How to Find a DnD Game in 2025

Written by Luke Hart

Finding a group to play D&D can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the game or moving to a new area. But fear not—there are plenty of ways to find the right group for your gaming style. Here are seven tried-and-true methods to get you rolling those dice in no time.

Watch or listen to this article by clicking the video below.

#1 Discord

Many D&D and RPG Discord servers have dedicated “Looking for Group” (LFG) channels where you can post about the type of game you’re seeking. Simply join the server, find the LFG channel, and post your preferences. Often, other members will chime in, and soon, you’ll have a lead on a potential group.

If you’re following a particular YouTuber or RPG content creator, chances are they might have a community Discord server, which can be a great place to find like-minded players. Each community has its own vibe, so pay attention to the types of members present. For example, if the community caters to GMs, you’re more likely to find game masters looking for players. Conversely, a player-focused community might have more players seeking GMs, so choose wisely!

You can join the DM Lair Discord here and use our looking-for-group channel to find a group.

Quick Definitions:

• Looking for Players (LFP). Typically posted by game masters looking to fill player spots.
• Looking for Group (LFG). Used by players who are seeking a group to join.

#2 Posters at Game Shops

Local game shops often have community boards where you can pin a “looking for group” poster. This is especially useful if you want to play in-person games, as it lets you connect with others in your area. When creating your poster, include key information such as your role (player or GM), preferred game system, and contact details (an email address works best).

If you’re a GM, leaving your poster up even after your game is full can be beneficial. As you receive emails from interested players, you can add them to a waitlist or even bring them in as “on-call” players to fill in when regulars are absent. This way, you’re prepared if a regular player drops out, and you’ve already vetted potential replacements.

#3 Forums

Online forums are excellent for finding both in-person and online games. Some popular forum options include.

• StartPlaying. This platform lists paid games across various RPGs, all of which are played online.
• Reddit LFG. The subreddit for “looking for group” posts is a popular choice, offering games for various RPG systems. Many players find reliable groups here.
• RPGgeek.com. This site offers forums for play-by-post and voice-based games (e.g., Play by VoIP), with games for various RPG systems.
• D&D Beyond. The “Looking for Players & Groups” subforum is focused specifically on D&D games, typically for online play.

Paid vs. Free Games

When using these forums, you’ll encounter both paid and free games. While some argue that paid games offer a more reliable experience, the quality of a paid game is not always guaranteed. Free games can be just as engaging, so don’t assume that you need to pay for a high-quality session. Of course, the old adage “you get what you pay for” can also be true: many free games aren’t that good, and a paid game can provide a better experience and far more fun.

#4 Social Listings

Social media networks like Facebook and Meetup are also great for finding D&D games:

• Facebook. There are large D&D groups, such as “Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition,” which has a “Look for Players” section. Many games here are online, but you may find in-person games as well.
• Meetup. Best suited for finding local, in-person groups, Meetup allows you to join gatherings specifically for tabletop RPG players.

It’s important to remember that the quality of games can vary widely on these platforms. Some games may be excellent, while others might not suit your style. Keep trying until you find a group that feels like a good fit.

#5 Conventions

If you’re eager to play in-person, conventions are an excellent option. Simply buy a pass (typically around $50 for a weekend pass or $15 to $20 for a day pass), sign up for games in advance, and you’re set. Conventions often list RPG games ahead of time, allowing you to secure your spot.

Conventions are especially welcoming to new players, as it’s normal for attendees to try new RPG systems. For experienced players, conventions are a great way to explore systems beyond D&D, such as Call of Cthulhu or Shadowdark.

Pro Tip: Be sure to register for games ahead of time, as popular slots (especially D&D games) fill up quickly.

#6 Virtual Tabletops (VTTs)

Virtual tabletops like Roll20, Foundry, and Fantasy Grounds often have LFG forums where you can find groups that use their platforms. If you’re already familiar with a particular VTT, this is a straightforward way to find compatible games.

• Roll20. Roll20 is widely used and has a large player base, but it may feel outdated and has some functionality issues. Nonetheless, it gets the job done and offers plenty of game listings.

Before you dive in, do some research on different VTTs to decide which platform you’d like to play on. YouTube can be a helpful resource for comparing options.

#7 Ask Your Friends

Asking friends and family might seem like an obvious choice, but it’s often not as easy as it sounds. Many players struggle to get friends interested in D&D or find that their schedules don’t align. Additionally, playing with friends and family can bring unique challenges—especially if some players aren’t as invested in the game as others.

Some groups may experience misaligned expectations, with one or two players eager to dive into roleplaying while others treat the game as a social hangout. These dynamics can lead to tension, so consider carefully if playing with friends or family is the best option for you.

The Ultimate 5e Anthology for DMs

Lairs & Legends 2 and Loot & Lore 2 are the ultimate game master resource! These two massive books put an anthology of everything you need to run amazing games for YEARS at your fingertips.

• Over 30 Adventures
• 30 Stand-Alone Encounters
• More than 100 Monsters
• Traps and Puzzles
• 6 New Rule Sets
• And much more!

These books are written to make running the game easy for new and veteran GMs. Each resource is built with intuitive formatting, clear wording, and evocative art. You’ll never again have to dig through dense paragraphs to find critical details you need during a live session.

These 5e resources are designed to scale to your needs, whether it’s a quick drag-and-drop trap to add some spice to your session or complete adventures that span levels 1 to 20. The sky’s the limit with what your games can become with Lairs & Legends 2 and Loot & Lore 2.