New to DnD, feeling overwhelmed

[Saki]

Playing this game is like learning a whole new language.

Every single class has their own unique properties when I don't even know what the hell any of this stuff means. Idk how to pick my spells, cantrips, divine whatever. Idk how to manage loot. Idk what half these attributes and status effects mean. I can barely understand my own character let alone build my party. The choices and amount of information is genuinely overwhelming.

[Legume Legend]

it's tough but you'll get used to it, there's lots of resources out there that can help!

[strata]

lol, and this is the simplified 5th edition. I feel you though. I dare you to go look at Pathfinder or earlier editions of D&D, they are a labyrinth, hahaha

[Jolly Devil]

The best advice I can give is either read up with guides or just wing it. I’m not super familiar with dnd rules and spells so I’m kinda just picking what looks fun or has a good feel for the class. You can also respec your skills and class after a short side quest if that helps.

[Demonico]

Just take it slow... this game is to savour and enjoy - it's unlike anything out there right now, you don't need to rush through it, you won't be missing out on anything, you don't need to be lvl 12 first, finish the game first, etc... so take bits of information little by little and go with the flow

[zero]

well, managing loot is simple: keep the weight in white, share it among your party members to do so.

stats are simple:

str: most melee use this for damage and accuracy, unless the weapon says finesse (daggers, as example)

dex:as above, but also can be added to AC (your armor will tell you how much)

con:this is extra hp and saving throws vs poison and the like

int: nerd ♥♥♥♥, information on person, places, or things

wis: ability to notice things, perception, and sense what people are up to.

cha: lying and talking at its finest.

each class will show a * above their primary stat, casters will need int, wis or cha in some way, but wont need much str or dex("hybrids" are exceptions, like paladin, who needs str+cha).

some exceptions apply.

as for what spells to pick: for cantrips, you generally don't need a million attacking ones, *maybe* 2 if an enemy is resistant to fire, you use ice, for example, but otherwise, go for utility.

as for spells: it depends a lot on what you are doing and what roles, but the rule of thumb for D&D is that blaster(damaging) mages, while good, as trumped by utility, a hold person can keep the strongest enemy out of the fight basically the entire time if you get lucky, and grease can keep multiple people down for long periods of time if used right.

same thing with healing: killing an enemy is better then recovering from damage, its good to have some but if possible, save for emergencies, rather then recover lost hp, especially with having short rests and the like.

[volcaniclastic]

probably the easiest class to play first then is barbarian or fighter, very straightforward and no worrying about cantrips and and whatnot. also resist the urge to pick up everything, most stuff is useless and worthless, just grab gems/jewelry/gold and any magic items (they'll have a green background). if you're a melee class then you can ignore leazel (gith lady), and put the cleric, thief, and wizard in your party.