The New DM Gear Guide: What to Buy, What to Borrow, and What to Wish For

Running your first game? Here’s what you actually need (and what’s just shiny).

So you’ve decided to Dungeon Master. First of all—welcome. You’re brave, dramatic, probably have a Pinterest board called “tragedy with good lighting,” and you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

But now comes the age-old question every new DM whispers into the void: “What do I need to buy?”

Google will tell you to clear out your bank account and build a castle of dice and miniatures. I’m here to tell you: Nope. You don’t need a dragon hoard of supplies to run an incredible game. You just need a few thoughtful tools, a sprinkle of style, and some chaos-friendly energy.

Let’s break it down—Needs, Wants, and Splurges.

NEEDS (Start here, boo.)

These are the non-negotiables. If you have these, you can run a full, satisfying game—online or in person.

1. A Basic Understanding of the System

Yes, you’ll learn as you go. But skim that Player’s Handbook or the free SRD (System Reference Document). Understand how turns work, how to call for rolls, and how to keep the story moving.

2. A Way to Roll Dice

Physical dice are the classic choice—but apps and browser tools work just fine.

• Physical: A simple 7-die polyhedral set (d4 through d20)

• Digital: Try Dice Roller on D&D Beyond

3. Character Sheets

You need somewhere to keep track of characters, stats, and choices. Use the classic PDF, D&D Beyond, or a simplified printable from Build-A-Babe, if you want to soften the start.

4. An Adventure or Session Plan

You don’t need to write a novel. You do need to know:

• Where the players start

• What the main problem is

• A few key NPCs

• How it might resolve

Pro tip: Try one of our mini one-shots like The Crimson Wedding or Bloom Doom Market for a ready-to-play story scaffold.

5. Consent & Safety Tools

Yes, even in fantasy. Especially in fantasy.

• Use a Session Zero to set tone, check for lines/veils

• Keep a consent checklist or X-card at the table

• Practice “Pause, Check, Proceed” language

WANTS (Helpful, not required)

These add flavor, flow, and ease to your table—but you can totally run without them.

1.Battle Maps & Tokens

If you're running combat-heavy games, maps can help visualize. You can:

• Draw with dry erase on a grid

• Use virtual maps with Owlbear Rodeo or Roll20

• Improvise with jellybeans and post-its (truly, no shame)

2. NPC/Monster Cards

A few quick character references—especially with voices or motives jotted down—can save your sanity mid-session.

💀 Bonus: Use tarot cards or aesthetic portrait cards to keep things vibey.

3. Vibes Tools (Lighting, Music, Candles)

Ambient playlist? Flickering LED candle? A scent that screams “necromantic seance but make it flirty?” Yes, please.

🎵 Recommended: Tabletop Audio, Syrinscape, or Spotify “vampire ballroom” mixes.

4. A GM Notebook or Notion Template

You’ll want somewhere to track:

• Session summaries

• Plot threads

• NPC loyalties

• Secret player info 👀

Try our Notion dashboards if you want something ready-made.

SPLURGES (Fun extras for when you’re ready to go full goblin)

These are luxury-level, “I am the moment” upgrades. Not required—but oh, so shiny.

1. Custom Dice Sets

Because yes, you can have a set that glitters with blood-swirled quartz and whispers your name in the Underdark.

2. Subscription Tools (Foundry, D&D Beyond Master Tier, World Anvil)

If you're hosting frequent games or love homebrewing worlds, these tools make you unstoppable.

• D&D Beyond (for shared books and digital sheets)

• Foundry VTT (for visual-heavy campaigns)

• World Anvil (for codex-style lore building)

3. Minis, Terrain, and 3D Printed Glory

Perfect for physical tables and visual drama—but expensive and storage-heavy.

• Consider reusable tiles, paper minis, or Hero Forge for custom characters

• Or… just describe it really, really well

You’re The Magic

The most important investment isn’t in dice, maps, or candles. It’s in you. Your storytelling. Your willingness to try. Your ability to hold space for laughter, fear, heartbreak, and triumph—sometimes all in one session.

Start small. Stay weird. And remember: the best campaigns were once run on napkins in cafes and borrowed notebooks.

The tools help. But you are the magic.