How do I actually start playing?
Step 1:
Plan to meet up: Be sure to set up a consistent time and schedule with your fellow players. Are you playing once every week or spending more time in between sessions? What time are you playing? Where are you playing? Some people prefer to have a consistent time and location while others prefer to switch hosting every session or so. Figure out what works best for everyone in your group. These might also be subject to change if things come up later in the year, so don't be afraid of bringing it up to your group if it does. Once all of these are set up and agreed upon, you can move on.​​
Step 2:
Gather resources: A full set of proper DnD dice can be bought in most gaming stores, and if they're unavailable you can use an online roller. Character Sheets can be printed out, and books like the Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual can be bought, checked out from libraries, or found online. It is not necessary for everyone to have a copy of the Player's Handbook, with most people just preferring to use one as a group. The same thing applies for dice, but people usually like having their own for convivence and speed. It is required for every player to have a character sheet, however.
Step 3:
Meet and play: It can take some time to get into the groove of things, ranging from hours to days, especially if you're a new player, but it will clear up pretty quickly once people get involved. A lot of DMs host what's called a Session Zero before playing where players get to sort out their characters, their connections to the world, their relationships between each other if there's preexisting history, and other things like that before entering the game officially. Missing a session or two isn't the end of the world as the DM will usually come up with a reason as to why your character isn't able to play and the others will fill you in on what happened.
Step 4:
Show interest and respect: Make sure not to multitask when playing DnD. Going on your phone or reading a book will make you miss out on important information as well as make the other people feel like they aren’t being heard.​ The key to a fun session is collaboration, and everyone has to do their part to keep it that way. You can keep meeting up as long as you like afterwards!
Step 5:
Commit: DnD can become something that you look forwards to every week. slowly growing into something big. The game is an ongoing story that you help control, with campaigns ranging from months to even years depending on how attached you and the other players are to the world. The further you go the more it means, stacking on top of each other to make something incredible. Long-running campaigns are a great way to develop your characters and even figure some things out about yourself.