From Stranger Things to D&D: How New Players Can Start Their First Campaign

Now that Stranger Things Season 5 has wrapped up, fans everywhere are buzzing — not just about the finale, but about a game that’s been part of the show from the very beginning: Dungeons & Dragons. The final episode brings us back to the gang gathered around a table rolling dice, reminding us that the heart of the story has always been about friendship, imagination, and shared adventures — the same magic that makes D&D the world’s most beloved role-playing game.

If the show inspired you to ask “Wait, how do I actually play D&D?” — you’re in the right place.

🎲 What Is Dungeons & Dragons?

At its core, D&D is collaborative storytelling with friends. You create characters, explore worlds, face dangers, triumph over challenges — all guided by one person playing the Dungeon Master (DM) and resolved with the roll of the dice.

Unlike video games or board games with rigid rules and set endings, D&D is a sandbox — you and your group shape the story together. It’s creative, social, and endlessly replayable.

🌟 How Do You Get Started?

Here’s a simple path for beginners:

🧠 Learn the Basics

You don’t need to memorize rulebooks right away! Start with the basics:

Learn what the core dice do (especially the 20-sided die).
Understand your character sheet — it’s your identity in the game.
If you do want to peruse the basic rules, here they are! https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/br-2024

📚 Start with Simple Tools

You can try the free basic rules online, but many new players find it easier with guided resources like starter kits or beginner adventures. Here are the basic rules for reference: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/br-2024

🤝 Gather Your Group

D&D really shines when you play with friends. Even a small group of two or three people can jump in together.

Pro tip: You don’t need everything at once. Some players start with just dice and a campaign notebook — everything else grows with you.

🛠 Your D&D Starter Shopping List

To make your first adventures even more fun and organized, we’ve picked out the perfect beginner-friendly tools from our shop:

📓 Record of Adventure — 5E Campaign Journal

Keep track of your party’s story, quests, NPCs, loot, and campaign highlights in one beautiful notebook designed for actual play journaling. Great for new players and veterans alike who want to remember every epic moment.
👉 https://minvarpg.com/products/record-of-adventure-5e-campaign-journal

🌲 Thorns of an Ancient Seal — System-Agnostic Forest Horror Adventure

Ready to run (or play!) right out of the box. This atmospheric adventure booklet can be tailored to your system and is perfect for first-time players who want to dive into a spooky, story-driven quest.
👉 https://minvarpg.com/products/thorns-of-an-ancient-seal-adventure-booklet-system-agnostic-forest-horror-ttrpg-adventure

📘 Lorekeeper — Notion Template for 5E

Love digital tools? The Lorekeeper template helps you organize characters, lore, encounters, and campaign plots in Notion — especially useful if you’re running your first game as a DM.
👉 https://minvarpg.com/products/lorekeeper-5e-notion-template

🧙 Beginner Tips for First Sessions

Here are a few extra tips to get the most out of your first game:

✨ Keep it simple. Don’t worry about knowing every rule — you’ll learn by playing.

✨ Pick fun characters. Choose roles and personalities that excite you, even if they’re not the “optimal” choice.

✨ Focus on story and teamwork. D&D is about creativity and collaboration more than anything else.

🎉 Your Adventure Begins Now

Whether you’re a lifelong fantasy fan or a Stranger Things viewer discovering Dungeons & Dragons for the first time, there’s never been a better moment to jump in.