Dungeons And Dragons: How To Play During Lockdown

This is how you can play Dungeons and Dragons from the comfort of your own home.

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The Orr Group, LLC

We may be separated from our friends and family but that is no reason not to have fun. Now more than ever escapism to a fantasy world is needed. Luckily for us, Dungeons and Dragons has a long history of being played virtually. This gives us a multitude of options when playing online.

From theatre of the mind to complex battle maps, the only thing you really need is a group of friends and some imagination. We understand though, some players love to see Miniatures, maps, and to hear the sound of the landscape around them. That is why we have created this list to give you some advice on how to play virtually.

In this article, we will highlight how you can get started with what you probably have already. We will also lay out a selection of software that can be used to make the experience even better. Sure, we can’t meet up for that weekly session, but that doesn’t mean the villain of our campaign wins.

Did we forget any essential equipment or software on this list? Leave a comment below and tell us.

7. Get A Good Quality Webcam And Microphone

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Turtle Beach

There is a good chance that you have both of these items at home already. Either in a good set of headphones or built into your laptop. A lot of players just use their phones. This works perfectly for theatre of the mind. It is recommended that you find a nice quiet space to do it in. This isn’t always possible considering whole families are stuck in the house but do what you can.

The microphone is the most essential piece of kit on this entire list. Some people play just in text but a microphone makes the game much more engaging. A webcam is also a good idea. While not as essential, it can make the session feel much more social. It can aid your roleplay and also helps some players to focus their minds on the game.

While from this point on I will be talking about pieces of software or websites, many games can be done with a microphone and some communication software. In the end, all you need is your friends, some snacks, and the need for adventure.

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Contributor

I'm a freelance video game and tech journalist, with an interest in History and video production. Follow me on Twitter for more video game-related content.