D&D 5E DM Screens - Which is Best for You? (New Dungeon Kit included)
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
- The new Dungeon Master's Screen DUNGEON KIT is out! How does it stack up to the others?
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=== The DM Screens ===
Dungeon Master's Screen Reincarnated: amzn.to/3lnvtgD
DM Screen Wilderness Kit: amzn.to/3oOYlAB
NEW! DM Screen Dungeon Kit: amzn.to/3FE2VHV
Dog Might Valhalla Screens: www.dogmight.com/screen
Customizable: amzn.to/3ahV1Wb
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0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Dscryb
2:00 - The OG Dungeon Master's Screen
3:33 - Dungeon Master's Screen Reincarnated
5:40 - The Wilderness Kit
9:33 - The Dungeon Kit (new)
13:36 - The Verdict
14:11 - Other Options - Hry
My favorite DM screen is the one that came with the Essentials Kit. Yeah, it's super flimsy and cheap, but it has *all* of the conditions on a single panel, which I prefer, but no other DM screen does that.
yeah. I forgot about that one. I still have my inside the Essentials box. might put it along the others (wilderness and reincarnated).
I also love the artwork on the outside of the Essentials Kit screen. I think it is the best looking artwork of all of the screens. I did start putting binder clips in the two bottom far corners to weigh the screen down, though, because otherwise breathing too hard would knock the screen over. The screen is also slightly smaller than a "normal" DM screen, which can be good or bad depending on what you want behind the screen and how much room there is at the table.
@@awaytoanywhere699 I think there's one in all of the boxed sets but the original Starter Set
I also love the art in that one, the elven bard on the art side inspired one of my own characters ^^
Really? I will have to check, but I think the one in my box was pretty much the same as the one I got woth the rulebook gift set, just smaller
A good DM screen would be customizable. Imagine that on the player side, there is cool art, just like we see on some of the screens, but the inside panels are essentially trapper keepers, and the screen comes with dozens of potentially useful inserts that you could put in. As your DM skills evolve, you probably rely less heavily on some panels and maybe would like more of something else, so you change the panels.
I took my old 5e screen with the awesome dragon-battle art (and less useful tools inside) and my old flimsy 4e screen with very useful tools (but less lovely art) and glued the 4e stuff inside the 5e screen. Works great!
Nice!
This was super useful. I've been using the same screen for over a year and was curious what other ones offered. Really nice to see what each of these has to offer. Thanks!
I love the wilderness kit. But I'm definitely picking up the new dungeon kit asap.
The dungeon screen you recommended off Amazon that you can customize is good but I feel like the orientation of portrait doesn’t work for reaching over it to access the table. But definitely recommend going customize screen.
Good point.
There are horizontal versions in this style as well
I got the original 5e screen at a used book store in Houston for like $2 seven years ago and I still use it to this day. It is the one I like.
Made my own out of several layers of cardboard. On players side I have regional maps, conditions, combat actions, etc. All can be swapped out based on the session.
Inside is pretty close to the official, but I have 1 panel as a dry erase to track players hp, ac, passive perception etc. Took a couple hours total.
Another great video, Nate! I have both the Stratagem screen as well as one of the official D&D screens, while I love the ability to write on and customize my Stratagem screen, the height is a turnoff when I'm not paying online. The fact the WotC screens are low and wide means I can easily reach over it to the game mat or see my players faces.
I do really like how low they are. I wish I’d mentioned that too.
I'll probably make a proper custom screen one day, from scrapwood, but as a temporary measure I just have an A2 peice of card, trimmed a little to make a better height (still taller than the ones shown in this video), with a bit folded up from the bottom for stability, and folded in 3. That way I can just print off the elements I need and tape them to the screen.
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!!!! I am so beyond thrilled that this is a thing, because the entire reason I like/love DnD IS THE DUNGEONS!!!! And the details of a dungeon crawl!!!!! Oh I’m so happy it’s ridiculous
he's back! we missed you, bud! great video, very informative
My most current DM screen is the Lorecrafter GM Screen for 5e by Infinite Black. No charts; mostly text but it does help the best for my darker sessions. I do wish to upgrade it to something that combines the things I need most, but until I gather up my fund for such a project, the Lorecrafter has been my go-to.
I personally have the DM screen that came with the special edition phb, monster manual, and dmg. It matches my books and looks cool. Plus it has a lot of the info I need for most games in terms of status stuff and the other basic information
I just wish they made these artful light-weight DM screens as something modular. As someone who's thinking about DMing in the (distant-ish) future, I'd love a DM screen like these that simply lets me slide out rules sheets, or that comes with flippable pages. Imagine all of your random tables just being narrow pages you can flip through. Names, loot, locations, all that stuff is crammed into one section.
EDIT: I did not watch until the end. I assumed it ended at the ad. Glad to know they sell screens other than "unhelpful" and "not cheap woodcraft"
Yeah, there are actually quite a few similar screens in the 15-30 dollar range on Amazon that let you slip in your own stuff. I linked one I like, but there are a couple others.
@@WASD20 I guess the only question now is whether I could find appropriately-sized printable rules sheets for 5e that fits these screens.
Google docs is your friend.
@@AnaseSkyriderdon't know if this is still relevant but I've used Fitz's DM Screen for the last year or so and i like it a lot. Should be the first pdf that comes up when you search for it. It's in landscape (which I prefer) so it might not work as well with the portrait-style screen shown here, but it's a good selection of useful information.
@@chubbypapaya Not bad.
I own the wilderness kit, but after watching this I want the dungeon kit. Just because of the dungeon cards.
So I have three of the official ones and one of the Gale Force 9 ones for Dragon Heist (do I have a problem...?). Hands down, my favorite is the Wilderness Kit one; it helps me add a bit of flavor to travel in my games. My group hasn't played in a while, but I think I'd use the Dungeon one for a one shot dungeon crawl. My idea, shared freely here, is that each person at the table (DM/GM included; if you want/group small enough) draws a geomorph from the deck (only one), we roll a d20, and highest puts down the first card. The tables on the screen help setup what's going on in a room, but DM/GM should have a table of encounters they want to run for the party ready. And just enjoy the randomness!
The Dragon Heist one is for when the party finds themselves in Waterdeep... I didn't want to come up with taverns, inns, etc. on my own. I tend to create enough stuff that I'd like somethings off my plate. =P
Your geomorph idea does sound fun!
The Wilderness Kit looks good.
I can see shuffling the dungeon cards and make a random dungeon that way Extremely fun
I. LOVE. HEX. MAPS! I miss geomorphs.
I kinda want to see some short adventures based on the artwork of the DM screens now lol
I actually like the NPC pane on the OG screen, because I can customize it to whatever I want. It's just an easy pane to cover up with notes, a map, or additional tables, depending on the adventure I'm running.
I started with the Stratagem DM screen, but found that, while it holds, 8x11" sleeves, the screen height blocked much of my view at my table. In addition, the Exhaustion Level table on the screen contains error(s). I'm now using the screen included with DoIP and just clipping my own notes onto the top
I’m preferential to the one that comes with the 3 book. It’s nice hard stock and has most of the basics on the back
Very good information.
Personally, I have only ever used DM screens as just a tool to separate my part of the table and as an obstruction to sight, obviously. In all my decades of play, I used them very rarely in game sessions but mostly for reverence generally during preparation time.
If Dog Might stuff would be just more affordable I would probably own several of those screens...
I might get the wilderness kit even though I don't play 5e. I really like the art on the front and about half of the back works with any system, I also love hexcrawls and hate dungeons.
I'll be buying this one too...
I got the dungeon screen because I think it looks the coolest
Pretty cool
I'm in the process of actually making my own dm screen out of foam board, and I'm using this video to figure out what tools and tables would be best to put on it.
Nice! A custom screen is a great way to go.
I really like the Dungeon Geomorph Cards! Cause I won’t lie. I suck at trying to map out a good Dungeon, especially for a PDF Adventure that doesn’t come with one.
Had We gotten those cards in something like the Reincarnated Tiles, I wouldn’t see it being as a negative. Cause finding a good Random Dungeon generator is hard!
Great stuff friend 👏 👍
Thank you!
There are a bunch of your older videos I would like to see you update. This one maybe not so much, but the mapping and other app/programs very much so. I like your work.
The one made by dragonshield looks awesome. Could you review that?
My favorite screen is Roll20 and google docs XD
Yay I made it!
I mean I just have a PDA, a phone and if I need too I'll just roll under the table. I'll have to look at those make your own screens as well as that eberon one. Edit+Added the last bit.
yes a video by wasd20
So the best basic screen should be the reincarnated inside but the original on the outside?
What about the Essentials kit one?
Hi. I love your videos
Will you be reviewing the new Wild beyond whitchlight book?
Probably not! Haven’t even picked it up yet. Sorry.
I’m looking for adventures I can buy which will provide me with LARGE maps to be able to display on our tv tabletop?
I don’t need hard copy anything, digital everything is fine, I just can’t run a premade campaign if I can’t find the maps and details digitally
Most of the D&D modules have large maps you can put on your TV. However, most of the 5th edition modules have maps that are on the bland side, like they often don't include furniture, etc. However, I believe the Tyranny of Dragons adventure did have more detailed maps than most. By Jared Blando, i think? For the Icewind Dale adventure I've often had to find outside maps if I want something more detailed, and for most of the modules you can buy separate packs of maps people have made that are often WAY better. The DM's Guild has a lot of them.
Honestly, each one of these is way too flimsy for me. I built a solid 3-panel DM screen from 3/4 inch fir wood, with metal hinges and corners and added all the tables I needed... that's the "solidity" I'm looking for, not some cardboard which shifts away if a hamster sneezes too loudly :D
The wilderness kit is heavy and made of solid board.
Perfect timing! I was considering getting the wilderness one for my upcoming pirate campaign but I didn't know if it was necessary
There is a sea-focused one.
@@WASD20 Where can I find that? What's it called?
@@alimargaming8722 Ghosts of Saltmarsh from Galeforce Nine.
Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure book is a great book for pirate campaign and Saltmarsh town itself is a fun, dynamic campaign home.
@@samsampier7147 I have Saltmarsh already and I "ran" it back when I first started playing with all my friends and looking back, I did so bad with linking all of the stories together but my players had fun so that's all that matters. I just didn't know there was a special DM screen but I'll definitely have to grab it
I have the reincarnated, though I also have a quality Dog Might screen.
i noticed no rick and morty screen it is really helpful
I would 100% (Personal Opinion) go for the dungeon kit since I find the classic d&d dungeons and amazing artwork, fun and amazing to look at and use, make and challenge players who love to combat, but I ended up buying the reincarnated screen and I felt like I made a mistake but a screen is a screen, at this point I'll be collecting all Dm screens in a endless cycle because of how good the artwork is for each set!
So you don't like winging it. That's my whole DM Style.
I got both wilderness and dungeon together for $8
Tbh my favorite dnd material has to be chat got it so mush faster than looking thro books
The art of the Rider Waite Tarot on the 1st screen is a strange thing. Doesn't really feel D&D like a Deck of Many things would. Odd.
Yay
The price differences is so big I mean on the website of my local Game store has the Reincarnated Screen for 20$ And the Dungeon kit at the price of 49! It’s crazy price differences
Wow. That’s way overpriced for the record. Retail price is 24.99 US dollars on the “kits”
@@WASD20 yeah but I do live in Australia
4 different dm screens? Yeah no issues there
The OG screen has my favorite outside art, so I use that and just sticky note any useful stuff I need on the inside
Put them all side by side and stack them like bricks if the players annoy you and you dont want to deal with them.
Jetpack 7 makes a great dm screen. Boring but no space wasted
My opinion is that the WOTC screens are good but don’t hit the mark and aren’t as efficient as they could be. There shouldn’t be any artwork on the DM side or at least minimal artwork. Plus the conditions don’t have to take up 1 1/2 panels. I’ve seen a lot more useful and efficient 3rd party screens and inserts that do it so much much better!
The only screen I have is the one you showed that came out when 5E was launching. I've never found that info particularly helpful so I always just use it to stick notes on. I'm also not a huge fan of the cover art. I should probably invest in something I like or at least tape info to the inner panels to make it more relevant than just a place to put sticky notes lol!
But the dungeon cards are so small???
There not supposed to be a battle mat, just an illustration or inspiration for the DM.
The idea is that you'd either describe them, show them to your players, or transfer to a large battle mat (dry/wet erase).
I never used the inside of a dm- or GM-screen in any game. The reason is, when I look down on the screen I lose eye contact and some of magic is lost.
Unfortunately the 5e reincarnated DM screen is really boring. The original 5e screen has this incredible 5e art, which gives off a proper DnD vibe, as opposed to that boring red dragon taking up the whole screen in the reincarnated one.
I wish they sold the reincarnated DM screens with the original art. The only way to get the old screen is to pay a lot of money on ebay for a used one, not to mention if you want to ship it overseas (as 99% of them are in the US), you're looking for a hefty shipping as well.
Frankly I only use the screen for that old school DnD vibe at the table, I never look at the tables, I use my laptop for everything, so the art is what's important for me.
The original art really helps people who have never played DnD understand the fantasy vibe, there is a Barbarian, a Sorceress, a Cleric, Ranger and a Rogue on the art about to attack a dragon hoarding gold, classic. The red dragon on the reincarnated screen is just uninspiring.
Conditions are a standard, get them off the DM's screen and have more useful stuff. The cards are better for conditions
Better to make your own up for every adventure you run
I hate that all these amazing TRPG tools have to be subscription services
i dont understand why people think that the conditions are so useful. I don't need a dm screen to remember that if you're blind you cannot see. it takes up so much unnecessary space!
Right, but what does not being able to see do for your abilities? And what does it do for those attacking a blinded creature?
A paralyzed creature obviously can’t move, but there are several ways this alters the rules.
If you have it all memorized, good for you. Most of us don’t and find the information frequently useful.
@@WASD20 blinded: automatically fail any perception check requirering sight, disadvantage on attacking, advantage for people trying to attack you.
Paralyzed: cannot take actions or reactions, cannot move or speak. Automatically fail any strength and dexterity saving throws, attackers have advantage to hit you and anyone who hits you within 5 feet is an auto crit.
But my main point is This could be summarised in 1/8th of the screen instead of almost half of the screen. And a lot of the effects of the conditions are quite logical when looking at the game mechanics. However there's no logic in remembering things like the table for treasure they can find based on the challenge rating.
Anyway, I'm making my own DM screen right now and the conditions take up about 1/10th of it which for me at least is more than enough because when someone is blinded I don't need to read a full sentence saying that they can't see, that's pretty clear to me. I do however have the mechanics summarised on it.
@@Maritotten Yeah, that all makes sense, but it certainly wasn't your original point. Anyway I have trouble remembering all the stuff for conditions. A few of them I could accurately guess, but not most of them. And I end up using them a lot more than something like treasure tables. Treasure I can EASILY make up and am not overly concerned about how WotC wants to guide me on how much they should find. "You find a healing potion, a pouch with 12 gold, and a jeweled dagger." Done! :)
The best DM screen is always the one you make yourself.
They all waste a ton of space on the inside. Conditions are handy but they don't need to take up an entire panel. I print out my own pages and clip them inside.
Who has the kind of cash to spend $650 on a DM screen? Those dog might ones are seriously unaffordable.
Think of it like buying a finely crafted piece of furniture. It’s not just functional, it’s a true work of art.
Also they do have MANY options under $300.
@@WASD20 Oh fair, just haven’t been able to find those yet. Still, what with the exchange rate between dollar and rand and shipping costs biting me in the ass, I’ve probably got an incredibly biased perspective
@@heilmodrhinnheimski They are definitely not for MOST people. I completely get that. An absolute luxury item. :)
Why don't they just include the Wilderness and Dungeon Kit together? This just makes it confusing for players and seems like a money grab.
You just answered your own question.
Top 5 comments here
Not a bad video but I think you spent more time on the tools that come in the kits than what is present on the dm screens
Am i first
You should try Pathfinder 2e. D&D 5e is awful.
I us my own custom DM screen, weapons/magic/spell cards (quick access) - never needing anything else - my stories are complete with every possible twist characters can take. I dislike DM's that hack their way through a session - it ruins it for players and immersion. Spend AT LEAST 20+ hours preparing, then DM game - you can do better - players and the game deserves nothing less - no excuses. And if your excuse is so good that you can't prepare story in advance - be a playing character instead.
"Spend AT LEAST 20+ hours preparing, then DM game"
😂 😂
@@cellphone7223 If you know anything about story structure and writing for visual media, 20+ hours, your just starting to crack your knuckles - just getting started ;)
I hate hate hate hate hate how EVERY SINGLE ONE has art in it. It's like dude, just please fill this to the brim with stats. No art, no roleplay flavor, just things I might forget. To me, that's the point. I hate how on even the better dm screens, the real estate is so poorly optimized.
Pointing at a block image with small text and describing it as useful stuff gives no real info. First time I've ever given one of your vids a thumbs down.
D&D 5e in a nutshell. Dudes making legit attempts at beastiality and dms playing along. Just find a diff game d&d is freakishly bad in 2023. Weird mfrs and internet play is baaaaaad.
Next time please just lay it down flat. I feel like I'm watching a Shakey cam movie.
Not playing 5e is best for everyone