Making the Most of Session 0: A Guide for Game Masters
See how a well-planned Session 0 can dramatically improve your TTRPG campaign.
Introduction
Session 0 is a prelude to your TTRPG campaign where you meet with your players, clarify expectations, and set the stage for the adventure. This preliminary session could be the most crucial one you lead as a Game Master.
Why this matters for your table
This session serves as an open forum for discussing game rules, character creation, setting backstory, and more. It establishes the intersection point between the story you want to tell and the experience your players want to have, reducing clashes later on.
Practical Examples
- Set the scene: provide players a brief overview of the world their characters will inhabit.
- Character creation: assist intailoring characters to fit into the world and the desired campaign.
- Discuss house rules: clarify any modifications or additions to the standard rules.
- Align expectations: discuss campaign themes, player agency, preferred playstyles, content boundaries etc.
Wrapping up
Concluding session 0, it’s essential to reinforce understanding and agreement of the finalized concepts and ensure every player is satisfied.