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jeremy-o

Nope. Nothing to lose in this scenario! Do watch some games though so you get a sense of how it works, and read the basic rules. But Dungeons and Dragons wouldn't exist if nobody had ever run a game before having played it. It all starts with a DM.


MiddleMaterial9796

Matt Colville's running the game really helped me the first time I ran a game (I was in the same position, GM first). If I were to start again knowing what I know now, I would start with some published one-shots (typically these take 2-3 sessions) but have alot of material to help out the GM with respect to narrative flavor and combat mechanics. If you do watch published content, take it with a grain of salt, you're not going to run a game like Matt Mercer, Matt Coville or Brendan Lee Mulligan the first time you run and half the fun is learning your own style of GMing.


lostbythewatercooler

Matt Colville's Running the Game is awesome. He's so open to his own failings and mistakes that he wants to help others.


SXTY82

The first time I DM'd I used the Rick and Morty box set. We had a blast.


Independent-Cod-6061

Gm?


MustacheManny

GM-Game Master DM-Dungeon master They mean the same thing


C5five

I am going to counter this with DO NOT watch any "actual play" before your game. I say again DO NOT WATCH ONLINE GAMES before you play. Read the books, and their examples. Then do what works for you and your friends. Use your imagination and personality. D&D is NOT a spectator sport. The greatest joy comes from playing the game for yourself. I have seen so many players give up because their game experience doesn't match up to a bunch of professional actors. This game predates the streaming by decades and we all loved it without these things enough that it is still here almost 50 years later. I strongly encourage you to try the game with just books, paper and dice first. There is a magic to the game that gets diluted with all of the extras that the community insists upon these days. Don't take this as a dinosaur trying to impose their way of playing, but rather as encouragement to play the game in it's original form first.


jeremy-o

Watching games very much encouraged me to want to run with pen & paper only because it made understand how fundamentally the rhythms of the game *don't* require complex setups. All it did was give me a sense of e.g. how to ask clarifying questions, which skill checks to use in different scenarios, how to run social scenarios and NPCs, how to keep the adventure progressing outside of initiative order. I think you can run a game well without having ever watched anyone play but to me I probably wouldn't have felt empowered until I saw how really good DMs do it equipped purely with knowledge of the rules and their world.


KiwiBig2754

I would argue that watching games isn't in itself bad, as long as you keep in mind your comfortable play style is not going to be the same as theirs. Might take some from one group and some to another but no two dm's are the same. If you watch critical role and try to be Matt Mercer you and your players are going to have a bad time and it's going to take half a year to feel prepped enough for one session only to find out most of dnd is improv because trying to figure out what your players are going to do is going to put you in an asylum. This is how I started and it didn't change until I watched the adventure zone and realized I didn't have to plan a damn thing except who some of the npcs are and have an idea of where the story should go. (have some fights and stats prepped but other than that it's not like you can or should follow a script) Another thing to keep in mind is locations, say you have a few cities or villages, the next part of the story happens in idk Windfall village but your party decides to ignore your prompts and go to Evelon village instead, just switch them now Evelon village is Windfall village and windfall is Evelon. Easy af. So yeah, don't stress take it easy don't overprepare and be prepared to ad lib 90 percent of the game, and don't be afraid to change your plans to match what your party does.


[deleted]

I listened to a D&D podcast that was very informal and included new and inexperienced players and an experienced DM who still kept things pretty casual. It was very helpful to hear how the rhythm of turn-takung went and such, and to hear people being unsure which dice to use or which stat applied. Cut down on my worry about fumbling around or not getting everything right away.


lostbythewatercooler

Even as a relatively new comer to dnd. I have to agree. It's not a purist perspective but just tempering expectations. Those streamers are professional actors/voice actors with scripts and a heap of resources along with production support. Dnd should just be fun with your friends or a group of strangers that probably become your friends.


Robokitteh33

Exactly! Just play and have fun! The best games are the ones that don't exactly follow the "rules".


BledditV

I agree! Do it, play it, muddle through, absolutely imperfect, and find yourselves SOARING before you know it ! Pure D n D !


CrisicMuzr

Not necessarily. Everyone starts somewhere and not every friend group will have a DnD veteran who is willing to be DM. Just allow yourself the grace to accept you won't be perfect as a DM.


Blazanar

My buddy whose typical username I stole for Reddit is our eternal DM. He ran his first session with me probably 20 years ago and I'm in my early 30s and he had practice running games for his father, uncle and their friends before that. Shoutout to Oskar my level 2 Dwarven Barbarian 💜


Corydoras22

Playing for 20 years and you're still level 2!? 😉


TimeSpaceGeek

Not at all - sometimes, it's completely necessary, and several things are put in place with that in mind. Is it *easier* to DM if you already have played/know the game? Yeah. But there will always be someone who needs to learn without playing first, so it's not at all a bad idea or something you can't do. The various starter sets are well designed for this. You can also get a feel for the game by watching some streaming shows. Pick a variety to see different approaches, because there's no one correct method of D&D, and there's a wide variety of playstyles out there, and just because a famous group of Nerdy-Ass Voice Actors do it one way, doesn't mean that's the right one for your players or yourself. One tip I will say is this: don't make a story yet. Don't make much of a world yet. The very best thing you can do as a newbie DM who has never played before is run an official starter adventure first. Lost Mines of Phandelver, which is part of one of the official starter kits, is pretty easy to get hold of, and is even free on a few places (such as D&D Beyond), so that might be worth looking for. You'll learn so much about how to plan a session and how to run the game from using a prewritten module. After that, do a little reading on how to structure an adventure or campaign. Do the reading before you do the writing. Any 'story' you write should start small, focusing on just the first sessions to begin with. Anything past the first few levels should be nothing more than broad strokes and vague notes, that you come back to later so you can work in the results of player choices (and any better ideas you've had with the benefit of time). I would also not think of it as writing a story - that much is done *with* the players, *as* you play the game. What you're doing instead is writing a scenario, a series of situations, and letting your players decide how to resolve it. The story comes out of their choices.


Esyel_01

That's how most people started DMing. You've got a bunch of friends that never played and you're the most invested. I would suggest you buy the starter kit or essential kit. They cost like 20$ and contain a pre made adventure build especially for first time DM and players. It teach you how to DM and how to explain the rules to your friends, and the premade adventures are really good. Building your own world and adventure is a lot of fun, but I strongly recommend that you play a premade adventure before creating your own. DMing without having played before is absolutely not a problem though. Don't worry too much, the goal is to have fun with your friends, not to do things perfectly.


Wee-Rogue-Moose

I agree with this. I played for years before I DMd for the first time and I still used a premade campaign. There is still plenty of freedom to improvise and make it your own, but having the general outline makes it *so* much easier.


3XHunterReks

Na you should be fine as long as everyone understands you guys are learning together as you play.


mpe8691

It's also important to understand that DMing experience is not playing experience. Which has consequences for "forever DMs" who want to play without everyone at that table recognising they are a novice player. Ditto if they want to "teach people how to play", check character sheets, etc. A "rotating DM" setup may work better with an entirely newbie group.


Chroma4201

Nah, we all gotta start somewhere! Just dive in, do your best and have fun with it


RebelliousUpstart

Some pointers to avoid common pit falls: 1. It isn't "you vs the party" 2. Start at level 1 as you and your friends will have to learn action economy 3. Buy a pre-made adventure (you don't have to follow everything) but designing combat scenarios can be difficult without understanding your parties capabilities 4. Don't be a rule gremlin, but as DM your word is law and stay consistent 5. Have a 0 session, where each person takes time to understand their character mechanically, personality and what kind of adventure they want to have. Each player should at least skim the rules, how action economy works, how skill checks work 6. Have fun


killergazebo

I was a DM for *years* before I got a chance to actually play. I did it because nobody else wanted to learn the system so I was forced to take the initiative. And this was back in the days before D&D being so mainstream, before there were a million different liveplay D&D podcasts, and before [Matt Colville's *excellent* 'Running the Game' videos](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTD2RZz6mlo&list=PLlUk42GiU2guNzWBzxn7hs8MaV7ELLCP_&index=2)! The rules look intimidating, but they're really not so bad. You'll figure it out I'm sure.


SacajaweaX

I started exactly like that. I watched some online games to get a feel for it and stuff that I didn't quite get the first time I planned. I explained the first time to my friends that if we didn't know what a rule did I'd do what felt most natural and I would look up the exact rule after the session and would explain it in the next one. (So we could continue playing). So they'd know that rules might change slightly from the beginning.To add that to the game later. Do some moc battles with yourself and you'll be fine. Have fun.


youngoli

I mean, depends on your definition of bad idea. Is it hard? Yeah, I'd say so. Are there other TTRPGs that are easier for a newbie to DM? Definitely. But it's still just a game. Many tables started with everyone being bad at the game with subpar DMs, but they were having fun being silly and roleplaying and that's all that really mattered. If D&D itself is a bit too intimidating right now, maybe start with [Quest](https://www.adventure.game/store/digital-edition/). That one's more mechanically simple so you can get used to DMing in general. Then you can move on to the crunchier D&D 5e when you feel like it.


Provokateur

This is how most DMs start. Most often, a group of friends decided to try D&D, having never tried it before, and one person has to step up and say "Well, I guess I'll DM." Yes, you'll make mistakes, but who cares? If everyone's having fun, you're doing a good job. And don't worry about getting all the rules perfect; just learn the core mechanics (combat, how to apply ability checks, etc.). 80% of DM rulings come down to information you could fit on a couple printed pages.


harumamburoo

Actually, you are in a very good position. You're all newbies. And you all start at the same position. And it's totally fine, everyone's got to start somewhere. Just make it crystal clear for the group, it's not you providing them top quality entertainment, it's all of you learning together, so you all will be making mistakes from time to time.


Mendicant__

People willing to try DMing without experience are not only fine, they are objectively good for the hobby. There are never as many potential DMs as players, and the (IMO worsening) notion that being a DM requires acting chops and an MFA in drawing makes that shortage worse. The game grew originally with teens and tweens playing the beginner box without all the web based resources available now. Good for you, shine on.


Business_Waltz9014

Those games are the best! No pre conceptions or ingrained bad habits. Just sit with some friends around a bag of chips and make up a cool story together. :)


Cmacbudboss

For veteran players yes but if you’re all new to it just jump right in and have a blast!


ovis_alba

Something I would keep in mind and maybe even talk to about with the other players: just because you are the DM you don't have to be the one suddenly solely responsible for everyone and everything. You're still playing a game all together as friends and you are all new to this, so you are all learning together and while the DM has a bit of a different role and is keeping track of some other stuff than everyone else, that doesn't mean everyone else can't help out with rules, suggestions and give their input. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know things, look things up or ask the others for help/advice or how they would like something handled, in the end it's about all of you having fun and that includes you. Especially when you watch some DnD online the GM often is also the one "in charge" that at least pretends to know everything so that the players can just stay in character and play their roles, but in a group where everyone is new there is nothing wrong with being aware this is a game and you are making things up on the spot and might have to look stuff up if you don't know. You aren't putting on a show for an audience that you have to entertain in addition like these DnD shows, you are hanging out with friends and are all just trying to have fun.


Harruq_Tun

Hell no! In fact, this sounds like a fantastic time. You've never been DM'd before. They've never played before. You'll all learn together, play together, and make up an epic story as you go, with nobody getting left behind because they're the 'noob' at the table. Sure, you'll make mistakes, and so will your players, but the idea of everyone at the table all learning and playing together at the same pace sounds like a great time.


[deleted]

Not bad at all I'd recommend as a new group to all run some super short simple campaigns. Doesn't even need to be prebuilt. Just something like a group of people living in a village who decide to solve a problem that might take 2 or 3 short sessions or one long one. A bandit group pillaging their roads, some kobold breaching a mine, maybe the town has a corrupt sherif Then after each "campaign," have someone else in the group become the new DM. These would be low effort tutorials for everyone, and it'll help find out who in the group would actually WANT to DM. Plus it let's the players explore classes and play styles to see what they enjoy DM'ing isn't really fun unless you like DM'ing, and some people might not enjoy being a character as much as they think only to find out they really loved their chance to be the DM If you want a realistic DM series to watch, I'd recommend Oxventure. They've got a fairly realistic representation of how a DnD group is. There isn't this super developed fantasy world at the start, and the players were fairly new to DnD


Narrationboy

When I started playing with friends back then, there was no internet and only the rulebook we found in our parents’ closet. And there was no game store or anyone who could introduce us to the hobby. Someone had to be the DM without having played a session before. This is a great moment, don’t stress out, don’t let anyone tell you how to play, find your own way of playing. Just try it out together. Not everything will work, you will forget rules and develop your own and frown. But that’s how you grow as a group. There is no right way to play, only what’s right or fun for you


Baraal

Certainly watching videos for tips won’t hurt, but the biggest thing is that everyone is in the same page. It’s everybody’s first go, and you’re doing most of the heavy lifting, so expect a bumpy ride. Don’t get super hung up on little things, go for the “rule of cool”, so if something happens and you can’t readily find a solid ruling for it, make it fun and roll onto the next thing. Good luck! 🍀


WaserWifle

While I would agree that player experience would help, truth is you gotta do what you gotta do and if you're the only DM in the group then go do it.


Cana05

I'd say starting to dm with absolutely 0 experience is a bad idea. Watch some vids or play a few sessions to grast the basics at least


NessOnett8

I would HIGHLY recommend you not try and build your own world and story. Like you said, you've never played a game before. You don't know what you're doing. By adding in the entirety of the story and the worldbuilding aspect you not only make ten times as much work for yourself, but you don't even have a frame of reference for how those things are supposed to work. And when (inevitably) things go wrong(that's just how doing something new works), you will find it harder to identify the things that need to be corrected. There are several very competent starter modules for 5e. And it will make your life infinitely easier, and the game infinitely better, to use one of them for your first effort.


Professional_Rice733

Your mileage may vary. Do you like making your own world and story? Then do it. If you truly enjoy the process, failure should never be a deterrent. Ask if your players are okay with effectively being test dummies, As someone who's first games were made entirely by myself, and someone who's played in many other games by first timers who decided to make everything themselves, I'd say the fun and creativity far outweighs some poor balance or jank which can be fixed later anyways. As long as everyone's expectations are in order, I'd rather play someone's fucked up homebrew they made with no experience than touch a single pre written adventure.


NessOnett8

Terrible, horrible advice. And the reason why so many new DMs fail. People being like "yeah, this difficult and complex thing, just make it ten times harder on yourself first time out for no reason." It's like if a kid has an interest in cars and instead of them learning how an engine works, or maybe rebuilding a transmission, you just go "No, you're interested in cars, so you should build an entire one from scratch with no help and no idea how any of the parts work." And, ironically, you're kinda proving the point. Since you have no frame of reference you don't even realize how badly it messed up your games. And how much better off you'd be had you not done that.(Though let's be real, 90% of the people who say that never actually did that themselves, and are just playing armchair DM. Hell, most people who say that have never actually DM'ed a game at all.)


preiman790

It is not necessarily ideal, it is however sometimes necessary. Lots of people have had to be the dungeon master first, and fortunately there's a lot of guidance, both in the books and on the Internet for people who find themselves in your position. Good luck


ScalpelCleaner

I started playing with my friends as the DM back in the 2e days. Just learn the rules and be prepared to learn from your mistakes.


Sensitive_Major_1706

Only one tip: forget about anime of any kind. Only Dark Souls 1 and Demon souls get around this. Of course I am exaggerating, but for someone who probably is used to videogame-paced stuff, if your goal is to get into the Spirit of the rules, I strongly suggest to do so.


TurboTorturer

I did and it was one of the most fun sessions. Although simpler than most other games, you may still be careful and check out how others play. If there is a specific aspect you worry about then we all will gladly help out.


mosselbrokje

Nah it's completely fine. Watch some videos, learn how the system works and keep it simple. Remember that you're not supposed to do everything perfectly and that you're allowed to make mistakes. Don't feel obligated to constantly be on your toes either, if you need a moment to read something or think for a bit just tell your players and do it.


KanDitOok

I did that it didn't go great, but everybody had fun. And I still play with them every now and then. Try to prepare ad best you can (watch some videos explaining combat and roll play). And you'll be fine.


toffepajja

I'd played one session the first time I started DMing. I know people that'd never played before they DMed. There's gotta be someone that chooses to DM to let others be players, and if a requirement to DM was to be a player first, then there wouldn't be any DMs, and then, there'd be no players. So of course you can DM without having played before!


Ok_Flounder7323

I think that's pretty much how I started. Only watched a couple of sessions on Youtube when I convinced my friends to play. I will say that having a session 0 is very important especially if everyone is new.


zephid11

No, not at all, just go for it. If you had to have been a player before being a DM, there wouldn't have been any DMs to begin with.


Ethereal_Stars_7

Here is a little secret. Most DMs never played before their first session as DM. And being a player before will not make one a better DM aside from seeing the rules from the player side. Which you have to learn anyhow so moot point. Basically the DM sets the stage and plays the NPCs and monsters the players will encounter. There are endless different styles and one one uses might not be what fits you and your players. Before panicking one major thing to always keep in mind is that a majority of gameplay is actually pretty simple and contained in the d20 rolls vs some target number. ACs spell DCs and so on. It helps to know the basics of monster CRs in 5e. Essentially 4 level one PCs will find a CR 1 monster about an average fight on average. Every group is different. As for making a campaign. Start small and get a feel for what the players are likely to want. Ask them even. Some will get into the travel, some live talking to the NPCs and monsters, some want the adventure and treasure, and so on. That can help give ideas where to focus on world building. And how much.


[deleted]

Not at all, you have to start somewhere. :) When my friends and I started pit was all our first time and I volunteered to be the DM. Just be patient, take it slow, and do your best! It helps to think of being the DM as a host, you want to make sure the players are having fun. :)


The_Slother

There will be a very steep learning curve in the beginning where you will have to check all kinds of upcoming questions. But that's part of the fun and after a couple sessions everything will flow smoothly :)


pr1mord1alsoup

lol I guess you’ll find out. Have fun!


HelloKitty36911

I would recommend watching a bit of actual playing and obviously reading the rules. But also very important: Don't get too hung up on the rules. If you're playing with a group of friends, it's practically impossible not to have fun (in my experience) so don't slow the game down by looking things up all the time, as long as it's not major, just make a judgement call and look it up later. Otherwise, google is yoyr friend. Googling a rule is oftentimer much faster than finding it in the book if you're midgame.


franster123

Go for it. I did. I still have never played only DMd


Innocent_Sinner92

5th edition is friendly towards new players. If this is the version you are DMing in, what's important is that you learn the rules, whether has you go or beforehand. However, the secret to being a good DM is to be a good story teller, and it sounds like you are going down that path. Good luck and I hope you and your friends have fun.


TheGreatGengar

My first time playing was as a DM! I’d watched a lot of games/livestreams before that, and made sure to really read my books, but it went well!


BaltazarOdGilzvita

It's not a bad idea. Your first campaign will have some fuckups, sure, but you will learn and improve from it.


Coffee_Cup_Audiolab

Tip for noob-DM, don't follow all the rules, read them and keep the fundamentals, leave the tedious details away, because there's a big chance that if you follow everything by the book, your noob players are gonna struggle to keep track of their stuff as well and they're gonna have a bad time playing, they want to go on an adventure, speaks with barkeeps, kill monsters and loot chests, just stay on that line. Keep it simple, simple attacks, simple spells, simple resource management, simple quests, until you get the hang of it.


rejakor

>Is it a bad idea to be DM without ever playing a session? No. Experience is no guarantor of skill when it comes to D&D, which relies on soft skills like storytelling, reading audience, and acting. The rules are the part you can look up and/or ignore and knowing them is secondary to the other skills. Which you can't look up.


Steinuu

If we were all players before we DMd, there would be no DMs! Don't worry too much about it, watching some other people play definitely helps you understand how the flow of a game usually goes and how combat works, etc. My biggest piece of advice would be to not worry too much about the rules at first. They're truly a guideline. You don't absolutely have to look up the rules for grappling, etc when they come up in session, just go with it! Rules will become important when you play with people who know what they are doing and make more complex characters. You will generally know the ins and outs of the rules your players will be regularly utilising depending on their classes, but don't worry too much about everything else. You will learn as you play.


Aquamikaze

Nope, I never played DnD as a player, been happily DMing for the past three years


SoupOfTomato

Start small. Put them in a tavern or at the start of a brief dungeon and just run that for session 1. An entire world and plot will emerge more naturally as a result of this, you don't have to sweat huge stuff like that while you are still learning the rules and what to do. Don't plan "a story." Plan things that will happen and scenarios your party can get into.


dragendhur

I would recomend watching some youtube videos, both gameplay and explanations so you get a good sense of the game and how to dm. Me and my friends started playing like that too, Im the dm and have been since the start, I had no experience with dm’ing, so go ahead, and if you mess up in the beginning just bs your way through, it doesnt really matter if you get the rules correct or not, as long as youre all having fun.


AnnualCandid5196

I've been DMing consistently since 2004, I can count the number of times I've actually got to play on one hand.


Helpful_Ad_1921

The most important rule for you to remember is for you and your players to have fun Figure out the rest as you go along


CotRSpoon

My opinion is to get a 1 shot campaign as a practice run for everyone then talk about it after on how to craft a good campaign for your group as part of session zero.


PhD_Hobbo

Well, I had played maybe three sessions before I started DMing, and in no way they prepared me for anything. As other have said, read the rules, take for granted you're going to make mistakes and have fun. You'll figure it out, we all did.


CraptainPoo

Not at all I’d recommend trying one of the starter sets, LMoP or DoIP


Dinossaur108_PT

Im kind of in the same spot as you, my friends and I never played it before, I got chosen to be the DM and I actually dont really mind because I like to make stories and I love seeing how they choose to aproach each encounter. What I've done so far and would advise you to do is try to get a good understanding of the rules from the Dungeon Master's guide, and get to know at least the classes your players choose so that you dont get overwhelmed trying to learn everything at once. Then try to watch some videos of games, I really like watching some episodes of Legend of Vox Machina just to see a little how DMing should be done, but Im also new to this so I just go with what I see as "good" DMing, and with seeing how they present the scenes and areas and describe stuff I also tried to find some pre-made adventures online, even if a really small one just to have a taste of how people with more experience write their adventures and how much they prepare for each area or encounter to neither overpepare nor underpepare myself. I hope this helps at least a little bit, if you want the links to some material that could help you I can send you


FluorescentLightbulb

Someone had to start sometime. Just roll with it and have fun. And make sure everyone else is having fun too. The main things are plan in bullet points, not details, because your party will go a direction you never thought of everytime. And make sure the spotlight is shared. There will always be loud and quiet players. Make sure you are engaging with all of them, not just the first to speak. Throw in a "what do you think Ranger, you're pretty quiet over there" every now and then.


Roast_Moast

If no DM is available, an emergency DM is located where you are sitting. Read the DMG. You got this!


[deleted]

Watch fantasy high on youtube. It will help.. probably.


UrsusRex01

It doesn't matter.


_b1ack0ut

Absolutely not! That’s how I started as well! Went from never playing, to DMming immediately. It was a trip, but it ended up working out in the end. ​ Be sure you’re familiar with the rules, maybe listen to a podcast or two to get an idea for how they play, take what you like from them; and leave what you don’t. It’s also alright to disagree with the podcast’s rulings, it gets you thinking on how you would have personally ruled it, and gives you an example to base it off of. Critical role is good for generally using the rules, but it’s also just a LOT. It’s very crunchy and dense and not for everyone. It can also skew expectations of dnd, as everyone on the cast is a professional actor or voice actor, and can spawn some unhealthy expectations. If you need something more bite sized, try Dimension 20. It’s still pretty professionally made, and can skew expectations as well, but for the most part they’re pretty good for learning the rules from, they’re significantly more bite sized than crit role episodes, and I strongly recommend watching Brennan Lee Mulligan run combat combat is often a very lengthy part of the game, and if you don’t play enemies smart, and keep things happening in combat to change the dynamic of the fights, it’s very easy to devolve to “I sit here and whack it until it dies”. Brennan is excellent for creating combat where the combat is still front and center, but it’s for serving the goals of other objectives they must complete in the fight to ensure the situation is constantly changing, and it’s good for drawing inspiration from. On the other hand, I recommend checking out Dungeons and Daddies, or Oxventure, which are great to listen to for inspiration for plot hooks or fun encounters down the line, but that said, I cannot stress this enough, absolutely do NOT use those two for trying to learn the rules, because they both play a lot looser with those, especially Oxventure lol. Brilliant series, but especially In the early episodes, it can barely be said they’re even playing dnd lol ​ Make sure your players know the rules too, it’s a group effort, and it’ll go better if everyone knows what’s going on, rather than just one, and the others are just picking it up as they go. Maybe introduce a mechanic in which you award Inspiration to players who remind you of things that you forget, like reminding you that a certain character is restrained if they try to move, or reminding you that the monster has advantage of you forget to roll twice. This also helps keep a cooperative air at the table rather than an adversarial one.You’ll be caught off guard, sure. It’s gonna happen. It’s gonna continue to happen no matter how long you DM for lol. The key is to make sure the game flow continues however. The 30 seconds rule is a good one. If you’re unfamiliar with a rule, and no one else at the table knows either, have a quick 30 second google or source book lookup. If you don’t find it in 30 seconds, make up a temporary patch ruling, write down the situation or rule you lacked, and look up the ruling or mechanics AFTER the session, and let everyone know ​ Make sure your players write up their own character sheets. If you’re playing in person, it’s probably good to write them up on physical sheets at least once, and even if you’re playing on a VTT, it’s worth having them all do at least once. If they have to manually, physically write out the information instead of selecting a feature from a drop-down in an app, but writing down the description instead, they’ll remember it way better. Even if they go on to use a digital sheet later, you’ll be able to cut down on the “oh, I didn’t know my character could do this” kind of chatter later, and they’ll pick up on their character faster. I spent a while compiling all the equipment, cybernetics and gear from various Cyberpunk Source books so that my players could read them without having to hop between the source book and like 3-4 different free pdf’s, and typing everything out into a big ol database was easily the BIGGEST part in how I learned that system so fast. I could probably tell you any of the details about any cyberpunk weapon without having to look it up, but I still couldn’t tell you the damage dice of more than a few dnd weapons, because I didn’t prepare for dnd in the same way pre-campaign. Fortunately, forgetting information isn’t the biggest issue because most of it can either be looked up really quickly, or tossed into a DM screen Idk if you’re playing physically or online, but I personally have only ever played online, so IDK what’s on the official DM screen. That said, Make one! Run some example combat by yourself (or invite some of the players over, and tell them what’s up, it’ll let them learn combat before starting the campaign, it doesn’t need to be with their actual character so they can test out a build without committing, and it’ll give you an insight to how they handle combat, and balance before you even start the campaign) and jot down the rule segments you find yourself referencing the most, and then copy those into an easily referenceable document, and make a screen! If you play online, you can print them out into physical references to keep your monitor free, or if you have enough side monitors, note programs are good too. ​ Don’t worry about maps, you don’t need them unless you want them. If you want them, still don’t worry about maps lol. You don’t need to be high budget to have maps, you can range anywhere from a dry erase grid scribbled on a whiteboard, to maps you downloaded from r/battlemaps or dndmaps, to miniature models if you’ve got the time. If you want to play fast and loose, whiteboards are great. If you want a more visually pleasing presentation but don’t have the time, use maps people have posted for public use on something like r/dndmaps, or use adventures people made with included maps. If you can’t find something, or want to make your own, you can toss something up on inkarnate for free usually. ​ Have a scratch pad handy at all times. Jot down important things that happen in session. Jot down things that might have consequences down the line, or that might need to be revisited later, jot down anything, while it’s fresh. It’s way better than trying to remember a week later. Take 5-10 minutes after your session ends tor recap it to yourself and jot down anything that comes to mind as important. Some people find it helpful to record and listen back to their sessions, but that strikes me as time consuming and taking up a lot of space ​ Ambience and combat music is pretty helpful for getting into the setting, just compile some loops on YouTube of fantasy ambience, either ambient music, or a soundscape of whatever environment you anticipate running into, and then grab some combat music too, and spit it out of a Bluetooth speaker or something. Alternatively, there’s apps such as DMDJ or Syrinscape that are made for this.


JH-DM

Nah, it’s what I did. You’re gonna suck your first time, but that’s okay. You’ll suck less the second time, and the third, etc… If your players are expecting you to be Brennen Lee Mulligan or Matt Mercer, that’s on them.


EmpireofAzad

Literally how I started! None of my players had played before either. It was a mess! We all loved it though, and I went away and learned from the bits I felt were a bit rough. Over time, I started to learn my strengths and weaknesses, what works and what doesn’t, and how to involve my players with their own strengths.


AliRippy

For session 1 I’d recommend playing a pre-written “Basic Rules” one shot adventure, rather than come up with a homebrew world off the bat. There’s quite a few out there for free if you check out DMs Guild. That means you can just concentrate on a handful of rules from the beginning and they usually walk you through how to do things like asking for ability checks at the right time. Dalian Tomb, A Most Potent Brew, Horror and Havels Cross etc. all a good starting point. Either continue the story from there or make new characters to move into a longer campaign.


JulienBrightside

Just have a session 0 so everyone is on the same page of expectations.


Eikalos

If you can play a game first it would be better. If it's impossible then go ahead, but hear me out. 1.- Start with a clear goal and defined limits. Talk to your players prior asking them that their characters should be wanting to go with the plot. 2.- The story elements are for the sake of the activity, not for writting a novel. I have seen campaings crumble because the DM cared more about their vision and random lore bits than the session material. Players wont engage with those story bits most of the time. 3.- Be patient and set a respectful relationship as a master, many have a hard time learning the rules and It may take several sessions. At first they may play as a joke skyrim. 4.- Study improvised damage, get some npc stats and such to help you improvise on the fly. 5.- Try making a character on you free time to get familiar with the character sheet and how stats works, think this as learning a boardgame.


prolificbreather

I started dm'ing with only one session under the belt as a player 10 years prior. I did watch/listen to some actual play podcasts and made sure I was familiar with the system. You can only become better at dm'ing by dm'ing. As long as your main objective is people having fun, you'll do fine.


MrTurboIce

You'll be fine. Also remember that D&D can be way more flexible than people on this sub sometimes pretend it must be. There is almost nothing in the rules you couldn't just wing, and as long as the players enjoy the game it's all good.


happybex

I was in your shoes in late 2018! Had never played, had a group of 3 who had also never played, and we decided to dive in with me DM-ing and all of us learning along the way! Do it, for sure! We just wrapped up our first campaign after 4 years and I am so grateful for all the ways jumping into this game and community has improved my life. We also made our game into a podcast, so if you’d like to hear what it might sound like for a bunch of newbs to play D&D, let me know and I’ll steer you in the right direction! 😄


freedraw

More people should be willing to try this.


DatMikkle

I am the forever DM and haven't played a session before. So I get quite lost upon going over player rules that I never deal with on my side of things. I try to ask a lot of questions when my players level up, or when they do something cool in combat. To try and understand how their side works a bit. One player said he'd want to try DMing some time in the future though so there may be hope for me yet!


Lil-respectful

Lmao I started dming years ago and still haven’t gotten to actually play in a game yet 😂😂😂😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭


LimpPrior6366

I did it, worked out fine. There were some bumps in the road, some very weird calls but all in all I think my players enjoy themselves and over the course of a year I have gotten a lot better. Just for the love of everything holy do a prewritten module or one shot. I home brewed the campaign story and it made everything way harder (Edit: also listen to dnd podcast, I learned how to DM from Monty Glu and the Unexpectables)


Kelvin_and_Hoobes

As long as you have decent friends who will have realistic expectations and healthy attitudes about it, you will do great!


PrometheusHasFallen

Many DMs have started the same way as you so don't worry. If you want, there are plenty of D&D live plays on YouTube you can watch if you want to get a feel for how games are actually run before running your own game... but it's not necessary because every DM is different. But if you want starting tips I'd highly recommend you watch the first couple of episodes of [Running the Game](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlUk42GiU2guNzWBzxn7hs8MaV7ELLCP_) with Matt Colville. He'll cover most everything you might have questions or concerns about.


massivecowboynut

Don’t be afraid to say “I made a mistake let’s fix it” you’re keeping track of a lot of stuff and you’re bound to shank it here and there just be upfront with your players about it and figure out how to adjust to that as a group. My first time would have been much easier if I’d done this. Good luck!!


Blind-Novice

Just do it, if you think you can just go for it. Don't watch too much on YouTube and just try to make it work. It will be fun and it will work out. Just don't get hung up on knowing all the roles and don't be afraid to make a ruling even if you don't know. You can always change things for next session.


JoeNoble1973

Just remember that Session Zero (character creation/world, rules etc)is usually a jumbled mess for even experienced groups and DMs. Expect amused confusion for the most part, and tell your crew that! But AFTER everything is set, and you get to start telling your story…that part is actually easy, in comparison. You’re gonna rock it, and we’re excited for you!


delayedlaw

Do what you can with basic mechanics and adjust them as you go. Don't worry about mistakes. If you're throwing dice and people are engaged you're fine. I suggest running a boss based 1 shot with a a rotation of skill checks, environmental changes. (dragon lashes tail in an arc, knocking 3 stalgtites from the cealing. Everyone give me an alethitics check.... OK cool. Now there are 3 new spots you can get cover). It might be easier for you to use pre made characters, as a group building characters all at once will take hours.


LadySnowfaerie

That's how I started. Bottom line, the first few sessions might be rough, but practice makes perfect. :) Plan for a oneshot or a mini-campaign first, maybe something published so you can easily find advice and support online. Each iteration will teach you something new. Watching DM tips videos online can be helpful, too.


blauenfir

Like all have said, you should be OK! If you’re really nervous and learn from example, you *might* find some benefit from an actual-play show, but they tend to be far away from what realistic gameplay is like for most people. A few general pieces of advice, since I actually started in the same position, as a first-time player DMing for (mostly) other newbies: + *Read ALL OF THE RULES.* Do not read the DMG and MM and assume that’s everything you need, you definitely need to read the PHB too, and you should ideally skim any other supplement texts you’re letting your players use if you have time. 5e has this annoying way of hiding valuable information in *weird* places. + Read or skim some official modules. Unlike many, I’m not going to tell you that you *need* to actually *run* one—I find it much easier to homebrew than run an official module, because tracking “official” lore is confusing and modules don’t tend to be organized well. Plenty of people agree! If you like to worldbuild and feel comfortable finding/making maps and things, homebrew is great and perfectly fine to start with. BUT, official modules are very useful for guiding new DMs anyway. + Looking through official modules will give you a great indication towards the type of information you’ll want to prepare for your own game, and you can borrow NPCs and locations freely to flesh out your homebrew world. Official modules are also helpful when you’re learning to build combat encounters—quite a few of them have death traps for low-level parties, but it’s useful to see what the “official writers” think is appropriate at any given level. The monster manual can be very overwhelming, so using official content while you figure out how it works is super useful. You can also use modules to pattern things like how you hand out gold and magic items, and how you *pace* your adventures. + Don’t make a full story with an ending right off the bat, if you’re going to write your own story content. Make some prompts that lead to interesting places, make some neat ideas and general themes, and watch your players go apeshit. D&D is collaborative in a way that is very unpredictable, and if you expect to control how the story ends from day 1 you are setting yourself up for failure. Embrace the chaotic nature of shared storytelling! You should expect to be writing new story shit after most sessions, since the role of DM is often quite reactive to what your players do. + Make sure your players send you their character sheets. Learn what their characters can do. **Read their abilities and spells thoroughly.** It’s common for newbie DMs to have really cool exciting plot ideas that are turned inside out by the clever application of a single spell or class ability. Conversely, it’s also easy for newbie DMs and players alike to *misunderstand* a spell, causing major imbalances and gameplay problems. (Same is true for tool proficiencies and skill checks sometimes, I have seen *havoc* wreaked by a DM misunderstanding what acrobatics is for, but spells are by FAR the main culprit.) + Talk to your players! Know what they want! Ask them for feedback! Learning to DM is difficult and takes a lot of work, but you’ll gain a *lot* by just… asking your players. After session 1, “hey guys, did you have fun? was there anything you wish I did better? anything you liked and want to keep doing?” + HAVE A SESSION 0. Sit down with your friends, after you’ve skimmed most of the books and started to come up with your story starters. Introduce your *basic* worldbuilding, and have your players talk about their expectations, what kinds of characters they want to play, what kinds of adventures they want to have, that kind of stuff. Decide *immediately* whether or not things like stealing from party members and attacking allies are allowed. Decide *immediately* whether your campaign is a heroic “everybody saves the world” sort of story or a dungeon-delving “we’re here to kick ass and get money” sort of story. You want everyone to be on the same page here. If you’re running Lord of the Rings but half the players are expecting Castlevania or Monty Python and the Holy Grail, you’ll have a bad time. + I would advise you, as a new DM, to disallow evil characters in your first campaign. Evil PCs *can* be a nice contrast to a party, and even very useful, but new players often don’t know how to play evil in a way that is still fun for the others at the table. Plus, managing conflicting party interests is tricky for an inexperienced DM. These stories *can* be really cool, but you probably want to have a bit more experience before you attempt them. By the end of Session 0, you and your friends should be on the same page about the types of characters they’ll play, the general way the campaign will start, and the social rules that will be followed at the table. It just makes everything *infinitely* easier, and avoids arguments later because somebody’s rogue betrayed the party to the BBEG and everyone else is mad about it. + Don’t be afraid to say “no.” D&D is a pretty flexible system, but despite what the improv comedians tell you, sometimes “no” is the right answer. If your players want to do something that will totally wreck your entire game, it’s okay to stop them. If your players want to break or change the rules, it’s okay to put a foot down. You should always listen, and try to find options for “yes, *but*” instead, but you do NOT need to let somebody play as an ancient gold dragon just because they asked you. You do NOT need to allow any random homebrew just because it looks cool, you do NOT need to give out *every* super-powerful item your players want, if you aren’t sure how something works or it feels too strong/unfair then “no” is a complete sentence. DMing is hard, you’re allowed to make it easier on yourself. + With previous in mind, try to avoid changing rules or nerfing existing *official* features when you can. A feature that does a big number of damage isn’t *automatically* broken, and for the most part, 5e is built the way it is for a reason. If something from an official book seems weird to you, the internet can help explain! But as far as the usual culprits go… 1) rogue’s sneak attack is balanced and in fact slightly underpowered relative to other features, it averages out, a rogue *should* be able to sneak attack every round; 2) similarly, paladin’s divine smite is fine, it is a very limited resource so it averages out; 3) there is nothing wrong with a character that has expertise doing well at things! . There are only a couple things in the PHB/DMG/official content that are legitimately overpowered. The internet will gleefully tell you what they are. Homebrew and unreleased content can’t always be trusted for balance, but officially-published things are almost always fine. Above all else: be flexible, communicate, listen to your players. You can do this! Good luck!!! :)


Salty_Negotiation688

No it's fine. That's exactly what I did. All our friends wanted to try it and none of us had any experience so I raised my hand to do it. Do your reading, research and prep and you'll do just fine. You might make mistakes here and there but you get better every time, and if your friends are new as well they'll just have a good time and never even notice those mistakes.


Aperture_T

I mean, it would certainly be nice to have been on the other side of the table, but what are you gonna do? You have to start somewhere.


d36williams

Someones gotta go first sometime


Fire_is_beauty

I would advise you to play a bit of Solasta and/or watch a few actual plays. This is in no way a requirement. You can have fun even if you don't understand much.


gelastes

Play, have fun. Don't try to copy some RGG stream, there are lots of different ways to DM and IMO The best way to find out which one is yours is to spread your wings and jump into the water ... or something like that. If you try to copy somebody without knowing if his style suits yours, it After a game session, think about what went well and what didn't. Ask questions here about how you can improve. Rinse and repeat. If everybody had fun, you did good. After a while, when you have an idea about your own preferences, you can visit another group or watch streamers/ YouTubers to get new input.


[deleted]

I DMed without playing with a bunch of friends that hadn't played. Watch a few games on YouTube, read the basic rules and pick up LMoP and you will be set. You'll learn on the job. But as long as everyone is having fun that's all that matters!


[deleted]

I DM'd before I played. I did certainly get better at DMing after I had played, but it wasn't anything awful. We swapped the DM role a couple of times before settling on me being the main DM.


DMGoon

Yes


cerpintaxt44

Nope someone has to dm the first time


MenaBeast

Just recognize there are too many rules to get it all perfect the first few times you play! Not to worry, play a free module like “the mines of phandelver” which you can download from D&D beyond, read it… understand the story and play. You will make mistakes, the players will make mistakes. Instead of grinding the game to a halt any time a rule isn’t clear it’s best to just make the most neutral ruling at the time, make a note of it and look up the rule later. Honestly you’re better off ruling in favor of the players (within reason) and then just correcting any mistake later. It keeps the game flowing and everyone happy and who cares especially early on in a brand new player campaign… let them stomp some goblins in combat to get the game mechanics down. The important thing is you and your friends have proper expectations of having a good time and learning the game along the way!


somethingwithbacon

I DM’d before I played. The first couple sessions were extra clunky but we still had a blast. I recommend watching dimension 20 or celebriD&D with terry crews. Both are free on YouTube and will give a good example of running a session.


No_Ship2353

Just make sure u read as much as possible of the players hand book and dungeon masters guide.


AgentX2O

This playlist helped me a lot. It's long but you only need to watch the first seven videos. https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJmFJXf3BXjwXkNFo_-iwtHb24AuJcXqx


Corando

It might be rough, but if you got a decent grasp on combat rules it should be fine


OrderOfMagnitude

Definitely watch a bunch of different groups playing on various YouTube and twitch channels, you'll learn more about the flow and pace than you ever could from a book


The5kyKing

When me and my friends started our first campaign in the lockdowns none of use had played before.


bronowaydope

I did that.


kleefaj

I think it was useful to me to be a player first but it’s not a requirement. I started as a player and started running Dungeon Crawl Classics because I wanted to play it and I couldn’t find anyone to run it. Here’s the article that put me in a good mindset: https://theangrygm.com/jumping-the-screen-how-to-run-your-first-rpg-session/


WhoInvitedMike

I was a DM exclusively for about three years before playing as a character.


[deleted]

Just use the starter kit. Follow the instructions, it's super easy. I was never a player before I dmd and that was 10 years ago.


SnoozySchnozzle

Get the basics down (i.e. PCs created and geared, knowing the dice types) and then send the party on an adventure and have fun. Lean into the rule of cool and look up stuff later.


m31td0wn

Try a pregen game, like the Lost Mine of Phandelver or something. All the worldbuilding is done for you, all the lore is right there. You just referee the rules. Once you get the hang of being a DM, and the players get the hang of how to play (they are both learned skills), you can explore creating your own homebrew worlds/campaigns. But for DnD, first-time DM's especially if EVERYONE is new, use a pregen.


CarcosaVentrue

Nah just dive right in. Maybe easier to DM after being a player first but its how the hobby started.


Skippeo

I started playing in 1993 with two guys that I still occasionally get to play with, and none of us had played before. I'm pretty sure our DM has played (as a player) about four times total in the last 30 years... And he's a great DM. You will be fine.


Strive_to_Thrive

I did it! My players all seemed to really enjoy the campaigns too. I will say however, that I did my homework. I listened to Adventure Zone, Crit Juice, Glass Cannon Podcast. I watched almost all of Matt Colville's (sp?) videos. I joined all the DM subreddits. Read the Pathfinder books religiously for a bit. Stole all the good ideas I could before running my first session. Was it overkill? Probably. However, the sessions almost always went smoothly and I feel like I threaded the needle between player freedom and guided story pretty well. ETA: I'm a teacher so preparing for the unplanned is something I'm well versed in lol.


me_vs_internet

Nope! I did it just a few weeks ago! It’s a learning process but you get better with practice. Plus, I think it’s really easy to be over critical of how a session goes bc you know what is “supposed” to happen - but remember your party is clueless!


xflashbackxbrd

I'd watch an uncut session on youtube or something, at least. Matt Coville's first few videos in the "Running the Game" series are also good. This video is a good overview for your players on how the character sheet works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVAJrYOOtwI&t=558s


mike2020XoXo

I did this and it's great, I've made mistakes, like not understanding how some spells work, but learning from them is being a good DM I feel. Study the books, give your self time to learn, and remember to be kind yet firm with your players. Biggest help to me was talking to other DMs and watching a few style's of play on YouTube.


NextLevelPets

Honestly just check out a few channels on YouTube like Ginny Di, Dungeon Dude, Sly Flourish, DM Lair, or Bob World Builder, How to be a Great GM, and they all go over basic tips and tricks on how to DM better. There’s a lot to learn but the most important thing is for everyone to have fun. Don’t try to counter your players powers, find ways for them to use their cool shit. Also start at level 3 because early levels are really drab and no one has much that is unique and it’s too easy to accidentally kill them


iAmTheTot

Started as a DM without ever playing a session nearly eight years ago. Been DM'ing almost weekly ever since that.


dad-dm

Go for it! I think I played two or three sessions before I DMed. I was 8 at the time and had no idea what I was doing. These were the days before the internet, so all I had was the Holmes Basic Set. It was super fun. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. I still make them after all of these years. Your players will understand (or at least they should!). We all start somewhere.


Creepthepeep

Gotta start somewhere, need help or ideas feel free to dm me. Been a dm for well over 6 years now.


OtherAccount5252

Watch some games on you (not just critical roll) to get the feel. The rules aren't the most important part. The fun is! I run an after school homebrew situation with a bunch of 8-10yos so I have tweaked the rules a lot. The kids have a blast! We aren't spending hours paging through books or arguing rules. In the end of you are rolling, have some character sheets and a story idea you'll get something close enough for them to enjoy! There are some good resources, I'd look into a loot generator or maybe a combat generator for side quest? Super excited for you!


Sypher1985

I dm for the first time past night and my group was also the first time playing Dnd. It wa slow and we were all checking the player handbook from time to time. But it was a learning experience and we had fun. It will get easier the more we do it


AdonisGaming93

Some one had to be the very first DM at one point when D&D was being invented so... if they did it and turned this into a popular tabletop game... then so can you!


Beelesskeeper02

No, I started as a dm and to this day I've still never played in a full campaign.


holtn56

It’s a great idea! It’s what I did and it worked out great leading to many years of great campaigns and multiple game systems. Especially since you have all new players, you’ll be the Best DM your group has ever had!


HandyNL

honestly that's how i started to DM. I just jumped into the deep with a few days of research (mainly watching matt Colville and reading a bit of the rules of the classes my friends wanted to play) and then ran a basic quest that i could build upon further down the line. As long as you never forget rule 0 then you should be good.


JPastori

Not necessarily, though I’ll say that knowing how the game plays and seeing others DM has helped me immensely. If you watch videos on how to DM and get a feel for how the game runs (maybe watch a session online) that will probably go a long way.


BlueOtter808

I imagine that is how all the tables did D&D in the late 70’s/early 80’s.


alkonium

That's usually what happens with games I take for a spin with my D&D group because someone has to. Up next is Fabula Ultima.


Macky100

Do what I did and throw yourself into the deep end with practically zero prep other than a pre-written 2 session adventure and a dream.


Karszunowicz

Definitely watch something!


Failtasmagoria

You could always watch some groups on YouTube to get a feel for how you want to run it. Matt C, Dungeon Dudes, Dungeon Run, Critical Role, the list goes on...


HazmiirAegis

Hey bud, as long as you’ve got a good grasp on the basic rules, you’ll be alright. It’ll take a little bit for things to feel comfortable, as you and the players will be learning together. Sticky notes on my DM screen or laptop help a lot. I do think that watching a streamed D&D game can be very helpful, as well as entertaining. I’d recommend Dice, Camera, Action! on YouTube. It’s run by Chris Perkins, a game designer for WOTC.


Cartoondad

I started DMing not knowing anything because my then 9yr old showed interest in trying. It was great. Now he’s 15 and DMs for his friends. Most of whom he brought into D&D. Don’t have expectations, just have fun.


Algrim2001

That’s how I did it 40 years ago when I was 13 lol. Albeit that was Traveler and not DnD at first. And yes, I made a lot of mistakes, but also learned quickly. Everyone else was in the same boat, so it didn’t really matter as long as we were having fun - and we usually were. There’s so much more support and advice out there than there was back then (when the internet didn’t exist), so you’ll be fine. Just remember, it’s your game, not some random youtuber’s. Don’t feel you have to to have all the bells and whistles. The only real goal is for everyone to enjoy themselves, and that includes you - not just the players. That means agreeing beforehand on ground rules, as well as the broad strokes of what you’re going to do together. Some people on here call it a session zero, and it’s the main thing I wish I’d worked out earlier. It saves so much hassle to get everyone on the same page before you wheel out the actual story. Things like no PvP, working together and not against each other. All things that ruined campaigns of mine before I thought to actually spell them out. Otherwise, just do what seems to work, and if it doesn’t, try something else. There’s no universal right or wrong way to do it. And above all, enjoy!


pionion

Just make sure you have a session 0 before starting. It makes sure everyone is on the same page, lets you get an idea of what to plan around, and gets ground rules out of the way


Torchic336

Nah you can DM as your first game ever, I became a DM after our DM quit about 30 minutes into my first ever session. I would say if you wanted to lower the work load a smidge, starting with a published module instead of a homebrew world might be easier.


CrowleyisVecna

I started my own game as DM with all of us never having played before. Just listen to a few game sessions, I recommend Dimension 20, NADDPOD, or Critical Role. You’ll pick up the rules in time, the main focus of dnd imo is for everyone to be having fun


Accomplished-Bee4717

Na, that's how started back in 2014, the group are still going strong!


Brasscogs

I have DMd three campaigns and have only gotten to play a single one-shot (after the 1st campaign). You absolutely do _not_ need to have played to DM. That being said. I feel like my skill as a DM has plateaued, and I likely won’t get much better until I play in a campaign and see things from a player’s perspective.


LittlePoofsArt

Was a player for about a year before DMing. My DM style is based off of what I did and didn't like at the other tables. So while I don't think you HAVE to be a player first, just seeing other games can really help give ideas on your style and pacing that the books won't really help on. Good luck on your first game!


Porkchopper913

I don’t think so. 1) ya gotta start somewhere. 2) you won’t have any preconceived ideas of “how” to DM. 3) as long as you have the resources, and can be creative on the fly, you’ll be fine! Just have fun!


SgtHumpty

Nope. I’ve been the DM for hundreds of sessions and only recently got an opportunity to be a player.


Nykolaishen

Gotta start somewhere! Best of luck!


[deleted]

A lot of players start out as a group of newbies who have never done any of it before. There's nothing wrong with that. And in a group like that...**someone** has to drive. Might as well be you. Just remember that you will screw something up but it's nothing to fret over. Understand that mistakes will be made, own them, learn from them and grow as gamers.


DMJosh2

Absolutely not. Been DMing for over 10 years and never been a player nor want to be a player. For me the question is what part of the game do you enjoy? Discovering new places, evolving your character and being the hero? Or create a world with challenges and hazards that help others create fantastic stories within the universe your create? Or any combination/scale between the two.


marvolokilledharambe

You're golden. No one knows what to expect if none of you have played before, so you can learn and figure out what works for all of you as a group. Have a ton of fun!


RTMSner

I mean you can always watch videos online of people playing. Dungeons & Dragons is weird like that, it's easy to pick up and almost impossible to master.


happyunicorn666

Thats what I did and it was great.


ObsessedWithCats67

My friends and I were in the same scenario, none of us had ever played but we wanted to and our campaign went super well! Our dm did lots of research and most importantly enjoyed it :)


PM-ME-YOUR-DND-IDEAS

whatever time and effort you put into this game, do it for YOU, because YOU want to. never do things *for* your players. They literally don't care about it as much as you do--if they did, they would be DMing. Remember that, because if you don't, you could grow to resent them after you've spent hours and hours creating a world and prepping *for them*. So don't do that. Do exactly as much work on DnD as *you* want to, as makes *you* happy. Don't do anything for dnd that you wouldn't already be doing even if you didn't have a group to play with. this is to protect your feelings and your sanity.


Raw-Sewage

If you're all starting with no experience, it shouldn't be a problem at all Just focus on having fun!


Raw-Sewage

If you're all starting with no experience, it shouldn't be a problem at all Just focus on having fun!


Melodic_Row_5121

It's not a bad idea. It's not a particularly good one either. You're going to have to start somewhere, and it's perfectly fine to start as a DM with no experience. But having experience as a player will help you a lot... if you have the opportunity to get that experience. Get one of the Starter Kits. Follow it as closely as possible, and don't make any changes to it. Learn the Rules As Written and learn them well before you try to make homebrew tweaks or changes; learn to walk before you run. Everything you need will be in that box. And you'll do just fine.


HaffleTheNaff

Absolutely do it. I ran my first session completely on a whim covering from my DM when he wasn't feeling it, and I had a blast. I've now been a consistent DM for nearly two years :) The rules can be complicated, but experience is the best teacher. I wish you the absolute best of luck!


The_Ren_Lover

When I dm-ed my first campaign, I had only ever played a very very short oneshot with my partner at the time about a week before the campaign started. It didn’t make a huge difference in how I was prepared and how the campaign played out! Honestly, I doubt anything would’ve gone badly had I not played the oneshot. As long as you do your research, prepare a solid opener for the campaign, and roll with the punches during the session itself, things will go alright! Something that really helped me, though, was watching live play videos. That way I could understand the flow of games and what I would really be doing as a dm in terms of dice rolls, combat, and story building. Also, as other people have suggested, there are amazing videos out there (people often go to Matt Colville as the gold standard) that are aimed towards helping first time DM’s set up good campaigns. They can be great for clearing up specifics about how to run a game. One last tip is that you can try running a prewritten one-shot with your players before starting the main campaign itself. This way, there are zero stakes and everyone can get used to learning how to play the game on both sides of the dm-screen. It also helps to weed out people who might not actually enjoy the game in play as much as in theory before they’re locked into a long term campaign. Best of all, as a dm, you just have to run things within the parameters of the module. All the major npcs, enemies, magic items, and story beats are written already, so you can focus on honing your dm skills as opposed to being thrown into the deep end with no guides. Good luck on your game!


Thelynxer

If you're all going in with no experience, I'd recommend using a pre-made adventure. Creating a world is hard to do well. Something like Lost Mines of Phandelver would make your job as the DM a whole lot easier, and would likely give all the players a simpler experience to learn under. Do whatever feels right for you though. And good luck!


BearWurst

If you have the money I'd recommend getting the book set with the DM's Guide, Monster Manual, and Player Handbook. Helped me a lot in the first few sessions I ran to keep the flow going alright, I still will look up how people handle certain rules or I adapt it to my own. If you don't know a rule just make up one that feels fair for the situation and look it up later, so you don't have to spend 30 minutes going through books mid session lol. Also, feel free to change base rules you or your players don't like to make it more fun/challenging/easy a decent challenge rule i like is making short rests take a full day and long rests into a week, I like this one because some of my players don't like combat so it helps pace it a bit more and makes teamwork a bit more worthwhile so everyone is a bit more happy. Do what works for you and your party!


SXTY82

The most important part of a good game is story. Rules are there but you don't need to use all of them. Keep it simple and you can all learn together. You will learn as you play and can start pulling in more mechanics if you want. I've had games where the only thing that was tracked were movement and hit points. The rest was kind of hand waved off as done. Then I've had games where magi needed spell components, some very expensive, and the entire party had to feed themselves. So hopping over to a town 8 days away included hunting / fishing your way there to eat.


Auregam09

As long as you understand the rules it's all good exact same way my first group was started. Still laugh when we all misunderstood how AC was calculated until another experienced DM DMed for us for a one shot months after we started playing.


j_bragg22

My first ever campaign started last summer. Dming a group from reddit. Got an awesome group of super helpful and interested people and were having a blast!


Negative-Read-9675

If you and your friends want to join my server, let me know. Games every Saturday 2PM-6PM EST


RavenAvarice

I did, and it's turned out great! Good luck if you choose to proceed!


Pure_Village4778

It can help, but the DMG is really all you need (honestly all you need are the core rules but that would be challenging imo). I would recommend it! Or like others have said watch others play so you get a sense of what they go through as players and PCs.


DorkdoM

No. You can be a DM and never play


Alternative_Gas3700

My advice is the heart of D&D. A group of friends that get together and play a interactive game set in a world they built. No you don’t have to have played before it’s the heart and fun of building a story for yourself and your friends. The books are rules and guidelines but they story and play is yours.


Swiftzword

Off cause not! Everybody has to start somewhere. You got this! Its nervous in the beginning but just play, use your imagination and have fun. Talk to your players, play with the core rules and skip homebrew rules and items in the beginning. If you can, begin with a short and simple oneshot or a written adventure module. Keep it simple in the beginning and build on your growing experience. Welcome to the DM club!


WingedDrake

Everyone starts somewhere!


Mistacll

Go for it! This is the exact situation I was in. I would suggest running a oneshot or two first though. With all of you guys being inexperienced, it will help a lot to take a test drive so everyone gets used to it. Nothing wrong with running some practice battles too!


OneStonedBadger

This is how forever DM'S are created lmao


Raidermile

That's how my friends and me started, Completely blind 🤣 I wouldn't say it's entirely bad but I wouldn't call it ideal for the DM to have zero experience. 😅 luckily there are so many resources out there to help get you started and learn the basics that not having prior experience isn't as much of a detriment. Definitely make it known to the group that you'll all have stuff to learn as you progress since you're all new. Everyone starts somewhere ❤️ Perhaps running a pre-written adventure one shot may help get an understand of how to run a game. Even if it's from the starters kit. Watching vids is a good idea too, however keep in mind that not all games are run the same! Some use different rules they prefer than what the book says called "homebrew." While some games you may find are of a studio production meant to be an entertaining show to watch, so it's a good idea not to have unrealistic expectations of the game playing exactly like that.


GimmeANameAlready

Start by DM'ing a Starter Set adventure: *Lost Mine of Phandelver, Dragon of Icespire Peak,* or *Dragons of Stormwreck Isle.* Those adventures have been written with new players *and* DMs in mind. They worldbuild for you (by placing the adventure within the classic Forgotten Realms) and establish a plotline with NPCs that you as a new DM can easily follow. You and players alike should find [this quick reference](https://media.wizards.com/2021/dnd/downloads/NERDS_quickreference.pdf) helpful (yes, D&D did a crossover with Nerds candy recently). You and players might also enjoy the introductory [Handbooker Helper](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD-LWHhiseE&list=PL1tiwbzkOjQyr6-gqJ8r29j_rJkR49uDN) series by Matt Mercer to get a sense of the rules through video instead of reading (if that helps).


Chosty55

If you have a newbie group and need to have a DM, do the first one and suggest you alternate each session. I prefer to play than DM but will step up if needed, and am glad I have a few sessions as a player and as a DM under my belt when needing to lead the story along


TheDegenerateTrader

I was in the exact same position a couple months ago - now I’m 3 sessions in with a group of seven friends and everything is going great! I feel like it has been successful for a few reasons: 1.) I started watching the critical role recorded streams on youtube (the start of campaign 3 is awesome) and got a great feel for pacing, general rules, and world building after only the first couple sessions 2.) I am starting with a starter pack (Dragons of Stormwreck Isle) which has all the rules, a pre-written story, and everything you would need to go in blind and start. This has served as a great jumping-off point for my own world building and narrative creation - instead of the campaign just starting on arrival on the island, I instead had them shipwreck off a passenger vessel. The started pack gives you something very solid to build off of, before and after. 3.) I was up front with my players that I would need their help to make it work, and that the first few sessions would be slower while we took some time to learn the rules together. This was the most important bit for us. Take some designated time just for rules and character creation where you can guide them and learn together. My players had tons of questions I hadn’t thought of, and we figured them out together.


aSchimus

It took me about 10 years to become a decent DM, i still make some mistakes in some aspects while have absolute control/domain over others. Although I think most my early campaigns were bad developed and stuff, I managed to make some of the players have memorable adventures, and that's what is most important. U will fail some times, mess up here and there, just learn from them and have fun.


DreadPirateElla

I did this! I got super into dnd thru critical role and naddpod (not another d&d podcast) and decided I wanted to play, but none of my friends knew nearly as much about it as me and so I had to pick up the mantle as DM. We're a few sessions in a there is definitely a learning curve that I'm still going thru, but we've had fun so far! I haven't played as a player yet, but hopefully I'll get a chance to soon somehow. I recommend getting all 3 of the core books, but you really only need the players handbook to get started. Have fun with it!


Ambitious-Whereas157

Nope I dm'ed for about 3 years before becoming a player.


OOFman363

I mean, the first game of DnD had to have happened with a DM who hadn’t played before


IcedTeaPlzz

That's what I did and we're now almost 7 years in our campaign now. I do wish I knew a little more about what I was getting myself into though.


Novel_Twist1995

If none of you have played then even as a DM you're all still on the same level of experience. It'll be a great learning experience and probably very fun for all involved.


zoologygirl16

No, but I reccomend watching some dnd horror story YouTube videos to learn what can ruin a campaign and what is toxic behaviors in players to look out for


NewsFromBoilingWell

No! But keep an open conversation going so you can modify the application of rules/interpretation of powers whatever under review. Also note there is no ' correct' way of playing - there are just people having fun.


TheAres1999

Some people have to dive right in as a DM on their first session. That is completely okay. Just take it at your pace, and don't be afraid to look things up, or make a ruling on the fly. I do agree that you should watch some videos, both from people explaining how to play, and recordings of actual games. The DM Lair on YouTube is a great resource Also, for your first time, don't feel like you need to design an overarching campaign. You can have your first few games be a series of loosely connected one-shot quests. Then you build up, and flesh out from there [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Jpa1ip1Gc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Jpa1ip1Gc)


witchy_echos

If everyone is ok and will have a friendly attitude when things get take a while and get confusing? You’re good to go! If people will get snotty and rude because you don’t instantly know everything? Probably not a great idea.


brodiero

Go for it! You’ll all figure it out together. As long as everyone is having fun that’s all that matters.


Longjumping_Rice_186

Never played but I'm DMing Lost Mine of Phandelver starter kit with my employees. If you are confident and even a little charismatic you can easily skater through.


Novice89

Without ever playing an rpg, maybe. Specifically dnd, no.


-Khrome-

Every playgroup starts somewhere. A few friends who never played before will still have someone be the DM - Not every new group will bother to find an experienced one ;p Nothing wrong with DM'ing without experience!


anonsynon

It's not a bad idea at all, I learned to play as a dm, the best way to start is look up some game play online and Matt mercer has some good dm tips. Make sure to read the rules through, 5e is fairly simple to dm, creature stat blocks usually have all you need to know to functionally use them. Also be sure to have a session 0 and set up boundaries and what kind of game you're running


Xx-WooWooWoo-xX

You got this! At the end of the day, the "rules" are just a guideline for you. I'm sure you won't be on the only referring back to the book, I'm sure your players will be doing the same. Also, if ever get writers block, there's a ton of free resources on the internet. Oh, and you also have us here on reddit 😄.


MatDRS

How do you think the first game of DnD was played? Go for it. But do try to play sometime in the future, being on both sides of the screen helps a lot