Dive into the world of Dungeons & Dragons with our comprehensive guide to the best online resources. Whether you’re a seasoned Dungeon Master or a fresh-faced player, the vast universe of D&D can sometimes feel overwhelming. Luckily, the online community is brimming with incredible content creators dedicated to helping you enhance your tabletop experience. From insightful podcasts and informative blogs to engaging video content, we’ve curated a list of essential resources to elevate your D&D game. Let’s explore these fantastic platforms that offer invaluable advice, inspiration, and community connection for every D&D enthusiast.
Podcasts: Listening to the Experts
Podcasts are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the D&D world while on the go. They offer a diverse range of content, from gameplay discussions and DM tips to interviews with industry professionals.
The RPG Academy
For a well-rounded perspective on tabletop role-playing games, The RPG Academy podcast is an excellent choice. This podcast network features a variety of shows covering numerous topics relevant to both players and Dungeon Masters. They delve into game mechanics, storytelling techniques, and offer practical advice for running engaging sessions. What truly sets The RPG Academy apart is their strong community focus, culminating in their annual convention, AcadeCon, held in Dayton, Ohio. This intimate convention provides a unique opportunity to meet the creators, learn new games, and connect with fellow tabletop enthusiasts in a welcoming environment.
Website: http://therpgacademy.com/
Blogs and Articles: In-Depth D&D Knowledge
For those who prefer to learn through reading, numerous blogs and online articles offer detailed insights into D&D rules, world-building, and DMing strategies.
Unearthed Arcana
Direct from the source, Wizards of the Coast’s Unearthed Arcana articles are a must-read for any D&D enthusiast interested in the game’s development. This series provides a sneak peek into playtesting materials, including new subclasses, races, and rulesets that are being considered for official publication. Many popular options that have become staples in D&D 5th Edition, such as subclasses from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, originated in Unearthed Arcana. It’s an invaluable resource for players seeking more character options and for DMs wanting to stay ahead of the curve. However, remember that Unearthed Arcana content is playtest material and requires DM approval before use in your games.
Website: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/unearthed-arcana
Sage Advice
Navigating the intricacies of D&D rules can sometimes be challenging. Sage Advice, authored by Jeremy Crawford, the lead designer of D&D 5th Edition, is your go-to resource for rule clarifications. Crawford addresses frequently asked questions from the D&D community, providing official rulings and interpretations of the game’s mechanics. His articles and publicly available document of answered questions are essential for DMs and players alike who want to ensure they are playing according to the intended rules. For any rule debate or clarification needed at your table, Sage Advice should be your first stop.
Website: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/sage-advice
The Angry GM
The Angry GM offers a unique and often provocative perspective on Dungeon Mastering. While his persona may be abrasive to some, beneath the anger lies a wealth of insightful and often game-changing advice. The Angry GM challenges conventional DMing wisdom, prompting readers to critically examine their own approaches to rules, systems, and game management. His articles often encourage DMs to think deeply about game design and player engagement. Approaching his content with an open mind and a grain of salt can lead to significant improvements in your DMing style, even if his direct style isn’t always palatable.
Website: http://theangrygm.com/
Tribality
For DMs seeking to expand their game with professionally crafted homebrew content, Tribality is an excellent resource. This website is populated by experienced game designers who create a wide range of D&D content, including adventures, settings, and rule supplements. Tribality offers high-quality, well-designed material that can seamlessly integrate into your D&D campaigns. Exploring their archives is a worthwhile endeavor for DMs looking to add unique and polished elements to their games beyond official publications.
Website: http://www.tribality.com/
Vlogs and YouTube Channels: Visual D&D Inspiration
Video content has become an incredibly popular way to learn and engage with the D&D community. YouTube offers a plethora of channels dedicated to providing DM advice, product reviews, and entertaining gameplay examples.
Matt Colville
Matt Colville is a prominent figure in the online D&D community, renowned for his insightful and practical DMing advice. His YouTube channel is a treasure trove of videos covering a vast range of topics, from basic DMing techniques to advanced storytelling strategies. Colville’s strength lies not only in the quality of his advice but also in his ability to articulate the reasoning behind it. He often shares personal anecdotes from his decades of D&D experience, illustrating valuable lessons and providing relatable examples. For both new and experienced DMs, Matt Colville’s channel is an invaluable resource for improving your game.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkVdb9Yr8fc05_VbAVfskCA
Geek & Sundry
Geek & Sundry, known for popular shows like Critical Role, offers a variety of D&D-related content, including the GM Tips series. Hosted by Matt Mercer and Satine Phoenix, GM Tips features discussions on DMing techniques, interviews with prominent game masters (including Matt Colville), and practical advice for running engaging and memorable games. This series provides a different format for learning DM tips, offering a conversational and interview-style approach that complements written and solo video content. Geek & Sundry is a great platform for discovering a wide range of content and personalities within the D&D community.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/geekandsundry
Nerd Immersion
Ted from Nerd Immersion offers a diverse range of nerdy content, and his YouTube channel includes a dedicated section for D&D advice and product reviews. Nerd Immersion provides practical DM tips alongside reviews of the latest D&D books and accessories, offering a balanced perspective for DMs looking to stay informed about new releases and improve their game. Ted’s approachable style and wide range of topics make Nerd Immersion a valuable channel for D&D enthusiasts seeking both advice and entertainment.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/nerdimmersion
Encounter Roleplay
Encounter Roleplay offers a unique perspective by showcasing D&D as a full-time profession. Their Twitch streams and YouTube channel feature extensive D&D gameplay, providing viewers with examples of excellent DMing in action. Beyond gameplay, Encounter Roleplay also produces educational content, including the “Learn by Play” series, where DM Will explains his decision-making process during games, and the “Beginner’s Play” series, designed for newcomers to D&D. By watching Encounter Roleplay, you can learn by example and gain insights into the practical application of DMing techniques.
Twitch Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/encounterroleplay
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/encounterroleplay
Exploding Dice
Exploding Dice, hosted by Askren on Twitch and YouTube, focuses on interviews with members of the D&D community. In his “Fuzzy Dice” show, Askren interviews Twitch streamers, game designers, and other creators within the D&D space, providing a platform to discover new voices and perspectives. Exploding Dice is a great resource for expanding your network within the D&D community and learning about different approaches to game creation and streaming.
Twitch Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/explodingdice
Fuzzy Dice Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9iGuM1hMPI&list=PLeHJ3viSmlZV9G43INT6zTZtKlrgjPcTh
Expanding Your D&D Horizons
This guide provides a starting point for exploring the vast world of online D&D resources. The D&D community is constantly evolving, with new content creators and platforms emerging regularly. We encourage you to delve deeper into these resources, explore related content, and contribute to the community by sharing your own discoveries. Are there other essential D&D guides or resources that you believe should be included? Share your recommendations in the comments below! We are always looking to expand this guide and provide the most comprehensive resource for D&D players and DMs.
