Key Points: What to Bring to a DnD Session

• DnD Player Essentials
• Extra Gear That Makes DnD Sessions More Fun
• Personal Comfort Items (Non-Essentials)
• How to Prepare Mentally for Your Session
• Additional Items for Dungeon Masters

DnD Player Essentials

If you are a first-time player of DND, Here’s what to bring to your first DND session! Before you dive into the adventure, make sure you have these essentials:

• Dice: The heart of DnD. A basic polyhedral set is a must (d20, d12, d10, d8, d6, d4). Many players love to collect different dice sets, so don’t be afraid to add to your collection over time.
• Character Sheet: This is your personal record of abilities, stats, equipment, and hit points. It’s essential for keeping track of your progress and actions.
• Pen and Paper: For taking notes, updating your character, or marking your progress during quests.
• An Open Mind: DnD is about imagination and fun! Don’t worry if you don’t know every rule—just focus on playing your character and enjoying the experience.
• Notebook: If you don’t fancy a sheet of paper, you can bring a notebook for taking quick notes on story beats, NPC names, and key items that can help you stay immersed.

Pro Tip: Invest in a dice tray or an organiser to avoid losing dice in the heat of battle!

Extra Gear That Makes DnD Sessions More Fun

While our initial list of DND player essentials is crucial, these extra items can also elevate your experience:

• Miniatures & Tokens: Not mandatory, but these add a visual flair to the game. They help track movement and positions during combat or other interactions.
• Battle Maps & Gridded Paper: While DMs usually provide battle maps, having your own gridded paper can help track your character's movement or add your notes of the battle. These visual aids keep everything organised during encounters.
• Rulebooks/Player’s Handbook: It’s always good to have a copy handy for referencing spells, abilities, and rules that come up during the session.
• Dice Bags: Keeping your dice safe and easily accessible can speed up gameplay. Plus, it’s another fun way to show off your style!
• Tablet or Phone Apps: Apps like D&D Beyond can be lifesavers for quickly referencing rules, rolling virtual dice, or managing character sheets.

Personal Comfort Items (Non-Essentials)

While the focus should be on the game, your comfort while also playing is essential for those long sessions. Here are some items that might not be necessary but certainly improve your experience:

• Snacks and Drinks: Energy for the long haul. Bring a water bottle and perhaps some snacks to keep you going through the session.
• Comfortable Clothing: A ShopDnD “Cure Wounds” hoodie or a Netflix and Chill touch tee, anyone? Comfortable clothes ensure you’re ready for hours of rolling and storytelling.
• Portable Fan/Heater: If you're playing in a fluctuating environment, these small comfort items can make a big difference.
• Pillows/Blankets: For those at-home sessions, these can make a world of difference to your comfort.

Fun Fact: Don’t underestimate the power of comfortable seats—your back will thank you later.

How to Prepare Mentally for Your Session

You’ve got the gear, but don’t forget to prepare mentally:

• Set Expectations: Are you diving into heavy combat, or is your session more about character development and storytelling? Knowing the tone of the session will help you mentally gear up.
• Role-Playing Mindset: Think about your character’s motivations and personality. How do they react to different situations? Don’t worry about getting it perfect—just have fun!
• Let Go of Perfection: No one’s expecting you to know every rule or have every answer. Focus on the enjoyment and creativity of the game.
• Engage with Fellow Players: DnD is a social game. Be open to collaboration, respect everyone’s playstyle, and contribute to the fun

Bonus Tip: If you struggle with stage fright, try practising your character’s voice or mannerisms in private before the session.

Additional Items for Dungeon Masters

As a Dungeon Master, you’ll need a few extra tools to keep the game flowing smoothly:

• DM Screen: Hide your notes, dice rolls, and secrets from the players. It’s essential for keeping the mystery alive.
• Props: If you want to up the immersion, bring physical objects like maps, puzzles, or even special items for players to interact with.
• Sound Effects: Many DMs use music or sound effects to enhance the atmosphere, whether it’s the eerie sounds of a dungeon or the clashing of swords.
• Campaign Notes & NPC Names: Keeping a quick reference list of character names and plot points can prevent unnecessary delays during gameplay.

Quick Tip: A well-prepared DM ensures that everyone has a fun time, whether it’s through careful planning or spontaneous moments of creativity.

What to Avoid Bringing to a DnD Session

While bringing the right gear is essential, there are some things you should avoid:

• Distractions (Phones, Unrelated Conversations): Try to stay engaged in the game rather than checking social media.
• Strong-Smelling Food: Snacks are great, but be mindful of overpowering smells that might bother others at the table.
• Negativity: DnD is about fun! Don’t bring a bad attitude—embrace the story and roll with whatever happens.

Packing Your DnD Bag: Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you have everything:

✅ Dice Set
✅ Character Sheet
✅ Notebook & Pen
✅ Rulebooks/Player’s Handbook
✅ Miniatures/Tokens (If Needed)
✅ Dice Tray/Dice Bag
✅ Battle Maps or Gridded Paper
✅ Snacks & Drinks
✅ Comfortable Clothing
✅ Tablet or Phone with D&D Apps

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to bring my own dice?

Not always! Some groups provide extras, but having your own set feels more personal—plus, it’s an excuse to collect more shiny math rocks!

What if I don’t know the rules?

No worries! DnD is more about storytelling than memorising every rule. Your DM and fellow players will guide you. Bring a cheat sheet or use D&D Beyond for quick lookups.

How long does a session last?

Most last 3-6 hours, but some short games may be 2-3 hours, while others go all day! Bring snacks, comfy clothes, and maybe a pillow for long adventures.

Do I need miniatures or battle maps?

Nope! While battle maps and miniatures help with combat, many groups use theatre of the mind (pure description). Virtual tabletops like Roll20 are great alternatives.

What if I forget my character sheet?

If your DM has backups, you’re covered. Otherwise, rebuild it quickly using D&D Beyond or a notepad. It’s smart to save a digital copy on your phone.

Can I eat during a session?

Yes! Just avoid loud crunching or strong-smelling food that could distract others. Bonus points if you bring extra snacks to share!

What’s the best way to stay organised?

• Binder or folder for paper sheets
• Apps like Notion or D&D Beyond for digital tracking
• Notebook for NPCs, quests, and loot

What happens if I miss a session?

Let your DM know in advance. They may explain your absence (e.g., "You got lost in a tavern brawl"), or another player may control your character.

Can I join a session if I don’t know the players?

Absolutely! Many groups welcome newcomers. Just be respectful, ask questions, and get a feel for the playstyle.

How do I role-play if I’m shy?

Start small! Give this a try:

• Speaking in first-person as your character.
• Using natural speech with subtle quirks (a nervous laugh, a confident smirk).
• Describing actions and thoughts instead of full dialogue.

What should I wear?

Comfort is key! Casual clothes, hoodies, or DnD-themed tees work best. Dress accordingly, especially in locations with temperature changes.

What’s the best way to take notes?

Use bullet points for quick summaries, a notebook for quests and NPCs, or digital apps like Notion or Evernote for easy searches.

Don’t stress if you miss a few details—the DM will usually remind players about key events at the start of the next session!

Ready, set, roll!

Now that you know what to bring to a DnD session, you're all set for your next adventure. Whether you're a DnD first-time player or a seasoned veteran, the right gear and preparation can make your session smoother and more enjoyable. Bring your dice, character sheet, snacks, and a great attitude, and you're ready to roll.

And if you want to look the part, check out ShopDnD’s range of DND-inspired comfy and stylish gear to ensure you play in comfort and style. Let the dice fly, and may your adventures be legendary!