Dungeons & Dragons has remained the most popular tabletop RPG since its debut in 1974. It continues providing players with thrilling stories, unique characters, and near-endless possibilities. However, to remain prominent among the masses, the franchise has undergone many changes. One of the most notable has been the ability to participate in D&D campaigns online.
While D&D is traditionally an in-person experience, playing online is equally satisfying. The multitude of D&D tools online allows for more creativity when running campaigns. Even so, there are many things players should do or keep in mind to ensure a quality online D&D experience.
10 Get A Decent Microphone & Webcam
It goes without saying that a good computer or laptop is necessary, but accessories are just as important. Since players will not be face-to-face, they require a microphone and webcam to interact. They don't need to be streaming tier devices, but should provide decent quality sound and video.
Sub-par equipment can ruin player's engagement in the campaign and deter them from continuing. However, if players cannot afford these accessories, they should use a phone or turn to others for help. It is likely that another player or the Dungeon Master will work to aid them.
9 Pick The Best Virtual Tabletop For The Group
There is a wide variety of virtual D&D tabletops for players to choose from. Each program offers a variety of different tools, functions, and prices. Before picking a virtual tabletop to use, players should consider every element and how it pertains to them. They should not simply pick the "best" virtual tabletop, but instead choose what benefits them.
For instance, Roll20 and Foundry Virtual Tabletop, while both excellent programs, offer distinct benefits. Roll20 is free – with the exception of subscriptions – and very easy to use. Foundry Virtual Tabletop requires a one-time $50 fee, yet it offers a large amount of customization. Each virtual tabletop is astounding, but cater to different players' needs.
8 Decide On A Video Chat App
Before even considering an online D&D campaign, players should determine how to communicate. Many apps offer video chat functionality, but people commonly have a preference. Deciding on an app long before meeting up eliminates confusion and preserves much-needed time.
The only requirement for video chat apps is the ability to share screens or files. Usually, players or Dungeon Masters want to see character sheets, spells, etc. before or during meets. Without the screen or file sharing feature, looking over documents becomes a tedious and time-wasting process.
7 Prepare For Network Difficulties
As with any online activity, D&D players should expect occasional network difficulties. To prevent this, players should use a reliable internet provider or hotspot. Even then the most efficient internet providers will have difficulties from time to time. It's best for online D&D groups to prepare in case network problems arise.
If connection issues occur, players can attempt to fix them or wait patiently. In the meantime, they can use the time to organize characters, ask questions, or even recap previous events. If network problems persist, the group must decide on another time to meet. While internet issues are an inevitability, players may also invest in an ethernet cord to lessen their occurrence.
6 Limit Interruptions
Planning a D&D meet online is much different than organizing one face-to-face, as it requires little preparation on the player's behalf. Moreover, players usually arrive promptly, preserving invaluable time. However, there is one common and significant issue when participating in online meets.
The greatest problem of online D&D is that sessions are much easier to interrupt. Being in the comfort of one's home gives the impression that players can leave freely. Not only is this rude, but it is also unfair to other participants in a campaign. D&D is a commitment, and while it is impossible to prevent all disruptions, players should make an effort to limit them.
5 Keep Sourcebooks Nearby (Preferably Online)
Whether playing D&D in-person or online, it always helps to have sourcebooks readily available. There is an innumerable amount of information regarding various aspects of D&D. Whether players have been in the game for five years or five minutes, a sourcebook is a necessity. Players can use either a hard copy or soft copy, but having sourcebooks online is extremely useful.
Having a digital sourcebook readily available on a separate tab reduces time and keeps players involved. Additionally, many online sourcebooks are easily accessible to other players, rather than requiring everyone to have a separate copy.
4 Use Shared Virtual Dice
The most important items players need for D&D are dice. There are seven types of dice – d100, d20, d12, d10, d8, d6, and d4 – which each serve specific purposes. It is common for virtual dice to be used in both online and in-person D&D campaigns. However, virtual dice hold a much more significant role – pun intended – in online play.
It is usually not permissible to use real dice in online campaigns, due to the possibility of cheating. Even allowing players separate online dice programs runs the same risk. To rule out any possibility of cheating, players should share one virtual dice program. Doing so allows every participant to witness the roll, eliminating any opportunity to cheat.
3 Be Respectful To Others Speaking
Players should be respectful and patient during D&D meets, especially online. Unlike in-person campaigns, players cannot carry on separate conversations without obscuring the voice chat. Instead, players must take turns speaking to avoid confusion in dialogue. While this is a common rule for in-person meets, being online causes players to forget.
Before starting an online campaign, Dungeon Masters must emphasize respect and patience among players. Ensure that everyone listens intently and patiently until their turn comes. Usually, players are receptive to this idea but unfortunately, difficulties will occasionally arise. When they do, notify players of the consequences for continuous disruptions.
2 Stay Focused
D&D rarely fails to captivate players. However, online campaigns are more susceptible to a variety of distractions, especially during unappealing or slow scenarios. Players are different and may value certain aspects of D&D over others. Even so, everyone should be attentive to everything going on.
By far the most infuriating thing players can do is be unenthused or distracted from certain moments. This causes them to overlook crucial details or elements of the story, ruining the experience. Furthermore, it is disrespectful to Dungeon Masters who put in time and effort to provide for players. Regardless of one's views, players should never detach themselves from an online campaign.
1 Take Advantage Of Being Online
D&D in-person, while arguably more immersive, cannot offer the utility of being online. Running an online campaign allows players and Dungeon Masters to do far more than traditional D&D. With a plethora of tools and near-endless opportunities, players must take advantage of being online.
Both Dungeon Masters and players benefit greatly from online D&D resources. Dungeon Masters can create worlds and implement music, scripted events, or even random NPCs effortlessly. Players can simplify character creation, access information quickly, and easily roll without confusion. Utilizing the capabilities of online D&D greatly enhances the experience.