A while ago, some people asked me to explain D&D and other RPGs... so of course I had to make it into an infographic!
This is by no means a comprehensive guide. The game can be as simple or complex as you want, but there ARE some pre-established basics you should know about - and those are best discovered on your own terms!
Some resources to help you get started:
★ Rusty Quill Gaming Podcast - a ttrpg game in the Pathfinder system. Beginner friendly! Learn how to play along with the players!
★ Critical Role - a D&D game played by voice actors - Incredibly famous! Highly praised! Both videos and podcasts available.
★ The Adventure Zone - a TTRPG podcast by the McElroy brothers. The players are new, but the rules are bent a lot, so make of that what you will.
📚 D&D 5e Player’s Handbook - pdf
📚 Basic Introduction to Character Races - website
📚 Overview of Character Classes - website
🎲 Rolling a character - YouTube video
🎲 How combat works - YouTube video
🎲 Being a good player - YouTube video
And last but not least...
How To Play D&D Online! - YouTube Video
Of course, there are tons of other resources - endless writeups, dozens of YouTube videos and blogposts, and entire subreddits dedicated to this information. The important thing is to take things one at a time. Or not - just dive right in! Most seasoned D&D players are thrilled when others want to join them on their adventures and will be happy to help a new player find their tabletop legs.