The official Dungeon Master’s Guide for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition is a comprehensive resource. It covers everything from world-building to encounter design and is a must-have for any DM.
Matt Colville’s “Running the Game” Series:
Matt Colville, a veteran Dungeon Master, has a fantastic YouTube series called “Running the Game.” It’s a goldmine of advice and tips for DMs, especially those new to the role.
Critical Role:
Critical Role is a popular actual play D&D show. Watching experienced DM Matthew Mercer in action can provide valuable insights into storytelling, world-building, and handling player dynamics.
Reddit Communities:
Subreddits like r/DMAcademy and r/DnDBehindTheScreen are excellent places to ask questions, seek advice, and share experiences with other DMs.
Sly Flourish:
The Sly Flourish website and the associated books by Mike Shea provide practical advice for DMs. The “Lazy Dungeon Master” series is particularly helpful for streamlining your preparation.
Kobold Fight Club:
Kobold Fight Club is a web tool that helps you balance encounters for your party’s level. It’s a handy resource for creating challenging but not overwhelming battles.
Donjon:
Donjon is a website offering various generators for DMs, including random dungeons, NPCs, and treasure. It can save you time and add unpredictability to your campaigns.
Adventure Lookup:
Adventure Lookup is a searchable database of D&D adventures. It can help you find pre-written adventures suitable for your party’s level and your campaign setting.
The Angry GM:
The Angry GM offers a mix of practical advice and entertaining writing. His articles cover a wide range of DMing topics, from handling player issues to creating engaging adventures.
Roll20:
If you’re running your games online, platforms like Roll20 provide virtual tabletop tools, including maps, tokens, and dice rollers. The Roll20 community also offers helpful guides for new users.
