New to Roll 20 and D&D, where to start?

Hi, I am new to Roll20 and D&D, and I don't know where to start. I am going through the Roll 20 tutorial, but I don't know if there is anything specific I need to know about playing D&D on Roll20. I see there are games that welcomes new players, but I am not sure how "new" people usually expect. I am like completely new, 0 knowledge. I read that you need to buy the 3 core rule books, is that a must? I rather not ditch out cash if I don't need to to get started. Any pointers will be appreciated.

Welcome to the king of all roleplay systems!  D&D comes in several editions, some well-known settings, plus lots of semi-home-brew versions.  Are you interested in one in particular edition or setting, or any and all?  They have a lot in common, but each one emphasizes different aspects, such as combat, skills, story telling, character progression, world exploration, etc.   As for buying books, first you need to know which edition, and then it depends on your GM.  Some can handle complete newbies and provide information as needed, and some have even built spells and combat into the interface, so buying books is unneeded, especially at lower levels.  Others expect players to understand how to manage your own combat and spells, and special abilities.  As you acquire magic items and abilities, having a written reference is valuable.  You might get by with library books to learn the basics while you decide. There are podcasts and videos that you can watch to get the idea of play, but every game is different because D&D is such a flexible system.  I'm unable to advise on that, but others will likely chime in here. Welcome again!

welcome,  just be up front with your new group i dont mind new players, i love helping, also maybe ask for a session zero from your new GM can help lots of players even if they are not new to the game but new to the class

Yes you need to spend cash to obtain D&D books to know what you need to know, if no cash is a must, visit dndbeyond.com what you can obtain their for free is what you are legally allowed to use for your personal use. Once you learn the arts of making a sheet there, you need to learn how to make a sheet here at Roll20, the purpose of sheets here is that the GM can verify your dice rolls, feats, items, and other things about your character. I'm not a DM, but I can help you around character sheets if you like - if that is true, send a PM. <a href="https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/139-playing-d-d-for-the-first-time-here-are-some-tips" rel="nofollow">https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/139-playing-d-d-for-the-first-time-here-are-some-tips</a>

In addition to the stuff said (well, written) before: You can easily have the first sessions with the free PDFs from Wizards of the coast (as long as your GM agrees to it) for the 5th edition. All the basics are in there. You can find the PDFs here:&nbsp; <a href="https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrul" rel="nofollow">https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrul</a>... After playing a couple of sessions, I'd recommend getting at least the player's handbook, the DM handbook and the monster manual for your own reference. I got used books from amazon which were considerably cheaper than new ones. But the most important part: Find a good group that loves introducing new players to DnD - a good GM and good players make all the difference in the world. I'm currently in the middle of a campaign with a group that's been playing together for over two years now. All of them but one were completely new to DnD. Now they teach me about the rules ^^

I feel like anything I'd say would involve me echoing the people above! :) This video series should be extremely helpful, though! If you have the time, give it a listen: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJmFJXf3BXjwXkNFo_-iwtHb24AuJcXqx" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJmFJXf3BXjwXkNFo_-iwtHb24AuJcXqx</a>&nbsp;

Trudy said: I feel like anything I'd say would involve me echoing the people above! :) This video series should be extremely helpful, though! If you have the time, give it a listen: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJmFJXf3BXjwXkNFo_-iwtHb24AuJcXqx" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJmFJXf3BXjwXkNFo_-iwtHb24AuJcXqx</a> Actually that was the series I finished XD, glad I made a good choice. Arthur B said: In addition to the stuff said (well, written) before: You can easily have the first sessions with the free PDFs from Wizards of the coast (as long as your GM agrees to it) for the 5th edition. All the basics are in there. You can find the PDFs here:&nbsp; <a href="https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrul" rel="nofollow">https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrul</a>... After playing a couple of sessions, I'd recommend getting at least the player's handbook, the DM handbook and the monster manual for your own reference. I got used books from amazon which were considerably cheaper than new ones. But the most important part: Find a good group that loves introducing new players to DnD - a good GM and good players make all the difference in the world. I'm currently in the middle of a campaign with a group that's been playing together for over two years now. All of them but one were completely new to DnD. Now they teach me about the rules ^^ I get how The PH and MM can be useful, but is the DM manual as important if I don't plan to be a DM? GayKiwi said: Yes you need to spend cash to obtain D&D books to know what you need to know, if no cash is a must, visit dndbeyond.com what you can obtain their for free is what you are legally allowed to use for your personal use. Once you learn the arts of making a sheet there, you need to learn how to make a sheet here at Roll20, the purpose of sheets here is that the GM can verify your dice rolls, feats, items, and other things about your character. I'm not a DM, but I can help you around character sheets if you like - if that is true, send a PM. <a href="https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/139-playing-d-d-for-the-first-time-here-are-some-tips" rel="nofollow">https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/139-playing-d-d-for-the-first-time-here-are-some-tips</a> I've been using OrcPub to create my character sheet, is that ok?

Arthur B said: In addition to the stuff said (well, written) before: You can easily have the first sessions with the free PDFs from Wizards of the coast (as long as your GM agrees to it) for the 5th edition. All the basics are in there. You can find the PDFs here:&nbsp; <a href="https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrul" rel="nofollow">https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrul</a>... After playing a couple of sessions, I'd recommend getting at least the player's handbook, the DM handbook and the monster manual for your own reference. I got used books from amazon which were considerably cheaper than new ones. But the most important part: Find a good group that loves introducing new players to DnD - a good GM and good players make all the difference in the world. I'm currently in the middle of a campaign with a group that's been playing together for over two years now. All of them but one were completely new to DnD. Now they teach me about the rules ^^ I get how The PH and MM can be useful, but is the DM manual as important if I don't plan to be a DM? It gives you a better understanding of some of the rules. I consider it more important than the MM, actually. GayKiwi said: Yes you need to spend cash to obtain D&D books to know what you need to know, if no cash is a must, visit dndbeyond.com what you can obtain their for free is what you are legally allowed to use for your personal use. Once you learn the arts of making a sheet there, you need to learn how to make a sheet here at Roll20, the purpose of sheets here is that the GM can verify your dice rolls, feats, items, and other things about your character. I'm not a DM, but I can help you around character sheets if you like - if that is true, send a PM. <a href="https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/139-playing-d-d-for-the-first-time-here-are-some-tips" rel="nofollow">https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/139-playing-d-d-for-the-first-time-here-are-some-tips</a> I've been using OrcPub to create my character sheet, is that ok? Orcpub is great. Make sure you use the new one, Orcpub2 - I think it is out of beta now.

Trudy said: I feel like anything I'd say would involve me echoing the people above! :) This video series should be extremely helpful, though! If you have the time, give it a listen: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJmFJXf3BXjwXkNFo_-iwtHb24AuJcXqx" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJmFJXf3BXjwXkNFo_-iwtHb24AuJcXqx</a> This is such a good series, I regret not having it on hand when I was learning the ropes! It's a good refresher and really well produced either way, so thank you for the recommendation Trudy :D