The DM screen holds secrets and prep materials for Dungeon Masters everywhere. Besides providing you with a private spot for notes and minis, a DM screen is often the best place for rule reminders and helpful charts. Many screens come with handy information for their game on the DM's side, and cool art on the other side doesn't hurt.
Choosing the one that's right for you can be difficult with so many options. You'll find DM screens for every need and style here. From the most elegant in design to the widest reference of rules possible, the perfect screen is here for you.
Updated July 22, 2024, by Jacob Austin: We've added additional options for your DMing needs to an already awesome list. Including choices perfect for the always-moving Dungeon Master and those who want even more space for notes and sheets.
Dungeon Master's Screen Reincarnated (Dungeons & Dragons)
Editor's Choice See at AmazonHaxtec Dungeons & Dragons DM Screen
Most Epic Design See at AmazonDragonlance: Shadow of The Dragon Queen Deluxe Edition (Dungeons & Dragons Adventure, DM Screen + Warriors of Krynn Board Game)
Premium Pick See at AmazonThree-Panel Faux Leather Dungeon Master Screen
Best For Mobile DMs See at AmazonPath Gaming Wooden Dungeon Master Screen
Best Craftsmanship See at Amazon- See More
CZYY Four-Panel Dungeon Master Screen with Pockets
Most Impressive Looking See at AmazonDragon Shield Roleplaying Game Master Screen & Accessory Box
Best to Get Organized See at AmazonCASEMATIX DM Screen Deluxe 12-Panel XL
For The Ultimate Preppers See at AmazonInnoView Laptop Screen Extender 15.6" Dual Monitors
For DMs Going Digital See at Amazon
Must-Have DM Screens for Serious Dungeon Masters
Editor's ChoiceDungeon Master's Screen Reincarnated (Dungeons & Dragons)
From Wizards of the Coast, straight to your door.
This affordable DM screen option from Dungeons & Dragons has crucial D&D rules and information for Dungeon Masters to quickly reference printed right on the screen.
Pros & Cons- The official screen from Dungeons & Dragons.
- Reasonably priced.
- No pockets or sleeves for storage or reference sheets.
When starting your DM screen journey, what better place to look than the brand itself? The Dungeon Master's Screen Reincarnated is the official DM screen of Dungeons & Dragons, making it as dependable an option as anyone can find.
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PostsWhile this screen may not include the cushy amenities other options sport, it's a perfect DM screen for new DMs and Wizards of the Coast loyalists alike. Featuring artwork and packaging to help it fit in along with sourcebooks on bookshelves and complete with comprehensive, must-know info for quick reference, there's plenty to love in this D&D accessory.
Most Epic DesignHaxtec Dungeons & Dragons DM Screen
A draconic stand-off is showcased.
This large DM screen comes with nifty cheat sheets for Dungeon Masters and sleeves for keeping things organized.
Pros & Cons- Made by Haxtec, a leading brand in D&D accessories.
- Glorious artwork to inspire players.
- May not feature your preferred art style.
Haxtec is known in the tabletop community for reliably delivering quality accessories to complement the gaming experience. This stunning DM screen is no exception, with the manufacturer providing an epic design for folks around the table to feast their eyes on.
In addition to the screen itself, buyers will get a small collection of helpful reference sheets that'll perfectly fit in the screen's included sleeves. The screen doesn't just help DM's in a practical sense, but also the design, which features an adventuring party in a dramatic showdown against a formidable dragon, will help to immerse players into the Dungeon Master's world.
Premium PickDragonlance: Shadow of The Dragon Queen Deluxe Edition (DM Screen + Board Game Included)
An all-inclusive bag of holding-worthy bundle.
Complete with Dungeons & Dragons sourcebooks, a DM screen, and a D&D-themed board game, Dragonlance: Shadow of The Dragon Queen Deluxe Edition steps up the entire TTRPG experience.
Pros & Cons- DM Screen exclusively printed for this deluxe edition box set.
- Board game provides a D&D alternative to game night when scheduling snafus arise.
- A complex purchase for those who just want a screen.
If you are one of those Dungeon Masters who struggles to come up with a plan B after your Paladin calls out at the last minute, this is the DM screen purchase for you. By snagging the Dragonlance: Shadow Queen Deluxe Edition, folks aren't just treating themselves or a D&D player loved one to a high-quality DM screen, but a comprehensive tabletop experience.
Stuffed to the brim with D&D goodies, the Dragonlance: Shadow Queen Deluxe Edition includes D&D sourcebooks featuring Dragonlance adventures to run campaigns with, a special edition D&D-themed board game, and a DM screen that can only be found as part of this box set. Whether you're in it for the D&D alternative for game night or the impressive accessories, there's no denying the intrigue here.
Best For Mobile DMsThree-Panel Faux Leather Dungeon Master Screen
An affordable and light way to keep everything on hand
This three-panel screen with dry-erase overlays and elastic storage straps is perfect for the traveling gamer. Carry terrain tiles, rulebooks, and more in a lightweight package.
Pros & Cons- Elastic straps can hold notes, maps, or books
- Panels are large with dry-erase overlays
- Does not store 3D minis well on its own
If you're the forever DM who is already ready to game then this is your mobile D&D dream. Lightweight and able to pack a lot in a convenient package, this makes the perfect screen and folio combo to keep in your bag or car.
There are many screens designed to accommodate the DM always on the move, but they can be bulky or odd to store long-term in a gaming bag. This can pack a book, flatpack terrain and minis, and all your notes in a tidy 11" square.
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PostsWhile the use of three-dimensional minis will be an awkward one with this traveling package you can fit a surprising amount of game material inside. Elastic straps let a sourcebook or stack of terrain tiles stay ready for easy access.
Best CraftsmanshipPath Gaming Wooden Dungeon Master Screen
Jack of all trades, master of dungeons.
For a decadent display this engraved wooden screen offers a beautiful player-facing front. With the included magnetic holders you can keep notes handy on any panel.
Pros & Cons- Made with durable, high-grade wood.
- Includes magnetic holders for notes.
- No engraving customization.
If a Tolkien-style twinkle stays in your eye and/or you love the traditional fantasy aesthetic, then you'll appreciate this wooden DM screen. Featuring a medieval-style engraving to compliment the high-grade lumber used to manufacture it, this screen adds an air of high-fantasy sophistication to any tabletop experience.
Don't waste time getting stressed over the screen being cumbersome or disorderly, either. This DM screen folds and collapses for easy transport and, once upright on the table, still helps things stay organized thanks to its magnetic attachments, assisting even the most disheveled game masters.
Most Impressive LookingCZYY Four-Panel Dungeon Master Screen with Pockets
The leather may be faux, but the elegance is real.
Embossed and beautiful, this intricate four-panel DM screen includes pockets on the Dungeon Master's side and a "Roll for Initiative" slogan on the player's.
Pros & Cons- Incredible Cthulu and Kraken design.
- Reference sheets are dry-erase friendly.
- Elaborate design may steal focus at the table!
Actors have their Oscar red carpet outfits and Dungeon Masters have their DM screens, making this extravagant DM screen a fashion statement piece. Though the leather is false, the material doesn't compromise the quality of the DM screen's design or texture, sure to impress every D&D player you encounter.
Helping sweeten this DM screen deal is its design. In an awesome instance of reverence for the legends that inspire D&D players and its creators, the screen features an embossed scene with Cthulu and a Krakken laying waste to a waterfront. Lovecraftian works and myths of old are the foundation for all fantasy, so featuring them flaunts an authentic kind of fandom.
Best to Get OrganizedDragon Shield Roleplaying Game Master Screen & Accessory Box
Compartmentalize your D&D goodies.
The comprehensive Dragon Shield set spoils game masters with wipe-clean cards, dry-erase markers, an accessory box, and GM/DM screen.
Pros & Cons- Accommodates meticulous DMs on the go.
- Practical and sleek design.
- It's an easy carry to game night.
- Limited tray sizes force hard choices for what to pack.
An impressive DM screen with a sleek black-on-black polyhedral design isn't the only thing DMs get here, they also get a long-awaited solution to their days of schlepping all their accessories back and forth. Whether you keep this at home or use it as a larger traveling DM package, the compartments make for a clean and well-sorted gaming experience.
With a 40-slot accessory box, dungeon masters can carry their dice and miniatures to sessions and back with ease. The set even collapses and comes with an attached handle to lighten your load. While it definitely keeps things organized, it should be noted that the accessory box's six frames don't have much size variation between them. DMs may have to think carefully about how they pack their encounters.
For The Ultimate PreppersCASEMATIX DM Screen Deluxe 12-Panel XL
Get an XL answer for your notetaking problems
When you need to have all your notes available this is the ultimate solution. With 12 wet-erase panels, it's not unreasonable to say an entire campaign could be run from this screen.
Pros & Cons- It is like three screens in one.
- Panels are easy to flip and keep open.
- Wet-erase means extra notes.
- Turning pages leaves limited table space behind the screen.
Do you run games in a highly detailed and fully mapped homebrew world? If you're a heavy prepper then an XL screen for every note and reference you could ever need is your savior. This Casematix DM screen has 12 wet-erase panels, and they are arranged for easy use of adjacent reference sheets.
With many screens coming in only a three or four-panel size, this is like having three complete DM screens in one. Embedded magnets keep the panels from swinging about midgame, although if you plan to flip pages a lot you'll need to keep the space inside the screen clear.
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PostsAside from the difficulty in keeping things like minis behind the screen, there are no downsides to be found here. You can keep a full four panels ready for combat, exploration, and roleplay at once. Splitting notes and references for a game into three parts lets you progress through the panels like chapters for a thematic experience.
Casematix is offering you a powerful and affordable choice without becoming bulky or unable to store materials like sourcebooks. While difficult to consider any other screen you will be missing out on aesthetics and the ability to keep miniatures hidden easily, so your gaming style may demand a different solution.
For DMs Going DigitalInnoView Laptop Screen Extender 15.6" Dual Monitors
Why not use a slightly different type of screen?
If you've gone online with your gaming using services like D&D beyond then a digital solution is for you. With monitors acting as your DM screen you can instantly access any note or reference you need from a laptop.
Pros & Cons- Two quality displays for any game materials.
- The shape is right to hiding your secrets.
- Can be a DM & player display for art and maps.
- High-cost investment as opposed to non-digital screens.
- Mobile setup will be more difficult than a traditional screen.
Those who have known the pleasure and ease of digital DMing understand all too well that it feels bad to go without it. Using a laptop and tablet for notes and your books through online services is an absolute joy.
If you've never had the chance to use monitors in your live games it can sound odd to use them as a DM screen. With the right shape of monitors next to your laptop, however, you will accomplish the same hidden space as a standard screen.
The benefits of dry-erase overlays and notecards are overtaken completely by digital solutions. Overlays are not needed when you can change a tab to have entirely different information available in a flash. If 12 panels sounded good before, this is unlimited page access.
Although going electronic with your D&D campaign can sound like a dream, the looming downside is here. Portable monitors can be a huge investment, that's if you have a laptop to use them with. Mobile gaming will involve cables and the like too, making setup a chore.
FAQ
Do Dungeon Masters Need DM Screens?
While not required for play, any Dungeon Master would benefit from having a DM screen and they are generally recommended. As new players progress and campaigns become more complex, it becomes harder for a Dungeon Master to protect players from seeing the machinations of their decision-making, dice rolls, and encounter building. DM screens address that concern most effectively.
Is There A Standard DM Screen Size?
DM screens do not have a standard-issue size, but most will feature two or more panels that measure at least 11 inches tall and 8.5 inches wide each, to accommodate the standard letterhead printing size of reference and character sheets.
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