GMs use screens to enhance control, privacy, and immersion during a game session. By keeping notes, maps, and dice rolls hidden, GM screens allow for flexible storytelling and surprise, letting the GM adjust encounters or story elements without revealing too much to players.
The inside of a GM screen is typically filled with essential game rules, stats, and tables, making it easy for the GM to reference important information quickly without breaking the flow of gameplay or flipping through rulebooks. This keeps sessions running smoothly and maintains player focus on the narrative rather than on the game mechanics.
Additionally, the artwork on many screens helps set the mood and reinforces the GM’s role as the primary storyteller, creating a strong, defined space from which to guide the adventure. In short, GM screens act as both a functional tool and a way to enrich the storytelling atmosphere, helping to make sessions seamless and immersive.
Why Game Masters Need a Good Screen
Choosing the right GM screen can make a big difference in your tabletop gaming experience, providing essential organization, enhancing the storytelling atmosphere, and adding that extra layer of mystery for players.
With so many options out there, it’s important to find one that not only fits your style and gameplay needs but also holds up under regular use. In this guide, I’ve ranked the best GM screens based on factors like durability, design, portability, and functionality. From screens with epic fantasy artwork to those packed with customizable features, these top-rated options cater to different games, genres, and play styles, ensuring there’s something here for every Dungeon Master or Game Master looking to elevate their sessions.
What To Look For In a DM Screen
When choosing a GM screen, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure it enhances your game sessions and fits your style as a Game Master:
Durability and Material: Look for screens made from sturdy materials, like faux leather, wood, or thick cardstock. A durable screen will withstand frequent folding and transport while still looking great over time.
Portability: If you frequently take your screen to different locations, consider a design that folds down compactly and is easy to carry. Lightweight, foldable screens are ideal for on-the-go sessions.
Customizability: Screens with pockets or transparent panels allow you to add custom inserts like maps, quick-reference sheets, or personalized notes. This is especially helpful for adapting to different RPG systems or keeping specific game rules handy.
Ease of Access: A good GM screen keeps essential information organized and within reach. Look for one with built-in references for quick rules, conditions, or tables, especially if you’re running a complex game or managing multiple mechanics.
Aesthetic and Theme: The artwork or style of the screen sets a tone for your sessions. Whether you prefer epic fantasy artwork, minimalist designs, or classic wooden screens, choose one that complements your campaign’s atmosphere and adds to the immersion.
My Top DnD Game Master Screens
A great GM screen is functional, durable, and aesthetically suited to your game, providing a practical and immersive tool to help you run smooth, engaging sessions. Here are my top picks.
#1: Cheapest (But Great) GM Screen
Let’s start with a classic: The cardboard game master screen. You’re probably familiar with this one, as many GMs swear by it, no matter how long they’ve been playing for. This screen comes in a variety of designs and includes all the familiar tables, rules, and inserts you will need for an awesome game. But the best part? It’s really cheap. Just about $22.
Dungeons and Dragons Master Screen
Perfect for D&D 5e and other RPGs, it offers convenience and adds to the immersive experience, making it a thoughtful gift for any TTRPG enthusiast this holiday season.
- Epic Design: Dragon and warrior artwork adds a fantasy vibe.
- Quick Reference: Includes 4 D&D 5e rule inserts for easy access.
- Clear Pockets: Flat, wrinkle-free pockets ensure excellent readability.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from recyclable paper with UV-coated details.
#2: Fanciest GM Screen
Since we started small, let’s quickly jump to one of the best screens I’ve seen. This one also comes in various designs, but I particularly like the one displayed below. Now, here’s the thing: The screen looks like metal, but it’s actually eco (faux) leather. So, it’s actually pretty light and easy to carry around in your game master bag.
Metal-Effect Game Master Screen for D&D
This LYNX D&D 5e DM Screen is designed to elevate any Dungeon Master’s toolkit with style and function. Featuring an impressive 3D faux-leather design, customizable inserts, and portability, it’s the perfect gift for DMs who want to immerse players in the world of D&D.
- Immersive Design: Epic dragon battle scene brings campaigns to life.
- Customizable Panels: Includes premade inserts and space for your own notes.
- Portable & Compact: Folds neatly and comes with a protective faux leather sleeve.
- Perfect Gift: A thoughtful, lasting addition to any DM’s setup.
#3: Most Demure Dungeon Master Screen
Most of the screens you see around are quite… how to say it? Overly decorated. This can be entertaining for the players to have to look at it every single session, but can also get a little tiresome after a while. So, many DMs choose to instead use a quieter, more simple screen. For example, here’s a plain black one with a nice pattern that can adapt easily to many different games and realms.
Faux Leather Embossed GM Screen
With no printed reference material included, the CASEMATIX DM screen is adaptable to any tabletop RPG system, allowing Dungeon Masters to print and insert their own cheat sheets, rules, or maps.
- Premium Look: Embossed faux leather with a 3D dice design adds a stylish touch.
- Customizable Panels: Four wet-erase pockets for easy updates and tracking.
- Portable Design: Expands for gameplay, folds compactly for travel.
- Universal Compatibility: Works with any TTRPG—simply add your own inserts.
#4: Most Customizable DM Screen
We’ve covered some pretty good options so far, but there’s one thing none of these other screens can do (or at least do as easily), and that’s customization. There is one type of screen, though, that allows you to use your own art, notes, and other inserts. This one below, for instance, has 8 inserts (4 for the front and 4 for the back).
Double-Sided Customizable GM Screen
With eight wet-erase pockets, it provides flexibility to display custom artwork or essential reference sheets for both DMs and players. This screen is designed to fit any tabletop RPG system, letting you personalize every session and keep your game fully immersive.
- Double-Sided Pockets: 8 pockets (4 facing players) for artwork and reference sheets.
- Premium Faux Leather: Durable, embossed with a magical design for an authentic feel.
- Compact & Portable: Expands to 43.75″ x 11.75″, folds down for easy travel.
- Customizable for Any RPG: Blank pockets work for any TTRPG with printed cheat sheets.
#5: Most Practical Screen
Most screens come with tables and texts inside (usually, Dungeons & Dragons rules and such). But this one below… this one, you can write on! It’s a dry-erase screen with a practical, easy-to-use setup that keeps key 5e rules. The player-facing art is also illustrated by Mike Faille, featuring a massive battle scene for ultimate immersion.
Dry-Erase Game Master Screen For 5th Edition
This 4-panel screen combines stunning artwork with a practical, easy-to-use setup that keeps key 5e rules and a dry-erase surface right at the DM’s fingertips. Designed to work as a stand-alone accessory or in conjunction with other Stat Trackers products.
- Epic Artwork: Illustrated by Mike Faille, featuring a massive battle scene for ultimate immersion.
- Dry-Erase Surface: Built-in hit point tracker for easy, flexible combat management.
- Comprehensive 5e Rules: Includes conditions, actions, spell areas, vision, travel, and more.
- Versatile Use: Works perfectly on its own or with additional Stat Tracker accessories.