Ranking WORST to BEST Dungeons and Dragons DM Screens

[@TheDungeonCoach]

What a GREAT video you have here! You show them the screens and I’ll help them customize! What a team! It was a blast making this collaboration with you and I hope my people come show you the love you deserve brother! Here’s a link to the video we did on my channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2HRlY2qjqdoeMU

[@heyitsMattyP]

You too DC! Hopefully we can do it again sometime :)

[@TheDungeonCoach]

For sure! Next screen that gets released... we’ll be ALL OVER!! (Or spice it up with a new topic lol)

[@doctordoom2324]

The plus side of art/maps on the inside of the screen, is that it's a perfect place to put post-its of rules that come up a lot in your particular group.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Golly that's a much more reasonable approach than me yelling at this piece of shiny cardboard for being too artistic

[@slimmonkey8164]

List of screens Regular Screen (01:54) Tyranny of Dragons (02:57) Reincarnated (04:16) Limited Edition Reincarnated (05:33) Princes of the Apocalypse (06:01) Out of the abyss (07:15) Cursed of Stroud (08:27) Forth Edition Screen (09:33) Storm Kings Thunder (10:34) Tomb of Annihilation (11:45) Salt Marsh (12:44) Water Deep Dragon Heist (14:00) Mad Mage (15:08) Descent into Avernus (16:29)

[@BobWorldBuilder]

What a collection! Funny, I always thought the "DM Screen Reincarnated" was a silly name because I didn't know there were earlier screens in 5e xD Informative and easy to follow. Great review!

[@heyitsMattyP]

I think I have too many screens - especially since I don't normally use one :D Thanks for watching Bob!

[@SHADOWSTRIKE1]

In case anyone is curious, the DM screen that comes in the “Essentials” kit is a smaller size, but includes all the same stuff as the Reincarnated screen (though interestingly, it doesn’t include the Suffocating effect info).

[@heyitsMattyP]

AND they republished it at a proper-sized screen with one of the new three-book gift sets, I think. But I bought the limited edition which came with a different screen... so I'm still stuck with my flimsy version :(

[@volturetech]

"This panel is sponsored by DeviantArt" I DIED WITH THAT PART XD

[@kgeo2686]

Actions in combat is useful imo. The DM is the one to lay out options to the players. Tho instead it would probably be better just to hand them a sheet lol

[@heyitsMattyP]

Sometime after making this video I made a little handout cheatsheet for that very purpose :)

[@liamcage7208]

I like half height screens so I don't feel separated from the players and I can reach the minis on the dungeon tiles without having to stand up. As far as stats on the screen goes, my needs on that vary from campaign to campaign and even session to session. Random encounter tables and some rules that aren't used every session but often enough that reference to them is important to have on hand. That is where the "Art" panels come in because that is where I clip my own content.

[@monsaemon]

For a little redemption on Curse of Strahd, the ReVamped edition of the screen has better art and is a lot more useful as a DM screen with no maps! I’ve been using it for my Curse of Strahd campaign, and I find it pretty useful for the campaign.

[@greythefolf1091]

Facts tbh. I love the revamped edition and use it back and forth with my reincarnated screen

[@fufu1405]

The original 5e DM screen is soooo much better looking than the reincarnated one. It gives off such a cool DnD vibe that the reincarnated one just completely fails to deliver.

[@IcarusGames]

Super interesting! I didn't even KNOW most of these existed. I have to defend the reincarnated screen though. As someone new to 5e specifically, I find the inclusion of actions in combat super useful because it reminds me of the things players (and monsters) can do on their turns. The far right panel is the least useful to me, and I have covered up everything on that panel except for cover rules. Instead, I've added tables for XP by encounter CR, a quick monster builder table with key stats and proficiencies, the rules for death saving throws, a list of things you can do as part of movement, and multiple name lists broken down by race and gender.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Icarus Games you got your customization game DOWN!

[@ZipperonDisney]

I'm just gonna believe that you *did cast comprehend languages

[@heyitsMattyP]

i am a powerful wizard

[@PhluXx1]

RANKINGS: Regular Screen 4/5 Tyranny of Dragons 2/5 Reincarnated 3.5/5 Limited Edition Reincarnated 4/5 Princess of the Apocalypse 3/5 Out of the Abyss 4/5 Curse of Strahd 2/5 Storm Kings Thunder 2.5/5 Tomb of Annihilation 5/5 "Perfect Screen" Salt Marsh 5/5 "Perfect Screen" Waterdeep Dragon Heist 5/5 "Perfect Screen" Made Mage 3/5 Descent Into Avernus 4.5/5

[@heyitsMattyP]

By these rankings, in general, I'd rate the concept of DM screens as 51.5/65.

[@yaboiskittlez7943]

I own and am very happy with the limited edition screen. The books that come with it compliment it highly, and even if it's not perfect by this ranking, it's had plenty of use from me. Also there is a new revamped curse of Strahd screen. My friend owns it, and it has info inside pertaining more to Barovia from what they've told me. Haven't seen the inside myself though. But hopefully it's better than the old CoS one? The exterior art is at least better

[@heyitsMattyP]

My review of the original Curst of Strahd screen was so cutting that the employee who designed it ended up coming on my now-defunct podcast to talk about it haha - it was actually a pretty chill chat

[@TheDungeonCoach]

I also just had to say that seeing this video again after yall your edits... is IMPRESSIVE! Your overlays are top notch! I give it a 5/5!!

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thank you! Especially because you're the poor soul who had to watch it BEFORE I covered my mistakes up with shiny overlays

[@LlamaNewton]

I use the Reincarnated DM Screen, and I have found the first panel to be pretty useful as a reference when my newer players ask about what their options are and how certain actions work. It saves a lot of time looking things up in the PHB. I agree that the conditions are useful but should take up less space. It is hard to reference when it is so spread out. Overall, I would give the Reincarnated Screen 4.5/5. It's definitely my choice for general, non-module use.

[@heyitsMattyP]

That's a totally reasonable score! From the comments, it sounds like you're in good company with that screen, because it's super popular

[@The_Real_Frisbee]

I was actually about to mention that. Plus, in my case, I've only been an actual player in maybe 2 short campaigns and DM for about 4 different campaigns, so sometimes I forget what players can do. Having that first panel has made things easier when a player is telling me he's about to do something that I forgot the specifics for. And as you said, it makes it easier to explain things to new players.

[@simounobrien9096]

It is kinda hilarious, the first panel of the Reincarnated Screen is for the players, despite it being a screen for, you know, DM's? XD!!!! However, that said, i think I would have given that panel a 1 because it is useful for everyone and it is nice to have a reminder to the players with regards to what actions they can take.

[@simounobrien9096]

6:32 killed me because the map seems to be unreadable from a distance. Well, I guess the text needed to be bigger? XD Once again, very entertaining and insightful video 😁

[@heyitsMattyP]

Tytyty - more DM screen reviews coming in a few weeks

[@simounobrien9096]

@@heyitsMattyP ooooooh cannot wait :D

[@duseylicious]

Thank you! I'm always trying to zoom in on the tiny pictures of these online to see what info each one has, but it's always too small!

[@heyitsMattyP]

I wish there was a preview on the back of the packet - when you find one of the rare ones in-store, you've just got to trust the screen won't betray you when you buy it and crack it open.

[@phillipbush9603]

Great overview and review of these screens. Definitely agree they need to take notice more from that 4E screen and some of their later ones.

[@heyitsMattyP]

I've heard plenty of people say bad things about 4E as a system, but I've never heard anything but praise for the 4E screen :)

[@Rom2814SK]

I just feel like there's too much art on the inside of the screens on most of these. I don't need to be looking at that art, I just want rules/tables that need to be at my fingertips and not basics like "actions in combat." As you mention, the write up on conditions can be greatly condensed. I ended up building my own out of wood, added some vinyl page holders and made up my own sheets.

[@henfelsen4884]

That sounds sick do you have a video/pics of it?

[@heyitsMattyP]

Sounds great!

[@thomasplummer8103]

I actually think maps can be good in a screen-not the best, but not bad either. They need to be simplified, and only have fewer large names, but it can be useful in giving the DM an idea of where the players are in the area, where they can go, and a quick way to estimate distances between major places in a campaign. A regular map can do this, but I often have that buried in campaign notes where it is a pain to get to. Honestly, if I were rating them, I'd give whole panel maps a half point.

[@andreaspanteli3393]

Commenting to help. Lovely video. Thank you!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

What a great subscriber you are! It really does help us grow, thanks man!

[@heyitsMattyP]

Commenting to thank :)

[@RandyKalista]

For the Descent Into Avernus screen, yes, the War Machine stat blocks, Mishaps, and Chase Complications were good inclusions-they're very campaign specific.

[@Wheyfarer]

The essentials kit screen had great art, I loved it. I can't bring myself to ever use it though because it's so flimsy. The stat blocks on the Avernus screen wouldn't really interest me unless it was something that was encountered a lot. Great video!

[@heyitsMattyP]

Cheers Cody! Yeah I was disappointed in how flimsy the Essentials screen was too. Such great art, but I guess they've got their price point to think about. I would have paid extra for a non-flimsy screen though.

[@slushbubs]

I always liked the 3.5 screen. That system was so complex it was necessary to be all crunch lol

[@simounobrien9096]

I love this video. It is both entertaining and actually insightful. You earned a sub and your judgement is just timeless

[@heyitsMattyP]

Oh thank you! I'll have to make a part 2 if we get a few more screens released this year

[@simounobrien9096]

@@heyitsMattyP You might want to review the Curse of Strahd Revamped DM Screen. You are gonna love it :D

[@southron_d1349]

I've heard from other sources, Gygax would open all the drawers of a filing cabinet to obscure himself. In the early days, all the dice were rolled by the DM (still called the "referee" back then) including rolling dice for the characters' stats. I prefer the "Reincarnated" screen but would've liked the random NPC name generator added. As for the module-specific screens, I've found them to be pointless. I only have the Curse of Strahd special. When I'm running games, I sometimes use older screens for their art - 3e, 4e, and even Pathfinder and The Dark Eye. I like the DM's screen which came with the Humblewood box. It even includes ingredients for magical potions.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Wait... are you saying something I read on the internet was... almost true? This is amazing.

[@southron_d1349]

@@heyitsMattyP I'm afraid so. By the way, having done the 4e screen, you should follow up with the older DM's screens including 1e. And 1e had a Player's Screen... Well, never understood why.

[@heyitsMattyP]

@@southron_d1349 That would be so fun! First I've got to track them down :) I had a series I was doing (that didn't do so well) where I reviewed old splat books and tried to mine them content I could use in 5E - maybe time for a revival of the series?

[@southron_d1349]

@@heyitsMattyP I don't have the metrics so don't understand why they didn't go down well. I thought the videos were good ones. No edition is dead (although one or two might be moribund) because there are ideas to be mined. I still want to resurrect the old AD&D saving throws, although modified and for one specific campaign.

[@jebvaltheas5793]

Impressive collection good sir! Subbed!!

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thanks! It's hard to use more than one screen at a time, but at least now I can use them to build a fort during quarantine

[@admarquez6767]

Please continue doing these informative videos, I'm new to d&d and I'm really learning from your content

[@heyitsMattyP]

Glad to help :)

[@LutesDice]

Very enjoyable review. I have most of these and I have to agree on CoS. Favorite campaign, crappiest screen XD

[@heyitsMattyP]

Good you liked it! Though how about that revamped screen? It looks like a much better tool, but I've only seen glimpses of what's on the DM side

[@simounobrien9096]

Get the Curse of Strahd Revamped Screen, that's gonna give you a 180 ;)

[@BeyondTheScreenRPG]

Awesome video! I love the Saltmarsh & Waterdeep screens, they are so helpful to actually run a game on theme. I think that having a map on screen isn't always terrible, though I agree that all of the examples here were not good. But a good example would be a city map on the Waterdeep screen, though I'm not sure what I'd remove to put it in.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thank you! I think you could put a map on a screen in a useful way, but I just generally wouldn't do it. For a map to work on a screen, it would need to me a small scale module, and the map would have to have massive font with page numbers attached.

[@BeyondTheScreenRPG]

​@@heyitsMattyP I agree. A small map with just the names of each ward can really help us figure out where the adventurers are and what surrounds them. In a game so focused within one city - this can prove extremely useful.

[@iloveski3]

Great video, saved me some money TBH

[@heyitsMattyP]

Hey thanks! Incidentally, I just got sent something in the mail from a company who wants me to review their custom DM screen and it is legitimately rad. I can't talk about it properly till August though :(

[@iloveski3]

@@heyitsMattyP I look forward to it!!!

[@obibrekkin424]

HOW MUCH DO THEY WEIGHT!?!?!? Noooooooo!

[@heyitsMattyP]

oh no

[@heyitsMattyP]

oh no oh no oh no i forgot to do that

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Ha! I wanna know too! (make sure so say it in pounds too so I understand lol)

[@heyitsMattyP]

Update: It's 4.9 kilograms! It's nearly 11 pounds!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Matthew Perkins I feel like there is closure now!

[@vamp9190]

Back into D&D after about 30 years...LOL. Subbed.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thank you!

[@gstaff1234]

Nice video. Good call on the need for details on the DM side. Would have liked to see cost per usefulness as another aspect to consider.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Cheers Greg! I think they're all pretty much the same price, so I reckon you could take the overall rating as an indicator of value. Though I think all of them except two or three were worth the $15 I paid for them

[@voultbioy6247]

How do you not have more subscribers? Consider reaching out to popular dnd youtubers for a collab or something, you deserve better honestly.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Cheers mate! It's not enough to have good videos though. There's a kind of discipline some other KZbinrs have, releasing videos weekly or daily, and I'm still working towards that goal process-wise. Once I get more content out more frequently, I bet it'll spike up a bit! If you're interested in helping out, I've got a team on Discord for promoting new videos (they're called the *Street Team!* ). Here's our Discord invite: discordapp.com/invite/VJgHpzy

[@Rwoarr]

Handy for avernus yes........ handy for things that have siege in them.......... yes and for week to week dungeons and dragons......... gonna have to say no on that one big chief! lol although the descent into avernus one did definitely look cool imho

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thank you for calling me Big Chief, which is my legal name.

[@EleonoraFalcon]

Very informative video! I have been looking to find info on the differences of the screens and which would be best to get. Any plans on also reviewing the DM screens of the wilderness and dungeon kit? And maybe the starterset and essential set? As a beginning DM it's hard to know what info is best to have and the high ranking screens are hard to find. I've only been able to find the ones I mentioned above and the remastered screen.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thanks! I do wanna make a follow-up, but I'm waiting till more screens get released to do them all together. For which screen to pick: it's pretty much just aesthetic. The info on the back almost never gets used. The main functions of a screen is secrecy and drama, so pick whichever one look prettiest from the front and you'll be sweet.

[@EleonoraFalcon]

@@heyitsMattyP Thank you for your response! Now hoping for a kitty themed one coming out 😁

[@NikSantSurvivedEndor]

you got the 5000 subs! congrats. just discovered you. you are awsome!

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thanks! I hit 5k in March 2021, and now I've set the stupid goal of 10k by 2022 :)

[@josephdellavecchia7828]

Matt Colville did an interview with Jim Murphy about gaming back in first edition d&d and they said they did use the full body partition. Now if you believe them is a different story.

[@heyitsMattyP]

I'd like a Royal Commission to investigate these claims of big DM screens, so we can finally get to the bottom of this debacle :)

[@GreycatRademenes]

6:50 I'm of 2 minds of 2 minds of the Elemental Evil Screen. I fully agree that from the inside the only usedul part is the encounter chart (which I just preroll in advance), however while the front art is incredibly cool, it's MAD SPOILER. I'm about 25% into PotA and I'm really building up the characters of the Prophets, including some more of their backstories as well as mystery to their identity, but here you just have them right in front. So on my personal score this looses points if you run it as a mystery.

[@Tony-ne7hd]

Do you have a rating for the wilderness screen too? I think I will get it because I’m more a collector than player but I’m interested to know how it’s usefulness is rated.

[@joeyderrico8134]

I don't normally use screens. I use my laptop, or binders. The one screen I really loved is the 3.5 screen. The only backside art is the movement diagram

[@heyitsMattyP]

I don't use them anymore either, even though I now own 14 :( When I run games, I kind of black out and lose time from adrenaline, so I forget to look at my screen or notes in any useful way. I still put one out in the background though to hang our initiative trackers and set the mood

[@BlueMidgetPanda]

Great video; has made me rethink what is important in a DM screen. One thought: I wonder whether someone who has never run a game before and is maybe starting out with a "scripted" campaign might find the map easily available as a reference point useful; you clearly aren't a fan of them, but maybe a new, inexperienced DM might find them useful? Maybe worth a 0.25 point in that specific circumstance?

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thanks for watching! My issue with maps in general is that you can't read them properly in this format - they print too small, and they're not meant to be rad on this weird upright angle. If a module was really small scale and they printed the map font massively, maybe it would be useful, but that's not the case in any of the maps here.

[@BlueMidgetPanda]

@@heyitsMattyP I get that, I whole heartedly agree. I still think there's a merit to a first time DM not having to scramble through too many books or pieces paper, when squinting for 15 seconds and not being in a panic might be useful. If anything I'm playing Devil's Advocate because I can. Please keep making your excellent videos good sir.

[@thomasplummer8103]

@@heyitsMattyP Oh, I agree that these maps are not done well. for some reason they want to reprint a map that took 1-2 pages in a book and had a full legend at half size. If you are going to put a map in a screen, it needs to be redesigned to wrok on a screen. I just do not think they are inherently as bad as you make them out to be in this video. i.e. I agree with you on the specific(these screens) but disagree with you in the general(maps can be a net benefit to a screen designed for a campaign, if they are designed for the screen)

[@CardboardCleric]

I'm about to build my own screen. Seeing the variation in official products is actually very useful. Subscribed +1

[@heyitsMattyP]

Oh cool! Do you mean you're about to customise your own screen, as in put your own printouts on a bought screen, or are you going to actually hammer-and-nails build a screen? I hope it's the latter, because that's rad!

[@CardboardCleric]

@@heyitsMattyP It's gonna be more Cardboard and glue for this version 😁 But I want to make a modular system with some permanent info and some session specific stuff

[@angrytheclown801]

I prefer an empty screen on the inside, so I can add what I need for when I need it. I have a magnetic initiative chart and having that standing up is useful to me.

[@Alvinvanggaardl]

Great video :) I don't agree on every point, but overall my list look quite similar. Also, just of note, you're technically missing 2 screens to my knowledge: The Eberron Screen and the DM screen that comes with the Essentials kit (It's basicly just the reincarnated made out of a different cheaper material, a bit smaller and with some great art!) (EDIT: Just watched the ending, saw you mentioned essentials kit, whoops)

[@heyitsMattyP]

Cheers mate! I'm even missing more screens than you think -- the Penny Arcade screen. When there are a few more new ones, I'll make a follow-up review and consolidate the rankings

[@Alvinvanggaardl]

@@heyitsMattyP Oh nice, did not know they made a screen for Acquisitions Incorporated, but it seems like it's only on Penny Arcades website, so would you count it an official?

[@heyitsMattyP]

Official enough for me! PA and Wizards are pretty well connected brands, given the Acquisitions Inc book etc etc -- plus it's an excuse to pick up another screen :D

[@large-degenerated]

Love your work man. Thanks.

[@yavorvlaskov5404]

Hey man, great video, and you've got a subscriber out of me for it, I really enjoy your presentation. However (and keep in mind I know nothing of youtube video uploads, so I understand it may not be possible), I was wondering if you could add video breakdowns? Would be useful for me and possibly others if we were to check back on it for specific screen's rating/features. Cheers!

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thank you Yavor! That's a good point -- I think I'd make a few different decisions if I were making this video today. But I'll keep that in mind when I preview the newer screens after a few more have been released.

[@Taro4242]

Nice video! I am curious what your opinion is on some of the newer screens; the Rime of the Frostmaiden has maps so 'nuff said. However the new Wilderness and Dungeon Kit screens look very promising. Do you have them and if so what are your thoughts?

[@heyitsMattyP]

I don't have those unfortunately! I'm looking at doing a Part 2 to this video next month though, so I'll buy them in the meantime :)

[@LordWiseWolf]

This was really helpful. I’m looking for a screen for a new game and I only have my old 4th Ed screen. The 5th was lost in the move. I think for me i wouldn’t rate half screens so high. Maybe a quarter of a point, and setting or campaign specific blocks, I wouldn’t rate highly. If I was doing that specific campaign I would rate it higher, but if I’m not, great more useless info. However, I’m not looking for specific screens but a general all around screen. Very helpful video.

[@josiahbassett9216]

I’m running a urban campaign the water deep screen would help.

[@heyitsMattyP]

For certain! A bunch of it feels specific to Waterdeep as a city, but I reckon you could steal like half the tables and apply it to wherever you like.

[@Outsidecontext]

Great stuff

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thanks!

[@shawnbonneau5731]

I have no need to buy another screen (I rarely get to DM in person, and I already have the Reincarnated screen from when I first ran wild Sheep chase), but I still found this video fun to watch. Great job

[@heyitsMattyP]

Glad you liked it! Since I had the idea to make this video and track down these screens over the last year or so, I've actually stopped using screens at my table altogether. Guess I didn't need another screen either!

[@volturetech]

great video!

[@vitalitymirth]

Thank you for the informative video.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thank *you* for the lovely comment :)

[@AGryphonTamer]

I do like having a map, and I'm not sure I see where you're coming from saying they're not readable. (Some aren't Avernus isn't, but that's bad design for map. It's hard to read full screen with zoom.) But the way I think about my worlds is really very much through maps. Take a look at the second map in Storm Kings Thunder. It shows so much. I've had a couple games where I couldn't even tell you if I was in a forest or a desert, but take this description. "You make camp for the night in a particularly pleasant patch of grass and wildflowers, beside the winding pebble road. Heading west along the road are dry hills, breaking into sharp gray snowless mountains a day's ride away." That's the road towards the Gray Peak Mountains, coming from the Anauroch Desert, and even if you can't read the the names of the mountains or of the desert the broad strokes are there. They may also be able to add in extra stuff in less useful space. Off the coast in this case. Say putting a table in of the names of nobles, or regional encounters, but even if you don't have that it can be very useful.

[@heyitsMattyP]

The SKT map information is entirely illegible to me without pressing my face against the screen like I've just run into a glass door :(

[@andrewlaverghetta715]

This is interesting. Do these screens come with the book or whatever? I'm just started, I've bought the trio of source books, Tasha's, Ravenloft, and Candlekeep. Candlekeep has a map in the back of the book that you can tear out, but nothing else special. It's interesting that some of them are customized to that module. Personally, not having any of those, I took on a project. I got a piece of wood, maybe like a foot and a half or something by about 4 feet, idk (what is a foot anyways, am I right? I'm from the USA). I ended up cutting them into 4 pieces that are a little bigger than a sheet of notebook paper, and I used a pyrography/wood burning pen to burn the D&D logo into one of the middle two panels and a sweet circular dragon icon onto the other middle panel. On the inside, I screwed a metal plate that runs along the top so I can print my own notes and pin them up with a magnet. What's the problem with maps? Do you not use maps of locations very often? If it's something you keep looking back to, I can see how you might not want to flip back to that page in the book, but idk if that's a thing or not. Maybe it helps keep the mood by seeing the art and seeing the map? To me, random encounters aren't helpful. Again, that may be the difference between what I'm making up on my own and the stuff that's in a module, but I feel like encounters should have a purpose? Unless it's just to give you an idea of what would be good as well? I honestly don't know. Heck, somebody asked me what some items cost and I had a bunch of that stuff on my notes on my screen. I've also got basic weapon damage rolls for different weapons. The notes I have are currently ones that somebody else put together and posted online, but before long, I need to customize them myself. It's a ton of information to fit onto thee panels, but it's nice to have a free screen where I can pin story notes, a script of a monologue, or during combat, my initiative notes.

[@420invzim]

The lies! Did not weigh the screens at the end. This is forming a habit Mr Perkins. Great video. I like the Infernal Machines for Avernus screen. Agree with maps.

[@heyitsMattyP]

I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It's 4.9 kilograms! It's nearly 11 pounds!

[@Electric_Wizard]

I know this is a big ask (for obvious reasons) but there are a lot of 3rd party campaigns and settings that have their own DM screens. The screen for Odyssey of the Dragonlords, for example, actually has a thicker, sturdier card stock than any of the official screens do :o I don't imagine them getting reviewed, because 3rd party content is already pretty niche

[@heyitsMattyP]

It's rare enough that I've never heard of it! I'd love to get my hands on something like that one day, but I'll wait till my local store expands their stock

[@Electric_Wizard]

@@heyitsMattyP it was a kickstarter, from some of the developers of the Dragon Age PC games. Greek themed. (I hadn't even heard of the Arkadia one, or I might have done that first). Little surprised you haven't heard of it, tbh. Wouldn't you get free samples and similar, from developers looking for a plug?

[@apartheid4054]

Where can I find that first Screen mentioned

[@heyitsMattyP]

That first one was the screen that came out in 2015 or something, along with the Player's Handbook - I think you should be able to find it at most game stores? Pretty sure they did reprints of this one.

[@joshualugo8302]

Do these screens come when you guy the books or are they sold separately

[@heyitsMattyP]

They're all sold separately -- maybe about $20 each in Australia? Though if you buy the Essentials Kit, it comes with a smaller screen, but it's a little bit flimsier.

[@Electric_Wizard]

Original 5e DM screen, "I've seen these get [???] heaps" what was that?

[@heyitsMattyP]

"I've seen these get used heaps!"

[@Electric_Wizard]

@@heyitsMattyP ty

[@itsdavefrommarketing5935]

I wanted to get a screen but I don't have space since I'm using two small card tables put together so for now a laptop sufficesv

[@heyitsMattyP]

Screens are nice for the theatrics, but not all helpful to the game in any real way, so you're not missing out on anything :)

[@dragonmk123]

You forgot the rick and morty dm screen? Its essentially the same as the essentials just reflavored.

[@heyitsMattyP]

They made a screen? Now they've made a liar out of me :( So now it's a ranking of NEARLY every screen

[@dragonmk123]

@@heyitsMattyP also there is a Acquisitions Incorporated one but I think that is more 3rd party. Hosted by penny arcade.

[@heyitsMattyP]

@@dragonmk123 this is a dark timeline for the integrity of my channel

[@BarbarosaAlexander]

Thanks for this. Do you have your criteria for a perfect DM screen? Especially for a new DM?

[@heyitsMattyP]

I think the very first one gets the job done well! But the reincarnated screen (with the big red dragon across all four panels) is the most popular one. You can't go wrong with either of those two :)

[@bordersoftherealm]

@@heyitsMattyP Awesome, thanks. My daughter wanted to play, so I had to learn to DM on the fly. Fortunately she's very forgiving of a DM who's still learning.

[@LordOz3]

Too many of those are module/campaign specific. A solid screen should be full of info useful in any campaign, not just a certain adventure book - how many DMs want to shell out $15 for a screen after paying $50 for the adventure?

[@heyitsMattyP]

I totally would! A campaign lasts over a year for me, so $15 on a screen doesn't feel like a bad investment. Except the Curse of Strahd screen, which broke my dainty heart and left me carrying all this emotional baggage.

[@thomasplummer8103]

It depends on the campaign. For example, Tomb of annihilation is almost a campaign setting. You could almost ignore the tomb and just have adventures on the island, and the screen would continue to be useful. OTOH, tyranny of dragons would probably not be worth it, even if the screen was better, unless it became a generic sword coast screen.

[@t24t25]

What about the Eberron DM screen?

[@heyitsMattyP]

I made a second review video somewhere that includes that screen

[@t24t25]

Do you have a link to that video?

[@heyitsMattyP]

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[@josephdellavecchia7828]

Also, could you do a review of the Rick and Morty screen? I apologize if you already did and missed that video

[@heyitsMattyP]

I didn't know Rick & Morty had a screen :( If I find one, I'll preview it over on my Instagram

[@dizzydewdle]

How do you not have more subscribers?!?

[@heyitsMattyP]

I was cursed by a witch :(

[@gravelmonarch]

No DM screen gang represent.

[@franklee3800]

Alright, I'll subscribe. Keep cool brother. 👍

[@99zxk]

Personally, I feel that a DM screen should have reference to things that are useful to all games and not specific campaigns. Perhaps have a standard set of reference material and then use the wasted space from art to include campaign specific stuff.

[@liamlyda2116]

Well most of the screens that have more specific info is tied directly to its corresponding campaign where it is useful. Screens like the reincarnated screen are the more generic and universal screens.

[@hiroibwah]

Are you related to Chris Perkins?

[@heyitsMattyP]

Cloned

[@jasonsternburgh8363]

Love your work. One request: Please don't link to other awesome content on other sites. Some of us don't want ANOTHER social media account, such as instagram, and don't want to sign up for every dang site. 9.5/10 video for only having 14/15 screens reviewed. ;-)

[@heyitsMattyP]

Cheers! But I'll try anything once haha - I've largely given up on Instagram since this though. Turns out I hate taking photos!

[@leejackson623]

I personally think the art on the Princes of the Apocalypse is full of spoilers for the players 🤔 (though it does look good).

[@heyitsMattyP]

It feels like a minor spoiler, but its sets the theme of the module so well, I can't fault it for the spoiler :)

[@Electric_Wizard]

You awarded a half point to some panels for having art, but gave others a full point when they had the same art:text ratio, if not more art. And your review of the essentials kit screen requires people to have an account on a whole separate site. Just because it's made of another material. Even though there was a massive ad for another guy's video, where he will, presumably, be reviewing inserts as well as the custom screens. None of the other screens screens you reviewed were on quality of material.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Hey man 👋🏼 I think his point method was just to give some sort of structure to his general fee of how valuable the screen is so there is a quantifiable number to the “ranking” he also gave a bonus point for super good art 😁 So I wouldn’t worry about the structure of the system as much as the content that he reviewed them having and see if you like it. I think he did a great job showcasing ALL these screens and had some great overlays to show them off 👍🏼 I personally categorize the “other screens” differently too. Like the non official screen I went over some. BUT the cheap feel of the essentials kit screen doesn’t fit in with these uniform “official / legit” screens. So I see his reasoning there. And content creators spread out their content all the time to help them grow as well I hope you love taken this as a friendly conversation 😆 not trying to debate, just throwing in my 2 cents

[@heyitsMattyP]

You left a comment describing the video. It doesn't seem like you enjoyed the video.

[@Electric_Wizard]

@@heyitsMattyP the video was fine. Actually I think there should have been a video like this sooner. Surprised that there hasn't been, tbh. Sorry for only focusing on the negative, I'll try and take a 'compliment sandwich' approach in future.

[@heyitsMattyP]

@@Electric_Wizard We're cool mate! I was just being a bit too snarky :)

[@Electric_Wizard]

@@heyitsMattyP I didn't think so. I thought that my comment was the one that came off that way. Read enough KZbin comments and i guess a lot of stuff starts to sound that way.

[@sasafras5239]

I disagree with some of your opinions here but great video showing off what you're getting never the less.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Thank you!

[@ravenhack6053]

Excellent video, but I know I will never get a new screen,

[@krykiet5761]

I have always maps behind my GM screen and I cant tell how angry I am when the region maps get 0 points, map of the one location? This is really 0 points not 0.5. But maps? I understand you want informations on GM screen, but maps is informations, of course if you know how to read them, if not... I feel sorry about your players

[@heyitsMattyP]

Eh :)

[@duseylicious]

I love the Essentials Kit one! Is it too flimsy? Yes. Is it pretty much the same info as the normal one? Yes. But you know what? IT'S SMALLER! 4 panel "vertical" DM screens are way too tall, and you block off your players view to your face easily. 4 panel "horizontal" screens are so wide! hard to find a good space to use them. But this 4 panel "square" screen is perfect! Small, light weight, lots of info but doesn't interfere with or block off your view. I just wish it was a little studier. When not paying D&D, I use this customizable "mini" screen, that's 6 4x6 vertical panels. Just big enough to block rolls / notes, fit some information on, and travels well. I've even put player info on the "art" side before - and an initiative tracker across the top that I use with mini clothes pins with the PC names on them. hammerdog.com/twgs/

[@southron_d1349]

The AD&D DM screens were laid out portrait not landscape. I still prefer the taller screen.

[@heyitsMattyP]

I'm a fan of the size and I like the layout, but most of all I LOVE that cover art. But it's so flimsy! You couldn't play with the window open or anywhere near a cat. And I play a specifically near-window, cat-positive game.

[@ebrann]

What no weight? Man I wanted to see the total weight. Bummer.

[@heyitsMattyP]

I am embarrassed to have forgotten to weigh them! That's what i get for going off script and ad libbing promises. I'll weigh them in the morning and update everyone individually with the weight

[@heyitsMattyP]

It's 4.9 kilograms! It's nearly 11 pounds!

[@JACKSTAY]

I have to disagree about the reincarnated screen. It’s been a GODSEND for a new DM who’s learning along with the players.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Yeah it's the most popular screen from what I've heard, just not my bag 100%

[@WalkOnNick]

I only put maps in my custom dm screen xD

[@sarahwilliams9097]

Did you know you can also get DM/ GM screen inserts on dms guild?!?

[@heyitsMattyP]

I did not! I'm actually gearing up for a follow up to this video next month, and it's sponsored by a company that makes a screen with space for inserts. Which is the best insert on DMs Guild? I'll use it as an example in the video.

[@sarahwilliams9097]

@@heyitsMattyP I haven't tried them all but if you go onto the tabletop essentials tab there are some there. DM screen of Greater referencing has very good reviews. Can't wait to see the the follow up video!

[@vanityofthesaint]

We need a hard cover version of the Rick and Morty screen.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Now that's one I haven't ever seen :) I'll need to track down the Rick & Morty box

[@donatszabo141]

We have icewind dale now. 😁👌

[@heyitsMattyP]

Yeah good point! So I think the ones I still need to review are: -- Icewind Dale -- Ebberon -- Revamped Strahd -- Penny Arcade -- And did they ever do a Ravinca screen? I reckon I'd need 6 or 7 new screens to make a whole video out of it, so we'll get an updated list soon enough!

[@orrinellis856]

all paizo screens are 5's

[@heyitsMattyP]

I have no reason to doubt this and take it as gospel

[@captainsmitty353]

Hit 5k!

[@davidfowles]

Oof, the only one I’ve got is the worst one, Curse of Strahd

[@Raphaelus13]

I hate the lazy GaleForce 9 method of just sticking different images together. Gimme me a cool map or an original illustration !

[@heyitsMattyP]

Oh, they're OK! I think compositing these illustrations can look great when it's done well. It's just one or two instances where it hasn't worked out.

[@lexzbuddy]

I think they all fail as the "front" could have useful info for players. List of actions etc. I would like to see transparent pockets, that way you could add what you want. The art is pointless.

[@Javetts]

I hate that everyone's rating are always so generous "These are complete shit" 2/5 not 1/5 or 0/5 why? no one knows

[@heyitsMattyP]

It's a little bit like a school assignment. The only way to get a zero would be to submit something that isn't a DM Screen or to submit nothing.

[@Jcraft153]

I don't know why, but your video of the art was very dark. Hard to see the actual art you're reviewing

[@aurvay]

Yeah, an earnest attemp at a review but I find the lack of nuance in your grading mechanic deeply flawed. Battlemaps in DM screens are pointless as you suggest, but overland maps are the opposite, especially in a campaign like SKT & CoS. Categorically striking them out isn’t a great choice. The same with tables. Not all tables are created equal and many of them are pretty much useless. I don’t know if you ran any of these campaigns or if you used the screens at the table at all, but from your review I feel like you didn’t, and many of both the criticisms and praises in this review are just hypothetical and I find it misleading.

[@skum73]

Thanks, this video has convinced me not to buy a DM screen.

[@heyitsMattyP]

Save those dollars, buy more dice

[@mategido]

Damn compared to OSR DM Screens every single D&D on is garbage, wtf are the guys on wizards doing

[@heyitsMattyP]

Every single one!? Some are nice enough

[@jaredwhight2596]

Nobody knows how much "4 kilos" weighs. Please convert to American moving forward.

[@heyitsMattyP]

I love this! The overwhelming majority of people use the metric system haha

[@cowboybigfoot6577]

Algorithm

[@heyitsMattyP]

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