No Party, No Problem: How to Find People to Play D&D With

🎲 Need a D&D Group? Here's Where to Start

So, you’ve caught the Dungeons & Dragons bug. Maybe it was a podcast, a streaming session, a meme, or a friend who wouldn’t shut up about their half-orc bard. Now you’re itching to roll some dice, craft a character backstory that's longer than your resume, and embark on epic quests with like-minded adventurers. But there’s just one problem.

Where the heck do you find a group?!

I’ve been there. Staring at a shiny new set of dice with no one to play with is like owning a lightsaber with no Jedi Order. But don't worry, fellow adventurer—we’re about to break this quest down. Whether you’re in a big city, the middle of nowhere, or trapped on an Antarctic research station with zero Wi-Fi and trust issues post-Parcheesi, I’ve got some ideas to get you started.

1. Start with Your Social Circle (Yes, Really)

Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. When I first decided I wanted to play D&D, I figured none of my friends would be into it. But when I actually asked around, I got responses like, “Wait, I’ve always wanted to try that!” or “Oh, my brother plays, maybe he can help.”

Turns out, people don’t always shout from the rooftops that they want to roleplay a goblin rogue. Sometimes they just need a reason—or a ringleader.

🔑 Pro Tip: Don’t just ask if they play. Say something like, “Hey, I’m thinking about starting a game of D&D—do you or anyone you know want to play?” You never know who’s been secretly watching Critical Role in the dark.

And if your friend group is down but lacks a Dungeon Master? Don’t sweat it. Somebody’s gotta be the first. The best games I’ve seen started with zero experience and a Starter Set. Everyone fumbles their first few sessions. It’s part of the charm.

2. Check Out Local Game Stores (LFG = Looking for Group!)

Game stores are like hidden taverns in an RPG—they’re full of quests, characters, and yes, bulletin boards.

Places like:

• Local board game cafes
• Comic shops
• Bookstores with game nights
• Bars that host tabletop nights

You’ll often find D&D nights, Pathfinder societies, or Learn to Play events. My own local store does a Newbie Night every third Thursday, and that’s where I found my current crew. Walked in knowing nobody, walked out with five new party members.

⚔️ Don’t forget to check if they’re part of Adventurers League, the official D&D campaign system that lets you drop into games with a premade character.

3. No Local Scene? Try Community Centers and Libraries

A little less obvious, but sometimes even more effective—libraries and rec centers are leveling up their geek game. Many run tabletop RPG programs for teens and adults or at least have community bulletin boards.

Still nothing? Try posting your own invite. Seriously, print out a little flyer and post it up like it’s a missing cat. You might just find the rogue you’ve been searching for.

4. Expand to Local Online Spaces

Neighborhood Facebook groups, Reddit subs for your city, Discord servers, even Nextdoor (yes, that Nextdoor) can be gold mines.

Search for:

• [Your City] + D&D
• Tabletop groups in your area
• Local LFG Discords

I once found a game because someone in a “Cat Owners of Portland” group randomly mentioned running a kobold-centric one-shot. The internet is weird and wonderful like that.

🎭 Conventions also rock—small or large, they often host tabletop rooms. Play a session or two, and you might leave with a full campaign invite.

5. Go Fully Online (Yes, You Can Still Make Friends on the Internet)

Online games are everywhere, and while they don’t beat in-person snacks and vibe checks, they’re super accessible. My personal go-tos:

• Roll20 – Free to use, with robust “Looking for Group” filters
• StartPlaying.games – Find professional or casual GMs
• Discord servers – Search or post in tabletop-focused servers
• Reddit – The r/LFG subreddit is full of folks looking to run or join games
• Facebook Groups – There are dozens just for D&D alone

Sure, online games can be hit-or-miss, especially with people ghosting or flaking. But the sheer volume of games means you can just keep trying until one sticks.

6. Still Nothing? Solo D&D is a Thing, Too

If even the seals won’t roll initiative with you, don’t despair.

There are solo D&D adventures that are like Choose Your Own Adventures with dice. Some are official Wizards of the Coast products, and others are indie-made gems.

And hey, solo gaming lets you play on your time without the scheduling gymnastics.

💡 Search for: “Solo RPGs”, “DM-less TTRPGs”, or “Journal RPGs”. Some amazing ones include Ironsworn, The Wretched, and Alone Among the Stars.

The First Step is the Hardest

I know putting yourself out there can be intimidating. Trust me, I’m the kind of person who gets social anxiety replying to a group chat. But D&D is built on collaboration, storytelling, and shared creativity—and there are people out there who want to build that world with you.

Sometimes it just takes one bold move to kick off the whole campaign.

So cast Find Familiar on your courage and go start the adventure.

Stay on track with more RPG tips and gaming deep dives at Land of Geek Magazine!

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