being introduced. Between the looking for group forum and looking for group page, it's often easy to find a game. Also, many games that aren't one shots are ongoing games where people can come and go, so new players can also find out the basics that way. For some games, the GM expects to be going over the basics. So as another tip, find a new player friendly campaign or a one shot for whatever game catches your eye - or you can just browse - and ask the GM about showing up early or messaging them. GM's will often go over the basics before the game.

It might be a good idea to look for a more obscure game system (around here, that's pretty much anything other than D&D/Pathfinder and Vampire/World of Darkness). People running those are going to expect people to be less experienced with the system, and are probably excited to teach it.

If a group isn't willing to teach you a lot, or don't have the time to be able to, consider asking them if you can sit in on a game. That will let you learn some more about the game system.

I always expect newbies to have read through at the least their character class and all of the Handouts for newbies I have. I also run a "session zero" to acclimate them to the way my game works and the basic mechanics. I also ask them to write a back story that they can reveal as much as they want in game.

Hmm, I see! Thank you for all the suggestions! ^ ^ To be honest, this is the first time I've seen so many helpful replies to a question that are unique at the same time. I suppose I'll find time to skim over the basics of a few systems then find a newbie-friendly game, then; maybe watch a few video recordings. Maybe I can see if I can find a book for a good price somewhere, too. Thanks again!

While you're preparing, be sure to take a look at the Roll20 Wiki too. In particular, you might find the Introduction To RPGs series and possibly the Getting Started for Players video to be useful. It should teach you about the basic mechanics of Roll20 as well as give you an idea about what to look for and how to get started in an RPG.

Yup, I've watched the Intro series and am now watching the Roll20 tutorial! (Pretty sure the latter is for GMs, though, but oh well.) The Getting Started video looks helpful too, so I'll make sure to check that out! Thanks!

I would also recommend posting in the LFG forum that you're a new player looking for someone to show them the ropes. There's been plenty of "intro" and "Tutorial" games setup with GM's offering to show folks how to play.