A beginner's guide to dungeon mastering: tips for first-time DMs
A Beginner's Guide to Dungeon Mastering: Tips for First-Time DMs
So, you've decided to take on the role of the Dungeon Master (DM) for your first game. Congratulations! This can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started and make your first game a success.
1. Plan a Story, Not a Railroad
One of the biggest mistakes that new DMs make is creating a story that is too rigid. While it's important to have an overarching plotline, you also want to leave room for player choices and improvisation. Don't force the players down a specific path or punish them for not following your script.
Instead, create a world with different factions, locations, and characters, and allow the players to interact with them in their own way. This will make the game feel more immersive and give the players a sense of agency.
2. Encourage Roleplaying
Roleplaying is what sets tabletop games apart from video games. Encourage your players to get into character and interact with each other as if they were their characters. This can be a bit intimidating for some players, especially if they are new to the game, so try to create a welcoming and supportive environment.
You can also give bonuses or penalties based on how well the players stay in character. For example, if a player successfully convinces an NPC to give them information, they might get a small bonus to their next roll.
3. Use Visual Aids
Another way to make your game more immersive is to use visual aids. This can include maps, minis or tokens for the players and enemies, and handouts with important information.
You don't need to be a professional artist to create these. You can find plenty of free resources online, or use basic tools like graph paper and markers to create your own. This will help the players visualize the world they are in and make combat easier to manage.
4. Know the Rules, but Don't Get Bogged Down in Them
As the DM, you are responsible for knowing the rules of the game. However, don't get bogged down in them. If a rule is slowing the game down or causing confusion, make a ruling on the spot and move on. You can always look up the official rule later and adjust your ruling if necessary.
It's also important to remember that the rules are a guideline, not a hard and fast rule. If a player wants to do something that isn't covered in the rules, use your judgement to determine if it's possible and what the consequences might be.
5. Keep the Game Moving
One of the biggest challenges of being a DM is keeping the game moving. Combat can be particularly slow and cumbersome, especially for new players. Here are some tips to keep things moving:
- Encourage players to plan their turns in advance
- Make sure you know the enemies' stats and abilities beforehand
- Use a timer or hourglass to limit decision-making time
- Simplify combat by using average damage rather than rolling for it
Don't be afraid to adjust the difficulty of combat encounters on the fly if things are bogging down. You can always add or remove enemies, change their tactics, or change the terrain to make things more interesting.
6. Have Fun!
Most importantly, remember that the point of the game is to have fun! Don't get too hung up on the rules or your plans. If everyone is enjoying themselves, you're doing a great job.
Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from your players after the game. This will help you improve and make the next game even better.
In conclusion, being a DM can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. By following these tips, you can create a great game for you and your players and have a great time doing it. Good luck!