What's the Best Way to Get Into DnD?

[Kidpen he/him]

I know a lot of you play Dungeons and Dragons, so I was wondering what the best way to begin is. I have some friends who play, and I was thinking about joining them. I've never really done anything like this before. Who knows, if I like it, I might check out the MAG.

[Modal Seoul he/him]

A LARP session.

[Archer he/him]

If you know a Dungeon Master, or someone who knows a lot about D&D, that's a good start. There's a book called the Player's Handbook that explains everything you need to know in detail, but everything is online these days so if you don't have a copy, no big deal. Your friends can probably explain most things to you as you go. (learn what version of the game the people you know are playing, there are subtle differences) Technically, to start playing, all you need is a character sheet. This is a page that you make explaining what you're character is, their hp, their spells, their equipment, their money, their bonuses, their skills, their alignment... everything. You can find it online, and the numbers on it are generated by your class and some one-time dice rolling. To learn gameplay, like the round system, initiative, attacks, rolling (and why there's so many sizes of dice) I'd recommend sitting in on a game just to watch. You'll learn pretty quickly that the game boils down to kill everything you meet and steal their stuff. 

(personal recommendation: be an elf. Their dexterity bonus is amazing. And I like playing as a cleric. Wizards may have better spellcasting ability, but are otherwise useless in a fight. Clerics can stab you, save your soul, and kill you with magic. It's a win-win.) 

[Iarwainiel I she/her]

I've never played either, but a group of friends from (of all things!) one of my professional societies plays D&D at some of the conferences and they're really kind to newbies. I'm really hoping to join them next time.

Also, you'd be surprised at how many people - of all ages - have never played D&D and are just now wanting to get into it. I was surprised to learn that I'm far from the only one.

Hope you find a friendly group and have fun @Kidpen !

[Bort he/him]

Ask your friends if you could sit in on one of their sessions and observe.

And as has already been mentioned, take a look at the Players' Handbook. That will give you an idea of what races and classes there are.

Unlike @Archer though, I don't recommend being an Elf. Yes, their dexterity bonus is nice, but they also receive a constitution penalty, so fewer hitpoints.

[Elandera she/her]

I recently started getting into Pathfinder, because that's what my friend plays. She wanted to try out DMing, and I wanted to get into playing. We couldn't find anyone else that could join with our odd hours, but it worked out well. It helped me get my feet wet with RP gaming without the pressure of people taking it too seriously. The key from what I've heard is finding a group that you're familiar with, and that will help mentor you through the first bit. It's pretty easy to get the hang of though.

There are also some different play styles. You have groups/DMs that lean heavily on rules. Others that are a little more freeform, and some that will bend rules as long as it's within the RP. Some people focus more on the characters and story, others on winning. It's best if you get a group that fits your style.