Finding a group can be the hardest encounter: How to overcome the TTRPG logistics gap

For many tabletop enthusiasts, the most formidable encounter in the hobby is not the challenges your Game Master sets in front of you. It’s your calendar, the structure that keeps your life somewhat sane, the "final boss."

We are currently in the golden age of tabletop roleplaying games; the hobby has never been as big in the cultural mainstream as it is currently. Yet, despite its rising popularity, finding a group is still a struggle that keeps many of us away from the game.

More than ever before, people want to play. But the friction of actually starting a group has increased. The hurdle is most commonly a social one, how to find a table that does not end in you having to experience a version of “RPG Horror Stories.” And while we all like to pretend that we are all adults, the responsibility of managing players’ schedules, social boundaries, and group cohesion still relies heavily on the Game Master’s shoulders.

The disconnection of geography

In the past, finding a group was heavily restricted by physical proximity. You either found people near you willing to make the drive, or you didn’t have a group. Nowadays, especially after the global situation in 2020, the boundaries have shifted. Playing online has never been as affordable and attainable as it is now. This has led to a different issue: the “Paradox of Choice.” Where before we were faced with a lack of players and groups, we now have an abundance in its place. When you can, in theory, play with anyone on any system, the sheer volume of possibilities has made it more difficult to find the right anyone.

Passively waiting for others to invite you to a game no longer works. Due to ever-disappearing “borders,” players are less scarce of a resource. Finding a group nowadays requires you to put yourself out there. One of the reliable “boots on the ground” methods remains your local game store (LGS). These spaces serve as town squares for the hobby. Many stores host their own events or offer the chance for groups to play at their tables. These allow players the chance to try out various groups without committing to a two-year campaign. If the vibe isn’t right, you can simply walk away without really losing much other than a few hours of your time.

Behind the screen

If trying out groups is not your thing and you have some potential players you could run a game with, consider switching sides. One of the most effective ways to get into a TTRPG group is to step behind the GM screen and become the storyteller. This is certainly a daunting task for anyone new, but the demand for GMs outweighs the overabundance of players by a huge margin. By taking up the mantle and running the game yourself, you get to be the one who chooses the system, approach, tone, and players you want at your table.

A good way of testing the waters is to run a one-shot: a self-contained micro-adventure that lasts for a session or two and has no further commitments. Sure, it can grow into a full-fledged campaign if you and the players feel like it, but it is very much acceptable to close the book after the one-shot is over. It was a one-shot, after all.

Digital town squares

If finding a game through your local store is not an option, the digital frontier is still there for you. Channels like Reddit, Discord servers, and Groupfinder are there to connect you to other hobbyists. It has never been easier to advertise yourself as a player or introduce your group to others, whether it is for online or at-the-table games.

A huge difference between messageboard platforms and Groupfinder is the ability to find the games that specifically fit you, whether it is by location, system, timezone, or language. Looking for other players that live near you? Or people willing to give Daggerheart a try? Search for the groups and players according to your preferences. You no longer need to shout into the void, hoping that perhaps your post reaches the right person.

If you don’t immediately find a group that fits, create your player profile and use this digital space to introduce yourself and what you are looking for. Who knows? Your ideal group might be hopping by the platform the very next day.

Stand out and get started

With you “competing” with tens (or hundreds) of other players, it pays to step back for a moment and think of ways you can present yourself as different. Do you love the roleplay side of games? Are you into hardcore dungeon crawls? Can you offer to be the "rules guy," helping a new GM focus on the story? Point these out; you make yourself stand out and become more valuable that way. A GM looking for players for a social-heavy game might prefer you over the next person if you clearly state your preferences and playstyle.

It’s difficult out there, especially when you are just starting out. Whether it was Baldur’s Gate 3 or Stranger Things that got you into the hobby, we all started at some point. Don’t overburden yourself by forcing yourself to know every rule of the system before you even consider posting your profile. The best way to learn is to find a group and start playing. With reasonably set expectations, you won’t have to worry about knowing all the technicalities. You get to focus on your character, the story, and (hopefully) your new friends.