The Basic Rules for Dungeons & Dragons

by Mike Mearis, Jeremy Crawford

The Basic Rules for Dungeons & Dragons is a PDF (over 100 pages, in fact) that covers the core of the game. It runs from levels 1 to 20 and covers the cleric, fighter, rogue, and wizard, presenting what we view as the essential subclass for each. It also provides the dwarf, elf, halfling, and human as race options; in addition, the rules contain 120 spells, 5 backgrounds, and character sheets.

But the best part? The Basic Rules is a free PDF. Anyone can download it from our website. We want to put D&D in as many hands as possible, and a free, digital file is the best way to do that.

Genres: Fantasy, Role Playing Games, Dungeons and Dragons, Reference, Action, Games

106 pages, ebook

First published July 3, 2014

Reviews

[Etienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going deep into D&D for a project at work. I knew the general stuff about it more nothing more than the casual guy. That book help me going inside de rules without feeling overwhelmed. I still need to reread and explore more deeply some aspects of those rules, but I feel almost ready now. I would recommend that book for those, like me, who want to learn about D&D and need a starting point.

[anula · Rating 4 out of 5]

umarlam

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in an easy to understand and interesting manner. Just getting into D&D and this explained a lot. My character's class and race (barbarian tiefling) weren't described in the pdf, but I was able to find the information on the website.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I didn’t finish the Basic Rules because I bought the full 5e Player’s Handbook, I’d definitely rec these to anyone wanting a good introduction that’s simple, easy to read and enjoyable to boot.

[Renee Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an introduction to the rules of D&D. It was very informative, but because I'm new to the game, it was a slow read and a bit challenging at times. This is not necessarily a bad thing, since I'll be revisiting it whenever I need a refresher on the rules.
Overall pretty good.

[Danielle W]

I technically read the most up-to-date version of the basic rules on DnD beyond (minus the monster stat blocks to try and not spoil future fun but also because I already read far more than the number of pages so that felt fair lol)

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

very concise and clear.

[Joseph Riina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, concise, and strips out most of the optional rules from 5e. A good starting point

[Serge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to understand for the newcomer, as player or DM.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy to understand and a good way to start.

[Laura Cushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly and informatively written, great for new players or those who are just catching up with what is new in fifth edition. Free download makes this extra accessible to all.

Like the layout, presents information clearly. Very excited that fifth edition is bringing the emphasis back to ROLEplaying. Love the new Backgrounds, Flaws, Bonds, etc and can't wait to try Inspiration. Starting our first game next week.

On to reading the new Player's Handbook next.

[Dominic Bellavance · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoC a passé le chiffon sur la 4e édition. Ils a repris la 3e, a enlevé le bois mort et toutes les règles compliquées pour rien, a rebalancé les classes, donné plus de versatilité aux lanceurs de sorts, et voilà. Une 5e édition à laquelle j'ai vraiment hâte de jouer. Mieux encore : ce ebook est gratuit.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, gives you a basic grasp of the fundamentals, and it's free. The D & D folks really want people to enjoy this game and I'm looking forward to one day getting my interest off the ground. It's been many years!