Been out of gaming for 35 years!

Eric A. Smith · Feb 4, 2019

Wanna get started again with 5E!

Any good resources for getting up to speed?

Leatherhead · Feb 4, 2019

The basic rules are free. http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

vpuigdoller · Feb 4, 2019

Hello, maybe you should start by checking out the official D&D Basic Rules. They are free and have all you need to play including a DM section with monsters.
The link to the website is: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules
The link to the actual pdf is: http://media.wizards.com/2018/dnd/downloads/DnD_BasicRules_2018.pdf

I hope this info is helpful to get you started!!!

guachi · Feb 4, 2019

The Basic Rules are a complete copy/paste from the same sections in the Players Handbook. The text is exactly the same, so it's a great recommendation.

jgsugden · Feb 4, 2019

Read the basic rules. Find a Friendly Local Game Store that has drop in games. Play a bit.

Jacob Lewis · Feb 4, 2019

Did we mention the basic rules already? Ok!

Rabbitbait · Feb 4, 2019

I thoroughly recommend the D&D Starter Set : https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dra...786965592/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

It's cheap, has the basic rules and has one of the best adventures written for D&D in modern times. My D&D veterans I have played with for the last 20 years loved it, and so did my 10, 8 and 6 year old kids who had never played before.

Then, of course, you'll want the players handbook and the larger adventures. All of the published modules that I have read have been of an excellent standard, so just pick one that excites you as a DM. My favourite so far is Tomb of Annihilation.

Rabbitbait · Feb 4, 2019

Also, if any of your players are remote there are now excellent online tabletops. Fantasy Grounds and Roll20 are both excellent, but I prefer Roll20 as it has a gentler learning curve and is free if you don't want to pay for any of the fancy extras.

CydKnight · Feb 4, 2019

Eric A. Smith said:
Wanna get started again with 5E!

Any good resources for getting up to speed?

This was me 2-1/2 years ago. I started with the Free Basic Rules many others in this thread have suggested. My first purchase was the D&D Starter Set for under $20 and a cheap 5-set of dice for under $10.

I signed up on Roll20 and tried for about 30 days to get into a game and found one that lasted one session only. I also joined a Meetup group for the Friendly Local Hobby Gaming Store with a bit better results but never stuck with a group more than a few months because people went to other groups or moved or work scheduled changed or life in general. When I could I would play Adventurer's League (AL) one-shots at the Hobby Store on the weekends with much better results. These options allowed me to learn by playing.

I bought the Player's Handbook after spending a month or so with the Basic Rules and the Starter Set. If you are interested in being a DM, definitely plan on getting the Dungeon Master's Guide and Monster Manual. What, if anything after that, will depend on your play style and game ambition.

This website is also a pretty good guide with lots of informative articles and threads. I visit almost daily. Lots of old D&D vets here that are always willing to help answer questions.