Player Guide

How to Play D&D Online

A simple guide to tools, setup, and etiquette for virtual tabletop gaming. Everything you need to play from anywhere.

For players and GMs who want a clean, beginner-friendly way to play D&D online and actually enjoy it.

🖥️

What You Need to Get Started

At minimum, most online groups use:

→ Voice chat: Discord (most common)
→ Virtual tabletop (VTT): Roll20, Foundry, Fantasy Grounds, or Owlbear Rodeo
→ Dice: built-in VTT dice, a Discord bot, or physical dice
→ Character sheet: D&D Beyond, Roll20 sheet, PDF, or paper

Virtual Tabletop Platforms

Roll20

Free to use, browser-based, and packed with features. The most common choice for new groups. Has built-in LFG listings.

Free tier available

Best for Long Campaigns

Foundry VTT

Paid, highly customizable, and loved by dedicated groups. Often hosted by the GM. Very smooth for long-running campaigns.

One-time purchase

Best Automation

Fantasy Grounds

Feature-rich with great rules automation. Steeper learning curve but excellent for groups who want everything handled.

Paid options

Best for Beginners

Owlbear Rodeo

Lightweight and easy to use. Great for simple maps and tokens without the complexity of a full VTT.

Free for basics

New GM tip: Discord + Roll20 or Discord + Owlbear Rodeo is the strongest default for mixed-experience groups.

Extra Tools

🎲

D&D Beyond

Official digital toolset for rules, character creation, and campaigns.

🤖

Avrae (Discord Bot)

Dice rolling, character sheet management, and more within Discord.

⚔️

Improved Initiative

A simple combat tracker for GMs to manage initiative and HP.

📄

Google Sheets / Docs

Great for character sheets, session notes, and sharing info before the game.

⚙️

Choose Your Setup

There are three main ways groups run online D&D. Knowing which one you're joining saves a lot of confusion.

Setup AEasiest

Discord Only

Theater of the Mind

Voice chat + shared notes. Combat is described, not mapped. Best for roleplay-heavy games, low tech, and easy onboarding.

Setup BRecommended

Discord + VTT Maps

Most Common

Discord for voice, VTT for maps, tokens, and dice. Best for balanced games with tactical combat and clear positioning.

Setup CFor Veterans

All-in-One VTT

Advanced

Foundry or Fantasy Grounds handles most things. Discord may be optional. Best for groups who love automation and crunchy combat.

✅

Pre-Session Checklist

Online D&D is 80% vibes and 20% “please unmute.” Do these once and you'll feel like a wizard.

🧙 Player Checklist

☐Install Discord and log in
☐Test your mic (Discord Voice & Video settings)
☐Use headphones if possible — reduces echo
☐Set push-to-talk if your environment is noisy
☐Open your character sheet and keep it accessible
☐Confirm the session time + time zone

📜 GM Checklist

☐Create Discord channels: #announcements, #schedule, #rules-and-links
☐Post the Session Link Hub (VTT link, sheet links, dice method)
☐Make sure everyone can access the VTT link
☐Decide how you'll handle dice (VTT, bot, or physical)
☐Have a backup plan if the VTT breaks (theater of the mind)

🤝

Online Table Etiquette

Online D&D has different social rules than in-person. These small habits make you instantly easier to play with.

For Players

Mute when you're not talking
Especially if there's background noise.
Don't rules-lawyer mid-scene
Ask after, or message the GM between sessions.
Share the spotlight
Ask other PCs questions in character.
Be ready on your turn
Know your 1 or 2 options before it's your turn.
Communicate early
If you can't make it, post in the Discord as soon as possible.

For GMs

Call on people by name
Online makes it easy for quiet players to disappear.
Use a clear turn order
An initiative tracker helps everyone stay oriented.
Recap at the start
Two minutes of 'last time on...' keeps everyone aligned.
End with a hook
What's next session? Give players something to look forward to.
Check in after Session 1
What's working? What's confusing? Ask and adjust.

🔧

Common Problems & Quick Fixes

Problem

People talk over each other

Fix

GM calls on people by name; use a 'one person at a time' norm.

Problem

The VTT is laggy

Fix

Turn off animated effects; use simpler maps; switch to theater of the mind for the fight.

Problem

Players forget what's happening

Fix

2-minute recap at the start + a pinned 'last session' note in Discord.

Problem

Scheduling collapses

Fix

Lock a recurring time; run with 3+ players; keep sessions to a predictable length.

📋

Session Zero for Online Games

Session Zero is where online campaigns are won or lost. Covering these topics before your first real session prevents most common problems.

Tone

Cozy vs serious vs dark — agree before Session 1.

Playstyle Mix

How much roleplay vs combat does the group want?

Schedule + Cancellation Policy

Lock a recurring time. Decide what happens when someone can't make it.

Tools

Discord, VTT, and dice method — confirm everyone can access them.

Safety Tools + Content Boundaries

X-Card, Lines and Veils, or similar. Establish before play.

Communication Norms

How will the group chat between sessions?

Simple Attendance Policy

Pick something like: “We run if 3 out of 5 players can make it. If you can't make it, post in #schedule as early as possible.” Consistency is what makes online games last.

🔍