What are “regulars”?
Do you play any RPGs with folk and see the same faces appear? That’s your regulars! We have a few groups of players that enjoy different types of games, and mingle in different groups of people. So naturally, while we run or play multiple games a week, its with different players.
Some of the groups meet once a week, others can be once a month. Regardless of how many times you play, if the same faces consistently show up to your (or their) virtual table, then that’s your treasured group of regulars!
How do you find them?
The old fashioned way
Start your own!
Getting a group of regulars can be quite hard if you don’t game often or have many commitments throughout your week – but it is possible to get one! The simplest way is to make your own group. Ask your friends who would be interested in playing a game. I started getting big into D&D because a friend of mine asked if I wanted to play and he would run.
Some people are slightly put off by the complexity of TTRPGs, but there is a wealth of them out there that would be great starting points for new people. Call of Cthulhu – while not that exciting to build characters – is a fairly easy system to understand. Roll 2d10s, and get your skill score or less to pass – that’s it! RP elements of playing “humans” is also an easy step for players unfamiliar with RP at the table. D&D or Pathfinder on the other hand can be a little harder for those who are completely new.
Many people we know love movies – so try that as an inspiration for a game to spark up interest with little work!
Find one to play in
Alternatively, you can always do some searching to find a group. Similar to the methods listed above – instead of making games for your existing or new friends, look for games that interest you! The TTRPG hobby is vast and there will definitely be a game out there that will tick all your boxes.
Local comic shops are great places to meet many new players and dip your toes into many different games, with many different GMs. Your local comic shop will likely introduce to a group of people that will give you some space or the table, or may even have beginner friendly sessions they run every/ most weeks!
You can always ask people you know to start playing, but if you’re all new, you might find it hard to get someone else to commit to to getting some handbooks – but not always! I got others into the hobby because they mentioned always wanting to play but never finding a group that fits everyone’s unusual schedules. To their surprise, it turned out I ran several games by that point and volunteered to try it out with a one-shot. Cut to a year later and we are still playing the same campaign and earned even more players (a pool of around 12 people now).
Online
Having an online space for the hobby is easier than ever! Literally all social media platforms have pages you can connect with to meet like minded individuals to play the games you’re most interested in. Facebook will likely have multiple pages for players in or around your area – so don’t be shy!
I’ve found these communities are very welcoming and almost always accept new players. I managed to play hours of games I don’t have yet (and my collection is big) just by responded to calls for players on these social media pages full of other TTRPG’ers.
Whether you are wanting to start or join a regular group – social media can be a great tool. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Discord groups too.