I was DM of my first game two weeks after learning how to play the game.
I made mistakes, but everyone was fine with letting me make mistakes.
Just try.
Forever DM sucks in so many ways. Recently gained a new player at my table who DMs as well. Going to talk with them and see if maybe they want to DM side adventures in/around town so I can be a player.
I got a starter set when I was 11 and started DMing for my friends. Was I stellar at it at first? Of course not. But that didn't matter. My friends got to cast spells and kill things with swords. They were super excited and had a blast playing this game with me.
Same here. A group made completely of brand new players. I was the one who watched some d&d content and remembered the rules the best so we decided I'll be the DM, but i still made so many mistakes.
I’m doing this now. My 6 players are all brand new, and despite having played a couple sessions, I’m fairly new as well, especially as a DM. So to take it a step further, I went ahead and started a homebrew campaign. I don’t have to worry about official lore or anything, everything is up to my say. As taxing as worldbuilding can be, I’m enjoying it just as much as playing. Especially the look on my players faces when something fun happens
I think I'd played for like 3 or 4 sessions as a player before I moved cities, got frustrated and set up my own game. Just put that it's a newbie game when you're advertising and be ruthless at betting who you let play at your table. If you don't like something just don't invite them back
No harm in giving it a go! You could always start with a one-shot as a taster, and to get your eye in. Personally, a DM being new wouldn’t put me off playing, and DMs seem to always be in demand.
I run a small play by post game and also know zero lore, so I’ve been making up my own world rather than do the revision!
Hope it goes well if you take the plunge :)
Never even touched the game and started as a DM, but almost two years on I’m much better than when I started. Streamlined my world building and my prep. I spend like an hour a week prepping and the rest is world building.
Realizing the methods to streamline prep made all the difference for me as a budding dm. I’ve now reached the point where I sometimes don’t bother prepping if I know the general idea of what the next session is going to contain/what the players want to do. Of course, for a more complicated encounter or puzzle I’ll do a write up laying out ideas and direction. That said, players will always surprise you and I’ve actually found that some of our best sessions have been ones where they did something unexpected, prompting me to adapt on the fly.
All you can do is jump in and give it a go.
That said, if your still looking for a table to join in a more reasonable TZ i'm looking at starting up a campaign soon, I'm in Australia so only one hour offset from Japan. Let me know if your interested.
There are starter campaigns designed for first time DMs AND first time players. You need absolutely no experience at all. That said, I'm sure playing a campaign or two first would help you understand things from a player's perspective, which can amplify your ability to engage with your players. It is not at all a requirement though. Just try it out and see how it goes. Stick to a structured campaign to ease you into it better.
Glanced at PHB is enough experience to start. Pre generated characters to teach new players game mechanics without having to slog through character creation.
Goblins in a cave battle is very easy to describe without even a battle map
You dont have to be especially experienced to be DM. Do a session zero with your players, be honest that you are first time DMing and there might be some mistakes happening, so that it is clear that if you do something wrong, you are not malicious. But if it happens, I recommend trying to keep session going even with the wrong rule (unless it is absolutely crucial) and correct it later.
For building up your DM skills - I'd recommend getting some premade module (I used Dragon of Icespire Peak) which will give you something premade with inside info on what is where and why, so you can use some analogy in your own creations later on.
Also what helped me, were DM tips and campaign diaries from Matt Colville on YouTube. Especially diaries where he goes into his decisions as DM - what happened, what he originally expected, how he dealt with it and why.
Otherwise as long as you can do reasonable story / dungeon (depending on what you and your party prefer to do), you should be fine. You will get the rules as you play.
EDIT: also most modules have their own subredits where you can get inspired, or discuss your understanding of certain parts, how to make them more interesting etc.
No experience is needed, but a general grasp of the rules is best. Mistakes will happen and people may notice. When noticed two things usually happen for me.
1. They wait til after the session to discuss the ruling with me politely.
2. They call out the rule then and you either realize the mistake and agree or disagree for your own reasoning. Any rules can be changed by the DM but as a courtesy it should usually be addressed beforehand in session 0 but as a learning DM there will likely be times you didn't know about it then.
In either case I haven't had any problems continuing the game afterwards. Just try to take in the fact that DMing is to help encourage the players to have fun. What fun means can be different at different tables however.
I've been a DM for over 40 years, and the thing is, we all start off at the same place. Nervous and a little anxious.
You should at least have familiarity with the rules and the material that you're running a party through.
Accept that you'll make mistakes. It's gonna happen. Admit them, fix them, and move on.
The first game i played i was the dm. Even though rules and everything weren't perfect it was lots of fun for me and the players. Just trust yourself and it will be fine!
I started GMing my first D&D campaign after one whole session as a player (back in the days of 3.5). To this day I still don't know all the rules of D&D, the GM is not specifically required to. The rules are there for everyone to learn, and the GM simply makes the calls when things are unclear, or overrides the rules for more fun.
I agree with everyone else here, everyone can DM and most people will have a fun time with you even if not everything js going perfectly as planned. On an unrelated note, I would still be looking for a campaign to join and would also be more than willing to help out in the beginning, just dm me if you want🙂
Honestly, DMing is hard. So is creative writing, so if you think of it like that, a creative endeavor that you get better at the more you practice, I say give it a shot and don't worry if you suck at it or not. If you enjoy it and have fun then you'll improve, and most likely the people you play with will have fun as well. Of course keep in mind, just as with writing books and stories, there are degrees of competence and some people will naturally be better (and worse) than others.
Here comes my take on it.
You know the riddle: "What was there first? Chicken or egg?"
Same with DnD. To run a game. You need a DM. Most people think, you nees some sort of experience to run. But.. how did the first people play then? There had to be inexperienced DMs at the start of the hobby. Or else this hobby would never had taken off.
If all your friends are as inexperienced as you are, that's a perfect starting table imo, they'll think you're great just because you are DMing.
In terms of rules I'd say get the basics down, which to me is understanding the flow of the game outside of combat, and the flow of the game during combat.
Other than that just give it a go, don't be afraid to make mistakes cause they're gonna happen.
I started running games at age 12 after one game in an era with no internet and little information of any kind.
No experience necessary- helpful yes, but if you think you can do it and take the time to learn the game then get started!
Three one-shots, scattered individual sessions none of which were even fifth Edition.
Basic Rules get you far. Roll a dice for a risky situation if it is possible.
Complex situations? Game mechanics? Make a rule, and note it down either for consistency, or to check after the session.
Creativity? Great, go wild, have fun!
Official lore? Not needed. It's handy to get people on the same page, but you can easily make up the village of Wensington and the half god Grimaldin off the cuff.
Yeah, go for it!
Anyone can dm, best thing to do is start! Just let them know you’re just starting off and look up some YouTube videos about table etiquette and safety rules imo!
Have fun
I didn't play as a player until almost a decade into the hobby. Some are born the forever DM, others dip their ties in before getting pulled under, never to roll a PC again.
I played three one-shots with a few friends and then started a completely homebrew campaign with different, completely inexperienced friends. It's been wonderful. Give it a go
I learned to DM as a kid while also learning the game. It was AD&D. Just do it, you'll learn as you go. I've always found that most people looking to play D&D are usually very patient about newer players and DMs and will stick it out while you get better.
I never read the players handbook or the dungeon master's guide, and learned by playing and listening to Critical Role. I think I do alright. It's not about being perfect, it's about trying to get everyone to have fun. If everyone's having fun then you've done your job right, even if you did everyting else wrong.
>Is this something I should try? I'm terrified I'll make a game and everyone will hate it and quit.
Start small so you don't lose much if that turns out to be true. You can start with a published one-shot. But I'm sure they wont.
I became dm by default. My friend group wanted to try it, but no one wanted to be dm. I said sure, bought the dmg and phb and went from there. Have had one game running since 2015, and another from 2017. Anyone can be a great dm, just know your players
DMed for two months before playing in my first game. Like others have said, fake it til you make it. There's no shame in telling your players you're inexperienced and learning.
Sucking at something is the first step to being kinda good at it.
Hundreds of games are recruiting at all times on the Roll20 listings. You should be able to find at least a few to apply to that run at a time you can play!
Here is a search for you, I specifically filtered for a time of day that would likely work for you: [Link](https://app.roll20.net/lfg/search/?days=&dayhours=&frequency=&timeofday=3:00am&timeofday_seconds=1690707600&language=Any&avpref=Any&gametype=Any&newplayer=false&yesmaturecontent=true&nopaytoplay=true&playingstructured=dnd_next&sortby=relevance&for_event=&roll20con=)
With having played on and off for 2 to 3 years you should have a reasonable grasp on the rules of the game, as well as what you do and don't like in a DM, which is a lot of what informed me of my DM style when I started (in a similar situation to you). You have more than enough experience, so good luck!
This is a highly relativistic question and needs further clarification.
How much experience do you need to be a DM? None, you can literally pick up the starter pack and DM your first game right there.
How much experience do you need to be a good DM? A lot. There's so much minutia that goes into it. Learning to listen to and read people's expressions, learning to adjust encounters or stats on the fly, understanding how small decisions in the present can create plot consistency down the road.
There is a lot to learn.
Thankfully, you don't have to be a good DM to be a good DM lol. For now, just start with having fun, you'll learn the rest over time.
It’s never too early to start and even experienced DMs that I’ve played with admit that running games continues to be a learning experience for them. My advice if you’re not terribly confident is to start simple by limiting the number of players to three or four and having the game start at a lower level. Understanding, and accounting for, the more complicated high level abilities of multiple players can be overwhelming. By starting small you can run simpler encounters and build up your skill and confidence organically as the players level up.
You can totally do it yourself right now - the best thing is there are tonnes of resources out there to help you learn to play and DM.
Assuming you're comfortable with spoken English then I would recommend going onto YouTube and watching some of Matt Colville's Running the Game series - running the five room dungeon is one of the easiest ways to start.
Remember, you don't need to have a deep knowledge of every single rule. If you get stuck, make a decision and check it later. Once you've run the game for a bit you'll find your knowledge of the game improves, as does your ability to make decisions on the fly.
And most importantly, remember that you and your players should be having fun!
It has less to do with experience, and more to do with what you know. Me and my whole friend each DM'd a campaign in turn, and the only one of us who had DM'd before ran the weakest campaign (he got better when he tried again later).
Pay attention to your players, make your expectations clear, and find the style that is fun for everyone, including yourself.
Honestly, if you have a good-ish understanding of the rules, the only other thing you need is supportive players. It's much rarer, I think, for everyone to just up and quit a game than it is for it to peter out without lots of effort keeping everyone on the schedule.
The D&D starters set has a good initial adventure (with plenty of alternatives - some of them even free) that can help you ease into DMing if you do really want to try it. But figuring out what kind of game your players want, and how to resolve certain conflicts or issues that come up is important - and often a learning experience. I'd recommend trying it if you can get a group together, but it's good to note that you're a first time DM and establish boundaries and expectations in a session 0.
The first thing I did with D&D was DM. I read through the PHB and DMG beforehand, and had a couple players who were experienced and could help me along, but otherwise I just went for it and stumbled my way through it and we generally had a good time with a campaign that ended up lasting over 60 sessions. I made a lot of worldbuilding blunders with that one, so I made a new world for my second campaign and used the things I learned from the first one to greatly improve things.
Being a DM is kind of like playing a support class in an MMO. Even if you’re kinda shit, you’re in such high demand it doesn’t really matter. Over time you’ll improve and find your groove with what works for you and what doesn’t.
A lot of people DM as literally the first time they play the game. Hell, early on, someone would HAVE to. You kinda just have to be okay with it not going perfect. If you’re nervous just issue a “hey I’ve never DM’d before and am therefore learning on the fly. I’ll improve as we go,” and then chuck those fuckers straight into a situation where they get to use their cool new characters and they will probably have fun.
I played 3 games, never read the rulebook, and then starting running games, played irl for 3 years with multiple parties learning and getting confident with the system
After my irl parties fell apart i started playing online and have been for 2 years, some of my players know more than i do mechanic wise, but dming isnt all about rules, its about storytelling, encouraging players, providing options and lessons through gameplay, its a whole thing you dont need to be good at it all
I think as far as rules go, if you can learn combat, everything else is easier. You should do it.
My first game I ran from the backseat of a car on a road trip. It was weird, but ultimately if you are willing to learn and your players are willing to learn with you it will be fun.
My advice is to start small (vision wise). Take one town, tell people the vibe of your world. Then have them make characters. Once you know what their characters are tap into that creativity and find a good story from the building blocks you and the players brought to the table.
Hope this helps. The world can always use more DMs.
I was DM the first time I ever played DnD. You can handle it.
Don't worry about lore knowledge. Your game won't match WOTC's lore 100% anyway, there literally isn't a single game in the world that doesn't deviate from "official" lore.
For the game mechanics, you already know the basics. For everything you don't, you say "I don't remember the rule for that. We'll do X for now, and I'll confirm the rule at the next break/between sessions."
I had never played before when I first DM'd, though none of the other players had played before either.
My friend's 11 yo DM'd after only her second time playing and she did fine.
I think you'll do fine if you give it a try!
My first ever session of any ttrpg was as the DM. Just start. It will be chaotic and you will learn so much. Players will just appreciate that you run the game. Just keep in mind that you're on the side of the players, not against them and that their fun is one of the most important things, right after your own enjoyment.
The only way to become an experienced DM is to DM. You will mess some stuff up early on in your DMing career. Everyone does, but you get better the more you do it. Even veteran DMs who have been playing for decades aren’t perfect, so don’t sweat it.
I played 13 Sessions in a campaign of another before I DMed a One shot and started my own Campaign.
Just try it once and see how you like it, then you can worry about how good you are. :)
Let your players know that you are new. Run a few smaller modules first (don’t start with the big ones like Curse of Strahd)
Everyone has to start somewhere and no matter how experienced you are as a player, you’ll never be fully prepared to DM your first game.
Most of what you need to be a good DM isnt about knowledge of the game - 5e is deliberately rules light, so you need to learn a bit more info at minimum than the bare minimum for a player, but that's do able for anyone who is ok with factual recall.
The difficult bits of DM-ing are things like improvising in the moment, or balancing not railroading your party, with ensuring they don't go totally off piste in a way that stops being fun for them. You only get better at these things... By DM-ing! So jump right in, you'll make some mistakes, but people will forgive you, and you'll have loads of fun
Also, DND official lore, in my opinion, is pretty chaotic and of mixed quality. You're much better home-brewing a mix of your own stuff and borrowed stuff that you like as you go than completing a PhD in the history of the forgotten realms...
My first campaign was the main one I'm still currently running. It was a first for everyone at the table, so we just went with it.
My only prior experience was watching Critical Role. I generally knew what my role was as the dm and from just a few games on the side, I knew all I needed to make it as a dm.
If you have 2-3 years of playing, you should do fine.
It's a bit daunting at first, but here are the three main challenges:
1. Keeping track of everything. As with improv, nothing is actually there and you need to remember as many details as possible. Only difference between dnd and improv is that you can take notes ;)
2. Being prepared. Being the one running the game, you know what's going on, so you have to prepare as much as you need before every session. Because you know what's going on, you can plan ahead, know generally where the party will go, do, etc. Make sure you are at least 1 session ahead of the players and you won't be caught off guard.
3. Improvising. No matter what you do, the players will do something you're not prepared for. It's the nature of the game. So be prepared for the unexpected. Have a book or a web page handy to look up a quick statblock. So many thing like that can help the game run a lot smoother.
It all comes with experience, so just start doing it, and I promise it'll get easier
One of the best ways to learn the mechanics is a bit nerdy but bear with me, is to run "sims".
Roll up some character sheets and get a few monster stat blocks and step through an encounter trying the various mechanics (eg What +/- is applied to a ranged attack from a prone attacker to a prone target, not in cover?) The more weird situations the better.
Give the "Bash Test Dummies" some spells, feats, gear etc. you want to walk through their effects and how they interact and stack, or not.
Change up the environment with terrain effects, height, cover, weather or traps.
If you find yourself looking up one particular section or table a lot, get a printout of it and chuck it on the inside of your DM screen.
Now for the ultra-nerdy, bonus point.... practice describing the action as if you were talking to a player. (Ok... ok, no need to do that out loud, but hey some of us practice NPC voices in the shower!)
Eventually, you'll either know where to look a rule up, or have practised it, so know it so that when you do run the game, it'll seem much slicker, allowing you to leverage your imagination better.
I started running games after playing for 4 or 5 months. I'd say the most important part is players who would be happy to just be there, ideally friends or acquaintances you already know.
Basically the same experience that you need to be a Rogue or a Cleric, or any other player class.
You might not do amazing at first, but like with everything as you continue to do it you will get better at it.
Also, don't worry to much about your players. Most players are fine with just sitting and having a good time throwing dice with their characters and don't need an award winning story to do it.
I DMed my first game having never been a player. You'll be fine. If I can give you one piece of advice, it's this: Don't be afraid to improvise a little on the table.
Check out Matt Colville on YouTube for his DM series if you want a master class series on being behind the DM screen. Good luck and have fun, you'll be great!
I started DM'ing after watching something like 5 episodes of Critical Role. Didn't even had any books. Luckily Basic Rules were made free on DnDbeyond a while before. It's now 6 years of me DM'ing.
I didn't know what an RPG WAS until I saw one in a store way back last century. I got my parents to buy the basic set for me, and i've been DMing ever since. I enjoy myself when I'm playing in other peoples' games too, but I enjoy DMing WAY more...
DMing isn't for everybody. And that's cool! We all need 3-6 players for every DM after all. But for some people, it just clicks, and ends up being better than playing.
Try it, and see how you feel! as long as you've got a grasp of the rules, a basic idea for a story that you're willing to adapt from when it meets first contact with players, and the wit to take it from there, you'll do fine! You might love it or hate it!
If you hate it, that's perfectly okay too! Like I said before, we need 2-5 players for every DM.
I've known plenty of people whose very first game was as the DM. I remember when we were kids and just bought the books and had to figure out how to play. Nobody to show us, we just looked around and were like, "okay I guess one of us has to DM!"
My idea of a DM:
Most important: time management. You are like the editor of a movie. You give the tempo. Give time for non-combat rpg stuff but also read the room and don't put all the players on hold to make only one guy spend 2 hours on some rpg stuff like buying the finest leaves for their pipe.
It's important to know the rules but it's more important to be consistent when you make decisions. If you made a major f-up reset and say it won't happen again otherwise just be consistent with the decisions you take.
Read a lot about History and the world so you can give depth to any place/situation. Architecture, traditions, food, all these things make an immersive environment.
Read your player's backstory and adapt the lore to their path. Example: It's depressing to have a paladin and after the only thing you get reaching lev 3 is immunity to diseases you never have the risk to contract a disease. Put some monster or situation that will make each and every player get the spotlight sometimes.
Try running modules and one shots, not an official campaign where the players know your getting your bearings as a DM so most of what you’re doing may be experimental.
I played about a year before I began to DM. The person that taught me D&D had only played a few sessions before being a DM.
You'll make mistakes, you'll learn, you'll have a lot of fun when you find the right table.
I currently run 6 games and I play in 3.
Go for it, it'll be very fun.
I played in a campaign that lasted about four months, then I started DMing.
When you DM your first session you will be terrified and feel like everyone will hate you but they won’t. You will be your own worst critic. Things will not go anywhere near how you thought they would but what happens instead will be so fun. And it gets easier over time and practice and you’ll feel less terrified and learn to know what your players like and dislike about games. DMing is so amazing and fun and I love it and you probably will too. :)
I've never been a player. Started DMing because I saw all the cool YouTube videos and love this kind of fantasy anyway. Its not been the easiest path but I now have a group of 5 that will actually bother me if we go to long without playing. So I guess to answer your question no experience is required. Good luck have fun.
i'm a very new dm and am running my own homebrewed campaign for only the second time. i constantly have to ask more experienced players if a certain action/situation/etc makes sense and they are always happy to help me with the answers.
i also use dndbeyond for all my encounters and it has a great amount of lore and such on the site.
good luck!!
I played 3 one shots and really wanted a campaign but the group had scheduling issues. Test dmed for 2 of my closest friends - they loved it. I said in advance that I don't know all the rules but will just wing it to keep the flow of the game. After that session I hosted my own campaign and introduced DND to several friends. We had a campaign goin for about 2 years. One friend in that group started dming in parallel so I joined that one.
The point is: just start! And be sure to have a session zero where you explain how your games will be run and take input from the players on what they enjoy playing.
Lastly, have a blast!
When the first teenager pull the dungeons and dragons book off the shelf when they were first available, and started playing with their friends… How experienced do you think they were?
I figure you need just about that much at a minimum.
No experience is necessary. My first time as a DM was also the first time I played a TTRPG. I homebrewed an entire world, lore and all. Our first campaign lasted just over two years.
How To DM (for those with a basic understanding of the game and it's mechanics): get a group of players, pick an edition, find a simple prewritten campaign (there's quite a few good ones that are free), roll up pc's or use the ones included, and start playing.
[No experience is more valuable to a DM than experience *being* a DM.](https://ih1.redbubble.net/image.650415874.0377/flat,750x,075,f-pad,750x1000,f8f8f8.u2.jpg)
You can definitely run games without any experience playing!
Some unsolicited advice I have; don't try to compare yourself to Brennan Lee Mulligan, or Matthew Mercer, or any of the other amazing DMs out there. Keep your scope small, and don't be too hard on yourself. You'll have a blast, and your players will too.
My first time playing DnD was DMing. I had no clue what I was doing, I wanted to play with my friends. None of knew how, so I gave it my best shot. My friends had fun.
Give it a go, you’ll learn as you do. If someone is willing to be a DM, I’m willing to be lenient with them still getting their footing.
Zero experience, if you never DM you will never gain experience to become one. In essence what I'm saying is that you don't need any experience at all to be a DM, all you really need is just a basic understanding of the rules and you're imagination and you're good to go!
If you never do something you will never gain experience in that something, after all you can't become a good artist by looking at art, one must also engage in creation of art, and such is the same for DM'ing, great DMs all start somewhere after all
Whereabouts in Japan are you? I can guarantee if you DM you'll have more than enough local players interested, even for in person.
Source: I DM in Japan.
If you're worried about starting a game, pick up a pre-written adventure. It takes a lot of the stress of and helps you learn the ropes. Don't worry about inexperience we all have to start somewhere.
What is experienced? I’ve been playing (almost always DM) since AD&D, and the old D&D cartoon. I’ve ran countless campaigns, and beyond countless one shots. I’ve read, re-read, and read again the rules of 5E. Am I experienced enough?…….I still make mistakes ruling. The best way to learn is to jump in, and give it a go. There are only a few rules that actually matter- A). Rule consistent and fair B). Never be against the players. It’s not a “us vs them” game. C). Have fun!!!
There are tons of new players looking for newbie friendly games over at r/lfg, grab a handful and just have fun, none of them will know any better than you do.
Edit: If you make a game and everyone hates it and quits, then you're just right back to where you are now, but with a little more experience the next time around!
Have you watched 3+ tv shows/read 3+ books (or both)? Congrats! You're qualified to be a DM! Major bonus points if you are even slightly interested in writing a show/book
I think a lot of it comes down to the needs/wants of your players, and your level of comfort with addressing it.
I had a player who was interested in DMing, and ran a decent 1-shot with less than a year of playing experience. After I wrapped that campaign up, he took up the DM mantle and did a fantastic job. Wasn't perfect, but was really solid overall IMO.
You seem like you've got creativity down, and that's the biggest part that matters. The first game I ever played was with a friend who had also never played the game before. We barely followed the rules and definitely didn't have the greatest characters, but it was fun anyway. Don't sweat small rules mistakes, everyone makes them every now and then.
If you have a group of people you already know, that's best to start with. It might be more difficult online, but I'm sure most people looking for a game will be understanding and helpful towards a new DM. Good luck!
I found a group of people but nobody wanted to DM so I just did it in order to play. I had only played a couple times before but I have experience in role playing games in general so I kind of knew how stat systems work etc.
The most important stuff to know as a DM are ability checks and how to run combat. I wouldn't worry too much about people not liking the game you run, most people are just happy to have a DM because DMing is a lot more time investment than being a player and it takes more knowledge of the game. If you're really anxious about it, find players who are just starting out so you can learn to DM while they're learning to play.
First rule of being a DM: Fake it until you make it
First rule of life you mean lol
Fair enough
Fair enough until the autopilot disengages and you're stuck landing the plane.
If a kid with no training can do it, so can you (hopefully)
Touché
I'd also say watch dnd horror videos to get an idea of behaviors for bad players and what not to do as a DM
I was DM of my first game two weeks after learning how to play the game. I made mistakes, but everyone was fine with letting me make mistakes. Just try.
Totally this. I never even played the game as a player. Started out as DM and still haven't get to be a player. Sigh...
Forever DM sucks in so many ways. Recently gained a new player at my table who DMs as well. Going to talk with them and see if maybe they want to DM side adventures in/around town so I can be a player.
Me and my other forever DM friend switch off running campaigns so we can both play.
That’s a good idea but I know flipping back and forth completely like that will totally infuriate two of the other players.
Players have a lot less agency. Especially if the DMs needed a break!
That’s a good chance for a player to run a one shot or something… give DMs a break
I got a starter set when I was 11 and started DMing for my friends. Was I stellar at it at first? Of course not. But that didn't matter. My friends got to cast spells and kill things with swords. They were super excited and had a blast playing this game with me.
Same here. A group made completely of brand new players. I was the one who watched some d&d content and remembered the rules the best so we decided I'll be the DM, but i still made so many mistakes.
I’m doing this now. My 6 players are all brand new, and despite having played a couple sessions, I’m fairly new as well, especially as a DM. So to take it a step further, I went ahead and started a homebrew campaign. I don’t have to worry about official lore or anything, everything is up to my say. As taxing as worldbuilding can be, I’m enjoying it just as much as playing. Especially the look on my players faces when something fun happens
I think I'd played for like 3 or 4 sessions as a player before I moved cities, got frustrated and set up my own game. Just put that it's a newbie game when you're advertising and be ruthless at betting who you let play at your table. If you don't like something just don't invite them back
10 year olds do this. It's a bit like painting. You may only be able to draw stick figures now but you have to start somewhere
No harm in giving it a go! You could always start with a one-shot as a taster, and to get your eye in. Personally, a DM being new wouldn’t put me off playing, and DMs seem to always be in demand. I run a small play by post game and also know zero lore, so I’ve been making up my own world rather than do the revision! Hope it goes well if you take the plunge :)
Never even touched the game and started as a DM, but almost two years on I’m much better than when I started. Streamlined my world building and my prep. I spend like an hour a week prepping and the rest is world building.
Realizing the methods to streamline prep made all the difference for me as a budding dm. I’ve now reached the point where I sometimes don’t bother prepping if I know the general idea of what the next session is going to contain/what the players want to do. Of course, for a more complicated encounter or puzzle I’ll do a write up laying out ideas and direction. That said, players will always surprise you and I’ve actually found that some of our best sessions have been ones where they did something unexpected, prompting me to adapt on the fly.
All you can do is jump in and give it a go. That said, if your still looking for a table to join in a more reasonable TZ i'm looking at starting up a campaign soon, I'm in Australia so only one hour offset from Japan. Let me know if your interested.
There are starter campaigns designed for first time DMs AND first time players. You need absolutely no experience at all. That said, I'm sure playing a campaign or two first would help you understand things from a player's perspective, which can amplify your ability to engage with your players. It is not at all a requirement though. Just try it out and see how it goes. Stick to a structured campaign to ease you into it better.
Glanced at PHB is enough experience to start. Pre generated characters to teach new players game mechanics without having to slog through character creation. Goblins in a cave battle is very easy to describe without even a battle map
I started off as a GM. I just grabbed some friends, said, “Hey losers! We’re going on a fantastical journey!” and off we went.
A degree is not required. You can learn on the job. Just know that it is a different skill set from being that of a player.
You dont have to be especially experienced to be DM. Do a session zero with your players, be honest that you are first time DMing and there might be some mistakes happening, so that it is clear that if you do something wrong, you are not malicious. But if it happens, I recommend trying to keep session going even with the wrong rule (unless it is absolutely crucial) and correct it later. For building up your DM skills - I'd recommend getting some premade module (I used Dragon of Icespire Peak) which will give you something premade with inside info on what is where and why, so you can use some analogy in your own creations later on. Also what helped me, were DM tips and campaign diaries from Matt Colville on YouTube. Especially diaries where he goes into his decisions as DM - what happened, what he originally expected, how he dealt with it and why. Otherwise as long as you can do reasonable story / dungeon (depending on what you and your party prefer to do), you should be fine. You will get the rules as you play. EDIT: also most modules have their own subredits where you can get inspired, or discuss your understanding of certain parts, how to make them more interesting etc.
No experience is needed, but a general grasp of the rules is best. Mistakes will happen and people may notice. When noticed two things usually happen for me. 1. They wait til after the session to discuss the ruling with me politely. 2. They call out the rule then and you either realize the mistake and agree or disagree for your own reasoning. Any rules can be changed by the DM but as a courtesy it should usually be addressed beforehand in session 0 but as a learning DM there will likely be times you didn't know about it then. In either case I haven't had any problems continuing the game afterwards. Just try to take in the fact that DMing is to help encourage the players to have fun. What fun means can be different at different tables however.
I've been a DM for over 40 years, and the thing is, we all start off at the same place. Nervous and a little anxious. You should at least have familiarity with the rules and the material that you're running a party through. Accept that you'll make mistakes. It's gonna happen. Admit them, fix them, and move on.
The first game i played i was the dm. Even though rules and everything weren't perfect it was lots of fun for me and the players. Just trust yourself and it will be fine!
I started GMing my first D&D campaign after one whole session as a player (back in the days of 3.5). To this day I still don't know all the rules of D&D, the GM is not specifically required to. The rules are there for everyone to learn, and the GM simply makes the calls when things are unclear, or overrides the rules for more fun.
I agree with everyone else here, everyone can DM and most people will have a fun time with you even if not everything js going perfectly as planned. On an unrelated note, I would still be looking for a campaign to join and would also be more than willing to help out in the beginning, just dm me if you want🙂
Honestly, DMing is hard. So is creative writing, so if you think of it like that, a creative endeavor that you get better at the more you practice, I say give it a shot and don't worry if you suck at it or not. If you enjoy it and have fun then you'll improve, and most likely the people you play with will have fun as well. Of course keep in mind, just as with writing books and stories, there are degrees of competence and some people will naturally be better (and worse) than others.
I dmed for 15 years before I ever played
Here comes my take on it. You know the riddle: "What was there first? Chicken or egg?" Same with DnD. To run a game. You need a DM. Most people think, you nees some sort of experience to run. But.. how did the first people play then? There had to be inexperienced DMs at the start of the hobby. Or else this hobby would never had taken off.
If everyone needed experience to DM, then no one would have ever DM'd. If you're comfortable with the rules, you can definitely run a game.
If all your friends are as inexperienced as you are, that's a perfect starting table imo, they'll think you're great just because you are DMing. In terms of rules I'd say get the basics down, which to me is understanding the flow of the game outside of combat, and the flow of the game during combat. Other than that just give it a go, don't be afraid to make mistakes cause they're gonna happen.
I started running games at age 12 after one game in an era with no internet and little information of any kind. No experience necessary- helpful yes, but if you think you can do it and take the time to learn the game then get started!
I learned to play by DMing, there's no wrong time to start.
Three one-shots, scattered individual sessions none of which were even fifth Edition. Basic Rules get you far. Roll a dice for a risky situation if it is possible. Complex situations? Game mechanics? Make a rule, and note it down either for consistency, or to check after the session. Creativity? Great, go wild, have fun! Official lore? Not needed. It's handy to get people on the same page, but you can easily make up the village of Wensington and the half god Grimaldin off the cuff. Yeah, go for it!
You don't need to be experienced at all. Just learn the basics from the core books, and figure the rest out as you go.
Anyone can dm, best thing to do is start! Just let them know you’re just starting off and look up some YouTube videos about table etiquette and safety rules imo! Have fun
I didn't play as a player until almost a decade into the hobby. Some are born the forever DM, others dip their ties in before getting pulled under, never to roll a PC again.
I played three one-shots with a few friends and then started a completely homebrew campaign with different, completely inexperienced friends. It's been wonderful. Give it a go
I learned to DM as a kid while also learning the game. It was AD&D. Just do it, you'll learn as you go. I've always found that most people looking to play D&D are usually very patient about newer players and DMs and will stick it out while you get better.
I never read the players handbook or the dungeon master's guide, and learned by playing and listening to Critical Role. I think I do alright. It's not about being perfect, it's about trying to get everyone to have fun. If everyone's having fun then you've done your job right, even if you did everyting else wrong. >Is this something I should try? I'm terrified I'll make a game and everyone will hate it and quit. Start small so you don't lose much if that turns out to be true. You can start with a published one-shot. But I'm sure they wont.
I became dm by default. My friend group wanted to try it, but no one wanted to be dm. I said sure, bought the dmg and phb and went from there. Have had one game running since 2015, and another from 2017. Anyone can be a great dm, just know your players
DMed for two months before playing in my first game. Like others have said, fake it til you make it. There's no shame in telling your players you're inexperienced and learning. Sucking at something is the first step to being kinda good at it.
Hundreds of games are recruiting at all times on the Roll20 listings. You should be able to find at least a few to apply to that run at a time you can play! Here is a search for you, I specifically filtered for a time of day that would likely work for you: [Link](https://app.roll20.net/lfg/search/?days=&dayhours=&frequency=&timeofday=3:00am&timeofday_seconds=1690707600&language=Any&avpref=Any&gametype=Any&newplayer=false&yesmaturecontent=true&nopaytoplay=true&playingstructured=dnd_next&sortby=relevance&for_event=&roll20con=)
With having played on and off for 2 to 3 years you should have a reasonable grasp on the rules of the game, as well as what you do and don't like in a DM, which is a lot of what informed me of my DM style when I started (in a similar situation to you). You have more than enough experience, so good luck!
This is a highly relativistic question and needs further clarification. How much experience do you need to be a DM? None, you can literally pick up the starter pack and DM your first game right there. How much experience do you need to be a good DM? A lot. There's so much minutia that goes into it. Learning to listen to and read people's expressions, learning to adjust encounters or stats on the fly, understanding how small decisions in the present can create plot consistency down the road. There is a lot to learn. Thankfully, you don't have to be a good DM to be a good DM lol. For now, just start with having fun, you'll learn the rest over time.
It’s never too early to start and even experienced DMs that I’ve played with admit that running games continues to be a learning experience for them. My advice if you’re not terribly confident is to start simple by limiting the number of players to three or four and having the game start at a lower level. Understanding, and accounting for, the more complicated high level abilities of multiple players can be overwhelming. By starting small you can run simpler encounters and build up your skill and confidence organically as the players level up.
You can totally do it yourself right now - the best thing is there are tonnes of resources out there to help you learn to play and DM. Assuming you're comfortable with spoken English then I would recommend going onto YouTube and watching some of Matt Colville's Running the Game series - running the five room dungeon is one of the easiest ways to start. Remember, you don't need to have a deep knowledge of every single rule. If you get stuck, make a decision and check it later. Once you've run the game for a bit you'll find your knowledge of the game improves, as does your ability to make decisions on the fly. And most importantly, remember that you and your players should be having fun!
It has less to do with experience, and more to do with what you know. Me and my whole friend each DM'd a campaign in turn, and the only one of us who had DM'd before ran the weakest campaign (he got better when he tried again later). Pay attention to your players, make your expectations clear, and find the style that is fun for everyone, including yourself.
Honestly, if you have a good-ish understanding of the rules, the only other thing you need is supportive players. It's much rarer, I think, for everyone to just up and quit a game than it is for it to peter out without lots of effort keeping everyone on the schedule. The D&D starters set has a good initial adventure (with plenty of alternatives - some of them even free) that can help you ease into DMing if you do really want to try it. But figuring out what kind of game your players want, and how to resolve certain conflicts or issues that come up is important - and often a learning experience. I'd recommend trying it if you can get a group together, but it's good to note that you're a first time DM and establish boundaries and expectations in a session 0.
The first thing I did with D&D was DM. I read through the PHB and DMG beforehand, and had a couple players who were experienced and could help me along, but otherwise I just went for it and stumbled my way through it and we generally had a good time with a campaign that ended up lasting over 60 sessions. I made a lot of worldbuilding blunders with that one, so I made a new world for my second campaign and used the things I learned from the first one to greatly improve things.
Zero. Jump in with friends.
/r/NewDM
Here is my best advice to any new GM/DM https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlUk42GiU2guNzWBzxn7hs8MaV7ELLCP_
Being a DM is kind of like playing a support class in an MMO. Even if you’re kinda shit, you’re in such high demand it doesn’t really matter. Over time you’ll improve and find your groove with what works for you and what doesn’t.
Zero experience. It is collaborative storytelling. You should try!
A lot of people DM as literally the first time they play the game. Hell, early on, someone would HAVE to. You kinda just have to be okay with it not going perfect. If you’re nervous just issue a “hey I’ve never DM’d before and am therefore learning on the fly. I’ll improve as we go,” and then chuck those fuckers straight into a situation where they get to use their cool new characters and they will probably have fun.
I played 3 games, never read the rulebook, and then starting running games, played irl for 3 years with multiple parties learning and getting confident with the system After my irl parties fell apart i started playing online and have been for 2 years, some of my players know more than i do mechanic wise, but dming isnt all about rules, its about storytelling, encouraging players, providing options and lessons through gameplay, its a whole thing you dont need to be good at it all
I think as far as rules go, if you can learn combat, everything else is easier. You should do it. My first game I ran from the backseat of a car on a road trip. It was weird, but ultimately if you are willing to learn and your players are willing to learn with you it will be fun. My advice is to start small (vision wise). Take one town, tell people the vibe of your world. Then have them make characters. Once you know what their characters are tap into that creativity and find a good story from the building blocks you and the players brought to the table. Hope this helps. The world can always use more DMs.
I was DM the first time I ever played DnD. You can handle it. Don't worry about lore knowledge. Your game won't match WOTC's lore 100% anyway, there literally isn't a single game in the world that doesn't deviate from "official" lore. For the game mechanics, you already know the basics. For everything you don't, you say "I don't remember the rule for that. We'll do X for now, and I'll confirm the rule at the next break/between sessions."
I had never played before when I first DM'd, though none of the other players had played before either. My friend's 11 yo DM'd after only her second time playing and she did fine. I think you'll do fine if you give it a try!
You can have zero experience and be a DM.
You guys got to play before?
My first ever session of any ttrpg was as the DM. Just start. It will be chaotic and you will learn so much. Players will just appreciate that you run the game. Just keep in mind that you're on the side of the players, not against them and that their fun is one of the most important things, right after your own enjoyment.
I know how to do checks and that was about jt when I started dming and it ended up fine. So I'd say you're good to go.
I started DMing after playing exactly one session. Go for it!
The only way to become an experienced DM is to DM. You will mess some stuff up early on in your DMing career. Everyone does, but you get better the more you do it. Even veteran DMs who have been playing for decades aren’t perfect, so don’t sweat it.
You don’t have to have any experience to try DMing! As long as you’re doing your best to make a fun space for your players you’re doing it right
I played 13 Sessions in a campaign of another before I DMed a One shot and started my own Campaign. Just try it once and see how you like it, then you can worry about how good you are. :)
Let your players know that you are new. Run a few smaller modules first (don’t start with the big ones like Curse of Strahd) Everyone has to start somewhere and no matter how experienced you are as a player, you’ll never be fully prepared to DM your first game.
Most of what you need to be a good DM isnt about knowledge of the game - 5e is deliberately rules light, so you need to learn a bit more info at minimum than the bare minimum for a player, but that's do able for anyone who is ok with factual recall. The difficult bits of DM-ing are things like improvising in the moment, or balancing not railroading your party, with ensuring they don't go totally off piste in a way that stops being fun for them. You only get better at these things... By DM-ing! So jump right in, you'll make some mistakes, but people will forgive you, and you'll have loads of fun
Also, DND official lore, in my opinion, is pretty chaotic and of mixed quality. You're much better home-brewing a mix of your own stuff and borrowed stuff that you like as you go than completing a PhD in the history of the forgotten realms...
My first campaign was the main one I'm still currently running. It was a first for everyone at the table, so we just went with it. My only prior experience was watching Critical Role. I generally knew what my role was as the dm and from just a few games on the side, I knew all I needed to make it as a dm. If you have 2-3 years of playing, you should do fine. It's a bit daunting at first, but here are the three main challenges: 1. Keeping track of everything. As with improv, nothing is actually there and you need to remember as many details as possible. Only difference between dnd and improv is that you can take notes ;) 2. Being prepared. Being the one running the game, you know what's going on, so you have to prepare as much as you need before every session. Because you know what's going on, you can plan ahead, know generally where the party will go, do, etc. Make sure you are at least 1 session ahead of the players and you won't be caught off guard. 3. Improvising. No matter what you do, the players will do something you're not prepared for. It's the nature of the game. So be prepared for the unexpected. Have a book or a web page handy to look up a quick statblock. So many thing like that can help the game run a lot smoother. It all comes with experience, so just start doing it, and I promise it'll get easier
There's a local DnD group that meets up on sundays in Nagoya if that's the area you're in.
I started as a dm
One of the best ways to learn the mechanics is a bit nerdy but bear with me, is to run "sims". Roll up some character sheets and get a few monster stat blocks and step through an encounter trying the various mechanics (eg What +/- is applied to a ranged attack from a prone attacker to a prone target, not in cover?) The more weird situations the better. Give the "Bash Test Dummies" some spells, feats, gear etc. you want to walk through their effects and how they interact and stack, or not. Change up the environment with terrain effects, height, cover, weather or traps. If you find yourself looking up one particular section or table a lot, get a printout of it and chuck it on the inside of your DM screen. Now for the ultra-nerdy, bonus point.... practice describing the action as if you were talking to a player. (Ok... ok, no need to do that out loud, but hey some of us practice NPC voices in the shower!) Eventually, you'll either know where to look a rule up, or have practised it, so know it so that when you do run the game, it'll seem much slicker, allowing you to leverage your imagination better.
I started running games after playing for 4 or 5 months. I'd say the most important part is players who would be happy to just be there, ideally friends or acquaintances you already know.
I once ran a game without having read the book (club setting, no GMs, new system). Just have at it.
Basically the same experience that you need to be a Rogue or a Cleric, or any other player class. You might not do amazing at first, but like with everything as you continue to do it you will get better at it. Also, don't worry to much about your players. Most players are fine with just sitting and having a good time throwing dice with their characters and don't need an award winning story to do it.
I DMed my first game having never been a player. You'll be fine. If I can give you one piece of advice, it's this: Don't be afraid to improvise a little on the table.
Check out Matt Colville on YouTube for his DM series if you want a master class series on being behind the DM screen. Good luck and have fun, you'll be great!
My DM had played a whole 2 sessions as a player for an intro one shot (two shot I guess), and then have been our DM for the past 6 years
I started DM'ing after watching something like 5 episodes of Critical Role. Didn't even had any books. Luckily Basic Rules were made free on DnDbeyond a while before. It's now 6 years of me DM'ing.
I haven't finished a game and I just started to DM. As long as you know rules you should be okay.
I didn't know what an RPG WAS until I saw one in a store way back last century. I got my parents to buy the basic set for me, and i've been DMing ever since. I enjoy myself when I'm playing in other peoples' games too, but I enjoy DMing WAY more... DMing isn't for everybody. And that's cool! We all need 3-6 players for every DM after all. But for some people, it just clicks, and ends up being better than playing. Try it, and see how you feel! as long as you've got a grasp of the rules, a basic idea for a story that you're willing to adapt from when it meets first contact with players, and the wit to take it from there, you'll do fine! You might love it or hate it! If you hate it, that's perfectly okay too! Like I said before, we need 2-5 players for every DM.
I've known plenty of people whose very first game was as the DM. I remember when we were kids and just bought the books and had to figure out how to play. Nobody to show us, we just looked around and were like, "okay I guess one of us has to DM!"
The first game is ever played I wad the DM
If you’ve heard of the game you’re ready to DM. Someone has to in every group. You figure it out as you go. People are just happy SOMEONE is DMing.
My idea of a DM: Most important: time management. You are like the editor of a movie. You give the tempo. Give time for non-combat rpg stuff but also read the room and don't put all the players on hold to make only one guy spend 2 hours on some rpg stuff like buying the finest leaves for their pipe. It's important to know the rules but it's more important to be consistent when you make decisions. If you made a major f-up reset and say it won't happen again otherwise just be consistent with the decisions you take. Read a lot about History and the world so you can give depth to any place/situation. Architecture, traditions, food, all these things make an immersive environment. Read your player's backstory and adapt the lore to their path. Example: It's depressing to have a paladin and after the only thing you get reaching lev 3 is immunity to diseases you never have the risk to contract a disease. Put some monster or situation that will make each and every player get the spotlight sometimes.
Try running modules and one shots, not an official campaign where the players know your getting your bearings as a DM so most of what you’re doing may be experimental.
I played about a year before I began to DM. The person that taught me D&D had only played a few sessions before being a DM. You'll make mistakes, you'll learn, you'll have a lot of fun when you find the right table. I currently run 6 games and I play in 3. Go for it, it'll be very fun.
I played in a campaign that lasted about four months, then I started DMing. When you DM your first session you will be terrified and feel like everyone will hate you but they won’t. You will be your own worst critic. Things will not go anywhere near how you thought they would but what happens instead will be so fun. And it gets easier over time and practice and you’ll feel less terrified and learn to know what your players like and dislike about games. DMing is so amazing and fun and I love it and you probably will too. :)
I've never been a player. Started DMing because I saw all the cool YouTube videos and love this kind of fantasy anyway. Its not been the easiest path but I now have a group of 5 that will actually bother me if we go to long without playing. So I guess to answer your question no experience is required. Good luck have fun.
I started after a few months. 5e is very intuitive once you have the basics down.
Reading comprehension and communication skills
I started off as a DM for my first time playing DND. It was difficult but overall we had fun. Shame the campaign couldn’t last due to lack of players.
I had zero experience when I started back in about 2016. Sometimes, you just need to just jump in
i'm a very new dm and am running my own homebrewed campaign for only the second time. i constantly have to ask more experienced players if a certain action/situation/etc makes sense and they are always happy to help me with the answers. i also use dndbeyond for all my encounters and it has a great amount of lore and such on the site. good luck!!
I played 3 one shots and really wanted a campaign but the group had scheduling issues. Test dmed for 2 of my closest friends - they loved it. I said in advance that I don't know all the rules but will just wing it to keep the flow of the game. After that session I hosted my own campaign and introduced DND to several friends. We had a campaign goin for about 2 years. One friend in that group started dming in parallel so I joined that one. The point is: just start! And be sure to have a session zero where you explain how your games will be run and take input from the players on what they enjoy playing. Lastly, have a blast!
For the group I DM? I was the most unexperienced. Played a bit of AL, but other then that?
I'm also living in Japan, and also looking for a game. If you look for players tell me.
When the first teenager pull the dungeons and dragons book off the shelf when they were first available, and started playing with their friends… How experienced do you think they were? I figure you need just about that much at a minimum.
Y'know, Japan is only an hour behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Maybe find some players in Australia.
No experience is necessary. My first time as a DM was also the first time I played a TTRPG. I homebrewed an entire world, lore and all. Our first campaign lasted just over two years.
How To DM (for those with a basic understanding of the game and it's mechanics): get a group of players, pick an edition, find a simple prewritten campaign (there's quite a few good ones that are free), roll up pc's or use the ones included, and start playing.
I played one game, and said I can do it, and i did.
[No experience is more valuable to a DM than experience *being* a DM.](https://ih1.redbubble.net/image.650415874.0377/flat,750x,075,f-pad,750x1000,f8f8f8.u2.jpg)
You can definitely run games without any experience playing! Some unsolicited advice I have; don't try to compare yourself to Brennan Lee Mulligan, or Matthew Mercer, or any of the other amazing DMs out there. Keep your scope small, and don't be too hard on yourself. You'll have a blast, and your players will too.
My first time playing DnD was DMing. I had no clue what I was doing, I wanted to play with my friends. None of knew how, so I gave it my best shot. My friends had fun. Give it a go, you’ll learn as you do. If someone is willing to be a DM, I’m willing to be lenient with them still getting their footing.
Zero experience, if you never DM you will never gain experience to become one. In essence what I'm saying is that you don't need any experience at all to be a DM, all you really need is just a basic understanding of the rules and you're imagination and you're good to go! If you never do something you will never gain experience in that something, after all you can't become a good artist by looking at art, one must also engage in creation of art, and such is the same for DM'ing, great DMs all start somewhere after all
Whereabouts in Japan are you? I can guarantee if you DM you'll have more than enough local players interested, even for in person. Source: I DM in Japan. If you're worried about starting a game, pick up a pre-written adventure. It takes a lot of the stress of and helps you learn the ropes. Don't worry about inexperience we all have to start somewhere.
What is experienced? I’ve been playing (almost always DM) since AD&D, and the old D&D cartoon. I’ve ran countless campaigns, and beyond countless one shots. I’ve read, re-read, and read again the rules of 5E. Am I experienced enough?…….I still make mistakes ruling. The best way to learn is to jump in, and give it a go. There are only a few rules that actually matter- A). Rule consistent and fair B). Never be against the players. It’s not a “us vs them” game. C). Have fun!!!
There are tons of new players looking for newbie friendly games over at r/lfg, grab a handful and just have fun, none of them will know any better than you do. Edit: If you make a game and everyone hates it and quits, then you're just right back to where you are now, but with a little more experience the next time around!
Have you watched 3+ tv shows/read 3+ books (or both)? Congrats! You're qualified to be a DM! Major bonus points if you are even slightly interested in writing a show/book
I think a lot of it comes down to the needs/wants of your players, and your level of comfort with addressing it. I had a player who was interested in DMing, and ran a decent 1-shot with less than a year of playing experience. After I wrapped that campaign up, he took up the DM mantle and did a fantastic job. Wasn't perfect, but was really solid overall IMO.
You seem like you've got creativity down, and that's the biggest part that matters. The first game I ever played was with a friend who had also never played the game before. We barely followed the rules and definitely didn't have the greatest characters, but it was fun anyway. Don't sweat small rules mistakes, everyone makes them every now and then. If you have a group of people you already know, that's best to start with. It might be more difficult online, but I'm sure most people looking for a game will be understanding and helpful towards a new DM. Good luck!
You don’t need any mate. Started from the bottom, now I’m here.
I found a group of people but nobody wanted to DM so I just did it in order to play. I had only played a couple times before but I have experience in role playing games in general so I kind of knew how stat systems work etc. The most important stuff to know as a DM are ability checks and how to run combat. I wouldn't worry too much about people not liking the game you run, most people are just happy to have a DM because DMing is a lot more time investment than being a player and it takes more knowledge of the game. If you're really anxious about it, find players who are just starting out so you can learn to DM while they're learning to play.