Homebrew refers to game content created by members of the community. Even if you devise your own campaign, that would qualify as homebrew. But how can you share your worlds, characters, and adventures with others most effectively? And where can you find a vast amount of content created by others? You’ll learn all about it here.
What does homebrew encompass?
Homebrew can include various elements usable in a campaign. Particularly popular are small adventures that can be integrated into larger campaigns. Additionally, the community has created numerous classes, races, and backgrounds that augment the official rules. It can include anything from minor changes to a skill to creating entire fantasy worlds like “The Lord of the Rings” or the “Star Wars” universe.
Many groups also implement minor rule changes that can be classified as homebrew. For instance, I would count specific “flanking” rules or whether drinking a potion is a full action or just a bonus action.
Thus, homebrew can involve a wide array of elements and essentially covers anything not included in the official rules.
How do I share my homebrew?
Firstly, there are many online communities dealing with D&D and general role-playing games. Almost all of these have a space for discussing your created content and sharing your homebrew ideas like r/DnD or for semi-official rules from the WotC playtests, there is also r/UnearthedArcana.
Websites specifically designed to share homebrew content also exist. One of the largest is the Dungeon Masters Guild. There you can buy entire campaigns that may be as good or even better than official publications. You can also find various supplementary materials, like maps or artwork, to enhance your campaign. For example, I purchased a bundle for my Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden campaign that detailed smaller locations. Roll20 also has its own “Marketplace” where you can share your creations.
How do I find homebrew?
Naturally, you can find ideas for your own campaign at the same places where you share your homebrew. Additionally, many content creators share their ideas and worlds. I often discover fantastic ideas simply by watching videos on YouTube or other platforms about the subject. Occasionally, some especially popular ideas even make it to Kickstarter and develop into larger projects with their own communities.
Another excellent source can be the group with which you play. Most of your fellow players are likely as enthusiastic about D&D as you are and encounter various homebrew ideas in their daily lives. So, feel free to discuss it in your group, and maybe someone has come across something exciting that will enhance your gaming experience!
