The world of Role-Playing Games (RPG) is massive, with an expansive and rich culture behind it. So many worlds and stories to explore with endless possibilities! Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) now has more players than ever, and with more than 3,000 board games being published each year – gamers have a plethora of options to choose from.
The more I have thought about this, the more I have come to understand that getting into RPG’s is equally enticing as it is overwhelming.
You may be thinking to yourself, “How on earth do I even get into playing?” A great way to start, is by asking you self a few basic (but important) questions:
1. Who are you going to play with?
This is the big question! Who you play with will really dictate what game you are going to be playing, how often you will be playing, and who you are going to be as a character. Getting into the right group of people for what suits your lifestyle is a big deal.
Is there a group of people already playing an RPG you can jump into? This can be a great way to try out an RPG with some guidance, with no large expenses on your part.
Are you going to start a game with multiple people that are new to the RPG world as well? It could be a good idea to start with a role-playing game with simpler rules, and less time commitment.
2. What game sounds like the most fun?
Are you more into sci-fi, or fantasy? There is a huge range of RPGs from fantastical worlds with dragons and magic, or futuristic stories discovering new planets or fighting aliens; and even role-playing games centered around present day.
Ask yourself what is the most appealing to you? Follow your interests, and you will find it much easier to immerse yourself into the story. You'll be amazed at the number of options to choose from.
3. What is your budget?
The cost of Role-Playing Games varies greatly. Some just require copy of the core book or set (or even a digital copy), while others might require some extra purchases such as dice, models, tabletop sets or backgrounds, or extra manuals and books.
Core books range from $20-60, models are about $4-10, as well as dice sets from $5-15.
Really decide on a safe budget before you pick an RPG, this shouldn’t be a stressor to your life – it should be the opposite!
Once you have a basic understanding of what game you are going to play, and who you are going to play with, it is never a bad idea to check out videos online, or even join Social Media groups to stay connected, ask questions and get ideas!
If you don’t know of anyone playing an RPG, or cannot find friends that are interested, reach out to your local game stores, or find a group you can join via Facebook or Meetups.com. You will probably be surprised by the number of people playing in your hometown.
Though you may have some reservations about getting into an RPG, I can guarantee you that everyone can gain something from role-playing. When we play games together, we do more than just have fun -We learn more about ourselves and our friends or even our family. Quality and creative time can be rare in today’s world, Role-Playing Games can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life!
We would love to hear from you, what are your experiences playing RPGs, do you have any questions? Reach out to us at info@EntropyGamesAndCards.com. We would love to connect with you.
Peace, Love and LOOT,
Entropy Games