A game master's starter pack to get your first campaign going, D&D or otherwise
One does not simply walk into D&D dungeon mastering. It takes discipline, authority, and above all, a large sum of cash... usually. Luckily there are a bunch of resources to get you started on your first D&D campaign that won't break the bank, so I've brought a bunch together here for your perusal.
Aside from checking out our 5 tips on starting your campaign right, it's always good to brush up on techniques from relevant TTRPG books, and get some physical components in your arsenal that are necessary for a D&D campaign. This includes stuff you might not have thought of yet, like spare pencils for your players (because writing in pen is sacrilege). Even a speaker or lighting setup to get a little atmosphere going.
So, if you're serious about starting your D&D campaign (or adventures for any of the best tabletop RPGs, in fact) on the right foot, and making a good impression on your new players, the below deals should let you do so without emptying your coin purse in the process.
So You Want To Be A Game Master (Paperback) | $24.99 $16.99 at Amazon
Save $8 - You're saving a good few dollars here on a book that's fantastic for new GMs. By award winning game designer Justin Alexander who has worked with Modiphius and Fantasy Flight Games, this is a USA Today Bestseller and for good reason. It's a veritable compendium of advice and maps with some priceless tidbits to get you started.
Bekir's Battlers (wooden minis) | $10 on Kickstarter
This is a fantastic little buy for first time GMs who don't want to spend heaps on expensive miniatures, or for the more eco-conscious GM who prefers not to use plastic. It's $10 for either the Goblin pack, or the Heroes of Yore pack that includes a Ranger, Barbarian, Cavalier, Thief, Magician, Acrobat, and Men-at-Arms.
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 | $149.99 $139.99 at Amazon
Save $10 - Imagine having all your tabletop playlists lined up on your Stream Deck so when your players enter into battle you can just whack a button and the fight music commences. The Stream Deck does so much more than that, and this white version is currently $10 off.
The Monsters Know What They're Doing | Hardcover | $29.99 $17.29 at Amazon
Save $12.70 - A little more of a combat focussed advice book for GMs, this one lets you know how to bring the monsters in your campaigns to life, and get it right.
Dice set for the whole table | $14.99 $11.99 at Amazon
Save $3 - Already a smashing deal without the saving, this is a collection of dice for the whole table in case your players forget their own, or want to use a cohesive set to feel like more of a team. Either way there's a color for each playstyle.
For more discounts, be sure to check out the latest the best D&D gifts. As for last-minute present ideas, why not drop by our gifts for gamers guide?
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

Katie is a freelance writer with over 5 years experience covering everything from tabletop RPGs, to video games and tech. Besides earning a Game Art and Design degree up to Masters level, she is a designer of board games, board game workshop facilitator, and an avid TTRPG Games Master - not to mention a former Hardware Writer over at PC Gamer.







