D&D 5E I've ranked every official 5E DM Screen — which is the best?

[R_J_K75]

I actually find them more useful in PDF forms. That way I can print them, stick them in a plastic folio and quickly reference them when I need to.

I can't stand the big barrier that sits on the table.

I've thought about making my own DM screen many times but between the materials and deciding what information to include I just never have. Maybe someday I'll follow through.

 

[Prakriti]

Does "Dragon" refer to the Essentials Kit, or did that one get missed?

 

[teitan]

My favorite screen was the 3e Forgotten Realms screen. It was so useful in my campaign.

 

[Eyes of Nine]

I would have really liked this article if it expanded on each screen and described what was in those screens. Or even better as a blog post, with affiliate links to purchase each screen.

 

[Jeff Carlsen]

I've used and made a number of GM screens over the years, and there's no such thing as a perfect screen. It's always a series of trade-offs. Attractive art takes space, but a lack of art isn't as nice to have in front of you. Too much density makes it uncomfortable to reference, but a lack of density removes useful information.

Moreover, what I find useful changes over time. A screen should evolve from teaching and referencing the rules to proving tools for enhancing the game. Having the "What you can do on your turn" is great when I'm still learning or relearning how the game works, but becomes useless as I gain mastery.

Making and maintaining a GM screen is a hobby all its own. I enjoy seeing what others have done to theirs.