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Beginner Books and Adventures for New DMs

You don't need every book to start. The free rules on this site, built from the SRD 5.2.1, cover a first game. Here's what to add, in the order most new DMs need it.

1. A boxed starter set

A starter set bundles an adventure, pre-made characters, rules and dice. It's the easiest first purchase for a new group.

2. Free or low-cost first adventures

Short one-shots are ideal for a first session: one evening, a small map and a clear goal.

3. Books that make prep easier

These two are about how to prepare and run games, not rules, so they work with any edition.

4. The core rulebooks, when you want everything

The free SRD covers the core rules. The full books add every class option, more monsters and more DM advice.

Free on this site: conditions, spells, generators, and starter table gear.