Starting Dungeons & Dragons can feel overwhelming — especially for new players, parents, or adults curious about the game later in life. Do you need to know the rules? Buy books? Have experience?

In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian explains how D&D actually works, what new players truly need to start playing in 2026, and how to find welcoming, beginner-friendly tables both online and in person.

This episode focuses on lowering barriers to entry, setting realistic expectations, and helping new players enjoy the game without pressure or confusion.

This episode is ideal for:

Beginner resources, guides, and tools are available in the show notes.