What Do You Need to Play D&D? A Beginner’s Buying Guide

Starting Dungeons & Dragons does not mean buying every rulebook, miniature and accessory before your first session. What you need depends on whether you are joining an existing group, starting a completely new one or preparing to become the Dungeon Master.

A starter set may provide everything a new group needs for its first adventures. A player joining an established campaign might only need a character sheet, pencil and set of dice. A Dungeon Master will gradually find books, screens and scenery useful as the campaign develops.

This guide explains which D&D products are essential, which are useful additions and which can wait until you know how your group enjoys playing.

The Simplest Way to Start Playing D&D

If your entire group is new, a starter set is usually the easiest and most economical place to begin.

The Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set: Heroes of the Borderlands brings the important parts of the game together in one box. It provides a guided introduction for players and Dungeon Masters, allowing the group to learn through play instead of reading several large rulebooks beforehand.

This makes it particularly suitable for families discovering D&D together, younger players, friendship groups starting their first adventure, a new Dungeon Master who would appreciate additional guidance or somebody looking for a complete D&D gift.

You can play through the introductory material and decide what your group would enjoy next. There is no need to purchase the full collection of core books immediately.

What Does a New D&D Group Actually Need?

A new group only needs a few things to begin:

• rules and an adventure;
• characters or character sheets;
• polyhedral dice;
• pencils and paper for notes;
• one person willing to become the Dungeon Master;
• somewhere comfortable to play.

A starter set can provide several of these items. If you are using separately purchased books or an adventure, each player will also need access to the information required for their character.

Miniatures, scenery and specialist accessories can improve the experience, but they are not compulsory.

If you are still deciding whether D&D is right for your group, our guide to what Dungeons & Dragons is and how it works provides a straightforward introduction.

What Does a New D&D Player Need?

Someone joining an established group generally needs less than somebody starting a complete campaign.

The Dungeon Master should tell you which rules the group is using and help you create a suitable character. The basic items to bring are:

• your character sheet;
• a pencil and eraser;
• a set of polyhedral dice;
• any notes relating to your character;
• a willingness to ask questions and work with the group.

You do not necessarily need to purchase a rulebook immediately. Speak to the Dungeon Master first, particularly if the campaign uses specific character options or a particular version of the rules.

Once you have played a few sessions, the Player’s Handbook (2024) can become a useful reference for character creation, classes, spells, equipment and the main game rules.

Choosing Your First Set of D&D Dice

A standard D&D dice set contains a d4, one or more d6s, a d8, two d10s, a d12 and a d20. The d20 is used frequently for attacks, ability checks and saving throws. The other dice are commonly used for damage, healing and character abilities.

One complete polyhedral set is enough for a new player. Additional sets can be convenient when an ability requires several of the same die, but you can collect those gradually.

Mystery Dice Goblin offers an enjoyable way to choose dice when you would like a surprise. The standard Mystery Dice, Mystery Dice & Pin, Mystery Inclusion Dice and Mystery Metal Dice are all suitable options for D&D characters.

You will also find D&D-themed dice and miscellany sets inspired by particular adventures and settings.

Our guide to understanding D&D dice explains what each die does and when you are likely to use it.

Does Every Player Need a Player’s Handbook?

No. A group can begin with the rules and materials supplied in a starter set.

The Player’s Handbook (2024) becomes useful when players want to create more characters, explore additional options or have a personal reference during the campaign. A regular player may eventually appreciate having their own copy, but every person around the table does not have to buy one before the first session.

If you are joining an existing campaign, check which edition or rules your group is using before ordering a book.

What Books Does a Dungeon Master Need?

A new Dungeon Master can begin with the adventure and guidance provided in a starter set. Once the group is ready to expand, the three core books each serve a different purpose.

Player’s Handbook (2024)

The Player’s Handbook contains the principal rules and character options. It is useful to both players and Dungeon Masters.

Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024)

The Dungeon Master’s Guide provides advice, optional systems, magic items and tools for creating or adapting campaigns.

Monster Manual (2025)

The Monster Manual provides creatures that the Dungeon Master can use in encounters and adventures.

You do not need to read all three books from beginning to end before running a game. Use the sections that relate to your next session and become familiar with the rest over time.

A published adventure can also reduce preparation by providing locations, characters, encounters and an existing story framework.

If you are preparing to run the game, read our guide to running your first D&D campaign as a new Dungeon Master.

Useful Accessories for a Dungeon Master

Dungeon Master accessories are most valuable when they make information easier to organise or help the group understand the adventure.

Dungeon Master Screen

A DM screen keeps private notes and maps out of sight. Many screens also provide commonly used rules and reference tables.

Campaign Organisation

The Dragon Shield Game Master Companion combines storage, organisation and a practical play surface. It can hold campaign notes, cards, dice and other accessories in one portable place.

Maps and Tokens

A simple map helps players understand positions during combat. You can begin with a hand-drawn grid and add dedicated maps, tokens or miniatures if the group enjoys tactical encounters.

Initiative and Condition Markers

These help track the order of combat and temporary effects. They become more useful as encounters involve additional characters and creatures.

Our guide to essential Dungeon Master accessories provides further advice about choosing useful tools.

Do You Need Miniatures to Play D&D?

No. D&D can be played entirely through spoken descriptions, an approach often called theatre of the mind.

Miniatures become useful when the group wants to see the position of every character, creature and obstacle. They can make tactical combat easier to understand and give players a physical representation of their heroes.

You can begin with tokens, spare dice or simple markers. Character miniatures can be added later when players have settled on heroes they intend to use for a longer campaign.

Players who enjoy painting can personalise their characters with miniature paints, brushes and hobby tools. This is a separate part of the hobby, so it should be treated as an enjoyable option rather than a requirement for playing.

Is D&D Scenery Worth Buying?

Scenery can make exploration and combat feel more visual, but its usefulness depends on how your group plays.

Tenfold Dungeons provides modular locations that can be unfolded and arranged for different encounters. The range includes buildings, dungeons and other settings that can be reused throughout a campaign.

This can be particularly useful for Dungeon Masters who enjoy visual games but do not want to build every location from individual scenery pieces.

Our D&D worldbuilding guide contains more ideas for creating memorable settings and encounters.

What Should a Parent Buy for a Young D&D Player?

A starter set is generally the safest starting point when a young player and their friends are all learning together. It provides a structured introduction without requiring several separate purchases.

A personal polyhedral dice set also makes a simple and affordable gift. Mystery Dice Goblin sets can add an element of surprise, while a player who already has a favourite character or campaign may prefer dice with a particular colour or theme.

Before purchasing rulebooks, ask whether the young person already belongs to a group and which books that group uses. This avoids buying a different version or duplicating something they already have.

Accessories, miniatures and scenery are better choices once you know how they enjoy the game.

What Makes a Good D&D Gift?

The right gift depends on how experienced the recipient is.

For Someone Who Has Never Played

Consider Heroes of the Borderlands, particularly if they have friends or family who would like to learn with them.

For a New Player

A complete polyhedral dice set, dice bag or useful character accessory is an approachable choice.

For an Established Player

Ask about their character, class and current campaign. Themed dice, miniatures or a rulebook they do not already own may be suitable.

For a Dungeon Master

A DM screen, Dragon Shield Game Master Companion, campaign book or Tenfold Dungeons set can support the practical side of running sessions.

When in doubt, a versatile set of dice is easier to match than a campaign-specific book.

A Sensible D&D Shopping Order

1. Begin with a starter set or join an existing game.
2. Add one set of polyhedral dice for each regular player.
3. Purchase the Player’s Handbook (2024) when players want more character options.
4. Add Dungeon Master books and tools as the campaign expands.
5. Introduce maps, miniatures and scenery if the group enjoys visual encounters.
6. Choose additional adventures and setting books based on the stories everyone wants to explore.

This approach keeps the cost manageable and ensures that each purchase has a clear use at the table.

Build the Game Around Your Group

There is no single shopping list that suits every D&D group. Some players love collecting dice and painting character miniatures. Others are happiest with a character sheet, pencil and shared rulebook.

Begin with the essentials, play a few sessions and pay attention to what would make the experience easier or more enjoyable. You can then add books, accessories and scenery with confidence.

Our complete Dungeons & Dragons beginner guide explains how to organise the group and prepare for the first adventure.

Get Ready for Your First Session

After choosing the essentials, learn how to create a D&D character and use our D&D game-night guide to organise a comfortable first session. If you would prefer to compare products in person, our guide to buying Dungeons & Dragons in Essex explains what you can find at Bomran Games in Corringham.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum needed to play D&D?

A group needs access to the rules and an adventure, character sheets, dice and somebody to become the Dungeon Master. A starter set can provide most of these materials.

Does every D&D player need their own dice?

Players can share dice, but having one polyhedral set each is more convenient and gives everyone a personal set for their character.

Do I need to buy the Player’s Handbook immediately?

No. A starter set contains the rules needed for its introductory adventures. The Player’s Handbook becomes useful when you want more character options and a broader rules reference.

Does a Dungeon Master need all three core books?

Not for the first session. A starter adventure can provide enough guidance to begin. The Player’s Handbook (2024), Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024) and Monster Manual (2025) become useful as the campaign expands.

Are miniatures compulsory?

No. You can use spoken descriptions, tokens or simple markers. Miniatures are an optional way to make characters and combat more visual.

Are Mystery Dice Goblin sets suitable for D&D?

Yes. The polyhedral Mystery Dice Goblin sets contain the types of dice used by D&D characters. The Mystery D6 Bundle is better suited to games or situations that primarily require six-sided dice.

What is the best purchase for a completely new group?

Heroes of the Borderlands provides a guided and budget-friendly introduction for players and Dungeon Masters.

Where can I buy D&D products in Essex?

Our guide to buying Dungeons & Dragons in Essex explains the products and support available from Bomran online and at our shop in Corringham.