Many people would assume that the playing of a TTRPG, or tabletop role-playing game, is a niche hobby. Even people who enjoy the hobby and attempt to take part in games can feel like they are the only ones interested in the hobby. However, games take place in a multitude of areas, in a multitude of forms. This article is here to do something simple, and help you figure out how to play in these games!
The most important thing to remember is this: Tabletop RPGs are a hobby, and like any hobby, it could not be to your taste. However, many TTRPGS have extremely different systems from each other, depending on what game you are playing. Before going all in on playing, make sure you know what you’re getting into. You want to be sure that you’re actually enjoying the game, and playing the right system for you. If you find that you don’t like any of the systems you’ve tried, or the concept in general has put you off, then that’s okay. If you aren’t enjoying doing something, like a hobby, then it’s perfectly okay, and even preferable to not do it at all.
Another thing for you to remember is that sometimes you may feel like you enjoy the game, but the group you already have is not the right one for you. This is also very common, and trying to have a ‘session zero’ of sorts can help you to find out if that group or game is right for you. Remember, like most hobbies, the most important thing is enjoyment.
There are a few other things that you can do to make your TTRPG experience the best one possible. As previously stated, you should find a game system that you actually enjoy. Dungeons and Dragons is the most famous, but it is far from the only example. There are many systems that work differently, and finding the right one for you is most important.
Another thing to remember is to find the rules for the game you’ve chosen to play. If you’re worried about money, usually it’s not a problem. Many people will have uploaded guides to their homemade systems online. And for more corporate systems, people will have added PDFs of those as well!
One last thing, and perhaps the most important, is finding a group to play with. Usually people would go to a game store, but those have become less and less common. In this day and age, it’s better for you to look online for a group.
Remember to have fun, and happy gaming!
