The torches are lit, the dice are on the table, and your players are eager to dive into the adventure you’ve been crafting. But before they step into the world you’ve built—before the first battle is fought, the first treasure is looted, or the first betrayal is plotted—there’s one session that matters more than any other: Session Zero.
What Is Session Zero?
If you’re new to the term, Session Zero is the foundation of any great campaign. In this no-stakes prelude, players and the DM set expectations, solidify characters, and ensure everyone is playing the game they signed up to play. It’s an essential step for avoiding mid-game confusion, mismatched playstyles, or out-of-game frustrations that can derail an otherwise incredible adventure.
Think of it as laying the groundwork for an epic story—before saving throws, before the questionable choices, and before the chaos of adventure truly begins.
Session Zero for the Dungeon Master: Building a Campaign That Lasts
As the DM, Session Zero is your best tool for making sure your players are engaged, invested, and on the same page. Here's how you can use it to craft a campaign that runs smoothly:
1) Define Expectations & Rulesets
- Are you running a fast-paced, hack-and-slash adventure or a deeply narrative-driven roleplay experience?
- Will you be sticking to core 5e rules, or adding homebrew mechanics?
- How will you handle things like:
- Character death
- Resting mechanics
- Inventory Management & Encumbrance
- Currency
- Crit Rolls
- Other House rules
This is the time to clarify - or at least discuss- any mechanics that might otherwise cause confusion mid-session.
2) Establish the World & Its Themes
Before your players set foot in your world, they should have a sense of what kind of story they’re stepping into. Is this:
- A grimdark hack and slash against an undead apocalypse?
- A high-fantasy, swashbuckling pirate epic?
- A political intrigue court drama with heavy RP?
- A low-stakes jaunt through a fairy garden?
Giving your players an overview of the setting, key factions, and major conflicts allows them to build characters that actually fit the world. It also sets the tone for what players should expect during this campaign.
3) Address Potentially Sensitive Themes
Not every player is comfortable with every theme. If your campaign includes dark or mature elements (horror, betrayal, political manipulation, heavy romance, etc.), Session Zero is the time to bring it up. Use this opportunity to:
- Give a content warning about any major themes.
- Ask if there are any hard no’s players want to avoid.
- Introduce tools like Lines & Veils (topics that won’t be included at all vs. ones that will fade to black).
A little upfront communication ensures everyone has fun while respecting personal boundaries.
For the Players: Crafting Characters That Fit the World
Players, this is your chance to make sure your character thrives in the game. Use Session Zero to:
1) Collaborate on Party Dynamics
- Of course, you'll discuss who tanks, who heals, etc, but discuss further:
- Are you lone wolves or a tight-knit adventuring party with a shared history?
- Do you want intrigue and secrecy, or are you playing an honest, transparent group?
- Are you all in it for the gold, or do you have higher ambitions (or darker motivations)?
Talking this through with fellow players prevents unpleasant or avoidable character conflicts before they become problems.
2) Define Your Character's Goals & Roleplaying Style
Not every player approaches D&D the same way. Some are deeply into roleplay, while others want to sling spells and smash goblins. Session Zero is the time to:
- Discuss whether you’ll be doing in-character voices (or if that’s even expected).
- Clarify whether your character wants to be a hero, an anti-hero, or just someone trying to survive.
- Find out if your character’s goals align with the campaign setting—because a pirate-themed swashbuckler may not fit well in a cosmic horror story.
3) Set Boundaries for Roleplay & Player Interaction
Even in-character rivalries and betrayals need out-of-character communication. If someone at the table isn’t okay with PvP conflict or if certain storylines would make a player uncomfortable, this is the time to talk about it. Be open and honest because a productive Session Zero often leads to a more fun, immersive, and engaging game —without unnecessary tension.
Summarizing Why Session Zero Prevents Future Problems
By taking the time to run a Session Zero, you’re setting up a campaign that runs smoother, lasts longer, and feels more immersive from the start. Here’s what it prevents:
- Players creating characters that don’t fit the setting.
- In-game arguments over rules or mechanics.
- Conflicts between players with wildly different playstyles.
- Unintentional inclusion of themes that make players uncomfortable.
And, most importantly, it builds excitement—because once everyone is on the same page, the first real session feels even more thrilling. So whether you’re a first-time DM or a seasoned worldbuilder, don’t skip it. The time you invest in building a strong foundation will pay off for the rest of the campaign.
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