Here are 9 things great D&D players do that make them legendary in the eyes of DMs and other players alike. I’ve included a bonus tip that really shouldn’t be on this list but unfortunately is anyway. When you read what it is, you’ll understand why.
These are presented in no particular order, as I think they all have equal value.
- Know your character’s equipment, abilities, and spells.
One of the most effective ways to be an effective player in D&D is to know what tools your character has available to them. This means you have a solid selection of equipment and gear that is suited to the needs of the adventure, you know what your abilities are in terms of strengths and weaknesses, and if you’re a caster, you have a firm grasp of what spells you have available. Furthermore, you know how they work, including their range, area of effect, damage, and so on.
- Understand combat tactics.
One of the first lessons a smart D&D player learns is that an enemy with just a single hit point can still damage or kill you, so it’s better to reduce the number of monsters you have to fight by concentrating fire on them one at a time, than to gradually weaken multiple monsters while leaving them still alive. Also, it’s also advantageous to focus your fire on monsters that have area-of-effect spells or have ranged attacks.
- Show up when you say you will, and be on time.
This is more about being a cool player to the group than it is about in-game tactics or strategies. Being someone that others can rely on is very valuable no matter what kind of group activity you’re involved in, be it D&D or a sports team or a knitting circle. Bonus points if you even know what a knitting circle is.
- Get along. Allow other players to make their own choices and don’t talk over each other.
Again, this is about the experience, not anything in-game. Good DMs know that the best time is had when players retain their sense of agency for their characters. Good players know this, too. They make their own choices, and they respect that everyone else at the table has the right to make their own choices, too. Finally, good players get along and don’t talk over each other.
- Be ready when it’s your turn in combat.
Once combat has begun, pay attention to initiative order. Don’t catch yourself looking up from your phone saying, “Is it my turn?” when the DM calls your name. Know what the players and monsters did who came before you, and think about what your character will do so you’re not wasting time figuring that out when your turn comes around.
- Pay attention to what’s going on and how your character fits into the action. Be supportive.
This tip closely follows the previous one. Great D&D players understand that their character is likely one of several, and they understand how their character fits into the group’s goals and tactics. If you move to a certain location, will that draw fire away from a comrade that is dying? Can you cast AoE spells to help not just yourself, but others as well? D&D is a team sport, so play to your strengths in the context of the group.
- Remember why you’re there and don’t allow distractions to take you away from the craftily prepared quest.
If you enter the dungeon to find a particular magic item, remember that. Don’t wander off chasing magic rabbits if their relevance to your quest isn’t at least somewhat clear or hinted at by the DM. It’s aggravating not only to the DM, but to the other players as well, if you’ve been on a quest to find the Wand of Many Splendors, only for you to keep insisting you endlessly chat with the innkeeper who knows nothing about it.
- Temper your expectations. Every DM is different, every table is different.
Have you ever said to your romantic partner, “My ex always let me do it.” This tip comes down to understanding the fact that every D&D table is unique. Each DM is a different person, with their own history and creative approach and play style, and they all have something to offer. Their style may not be your style, and that’s cool, but respect the fact that they won’t be exactly like your former DM who you thought was perfect. Maybe they were. But give your new DM a chance. They might be perfect, too, just in a different way.
- Take notes of key events, items, and NPCs.
DMs actually love it when players take notes and keep track of things. We have enough to remember as it is, and our brains are often nearing red-line, so anything that offloads some of the burden is greatly appreciated. The other players will appreciate this, too, especially when you remind the half-orc barbarian that you stashed in your Bag of Holding that really cool battle axe the group found a few sessions ago. That weapon just may come in handy when the rust monster eats their regular weapon.
Bonus tip:
Finally, I have a bonus tip. I really shouldn’t have to point this one out, but admittedly it has come up more than once at my tables. Are you ready?
Come prepared. It’s bad enough if you show up to D&D night and forgot to bring your dice, but if you forget your character sheet? Foguddaboutit.
I hope these tips have helped you out. I’m sure there are others, but these are probably the biggest ones to help you be a better D&D player.
