This is a question that generates around 72 million results on Google so if you’ve found yourself wondering this… you’re not alone.
The short answer is “Yes”
The long answer is “Yesssssssss”
Ok sorry, maybe there’s a bit more to it than that. Let’s get into it.
We firstly can’t ignore the fact that Dungeons and Dragons for beginners can be a little complicated (I mean, Dungeons and Dragons can be complicated for veterans too if they’re learning to play with a new race/class for the first time), especially if you start out with a spell caster class like a Wizard, for example (my current character, I might add).
But 1. It doesn't have to be complicated from day one, and 2. Complicated doesn’t mean lacking in fun, does it? … Does it???
Getting started is actually pretty simple. It starts with character creation (and if you play with us, we walk you through it before your first session), you choose your table, and away you go.
Fundamentally the beauty of D&D is the fact that you start at a low level with very limited abilities which means you can easily get to grips with the basic rules of D&D without suffering too much from information overload, and, much like in many RPG video games (Skyrim, Baldur’s Gate 3 etc), the more you play, the more you learn, the more you unlock and the simpler it all becomes.
One of the other beauties, and I can only speak for playing Dungeons and Dragons in London, is the fact that the community is so welcoming, understanding and genuinely patient.
When I first started playing, I was like a rabbit in the headlights for the first hour or so. Sure, it was a little overwhelming to be at a table surrounded by experienced players, but once I realised that everyone wanted me to have a good time just as much as they did, it really relaxed me. (in fact, if you’re interested in learning about the mental health benefits of playing D&D, look no further.)
There are two key elements to playing Dungeons and Dragons
Role Play
Combat
Different players enjoy different things, some like an even mix of the two, others prefer combat-heavy, but this author is very much a role-play kind of person. One of the great things about playing at RPG Taverns is that you get to choose which sort of table you’d like to join in advance, complete with a brief description of the story ahead of you.
Some might say my love for Role Play stemmed from the days of improv in college, others might say it’s because I’m an extroverted attention seeker who craves the approval of others, but all I know is that there’s nothing quite like getting lost in a character for a few hours and trying to make the players around you laugh.
Combat is a different kettle of fish altogether, while there can be great moments of RP during combat, it’s mostly about dice, dice and more dice! Plotting your next move as the rest of your party make theirs; do you attack, retreat, hide, heal, defend? The options, whilst not endless, are extensive.
A lot of these decisions might be made based on your character’s personality and level. I first started out as a weak rogue who loved nothing more than hiding from battle and then reaping the spoils once it was over. Now, I stand at the forefront of the battle, doing as much damage as Gnomely possible (I play a gnome if that wasn't clear).
One thing we can’t ignore is that Dungeons and Dragons isn’t for everyone. Some people come once and then never come back, and I genuinely think that’s great. They took the plunge, tried something for the first time, and realised it might not be for them (what’s stopping you?)
However (lucky for us as a business), they are in the minority.
At RPG Taverns, we firmly believe that D&D is fun for beginners we love seeing new faces walk through the door every day and love it even more when those new faces become familiar ones over time.
So if you’re looking for somewhere to play Dungeons & Dragons in London tonight, then grab a ticket and come on down.
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