I would also suggest Volo's p. 209 for additional NPC stat blocks. Just as an addition to the list in the Monster Manual. All of this is amazing. Thank you!
I've always thought of these books like cookbooks, you don't read them cover to cover. Scan or check the index first, then use bits and pieces as you need them.
Then, after you do that enough times, just read all of it because there’s probably some obscure rule you needed that you couldn’t find in the index, happens to me a bunch
I would highly recommend *The Monsters Know What They're Doing* by Keith Ammann. While it's definitely not required reading for a beginner, it is a VERY good reference material for intermediate level dungeon masters running monsters in Dungeons and Dragons 5e.
What a great book. It breathes life into these creatures. Gives you a fresh set of eyes when looking at the stat blocks. And gave me so much inspiration.
Agreed. Goblins are a lot scarier when they drop an ambush and make a fighting retreat instead of appearing in the open and getting mowed down en masse by the barbarian.
I've read it through once and it was a lot to take in but very well-written and I'm keeping it around basically tied to my monster manual for reference to play basically any combat encounter. I'm planning a game for new players though, might have to take it a little easy the first few sessions (unless....?)
You guys are absolute treasures! I'm getting ready to start my 14 y/o daughter and her friends on their first adventure (phandelver) and I've been trying to brush up on my DMing. Thank you for everything you do, and I can't wait to get my hands on Drakkenheim! Please never stop doing what you do! ❤️
My daughter who has played for a couple years is now the DM. So of course she doesn’t know many spells and abilities players get when they level up. It’s great though because she loves the game so much that she is genuinely excited when anyone does something new. She always says”Oh what does that do?” I think the players are even more responsible for how their spells and actions work. Great video as always.✌️
It’s also based on a blog that’s completely free to read, both of which are written by Keith Amann. I haven’t read any of his paid books myself, but I’ve found his blog to be very inspiring and insightful.
This is so useful, because even after running games for a number of years, I always find the most helpful thing is to revisit the materials for information and inspiration.
The essential kit booklet or the starter kit one has enough about DMing to make running a game rudimentarily for a great price. DMG is mostly rules on building a setting, a dungeon, a homebrew rule. PH is about actually playing the game. adventuring, combat, travel, spells.
There is one set of books that completely shaped me into the DM I am today and they are the VanRichten guides to monsters ( the created above all else), they showed me how to craft truly memorable villains that were anything but cookie cutter and from the villains my imagination could quickly craft stories around them. I highly advise even seasoned DM's give them a shot you can thank me later!
@@infamoussky22 I got several of them originally back in 2nd ed them the rest when they reprinted them as a collection. I think drivethrurpg has them if you don't wanna spend a fortune for them on ebay
Seconded! But then again the majority of supplements from 2nd eds Ravenloft we're really good, in spite of the mad glut of products TSR kept pumping out at the time. Castles Forlorn remains one of my favourite modules of all time.
@@danboud8135 castles Forlorn was an amazing byox set, I couldn't agree more my friend. I can't understand why it along with many others have not gotten the Curse of Strahd update treatment you would think it'd be like printing money for them!
@@danboud8135 IMHO what drove players and DM's from the setting was when they started screwing with the time lines of various domains . It became a problem when one land was midevil horror fantasy then it's direct neighbor had gunpowder and that doesn't even include the victorian era shenanigans later books adapted to rip off EAP stories, although the grand conjunction brought some cool new darklords and lands into the setting it kinda killed any consistency
Thank y’all so much! You were already my favorite DND/RPG channel, but as I was “nominated” to run a campaign starting 1/9, this couldn’t have come at a better time. I am running a one shot 12/26 and will definitely run a zero on 1/2, so I’ll actually jump into Tasha’s and Xanathar’s to make sure my encounters are good to go! I’ll then work my way through the rest! Thanks again Dudes!
Good luck, you’ll do great! Just remember that you’ve got a lot going on as the DM so don’t stress when small things fall through the cracks. If you’re having fun and the PC’s are having fun then that’s YOUR D&D game.
"It's better to know where to find rules rather than having them perfectly memorised" This is very true in general life especially if you have a technical job. There's too much information to just know. It's always funny to me when someone asks me a question, I give them my magic staff to hold while I dig into the scrolls I have tucked into my pockets.
Another good thing to do when starting out DMing, is literally just sitting and watching some of the less homebrew streams of the game. (ie games that follow mostly the core rules) - there's a lot to learn from people who have walked the path before us.
THANK YOU- I've been playing and DM'ing for around 40 years, but I never thought of how I could bring this up to new and perspective DM's. The intimidation factor for the volumes of rules is a big reason more people don't TRY to DM. Being able to point out the sections that are NEEDED vs what you can skim/look over the Table of Contents to get a quick idea of is HUGE. I'm going to be pointing the members of my parties who have expressed some interest in playing but haven't worked up the courage to this.
This is incredibly helpful. I tend to be an overachiever who feels like if I don't read things cover to cover, I'm slacking, but as I prep for my first full campaign as a DM (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight -- can. not. wait!), I've been trying to be realistic about how to prep. This helped break down the essentials and gave me a great prep plan for the next few weeks until the adventure's release. Thanks, guys!
This should be essential for everyone to watch. I already showed this video to my entire crew. By far the most "new player/dm friendly" youtube video ever .. this 11/10 for content! AMAZING WORK!
Here I was taking screenshots of each section and bookmark, when you had it all neatly at the end and in the description. Running my first campaign in a month and I’m looking forward to it! Thank you!
Honestly if your brand new to DMing and you are not building a world from scratch don't worry about the DMG and MM too much just learn how the game works from the PHB. Also if your brand new I highly recommend a premade to start because it will help you understand how an adventure is supposed to work. Good luck to all the new DMs out there and try not to get frustrated when players foil your plans too easily just have fun.
As someone who played 1st ed with rules all over the place and NO INDEX, dnd 5th ed is blissful. Books are somewhat structured and you can find what you're looking for. The concept of action, bonus action and reaction is good to get a grip of.
This channel is just pure gold. So nice to hear, professional, so straight to the point, and the nice dynamic between the two of them. Thank you so much for your hard work. Its helping me a lot on how to DM in 5e.
I'm DMing for the first time this week and I'm excited by how much of this game has been opened up to me by getting to play this role. Thanks for the video guys.
The most vital reading I did to improve the combats in my games was to look up the monsters I had in store for my players on The Monsters Know What They're Doing. Unless combat is like a tertiary part of your game, I think reading that will make your encounters with monsters both more challenging and much more immersive. Really vital supplement to the Monster Manual flavor text and stat blocks.
As someone who is currently reading through these 3 books, and is also planning to DM for the first time to a table of newbies, this video is super helpful. Fortunately I actually LOVE reading through sourcebooks like these.
The DM's Guide is also a great reference for players too. It touches up & even clarifies some things that are a little vague in the PHB. So don't count out the PHB as "players only" & the DMG as "DM's only". They have incredibly useful things to both kinds of people in your group!
I started my first campaign as a DM about a year ago, so I think of myself as a newbie still. And you are listing basically exactly what I needed when starting.
I'm an infrequent DM, first time (not final time though) run was a 2+ year exploratory mission that was as much about the mostly newish players exploring as it was for me. Can confirm benefits after starting too! Great timing Dudes.
I got a coupon with the essentials kit and got the players guide for like 15 bucks on dnd beyond and it has helped a lot being able to search and everything
I love that you’re making a module of the Dungeons of Drakkenhiem. I started watching it about a month ago and I’m loving it so far! I’ve been playing for about a year and I’m going to be dm for my teen age kids starting next week. This video was perfectly timed for me.
I just want to say thank very much. I am a fairly new DM and was very unsure of where to start and how. Everyone just kept telling me to read the books, without guidance of what to read. As someone who is just planning to play with my kids, this gives me a better understanding on what to read. Thank you very much.
Great guide on esstinal areas to read up on and am not surpised by how much of the suggested sections had a table or footnote for the dm screen...those are so hopeful for quick reference. The only thing i would have liked to see you recap in this video would have been the quick look up and we wil rule this way for now hints you have given before. For any not familiar with this they are a set of guidelines that help keep the pace of your game going well. With about 10-20 seconds to find the rule if you cannot make a one time ruling and advise we will do this now but i will check and/or revise later. So useful when you can't find that rule that you remeber you read somewhere without losing the rythem of your game.
Yeah when I was starting all the rules were confusing and there were so many. Luckily there was a dnd channel that explains everything in a better way. Thanks guys
Currently binging the videos on your channel. I really appreciate the thought and care you put into your focused scripts. As a new player and aspiring DM, these are great resources.
I am just getting into dnd. Hope to see more videos like this. Thanks for not forgetting new players and dms. Idk if you have a video already but I got rime of the frostmaiden and had to delay the game because its harder to run than I thought I have no clue what I need to take notes on or memorize or whats ok to wing it on....if you haven't already a very detailed eli5 video on running premade adventures would be greatly appreciated. This video helps a lot though...thanks guys
Guys i found your Chanel last week, it's very helpfull for me. Saved time i can now use to work on my first homebrew campain. Luckily the Page numbers are nearly the same in the german versions. Realy enjoying your Videos😁👍
This is an outstanding video. Truly a worthwhile topic. As a DM who has read through the books and experienced a ton of trial and error, the pages mentioned do cut right to the heart of what you need to know. Bravo!
Super useful guys, I have DnD Beyond only so I had to spend some time making bookmarks on my browser, but these suggestions are perfect because we usually end up trying to find these exact things almost every session and I usually forget to make the bookmarks
I've been playing D&D for about a month now(3 sessions) and I've been working on having some close friends playing with me. I've started creating a new game to run if i can get enough players. This was exactly what i asked myself earlier this week. Thank you for everything.
I'm on west coast n America timings will be interesting, have a friend in S America might be interested when you're ready too. Been at it for a while, contact me if you need advice. Its always easier to deal with a tpk online rather than irl, by the way.
Luckily not planning a tpk, but as a first time it could turn into 1. That's why I'm taking it slow and getting a bit more experience as a player first, but I will be in contact.
A few weeks away from starting the new campaign. No official starting time yet(current dm is still finishing her campaign over the next month or two and I'm setting up mine) , but excited and really hope it'll be something exceptional for my group. Something I doubt either of them has experienced before. @d ford If you're interested, I'd be happy to hear from you. You're friend is more than welcome as well. We usually play at around 20:30 SAST(around 14:30 est/11:00 pdt) on a Monday.
There is ONE thing that experienced GM's don't know, and that is the history of the Forgotten Realm (assuming it takes place there). General timeline knowledge and so forth. It's like not knowing Einstein, the Vietnam conflict and local and major world politicians. It's something every GM really should work on reading through between games.
Guys this is going to help me SO MUCH, thank you 😍 I always get confused by the amount of stuff I need to remember, but now I feel more confident I can actually master my sessions
I love this video! I always recommend your videos to people asking for references and love how easy you guys make it is to understand even complex topics
Hey dudes, another great video. One thing I would like to suggest for the brand spanking new DM (on a shoe string budget) is just to read the free Basic Rules pdf on the WOTC website. It covers the same material as the PHB but with less complexity (only 4 races/classes), has enough magical items and monster stats to get started. For more options, the free Basic Rules on D&D Beyond seems to cover most of the core rules minus feats and the sub classes. And for a few dollars a session the DMs Guild may have some beginning adventures that include magical items & monster stats. I have noticed that the "AL approved adventures" seem to have all the required stats without need of DMG or MM (guessing AL material has the license to). And lastly the D&D Starter Set which is the best 20 bucks one can spend to get started on D&D as a player or DM.
Myself and some friends have just started playing and I said I'd DM. None of us have a clue really, we haven't played since 3.5, so our first session was about getting the mechanics right. After that session 2 of the others said they would like to DM as well so this will help us all out. A LOT! I'll have a greater understanding of what to do for our 2nd session when the group enters the Cragmaw Hideout from LMoP
Seriously. Even on Thanksgiving Day it was such a relief to sit down and count on the Dudes to take me away a little bit. I am so excited to see some of the new play test locations after the new year!
It’s like you guys read my mind. I’m planning to DM for my first campaign in about a month or 2 and seeing this video couldn’t have come at more opportune time.
This is a Real Good video. I've been DMing 5e for over 2 years, and running games for about 2 decades, but still haven't read through all of the DMG. It's really nice to have the sections I may be missing highlighted!
I started playing D&D a few months ago with some friends virtually and I am HOOKED. My mind immediately started coming up with all kinds of fun adventures and campaigns that I'd love to DM. But thanks to another video of yours, I decided to run Phandelver first with my D&D veteran brother and other members of the family so I can get a feel for how it's supposed to be before I dive into homebrews. Thanks for all your excellent information and advice, it's extremely helpful so far!
Love it! I requested this on the Discord, great to see it and it’s perfect how you pulled out the best sections. I read the DMG cover to cover and it was absurd.
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant -- as always. Thanks for all these awesome insight and taking the time to share in such a simple, quick format! LOVE THE DUNGEON DUDES!!!
Great content, Dudes. I have a nephew recently introduced to D&D who is chomping at the bit to DM. I always point him to youtube and all the great content available. This video will go a long way in getting him to DM without becoming overwhelmed (even I found useful and reassuring). Kudos!
This was completely perfect timing for me because I was going to run a game for the first time and I was thinking about this exact thing. There was no way that to DM I needed to read all of these books fully.
Well, there is a list of books to read for inspiration in the back of the Player's Handbook, originally created by Gygax for first edition and then expanded on for 5th edition.
Already made a comment days ago. Just had to say that this is probably your best advice video to date. Kudos. My nephew will eat this up. Thanks Dudes.
Best resource on game building for new DMs is Sly Flourish’s Lazy Dungeon Master 2. Absolutely great resource for building a quick game. Not good for world building but absolutely spot on for building an adventure. The best book for any DM is The Monsters Know What They’re Doing by Keith Amman. You’ll want this in paper version. As to what book you must read, the DND essentials booklet from any of the Starter Kits is all you need to DM. There is nothing for DMing in the Players Handbook that you don’t get in the Essentials Kit. Designate a player as your rules lawyer when questions come up. The DM should never do this. Let a player do it while you continue the game. The rest you learn as you go along. Xanathars and the Dungeon Masters guide has some great expanded rules, but nothing essential. The only hard book you absolutely must have as a DM is the Monsters Manual. Don’t forget to read the intro pages before jumping to the stats.
I am always excited to see the detailed breakdowns. I watch and constantly rewatch all these videos. Each time I pick up a new idea or am reminded of a mechanic I forgot or neglect. Great job. Thanks.
I would even suggest OSE/OSR. MUCH less expensive and rules light. However it's still D&D and you will get experience without having to lay out a lot of money. One of the OSR's is only $5, it's called Basic Fantasy. There's others like White Box, and Old School Essentials. If you're just starting as a DM, I'd go with these. They also allow you to play all of the old, classic modules that give so much flavor and amazing runs.
I am so going to use these pagenumbers!! I have been DM-ing Lost mines of Phandelver twice now after taking over from our DM after just 4 /5 playing sessions prior to that. I have been going up and down through my PHB and the startersets booklets for hours prior to the sessions and even soem while eacht time during. Mostly because i could remember a rule, but had no specific idea on where to search for it :P So THANK you very much for providing these bookmarks!!! It will enhance my enjoyment big time.
Do 2 players. Use a simple premade module . Tell players ur new.. build up after 7 games begin to add better modules and aftwr time add a player ..never go larger than 4ppl unless youvhave subsystems or a co dm. Maybe after 1yr .. u can go 4 to 5.. tell ur players if u have a 3cor 4 group ur new and if thry try to kill ur fun by being late or ego either redo ur campaign with a more fun group or make rules and make powergamers be challenged and hurt.. like adding poisin psionics throwcstuff in that will disable the unbeatable player without metagaming... if they dont let u b a dm then get another 2 pll. And shutdown that first group after 2 months.. hope u get some advice ..im a green dm for 5e but played since v2.0 ... i have had alot fun but alot ppl are wrecking fun.. if i werecu i would have players make claases race but tell thrm u will be using premade stats that way they cant cheat..if they dont like it then dont dm.. keeping the cheating down larter makes them appreciate how tough it is.. reward them and take criticism Hope ur doing well
i feel personally attacked cause i enjoy sitting down and reading the books cover to cover and even if i don't have 100% of it memorized i often only need a little nudge to remember and recall the information.
Preparing my first campain and this is gonna help a lot. You can look at the index but sometimes with all the material available its confusing sometime. Thanks for the content.
Here's the link to the Google Doc reading list: bit.ly/new-dm-reading-list
Thanks for this doc. Was scrambling to find post it notes while watching until I saw this😂
Love your videos guys ! the concept of this one is particularly nice
I've learned so much from you guys and Critical Role. Can't wait to finally run my own game.
I would also suggest Volo's p. 209 for additional NPC stat blocks. Just as an addition to the list in the Monster Manual. All of this is amazing. Thank you!
This doc is what I REALLY want on a DM screen!!😂
I've always thought of these books like cookbooks, you don't read them cover to cover. Scan or check the index first, then use bits and pieces as you need them.
Then, after you do that enough times, just read all of it because there’s probably some obscure rule you needed that you couldn’t find in the index, happens to me a bunch
And if you don't like it or can't do something, change it!
I like to read cover to cover first so I don't miss anything, then use the index to find the blurb I vaguely remember
This is such perfect timing. I am planning to dm for the first time after winter break.
Same! Good luck, my fellow first-timer!
I see we all needed this rn, gonna DM (for the first time) a campaign soon too
Im 5 sessions in, and fuck its fun
Wow same here. My group has been together for awhile but I'm taking iver as DM after we finish our current campaign
I’m right there with you brother.
I would highly recommend *The Monsters Know What They're Doing* by Keith Ammann. While it's definitely not required reading for a beginner, it is a VERY good reference material for intermediate level dungeon masters running monsters in Dungeons and Dragons 5e.
Loooooove their work. Breathes extraordinary life into running monsters.
Was blessed to get this for Christmas. Cannot recommend it highly enough.
What a great book. It breathes life into these creatures. Gives you a fresh set of eyes when looking at the stat blocks. And gave me so much inspiration.
Agreed. Goblins are a lot scarier when they drop an ambush and make a fighting retreat instead of appearing in the open and getting mowed down en masse by the barbarian.
I've read it through once and it was a lot to take in but very well-written and I'm keeping it around basically tied to my monster manual for reference to play basically any combat encounter. I'm planning a game for new players though, might have to take it a little easy the first few sessions (unless....?)
( @04:30 ) PHB "Introduction" - Pgs 5-8;
( @05:00 ) PHB "Using Ability Scores" {Ch 7} - Pgs 171-179 {DCs for Abilitiy Checks - Bookmark 174};
( @05:50 ) PHB "Adventuring" {Ch 8} - Pgs 181-186;
( @06:10 ) PHB "Combat" {Ch 9} - Pgs 189-198 {Actions in Combat - Bookmark 192};
( @07:20 ) PHB "Spellcasting" {Ch 10} - Pgs 201-205 {Concentration & Casting Times - Bookmark Pg 202};
( @08:50 ) PHB "Conditions" {Apx-A} - Pgs 290-292;
( @11:05 ) DMG "Introduction" - Pg 6;
( @11:20 ) DMG "Running the Game" {Ch 8} - Pgs 233-260
{Bookmark Pg 245 - Conversation DCs}
{Bookmark Pg 246 - Object ACs & Hit Points}
{Bookmark Pg 249 - Improvising Damage & damage per level};
( @13:50 ) Warning!!! DMG "Creating Encounters" should be replaced with XoGE "Encounter Building" - Pg 88-91;
( @14:20 ) DMG "Magic Items" {Ch 7, sec 3} - Pgs 135-227 should be used with...
( @14:50 ) XoGE "Magic Items" - Pg 135;
( @15:30 ) DMG "The Big Picture" {Ch 1, sec 1} - Pg 9;
( @16:05 ) TCoE "Session 0" - Pg 139;
( @17:00 ) Monster Manual - overview;
( @18:15 ) MM "Introduction" - Pgs 4-11 {Bookmark Pg 342 - NPCs}.
look at you! so prestigious, Dudes here is employee of the month.
Awesome. Thank you for this!
You rock
You guys are absolute treasures! I'm getting ready to start my 14 y/o daughter and her friends on their first adventure (phandelver) and I've been trying to brush up on my DMing. Thank you for everything you do, and I can't wait to get my hands on Drakkenheim! Please never stop doing what you do! ❤️
Aside from watching RUclips videos, I found much of the information I needed in the rule book that came with the Starter Kit.
My daughter who has played for a couple years is now the DM. So of course she doesn’t know many spells and abilities players get when they level up. It’s great though because she loves the game so much that she is genuinely excited when anyone does something new. She always says”Oh what does that do?” I think the players are even more responsible for how their spells and actions work. Great video as always.✌️
There is also a really interesting book called “the monsters know what they are doing”. It is really useful for monsters strategy
Highly recommended reading for understanding how creatures behave given their stat bloc.
It’s also based on a blog that’s completely free to read, both of which are written by Keith Amann.
I haven’t read any of his paid books myself, but I’ve found his blog to be very inspiring and insightful.
This is so useful, because even after running games for a number of years, I always find the most helpful thing is to revisit the materials for information and inspiration.
Glad it was helpful!
The essential kit booklet or the starter kit one has enough about DMing to make running a game rudimentarily for a great price. DMG is mostly rules on building a setting, a dungeon, a homebrew rule. PH is about actually playing the game. adventuring, combat, travel, spells.
There is one set of books that completely shaped me into the DM I am today and they are the VanRichten guides to monsters ( the created above all else), they showed me how to craft truly memorable villains that were anything but cookie cutter and from the villains my imagination could quickly craft stories around them. I highly advise even seasoned DM's give them a shot you can thank me later!
where can you get those books?
@@infamoussky22 I got several of them originally back in 2nd ed them the rest when they reprinted them as a collection. I think drivethrurpg has them if you don't wanna spend a fortune for them on ebay
Seconded! But then again the majority of supplements from 2nd eds Ravenloft we're really good, in spite of the mad glut of products TSR kept pumping out at the time. Castles Forlorn remains one of my favourite modules of all time.
@@danboud8135 castles Forlorn was an amazing byox set, I couldn't agree more my friend. I can't understand why it along with many others have not gotten the Curse of Strahd update treatment you would think it'd be like printing money for them!
@@danboud8135 IMHO what drove players and DM's from the setting was when they started screwing with the time lines of various domains . It became a problem when one land was midevil horror fantasy then it's direct neighbor had gunpowder and that doesn't even include the victorian era shenanigans later books adapted to rip off EAP stories, although the grand conjunction brought some cool new darklords and lands into the setting it kinda killed any consistency
Thank y’all so much! You were already my favorite DND/RPG channel, but as I was “nominated” to run a campaign starting 1/9, this couldn’t have come at a better time. I am running a one shot 12/26 and will definitely run a zero on 1/2, so I’ll actually jump into Tasha’s and Xanathar’s to make sure my encounters are good to go! I’ll then work my way through the rest! Thanks again Dudes!
Good luck, you’ll do great! Just remember that you’ve got a lot going on as the DM so don’t stress when small things fall through the cracks. If you’re having fun and the PC’s are having fun then that’s YOUR D&D game.
i would bookmark the equipment section of the phb for all the buying of stuff
"It's better to know where to find rules rather than having them perfectly memorised" This is very true in general life especially if you have a technical job. There's too much information to just know. It's always funny to me when someone asks me a question, I give them my magic staff to hold while I dig into the scrolls I have tucked into my pockets.
This is honestly the best advice you can get as a Dungeon Master.
I wish I had similar advice when I started 5 months ago....
Another good thing to do when starting out DMing, is literally just sitting and watching some of the less homebrew streams of the game. (ie games that follow mostly the core rules) - there's a lot to learn from people who have walked the path before us.
Now there's a good idea...
THANK YOU-
I've been playing and DM'ing for around 40 years, but I never thought of how I could bring this up to new and perspective DM's.
The intimidation factor for the volumes of rules is a big reason more people don't TRY to DM. Being able to point out the sections that are NEEDED vs what you can skim/look over the Table of Contents to get a quick idea of is HUGE.
I'm going to be pointing the members of my parties who have expressed some interest in playing but haven't worked up the courage to this.
You’re videos are so polished and fun to watch now. Kudos on leveling up guys!!!
This is incredibly helpful. I tend to be an overachiever who feels like if I don't read things cover to cover, I'm slacking, but as I prep for my first full campaign as a DM (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight -- can. not. wait!), I've been trying to be realistic about how to prep. This helped break down the essentials and gave me a great prep plan for the next few weeks until the adventure's release. Thanks, guys!
- I really appreciate how you guys break it all down in a clear, concise way. Terrific information. Keep up the great work.
This should be essential for everyone to watch. I already showed this video to my entire crew. By far the most "new player/dm friendly" youtube video ever .. this 11/10 for content! AMAZING WORK!
Here I was taking screenshots of each section and bookmark, when you had it all neatly at the end and in the description. Running my first campaign in a month and I’m looking forward to it! Thank you!
They tend to be pretty helpful in the description, I wish more RUclips channels used it as well.
Honestly if your brand new to DMing and you are not building a world from scratch don't worry about the DMG and MM too much just learn how the game works from the PHB. Also if your brand new I highly recommend a premade to start because it will help you understand how an adventure is supposed to work. Good luck to all the new DMs out there and try not to get frustrated when players foil your plans too easily just have fun.
As someone who played 1st ed with rules all over the place and NO INDEX, dnd 5th ed is blissful.
Books are somewhat structured and you can find what you're looking for.
The concept of action, bonus action and reaction is good to get a grip of.
As a first time dnd player and DM i found reading the corebooks incredibly exciting and really brought out my creativity.
This channel is just pure gold. So nice to hear, professional, so straight to the point, and the nice dynamic between the two of them. Thank you so much for your hard work. Its helping me a lot on how to DM in 5e.
I'm DMing for the first time this week and I'm excited by how much of this game has been opened up to me by getting to play this role. Thanks for the video guys.
I'm a seasoned DM that periodically reviews the material because my party is CONSTANTLY doing the unexpected and this video is a life-saver!
The most vital reading I did to improve the combats in my games was to look up the monsters I had in store for my players on The Monsters Know What They're Doing. Unless combat is like a tertiary part of your game, I think reading that will make your encounters with monsters both more challenging and much more immersive. Really vital supplement to the Monster Manual flavor text and stat blocks.
As someone who is currently reading through these 3 books, and is also planning to DM for the first time to a table of newbies, this video is super helpful. Fortunately I actually LOVE reading through sourcebooks like these.
The DM's Guide is also a great reference for players too. It touches up & even clarifies some things that are a little vague in the PHB. So don't count out the PHB as "players only" & the DMG as "DM's only". They have incredibly useful things to both kinds of people in your group!
I started my first campaign as a DM about a year ago, so I think of myself as a newbie still.
And you are listing basically exactly what I needed when starting.
You don't need to know the stats of an Astral Dreadnought to run a campaign from level 1 to 10.
You don’t need to read all of the rules but you get to read all of the rules. I love it.
After so many years this video is still up to date and providing us masters with incredible value. Thanks. Great job.
I'm an infrequent DM, first time (not final time though) run was a 2+ year exploratory mission that was as much about the mostly newish players exploring as it was for me. Can confirm benefits after starting too! Great timing Dudes.
One advice I have is You can check almost everything online to save time on 5e wikidot , Roll 20 and DND beyond .
I got a coupon with the essentials kit and got the players guide for like 15 bucks on dnd beyond and it has helped a lot being able to search and everything
Don't know about 5e wikidot but on d&d beyond and roll 20 you do have to buy resources to go much beyond the basic rules.
@@malcolmrowe9003 wikidot is free and super simple to search through. Now rulebooks you'd need to download
I love that you’re making a module of the Dungeons of Drakkenhiem. I started watching it about a month ago and I’m loving it so far!
I’ve been playing for about a year and I’m going to be dm for my teen age kids starting next week. This video was perfectly timed for me.
I just want to say thank very much. I am a fairly new DM and was very unsure of where to start and how. Everyone just kept telling me to read the books, without guidance of what to read. As someone who is just planning to play with my kids, this gives me a better understanding on what to read. Thank you very much.
Thank you for these. I've been DMing for abt a year and I couldn't have done it without your videos!!
Very helpful, as a person who is trying to return to the game this makes things much easier. Thank you
Great guide on esstinal areas to read up on and am not surpised by how much of the suggested sections had a table or footnote for the dm screen...those are so hopeful for quick reference.
The only thing i would have liked to see you recap in this video would have been the quick look up and we wil rule this way for now hints you have given before.
For any not familiar with this they are a set of guidelines that help keep the pace of your game going well.
With about 10-20 seconds to find the rule if you cannot make a one time ruling and advise we will do this now but i will check and/or revise later.
So useful when you can't find that rule that you remeber you read somewhere without losing the rythem of your game.
Yeah when I was starting all the rules were confusing and there were so many. Luckily there was a dnd channel that explains everything in a better way. Thanks guys
Thank you! I literally just started my first campaign yesterday with my friends. You guys are great!
Currently binging the videos on your channel. I really appreciate the thought and care you put into your focused scripts. As a new player and aspiring DM, these are great resources.
I'm that wierdo that loves the textbook rules, and gleefully read the PHB and DMG cover to cover. but I by no means memorized everything!
I am just getting into dnd. Hope to see more videos like this. Thanks for not forgetting new players and dms.
Idk if you have a video already but I got rime of the frostmaiden and had to delay the game because its harder to run than I thought I have no clue what I need to take notes on or memorize or whats ok to wing it on....if you haven't already a very detailed eli5 video on running premade adventures would be greatly appreciated.
This video helps a lot though...thanks guys
This video might help you out a bit! ruclips.net/video/fcjK8oXEx5I/видео.html
Also yes, we do hope to do more videos for newer players and DMs
Guys i found your Chanel last week, it's very helpfull for me. Saved time i can now use to work on my first homebrew campain. Luckily the Page numbers are nearly the same in the german versions. Realy enjoying your Videos😁👍
I wanted to start dming, the timing is just on spot! Great video, many thanks 😁
Thank yal for having this. It helped me so much as being a new DM/ player, and running my first campain with 6 new plavers.
I really miss the sword slashing cut to open the video.
Christmas came early, I'm just starting in the world of d&d as a DM and didn't know where to start thank you Dungeon Dudes
This is an outstanding video. Truly a worthwhile topic. As a DM who has read through the books and experienced a ton of trial and error, the pages mentioned do cut right to the heart of what you need to know. Bravo!
Super useful guys, I have DnD Beyond only so I had to spend some time making bookmarks on my browser, but these suggestions are perfect because we usually end up trying to find these exact things almost every session and I usually forget to make the bookmarks
I've been playing D&D for about a month now(3 sessions) and I've been working on having some close friends playing with me. I've started creating a new game to run if i can get enough players.
This was exactly what i asked myself earlier this week. Thank you for everything.
Where, I could squeeze another game in, sometime, maybe?
@@dford4014South Africa.
I'll let you know. Only recently started, So still got a lot of work to do.
I'm on west coast n America timings will be interesting, have a friend in S America might be interested when you're ready too. Been at it for a while, contact me if you need advice. Its always easier to deal with a tpk online rather than irl, by the way.
Luckily not planning a tpk, but as a first time it could turn into 1. That's why I'm taking it slow and getting a bit more experience as a player first, but I will be in contact.
A few weeks away from starting the new campaign. No official starting time yet(current dm is still finishing her campaign over the next month or two and I'm setting up mine) , but excited and really hope it'll be something exceptional for my group. Something I doubt either of them has experienced before.
@d ford
If you're interested, I'd be happy to hear from you. You're friend is more than welcome as well. We usually play at around 20:30 SAST(around 14:30 est/11:00 pdt) on a Monday.
There is ONE thing that experienced GM's don't know, and that is the history of the Forgotten Realm (assuming it takes place there). General timeline knowledge and so forth. It's like not knowing Einstein, the Vietnam conflict and local and major world politicians. It's something every GM really should work on reading through between games.
In the past there was one section I really found useful. Xanathar’s Ch. 2 page 92-112 random encounters.
Guys this is going to help me SO MUCH, thank you 😍 I always get confused by the amount of stuff I need to remember, but now I feel more confident I can actually master my sessions
I love this video! I always recommend your videos to people asking for references and love how easy you guys make it is to understand even complex topics
13:54 Kelly, you can make a career in modelling for sales adverts or game shows xD
Hey dudes, another great video. One thing I would like to suggest for the brand spanking new DM (on a shoe string budget) is just to read the free Basic Rules pdf on the WOTC website. It covers the same material as the PHB but with less complexity (only 4 races/classes), has enough magical items and monster stats to get started. For more options, the free Basic Rules on D&D Beyond seems to cover most of the core rules minus feats and the sub classes. And for a few dollars a session the DMs Guild may have some beginning adventures that include magical items & monster stats. I have noticed that the "AL approved adventures" seem to have all the required stats without need of DMG or MM (guessing AL material has the license to). And lastly the D&D Starter Set which is the best 20 bucks one can spend to get started on D&D as a player or DM.
Sounds like you can make a whole new video for essential reading for the new DM on a budget ;)
Myself and some friends have just started playing and I said I'd DM. None of us have a clue really, we haven't played since 3.5, so our first session was about getting the mechanics right. After that session 2 of the others said they would like to DM as well so this will help us all out. A LOT! I'll have a greater understanding of what to do for our 2nd session when the group enters the Cragmaw Hideout from LMoP
Perfect. I’m trying to get my own game up and going at the beginning of the new year
Merry holidays boys and from the bottom of my heart thank you for being the most consistent and quality content creators in my feed🥳🎄🐉
Seriously. Even on Thanksgiving Day it was such a relief to sit down and count on the Dudes to take me away a little bit.
I am so excited to see some of the new play test locations after the new year!
I'd also recommend 143-149 of the equipment section, just to be familiar with the common weapons and armor and how they work.
It’s like you guys read my mind. I’m planning to DM for my first campaign in about a month or 2 and seeing this video couldn’t have come at more opportune time.
A DM screen can help a ton. Then, add another page of your own quick reference notes.
This is a Real Good video.
I've been DMing 5e for over 2 years, and running games for about 2 decades, but still haven't read through all of the DMG. It's really nice to have the sections I may be missing highlighted!
Read through the Players handbook. cannot recommend that enough. the DM's guide is a good reference to skim.
I started playing D&D a few months ago with some friends virtually and I am HOOKED. My mind immediately started coming up with all kinds of fun adventures and campaigns that I'd love to DM. But thanks to another video of yours, I decided to run Phandelver first with my D&D veteran brother and other members of the family so I can get a feel for how it's supposed to be before I dive into homebrews. Thanks for all your excellent information and advice, it's extremely helpful so far!
Love it! I requested this on the Discord, great to see it and it’s perfect how you pulled out the best sections. I read the DMG cover to cover and it was absurd.
FINALLY A VIDEO THATS STRAIGHT FORWARD!!! Thank you so much ❤
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant -- as always. Thanks for all these awesome insight and taking the time to share in such a simple, quick format! LOVE THE DUNGEON DUDES!!!
Guys, this video is fantastic! You 2 are to the D&D RUclips space what MeandMyGolf is to the golf RUclips space. So freaking helpful! Thx!
Going into Dm role in a month, really appreciate this little guide cheers guys =)
I would love a video on bladesingers. These so little content on them, or at least on Gish in general.
I second this, quite literally
Great content, Dudes. I have a nephew recently introduced to D&D who is chomping at the bit to DM.
I always point him to youtube and all the great content available. This video will go a long way in getting him to DM without becoming overwhelmed (even I found useful and reassuring). Kudos!
Holy shit, this is the exact video I was hoping to find, thank you for making this 3 years ago.
This was completely perfect timing for me because I was going to run a game for the first time and I was thinking about this exact thing. There was no way that to DM I needed to read all of these books fully.
I'm the DM for my friends, and now one wants to try DMing us, so this will help a lot. Thanks guys!
When I saw the title, I expected ideas for inspirational reading - a list of fantasy books or something.
Maybe you could make that for a future video!
Well, there is a list of books to read for inspiration in the back of the Player's Handbook, originally created by Gygax for first edition and then expanded on for 5th edition.
Already made a comment days ago. Just had to say that this is probably your best advice video to date. Kudos. My nephew will eat this up. Thanks Dudes.
Merry Xmas to one of my favorite recently found pair of creators.
Best resource on game building for new DMs is Sly Flourish’s Lazy Dungeon Master 2. Absolutely great resource for building a quick game. Not good for world building but absolutely spot on for building an adventure.
The best book for any DM is The Monsters Know What They’re Doing by Keith Amman. You’ll want this in paper version.
As to what book you must read, the DND essentials booklet from any of the Starter Kits is all you need to DM. There is nothing for DMing in the Players Handbook that you don’t get in the Essentials Kit. Designate a player as your rules lawyer when questions come up. The DM should never do this. Let a player do it while you continue the game. The rest you learn as you go along.
Xanathars and the Dungeon Masters guide has some great expanded rules, but nothing essential.
The only hard book you absolutely must have as a DM is the Monsters Manual. Don’t forget to read the intro pages before jumping to the stats.
Just bought all 3 core books, Xanathar's guide and Out of the Abyss. Thanks for the advice!
Very helpful for first-time Dungeon Masters. Nicely done. Thanks, guys.
I am always excited to see the detailed breakdowns. I watch and constantly rewatch all these videos. Each time I pick up a new idea or am reminded of a mechanic I forgot or neglect. Great job. Thanks.
I would even suggest OSE/OSR. MUCH less expensive and rules light. However it's still D&D and you will get experience without having to lay out a lot of money. One of the OSR's is only $5, it's called Basic Fantasy. There's others like White Box, and Old School Essentials. If you're just starting as a DM, I'd go with these. They also allow you to play all of the old, classic modules that give so much flavor and amazing runs.
what are the full titles behind these acronyms? :3
@@lochiness. old school essentials. Old school resurgence
I know older video, but awesome video guys!!!! Excellent starting point
Thank you Dudes!! You made this DM (Who is teaching an even newer DM) very happy. Those Page numbers are clutch!!
You guys are amazing, I was reading cover to cover and this helped me so much.
I am so going to use these pagenumbers!! I have been DM-ing Lost mines of Phandelver twice now after taking over from our DM after just 4 /5 playing sessions prior to that.
I have been going up and down through my PHB and the startersets booklets for hours prior to the sessions and even soem while eacht time during.
Mostly because i could remember a rule, but had no specific idea on where to search for it :P
So THANK you very much for providing these bookmarks!!!
It will enhance my enjoyment big time.
Being a very slow reader myself, this is very helpful. Thanks alot.
Their is no way! I literally started DMing 2days ago!
Do 2 players. Use a simple premade module . Tell players ur new.. build up after 7 games begin to add better modules and aftwr time add a player ..never go larger than 4ppl unless youvhave subsystems or a co dm. Maybe after 1yr .. u can go 4 to 5.. tell ur players if u have a 3cor 4 group ur new and if thry try to kill ur fun by being late or ego either redo ur campaign with a more fun group or make rules and make powergamers be challenged and hurt.. like adding poisin psionics throwcstuff in that will disable the unbeatable player without metagaming... if they dont let u b a dm then get another 2 pll. And shutdown that first group after 2 months.. hope u get some advice ..im a green dm for 5e but played since v2.0 ... i have had alot fun but alot ppl are wrecking fun.. if i werecu i would have players make claases race but tell thrm u will be using premade stats that way they cant cheat..if they dont like it then dont dm.. keeping the cheating down larter makes them appreciate how tough it is.. reward them and take criticism
Hope ur doing well
i feel personally attacked cause i enjoy sitting down and reading the books cover to cover and even if i don't have 100% of it memorized i often only need a little nudge to remember and recall the information.
Wow this is perfect, aftet playing for a few years I dm'd for the first time ever yesterday and this comes out today
Guides like this is why I love and always recommend your channel.
Preparing my first campain and this is gonna help a lot. You can look at the index but sometimes with all the material available its confusing sometime. Thanks for the content.
Thank you. This has been the most useful video for me as beginning DM.