Is Dungeon World a good introduction for people who have not played role playing games before? I’ve also heard the D&D 5E starter campaign is good
Is Dungeon World a good introduction for people who have not played role playing games before?
Is Dungeon World a good introduction for people who have not played role playing games before?
Yes!
I’d say it’s one of the best introductions to both playing and GMing.
Best of the Best!
Both games are great for new players.
Damn straight. Dungeon World is hands down one of the best introductory RPGs out there.
Of course some of that depends on how well the GM introduces it. But that’s true of any game.
Very much yes.
Even if you end up moving on to other systems, the GM agenda, principles, and moves in DW are basically “How to be an awesome GM 101”.
The fiction first approach can take a little getting used to but once it clicks, it is probably the most enjoyable gaming I’ve had in 15 years of RPG gaming.
Just to get a little deeper into it, DW encourages players to be active. They’re not supposed to be worrying about things like complex character creation or modifiers or long lists of powers or whatnot. Everything is based on asking the player “what would your character do”, and that player answering without worrying about the mechanics of what their action means.
I think the fiction first approach of DW is what makes is so accessible for new players.
Exactly as Sean says, the moves that only give you a +1, are literally the boring part of this game. (and an unfortunately common trap a lot of folks used to other systems fall into)
I recently ran DW for two of my buddies who had barely tried roleplaying before and so might as well have been new RPers. They got it almost instantly. After 2 hours, they were jazzed as hell to continue. Both player had been turned off of other games because of long lists of rules, being bogged down by complex mechanics, etc. DW’s “tell me what your character does” style of play is fantastic for new people.
It’s the game I prefer to use to introduce new players! So, yes.
I would say it depends. If the new players would be more interested the game aspects, I’d do 5e or maybe 13th Age. If they are more about the story and interesting characters, definitely start them with Dungeon World – the results will be amazing.
Yeah, obviously I’m not unbiased, but I would assert that from a mechanical perspective as well, that DW does D&D better than D&D ever has.
After ten years of interruption, I came back to RPG because of that badass game.period.
For brand new players, my suggestion would be whichever system the GM has the most enthusiasm for. First hurdle in these things to to get players into the idea of tabletop gaming – if the GM is excited enough, and can get the players excited about it, you could start them with champions.
Between 5e and DW, I’d agree with Russ Brown – if the player enjoys more structure and definition, go with 5e. If they want more latitude and spontaneity, go with DW
5e is also a ton of fun but they are different in a lot of aspects.
I really like Dungeon World as an introduction because of the narrative freedom it gives. I’ve been told that some people find the relative strictness of DnD to be offputting at first, and it feels like DW handily avoids that issue.