Ranking WORST to BEST Dungeons and Dragons DM Screens 

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: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-i0ndZtYB5Bc.html

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.

The Reincarnated Screen: The information on player actions is useful for DMs who have players asking the DM questions or running NPCs. Although to be fair I don't think I've used that panel. they actually released tis 3 times. The D&D essentials kit has this screen but in cardstock. Different art, but I recognized the inside since thats one of the few DM screens I own.

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).

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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)

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!!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

Impressive collection good sir! Subbed!!

Love your work man. Thanks.

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!

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

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

Commenting to help. Lovely video. Thank you!

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.

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.

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.

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

Super useful video. No nonsense. Cheers

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 😁

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.

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

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.

Thank you for the informative video.

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

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

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.

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!

great video!

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

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

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

Great stuff

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?

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)

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.

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

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.

Great video, saved me some money TBH

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

How do you not have more subscribers?!?

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

Hit 5k!

Where can I find that first Screen mentioned

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.

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

I only put maps in my custom dm screen xD

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

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

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

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

No DM screen gang represent.

We have icewind dale now. 😁👌

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

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. ;-)

What about the Eberron DM screen?

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/

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.

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

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

Are you related to Chris Perkins?

-------------- ❤ Support the Channel ❤ -------------- 💚 Patreon: matthewperkins.net/patreon 💚 Donate: matthewperkins.net/donate 💚 Store: matthewperkins.net/store 💚 DM Guild: matthewperkins.net/dmsguild 💜 Twitch: matthewperkins.net/twitch 💜 TikTok: matthewperkins.net/tiktok 🧡 Discord: matthewperkins.net/discord 🧡 Facebook: matthewperkins.net/facebook 🧡 Twitter: matthewperkins.net/twitter 🧡 Instagram: matthewperkins.net/instagram 🧡 Reddit: matthewperkins.net/reddit ✏ Blog: matthewperkins.net/blog 📧 For marketing/business/sponsorship inquiries, email: mperkins.dm@gmail.com

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?

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

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

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

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

all paizo screens are 5's

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Algorithm

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

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