The Ultimate Dungeon Master Toolkit (2026 Guide)
Being a Dungeon Master is one of the most rewarding roles in gaming—but it can also feel overwhelming. Dice, books, maps, minis, software, notes… where do you even start? It’s not for everyone, but I highly recommend that everyone give it a shot. You never know, you might develop the taste for blood… I MEAN FUN!
This guide breaks down a Dungeon Master Toolkit into clear, practical categories so you can build a setup that fits your table—whether you run games in person, online, or somewhere in between.
You don’t need everything on this list.
You just need the right tools for how you DM.
Who invited the elf?
Affiliate disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I’d use at my own table. I will also mention - check your local gamester for anything you need in person! Amazon is a great option for quick purchases and delivery right to your door, however; try to support your local game store if at all possible.
What Is a Dungeon Master Toolkit?
A Dungeon Master toolkit is the collection of physical and digital tools that help you:
• Prepare sessions faster
• Run smoother games
• Track story, rules, and NPCs
• Focus on storytelling instead of scrambling
Think of it like an adventurer’s pack—you don’t carry every item, just the ones you actually use.
The Core DM Toolkit (Everyone Needs These)
Welcome, to becoming a dice goblin.
Dice (Yes, Plural)
At minimum:
1 full polyhedral set (d4–d20) is all you need
Extra d20s, you will need them for “dice jail”
Most DMs eventually want:
Multiple sets for monsters
Distinct dice for advantage/disadvantage
A “dramatic moment” d20 😄
Good starting options
Budget resin dice (quiet, table-safe): https://amzn.to/4adnA6I
Premium metal dice: https://amzn.to/4qEE6CJ
For a Bloodier feel: https://amzn.to/4qDPjmR
Let’s talk about Dice Jail. You will find sometimes that your dice are simply not performing well… wether you end up rolling multiple critical hits & killing the entire party, or missing multiple attacks in a row… You may feel the need to punish your dice. This is what Dice Jail is for! Many DMs find that by punishing their dice, they can salvage a tough session. I personally love a full TPK session, but that’s just me!
Core Rulebooks
Even if you play digitally, these are foundational:
• Dungeon Master’s Guide
• Player’s Handbook
• Monster Reference Guides
Buy formats based on how you prep:
• Physical books = table presence & easy flipping
• Digital books = fast search & prep
https://amzn.to/45u4RkI to pick up the DM’s Guide. I also highly recommend using DND Beyond for easy to access digital resources and overall ease of use.
Dungeon Master Screen (In-person Play)
A DM screen:
• Hides notes and rolls
• Keeps rules at your fingertips
• Improves table flow
Popular styles
• Fold-out cardboard screens → https://amzn.to/4jTbz9G
• Customizable insert screens → https://amzn.to/4bip2pp
Notes & Campaign Tracking
ooo, scary dragon!
You need some system for:
• NPCs and locations
• Quests and consequences
• Session recaps
Common approaches:
• Physical notebooks or binders → https://amzn.to/4pZW1Tb
• Digital notes (Google Docs, Pages, Word)
There’s no “right” method—only what you’ll actually maintain. My party uses a shared google doc for our notes and reminders. We typically have a “quest list” up and running as well as a tab with general notes and recaps. I also have a personal notebook that I keep on the side to track initiative, NPCs, PC’s health, and any ideas for when I am feeling motivated. I do use the Book of Holding that I linked above, but any notebook will do!
Virtual Tabletops (VTTs): Online & Hybrid Play
If you run games online—or even hybrid—VTTs are game changers. They handle maps, tokens, fog of war, and dice so you can focus on storytelling. I plan on building this section out more over time, but I feel very passionately that Owlbear Rodeo is the best option for groups looking to play online. My party and I have been using this for a few years now, and it truly is easy is setup, and contains all the features needed for quick setup and fun sessions.
Owlbear Rodeo
• Lightweight and fast
• No accounts required
• Perfect for one-shots and simple games
https://www.owlbear.rodeo/
Physical Tools That Elevate In-Person Games
Maps & Battle Mats
Options include:
• Dry-erase grid mats → https://amzn.to/3LZtkI1
• Printed encounter maps:
Reusable mats are great for improvisation; printed maps shine for set-piece encounters.
Miniatures & Tokens
Start with:
• Generic monster packs → https://amzn.to/4re9vM1
As you and your party play more and more in person, you can begin investing in minis. Candidly, I play digitally most of the time, so my digital collection of tokens has been growing! VTTs make it easy to upload images for your player characters and NPCs.
Condition Trackers & Table Aids
Small tools, big impact:
• Initiative trackers
• Condition rings
• Spell & condition cards
These speed up combat and reduce rule lookups. Check your local game store for these. It’s incredibly helpful for new players to have cards in hand that speak to what the spells are, and what they do.
I will also mention here, DND Beyond character sheets do a great job outlining spells, action economy, items, etc…. This is a fantastic and FREE option for new players to learn the game.
Optional DM Tools (Nice to Have)
Not required—but many DMs love them:
• Dice trays or towers
• Ambient music & soundboards
• Reference cards
• Random generators
• One-shot PDFs
Choose tools that reduce friction, not add complexity. Stay tuned for our future blog posts too! We plan on writing and releasing more One-Shots throughout the year.
How to Build Your Toolkit (Without Overspending)
1. Start with core essentials
2. Add tools that solve real problems
3. Upgrade slowly as your style evolves
Your toolkit should grow with you, not pressure you.
Where to Go Next
Use this guide as your hub as we will continue to update it throughout the year. Check out our other articles as well:
Actual play Videos for entertainment and tips!