How to Find a D&D Group Near You or Online
Ask experienced Dungeons & Dragons players what the hardest part of the hobby is, and many won't say learning the rules or creating characters. They'll say finding a group — and keeping it together. Here's where to look, both locally and online, and how to find a table that fits you.
The Best Group Isn't the Most Experienced One — It's the Most Compatible One
It's tempting to look for veteran players and a DM with years of experience. Experience helps, but it doesn't guarantee a good fit.
A group of complete beginners who share the same schedule, humor, and expectations will often have more fun than a table of experts who want very different things from the game.
We call this fit over polish: prioritizing compatibility in tone, schedule, and play style over experience level when choosing a group.
Where to Find a D&D Group Locally
1. Local game stores
Friendly local game stores are the classic starting point. Many host D&D nights, keep a bulletin board for players, or run organized play events.
2. D&D Adventurers League
The D&D Adventurers League is official organized play from Wizards of the Coast, designed so players can join sessions at participating stores and events without committing to a single long campaign.
3. Libraries and community centers
Many public libraries host tabletop gaming clubs, including D&D groups for teens and adults.
4. Schools and universities
College gaming clubs are often a great way to find players, and many schools have tabletop groups.
5. Conventions
Gaming conventions offer drop-in sessions and a chance to meet local players. Gen Con, which Gary Gygax helped found in 1968, is also where he and Dave Arneson met in 1969 — before they created D&D together. Conventions have been bringing D&D players together since before the game existed.
6. Meetup groups
Local Meetup groups often organize recurring game nights.
Where to Find a D&D Group Online
1. Virtual tabletop platforms
Platforms like Roll20 include "looking for group" listings where you can search for games by schedule, experience level, and style.
2. Discord servers
Many D&D communities run Discord servers with channels dedicated to finding players and DMs.
3. Reddit
Communities such as r/lfg (Looking for Group) are popular places to post or answer game listings.
4. Paid game masters
Some platforms, like StartPlaying, connect players with professional game masters who run paid sessions. This can be a great option if you want a reliable schedule and an experienced DM.
For tools you'll need to play online, see Best Virtual Tabletops and Character Sheet Apps for D&D.
How to Choose the Right Group
Before joining, ask a few questions:
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How often do you play, and for how long? | Most sessions run three to four hours |
| Is it a one-shot or a long campaign? | Different commitment levels |
| Are beginners welcome? | Some groups prefer experienced players |
| What's the tone — serious, silly, or mixed? | Avoids mismatched expectations |
| Do you use a session zero or safety tools? | A sign of a thoughtful table |
| Which rules do you use? | Some tables use 2014 rules, others 2024 |
Red Flags to Watch For
- No clear schedule or frequent cancellations
- Unclear expectations about content and tone
- Pressure to share personal information early
- Dismissive attitudes toward new players
- A DM or players who ignore boundaries
We call these table warning lights: early signs that a group may not be a good fit, no matter how exciting the campaign sounds.
Start Your Own Group
Sometimes the easiest way to find a group is to create one.
Step 1: Recruit friends
Many great D&D groups start with friends who have never played. Beginner enthusiasm is contagious.
Step 2: Choose a simple adventure
A starter set or one-shot is perfect. See Best D&D One-Shot Ideas for Busy Groups.
Step 3: Pick a DM
Someone has to run the game. If nobody volunteers, you might be the one. Read How to Become a Great Dungeon Master.
Step 4: Schedule consistently
Pick a regular time and protect it. Consistency matters more than frequency.
Step 5: Hold a session zero
Discuss expectations, tone, characters, and boundaries.
Writing a Great "Looking for Group" Post
If you're posting online, include:
- Your time zone and availability
- Your experience level
- What kind of game you're looking for
- Preferred rules edition
- Whether you want voice, video, or text play
Example:
"New player (UTC−5), available Thursday evenings, looking for a beginner-friendly D&D campaign with a mix of roleplay and combat. Voice chat preferred. Open to 2024 rules."
Quick Answers
How do I find a D&D group near me?
Start with local game stores, which often host D&D nights or organized play like the D&D Adventurers League. Libraries, community centers, schools, Meetup groups, and gaming conventions are also good options. Many players also find local groups through Discord servers and online communities.
Where can I find a D&D group online?
Popular options include looking-for-group listings on virtual tabletop platforms like Roll20, D&D Discord servers, Reddit communities such as r/lfg, and paid game master platforms like StartPlaying. Include your time zone, schedule, and experience level when searching.
Can you play D&D if you don't know anyone who plays?
Yes. Many players join groups of strangers through game stores, organized play, and online communities. You can also start a group with friends who have never played, using a beginner adventure. Many long-running groups began with players who had no prior experience.
Where Finding a Group Is Heading
Online platforms have made it far easier to find players across time zones. Our prediction: matchmaking for tabletop games will become more like dating apps — matching players by schedule, tone, and play style — because compatibility, not access, is now the real bottleneck to finding a great D&D group.
For more on getting started, read What Do You Actually Need to Start Playing D&D?.