By Tim Mack · Updated May 2026 · 7 min read
New to D&D? The essentials: you need the rules (the free Basic Rules work fine), a set of polyhedral dice, and at least one other person; the Dungeon Master, or DM, runs the world while the other players control their own characters; and you can absolutely start with a small group of just two or three. Below are the questions new players and first-time DMs ask most, answered briefly — each with a link to a deeper guide.
I started Anvil N Ink after writing a one-shot for family members who’d never played, so these are the questions I’ve actually fielded across a kitchen table, not a list scraped from a forum.
Getting started
What do I need to start playing D&D? The rules, a set of dice (or a dice app), pencils, and character sheets. The free Basic Rules cover everything a new group needs; you don’t have to buy anything to play your first session.
How many people do I need to play? At least two: one DM and one player. Small groups work great — see how to play D&D with 2 players. You do not need a full table of five to have a real game.
Do I have to have a Dungeon Master? For most D&D, yes — someone has to run the world and the NPCs. If you’re not sure what that involves, read what a Dungeon Master actually does. Solo play without a DM is possible but works differently.
How long does a session take? A one-shot runs 2–4 hours, with 2–3 hours the comfortable range — more on that in how long a one-shot should be. Ongoing campaigns run in similar weekly chunks.
Running your first game as a DM
What’s the easiest way to start as a DM? Run a published one-shot rather than building a campaign. It’s a complete, low-pressure session with everything prepared. Start with beginner-friendly one-shots and how to run a one-shot without panicking.
What is a session zero? A short meeting before play to set expectations, tone, and boundaries, and to make characters together. It prevents most first-campaign problems — here’s a session zero checklist for new DMs.
What mistakes do new DMs make? Over-preparing, railroading, and forgetting that the players’ choices drive the story. The fixes are simple once you know them — see common new-DM mistakes and how to fix them.
How much do I need to prepare? For a published one-shot, just read it once. For homebrew, an hour or two. You do not need to script the whole session.
Playing with a small group
Can you play D&D with just two people? Yes — one DM and one player (a “duet”) or two players with a companion NPC both work well. Small-group play is the whole focus of this site’s guide to D&D for 2–3 players.
Is D&D actually fun with a small group? Very. Fewer players means more spotlight for each person, faster combat, and a tighter story. Many adventures — including all of mine — are built specifically for two or three.
What if none of us has played before? Start with a short, published one-shot designed for beginners, take it slowly, and look things up as they come up. Everyone at the table learns the same way: by playing.
Key Takeaways
- You only need the free rules, dice, and one other person to start.
- The DM runs the world; the players run their characters.
- A published one-shot is the easiest, lowest-pressure way to begin.
- Run a session zero to set expectations before your first game.
- Small groups of 2–3 aren’t a compromise — they’re a great way to play.
About the Author
Tim Mack writes small-group D&D 5e one-shots and guides at Anvil N Ink Publishing for 2–3 players and a single 2–3 hour session, and personally playtests every adventure before publishing. New to the hobby? Start with the complete guide to small-group D&D.