I’ve been playing 3rd Edition since I was eleven and I didn’t have the benefit of the internet to help me. I have many fond memories of playing wherever we could find time and space, and I hope that by providing these articles I can help you enjoy 3rd Edition as much as I have.

In this article series we’ll simplify some of the game rules to get you started.

If you’re looking for the How to Play guide for 5th Edition please refer to How to Play DnD 5e.

Introductory Adventure

Inspired by the solo adventure in the Pathfinder beginner box, I have created a solo adventure to introduce new players to the game.

Trouble at The Tonesvale Fair – A solo adventure for players new to DnD 3.5

How to Play

Learning a new roleplaying game is hard, especially if this is your first time roleplaying. This guide is intended to be a comprehensive but simple introduction to the rules of DnD 3.5. The rules of DnD 3.5 are complex, so take your time reading this guide. You can find the players handbook in PDF format at dmsguild.com.

If you have questions, ask your fellow players or email me.

This section is frequently changing. Not because the rules are changing (not much at least), but because I am constantly attempting to find better ways to explain the intricacies of the rules without making them overly complex. If any parts of this section are confusing, missing, incorrect, or just generally bad, the Player’s Handbook is always the first place you should go to learn the rules.

  1. What is a Role Playing Game?
  2. What is DnD 3.5?
  3. Example of Play
  4. Appendix 1: Game Glossary – Rules Terms
  5. Appendix 2: Player Glossary – Terms used by players