Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Saros review
  • Arc Raiders
  • The Boys S5
  • Best turn-based RPGs
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • Delta Force giveaway
Don't miss these
A close up on Valentina, one of the characters in Heroes of Might and Magic Olden Era
Strategy Games 11 things I wish I knew before playing Heroes Olden Era
Edelgard pointing in a commanding stance in Fire Emblem: Three Houses
RPGs 10 Best Turn-based RPGs of all time
A screenshot of a group of characters in the RPG Final Fantasy 14 with banner flags behind them.
RPGs 10 Best RPGs that are better with friends to play right now in 2026
Warhammer Quest: Darkwater box on a wooden table
Board Games If you want to play Warhammer without needing to buy armies, scenery, and extra models, this board game is for you
A close-up of Lae'zel during act one of the RPG Baldur's Gate 3
RPGs 10 Best RPGs where Choices Really Matter to play in 2026
Princess Peach waving from the window of a castle in Super Mario RPG
RPGs 10 Best short RPGs to play in 2026
In Metaphor: ReFantazio, a woman with elven features and long hair looks surprised alongside a group of characters who look out with curious expressions
RPGs 10 Best RPGs where you can expect the unexpected
Baldur's Gate 3
RPGs Baldur's Gate 3 Dank Crypt walkthrough and guide
Side panel of HP Victus 16 showing dimensions while sitting on a wooden desk
Laptops PSA: A lot of retailers want to sell you gaming laptops that just won't work right now
A selection of board games laid out on a wooden table, behind a GamesRadar+ logo
Board Games Best board games 2026, with hand-picked recommendations from industry experts
The One Ring Starter Set, Alien RPG Starter Set, and the D&D Player's Handbook behind a GR+ logo on a wooden table
Tabletop Gaming I've been running games like D&D for years, and these are the best tabletop RPGs I'd recommend
A close up of Ciri holding her arm up while she looks at the sky in the RPG The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
RPGs 10 Best Xbox RPGs to play in 2026
A close up of XSEED Games looking at a green bird during the RPG Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
RPGs 10 Best Quick Play RPGs of All Time
Star Wars Legion, Star Wars Villainous, and Star Wars Unlimited: Intro Battle Hoth laid out on a wooden surface
Tabletop Gaming Settle in with the best Star Wars board games this May 4
Flexispot E7 Plus in standing mode with Game Boy and screwdriver set sitting on top
Peripherals Best gaming desk 2026: all the surfaces I'd use for PC and console setups
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Tabletop Gaming
  2. Dungeons and Dragons

A game master's starter pack to get your first campaign going, D&D or otherwise

News
By Katie Wickens published 14 January 2025

A bunch of deals to give new GMs a head start

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

A bunch of tabletop deals pictured
(Image credit: Future)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

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 AmazonSave $8

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.

Since its release in 2023 it's dropped in price a couple of times, with this being the lowest price ever. It has been this cheap since May last year, though, so we're not expecting it to get more expensive at least.

Buy it if:
✅ You're wondering how to start GMing
✅ You have very little experience

Don't buy it if:
❌ You're super confident and don't need advice

Price check:
💲Amazon Prime members can also get the full audiobook for just $0.99

UK price:
⭐ Amazon | £18.99 £13.52

View Deal
Bekir's Battlers (wooden minis) $10 on Kickstarter

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.

These can be used in a multitude of scenarios, and you get a few dollars off if you get them together. On top of that, you can get some little adventures as add-ons, in case you're stuck for what to play.

Buy it if:
✅ You prefer to visualize your battles
✅ You don't want to get plastic minis

Don't buy it if:
❌ You prefer official/plastic minis

⭐ UK price:
Kickstarter | £9

View Deal
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 | $149.99 $139.99 at AmazonSave $10

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 price on Amazon usually bounces around between $150 and $130, but right now it's at a nice steady middle ground. If you're willing to splash out, this is definitely something creative GMs can make the most of at their table.

Buy it if:
✅ You want to push your campaign to another level
✅ You wanna get flashy at the table

Don't buy it if:
❌ You're not a fan of using tech to enhance your tabletop experiences

Price check:
💲Best Buy | $149.99

UK price:
⭐ Amazon | £149.99 £119.99

View Deal
The Monsters Know What They're Doing | Hardcover | $29.99$17.29 at AmazonSave $12.70

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.

According to our favorite price match software, it's not the lowest price it's ever been for the hardback but it's not been this low since last October time.

Buy it if:
✅ You want to make your monsters shine
✅ You struggle to make combat fun

Don't buy it if:
❌ You know exactly how monster tactics work

Price check:
💲The audiobook is currently free on Amazon

UK price:
⭐ Amazon | £16.39

View Deal
Dice set for the whole table | $14.99$11.99 at AmazonSave $3 -

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.

The cost works out at 24p per dice, which is a fantastic deal, plus you get a little dice bags for each set, each with their own animal pictured.

Buy it if:
✅ You expect your players not to have/bring dice
✅ The party wants to be more cohesive

Don't buy it if:
❌ You prefer people to bring their own dice

UK price:
⭐ Amazon | £13.99 £10.49

View Deal

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?

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
TOPICS
deals
Katie Wickens
Katie Wickens
Social Links Navigation
Freelance writer

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.

Read more
Curse of Strahd bust and crest lying on a leather notebook
Tabletop Gaming Running the Curse of Strahd D&D campaign? I highly recommend these additions
 
 
Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook standing on a wooden table beside dice, a candle, and the 2014 Player's Handbook
Tabletop Gaming The best D&D class for beginners, with expert advice on what newcomers should play as
 
 
Curse of Strahd Revamped sourcebook alongside Tarokka Cards and a postcard for Death House, all on a wooden table
Tabletop Gaming I've run Curse of Strahd twice, so here's my advice for anyone hoping to use the best D&D campaign
 
 
Pathfinder monsters and heroes divided by white lines
Tabletop Gaming Fed up of D&D? Its biggest rival is cheaper than ever, so now is the time to try it
 
 
The One Ring Starter Set, Alien RPG Starter Set, and the D&D Player's Handbook behind a GR+ logo on a wooden table
Tabletop Gaming I've been running games like D&D for years, and these are the best tabletop RPGs I'd recommend
 
 
Curse of Strahd Revamped on a wooden table
Tabletop Gaming I think Curse of Strahd is still the best D&D campaign 10 years after it first launched
 
 
Latest in Tabletop Gaming
A host of Space Marine and Ork models face off on a Warhammer 40K battlefield
Tabletop Gaming Warhammer 40K Armageddon box set for 11th Edition revealed, and it's crammed with incredible models
 
 
Star Wars Legion, Star Wars Villainous, and Star Wars Unlimited: Intro Battle Hoth laid out on a wooden surface
Tabletop Gaming Settle in with the best Star Wars board games this May 4
 
 
A Disney Lorcana Gateway box, Stitch Collection Starter Set box, and Wilds Unknown Illumineer's Trove on a wooden table
Tabletop Gaming If you want to collect Disney Lorcana, this is where I'd start
 
 
Mood Swings box and cards on a rough, gridded background
Tabletop Gaming Magic: The Gathering head designer reveals Mood Swings, a new card game 28 years in the making
 
 
A series of Justice League Unlimited RPG books and accessories on a blue background showing numerous heroes
Tabletop Gaming First official Justice League tabletop RPG in almost 20 years is on the way, co-written by comics legend Mark Waid
 
 
Mega Darkrai ex in a green and purple swirl
Tabletop Gaming Pokemon TCG kicks off a dark new chapter with Pitch Black expansion
 
 
Latest in News
Arc Raiders chicken Scrappy in machine helmet
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders dev thinks yesterday's niche "can become mainstream tomorrow" as extraction shooters boom in popularity
 
 
Clair Obscur Expedition 33
RPGs The Witcher 3 director says Crimson Desert and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 take him back to the golden age of RPGs
 
 
A screenshot of the upcoming PC game, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced
Assassin's Creed Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced uses the same engine as Shadows
 
 
A man with a mustache tucks into a meal in Farm to Table
Simulation Games Just like Silksong, Subnautica 2 causes a chain reaction and pushes a second game to move its release date early
 
 
Marathon Thief shell in dark lighting
FPS Games Bungie doesn't see Marathon going anywhere: "We know where we want to take the story over the next few years"
 
 
Dragon Quest 11 S
Dragon Quest Former Dragon Quest director says JRPG icon Yuji Horii taught him the series is "not about the storyline"
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Austin Abrams as Bryan in Resident Evil
    1
    2 key details in the Resident Evil trailer are making fans doubt it's set at the same time as Resident Evil 2
  2. 2
    Resident Evil Requiem singing zombie actor is suddenly in the running for fan-favorite
  3. 3
    Arc Raiders dev thinks yesterday's niche "can become mainstream tomorrow" as extraction shooters boom in popularity
  4. 4
    10 Best RPGs for kids to play in 2026
  5. 5
    I didn't have official Sonic the Hedgehog gaming PCs on my 2026 bingo card, but I'm very happy to see them

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...