What to Expect at Your First Dungeons & Dragons Session

If you’ve heard the buzz about Dungeons & Dragons but have never actually played, you’re not alone. Every day, more people in London dip their toes into the world’s most famous tabletop role-playing game. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a new social hobby or an RPG veteran new to the city, there’s a spot waiting for you at the table. Below, we answer the 10 most common questions beginners (and new-to-London players) ask before rolling their first d20.

1. What Exactly Is Dungeons & Dragons?

Short Answer: It’s a cooperative storytelling game where you and your friends become fantasy heroes (or antiheroes) on epic quests, led by a narrator known as the Dungeon Master (DM), or in our case Gamemaster (GM.

Why It Matters in London: This city is full of creative, imaginative people looking for new ways to bond beyond the usual pub nights. D&D blends social interaction, strategy, and improvisation in a way that’s both unique and unforgettable.

2. Do I Need to Know the Rules or Buy Anything in Advance?

Short Answer: Not really.

Many venues—like RPG Taverns—provide everything you need: dice, character sheets, miniatures, and a friendly DM to guide you.
You can, of course, browse free basic rules online, but it's not required.

Why This is Great for Beginners: Londoners lead busy lives. If you can show up and have all the materials (and the knowledge base) provided, it removes a major barrier to entry.

3. How Do I Even Find a Group in London?

Short Answer: You can check out local gaming shops, Meetup groups, or dedicated D&D venues.

A quick online search for “Dungeons & Dragons in London” or “Dungeons & Dragons near me” will turn up several options.
RPG Taverns specialises in drop-in sessions for newcomers and veterans alike.

Top Tip: If you’re completely new or shy about playing, finding a venue that advertises beginner-friendly tables is key. We’ve also written about how to meet other D&D players in London.

4. Do I Need Experience or Can I Just Drop In?

Short Answer: You can absolutely just drop in (after buying a ticket online).

Plenty of London-based D&D nights cater to casual players, meaning you’re not locked into a lengthy campaign.
This is especially ideal for anyone who can’t commit to a weekly schedule.

Perfect for Busy Londoners: Erratic work hours or weekend getaways don’t have to stop you from slinging spells or swinging swords. Learn more here if D&D is fun for beginners.

5. What if I’m Shy? Do I Have to Do Silly Voices?

Short Answer: Role-play as much—or as little—as you like.

Some people embrace theatrical voices and dramatic flourishes, others prefer to speak in their normal tone. Both are valid!
Think of it as an improv session: you decide your comfort level.

Why It Works: Especially in a city as diverse as London, D&D tables attract people of all backgrounds and personalities, so there’s rarely any pressure to perform.

6. Is It All About Combat or Are There More Story Elements?

Short Answer: A blend of both.

Combat: Rolling dice, casting spells, defeating monsters.
Role-Play: Negotiating with NPCs, solving puzzles, forging alliances.
Different DMs emphasise different aspects, so if you love storytelling, look for a narrative-heavy group. If you’re all about tactics, a combat-focused table might be more your thing.

Variety in the City: London’s D&D scene is big enough to host every flavour of the game—from gritty dungeon-crawls to whimsical, story-driven campaigns.

7. Do I Have to Attend Every Single Week?

Short Answer: Nope.

Many London venues, including RPG Taverns, offer drop-in or one-shot games that don’t require a huge time commitment.
If you do want an ongoing story, there are plenty of regular groups too.

Great for People with Hectic Schedules: You can slip into a one-shot session on a free evening, then come back a month later without missing a thing.

8. What If I’m Not ‘Nerdy’ Enough for D&D?

Short Answer: D&D isn’t just for “super-geeks” anymore.

Popular shows like Stranger Things have propelled it into the mainstream.
The game’s social, inclusive nature means you’ll meet a huge variety of players—just normal folks looking to share a fun evening.

London’s Diverse Crowd: Expect to find finance workers, teachers, artists, bartenders, and more around the table. Everybody’s welcome.

9. Will I Make Actual Friends, or Is It Just a Game?

Short Answer: You’ll likely make real friends.

Rolling dice together breaks the ice fast, leading to shared stories and inside jokes.
Many Londoners have met some of their closest pals (and even future flatmates) at D&D sessions.

Why D&D Works for Socialising: You’re collectively telling a story—there’s a sense of shared accomplishment after a big quest or boss battle that naturally builds camaraderie.

Learn more about other ways to meet new people in London.

10. Where’s the Best Place to Get Started Right Now?

Short Answer: Try RPG Taverns.

It’s a London venue designed exclusively for Dungeons & Dragons, offering immersive tables, knowledgeable GMs, and a welcoming environment for all skill levels.
Drop in, grab a seat, roll some dice, and see if the adventuring life is for you.

Bonus Tip: Book in advance if you can; popular time slots fill up quickly, especially around weekends. But there are plenty of options.

Ready to Roll?

Whether you’re brand-new to the game or a seasoned pro who’s just moved to the city, Dungeons & Dragons in London is thriving. There’s a place for every type of adventurer, from once-a-month dabblers to weekly campaign devotees. Give it a try—you may find your new favourite hobby (and a few new friends) lurking behind that castle door.

About RPG Taverns

At RPG Taverns, you’ll find drop-in sessions that cater to busy Londoners, ongoing campaigns for seasoned veterans, and a vibrant community ready to welcome you. It’s a perfect way to meet people, unleash your creativity, and discover why so many Londoners are swapping the pub for the dungeon. Come see for yourself—there’s always room at our table!