If you’re looking to embark on the thrilling journey of a Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) game, the first hurdle is finding a group. Whether you’re looking to find a group online or near you, finding a group can be overwhelming, not just because of all the different dice and how they work, but also because there are so many different places to look.
Fear not, we’ll help you on your way to finding a D&D group. From online platforms to local game stores, we will explore the different ways you could embark on your next tabletop adventure.
How to find a DND group online
Most D&D groups nowadays play online, which makes it the perfect way for a new adventurer to find their first group. It's worth thinking about whether you want to play online or in-person as this will affect the ways you have of finding a group. Check out our guide that explains the differences between DND online and in-person so you can choose which is right for you.
There are four main ways you can join an online game:
- Discord
- Roll20
- DND Beyond
Whether you’re in the UK, US, Europe, or elsewhere, you are looking for a specific type of game, or have specific requirements, there are plenty of options to try.
If you're a Dungeon Master and looking to recruit players, then you'll also need to know how to interview potential D&D players.
Did you know there are millions of D&D fans on Reddit? There are specific subreddits you can use, either to post that you are looking for a game, or to search for a group.
The most popular subreddits are:
Discord
The official D&D Discord server has a dedicated area for players to find games. Whether you’re looking for play-by-post (a version of D&D where you play via text chat) or a typical game (where you join a voice channel and talk), there are plenty of posts from people looking to find a DND group.
Discord is one of the most common ways of finding a D&D group, but once you've got your group together, it can be tricky to set up a way to play. Find out more in our guide to setting up Discord to play D&D.
Roll20
As well as being one of the most popular virtual tabletop platforms, Roll20 has a dedicated Roll20 LFG area. Here you can search for games hosted on Roll20 and apply to join.
Be sure to read the full details of each listing, as some posts might be pay to play, and others might be designed for new players.
DND Beyond
The DND Beyond forum has an area where you can browse available games.
Make sure you read the forum rules before posting, as there are some nuances to the DND Beyond forum that you’ll want to know before you can find a group there.
How to find a DND group near you
Nothing beats the thrill of enjoying D&D with your friends. The joy of rolling a natural 20, or the gloom in rolling a natural 1, is only strengthened by playing the game in-person.
Because playing D&D in-person involves travelling to meet up in one location, some groups opt to play longer sessions than usual. If you're not sure, check out our guide that explores how long DND sessions should be.
Finding a DND group near you might be trickier, but there are several avenues you can try:
- Local game stores
- Local listing boards
- Tabletop gaming conventions
- D&D Adventurers League
- Meetup
Local game stores
You could visit your local game store or board game cafe and they might be able to point you in the right direction. They might even host a D&D night. There might be a small charge to join, but these games are usually regular and are ran in a safe and familiar setting.
Some trading card stores and miniature wargaming stores also run D&D events, so it is worth checking with them too.
Local listing boards
If you’re in school, college, or university, there may well be a D&D club or society you could join. Check the listing boards there, or those in your local library or coffee shop.
Tabletop gaming conventions
Put lots of tabletop enthusiasts together in a room and there is bound to be an opportunity to play Dungeons and Dragons. Some tabletop conventions offer free and paid sessions of D&D and other board games.
Make sure you check and get your tickets ahead of time, as these conventions can be very popular and space is often limited.
Conventions are also a great way to play D&D without a DM. You and your group can show up and enjoy adventures set up by Dungeon Masters at the event.
D&D Adventurers League
The Adventurers League is an ongoing form of organised play. In other words, this is the official way D&D helps new players get involved in the game. Some of the rules might be stricter than in an unofficial or homebrew game, but the benefit of Adventurers League is that there are public, official places where events take place.
To get involved, use the Wizards Event Locator to find your nearest Adventurers League venue.
Believe it or not, there are lots of popular Facebook groups for D&D. Better yet, there might be a group just for your town or city, which you could join and find lots of other people also looking to play.
Meetup
Meetup is an online platform that helps people find others, enjoy new things, and pursue their passions together. There is a Meetup page for Dungeons and Dragons that you could search to see if there is a group near you.
What to do if you can’t find a D&D group
Finding the perfect D&D group is not always a quick and easy thing. Don’t feel disheartened if you can’t find a group right away. Remember, no D&D is often better than bad D&D, and playing with bad players isn't fun. Rushing into a group that isn’t the right fit can dampen the joy of the game, and can cause unneeded anxiety in D&D. Take your time to find a group where you feel comfortable and safe, and you might find that D&D improves your mental health.
Have you considered running your own game? You could take the initiative and become a Dungeon Master (DM), and before you know it, you could have your own group up and running. Being a DM even if you've never played before is a rewarding endeavour that allows you to create captivating stories and enjoy tales that you and your friends will remember for years to come.
If you don't fancy being a DM, then remember that you can play D&D with 2 players, or there is the ability to play DND solo, you will just need to be patience and be willing to adapt and modify the rules.
As you prepare for your next campaign, don’t forget to equip yourself with the dice you’ll need. Remember that you will need one set of 7 dice to play D&D. Check out our range of D&D dice sets and get yourself something special for when you find a group.
Remember, finding a D&D group is a social commitment. Take your time, ask around, and try a variety of options. Don't rush it, and take some time to consider what the ideal party size is when putting together your group.
Above all, don’t lose faith; the realm of Dungeons and Dragons awaits you, and with a little perseverance, you’ll find the perfect group. Before you’ll know it, you’ll be happily enjoying your game, and will become a dice dragon after not too long!
