How to Run Great D&D Zero Sessions
What is a Session Zero?
In D&D and other tabletop games, zero sessions are a way to set the tone for the game, align the group, and hash out other details before playing. They are hands down the easiest way to +1 your games from the very beginning.
Want to get started with zero sessions right away? Check out our FREE downloadable Zero Session Pocket Wizard now!
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How to Run Session Zero Index
How to Run Session Zero
There are numerous ways to run session zero, but how to run it is going to depend on your specific needs. We want to share what’s worked for us to help you improve your session zero and give you tools to figure out what is right for you.
Why Run a Session Zero?
Running a session zero before your roleplaying game begins is the best way to start your game running smoothly. It allows you to get important gameplay, etiquette, and party-building mechanics before the campaign starts. The result of this minimizes friction, streamlines gameplay, and keeps your table happy.
How to Start Session Zero
You don’t need much to start a zero session. If you’re completely lost, download our Zero Session Pocket Wizard to help guide your session.
To get started, all you really need is some paper, a pencil, and willing players. However, in this technological age, using things like voice or video chat are another great way to start.
You can also use forums like Facebook groups to run your zero session in the background before your official campaign starts.
The DM will typically lead the zero session, but the players should be invited to collaborate and contribute.
What to Cover In Session Zero
There’s an exhaustive list by Reddit user hazezero covering everything you could go over in a zero session.
That might be overwhelming for some, so here are the major topics to cover. You can refer to that list to fill in any gaps, but finding the right balance is up to you and your table.
Game Intro & Housekeeping
At the beginning of your zero session, covering the game system and rules is a good first step. Let the players know what books you’ll be using and what they can use. And homebrew or other rules you or the party want to add are also good discussion topics for this stage of the zero session.
Resources/Handouts
If there are any handouts, character sheets, custom rules, or other things you want to give your players before the campaign begins, this is the time to do it. Letting your players know what apps to download, what dice they need, or other resources will get the game off to a smoother start.
Theme/Setting
This is a chance for you to share or discuss the setting you want to play. Is it standard Forgotten Realms? Or do you want to create a new world together?
There are plenty of opportunities to explore new settings and flavors of the game, like steampunk or cyberpunk. Check out our post on re-skinning D&D to learn more.
Talking about this now will give the players an idea of what to expect and how to create their characters.
Campaign Type
Establishing the type of adventure you’re playing is also helpful for the table to know. A one-shot adventure with limited investment feels different than an ongoing campaign.
Are you planning on tackling one of the official D&D 5e adventure books, like The Curse of Strahd or Storm King’s Thunder? Give your player’s this information so they can build the party accordingly.
Date/Time/Frequency of Play
When do you want to play? For how long and how often? Setting a sustainable cadence helps you keep momentum and keep the good times rolling. What happens if a player can’t make it? Figuring out what to do in those circumstances can help avoid the dreaded delay of game that stalls many a campaign.
Food, Drinks, and Other Libations
Snacks, beverages, spirits, and other sins can add a lot of fun to a table. But, they can also lead to derailment or distraction. If your table doesn’t play well with booze or drugs, leave it off the table.
The same goes for food if it becomes a distraction. Otherwise, a potluck can be a fun way to share the loot even when the party is bogged down by bugbears.
Phones, Side-talk, and Other Distractions
Look, we’ve all got lives outside of D&D. But for the time you’ve agreed to be at the table together, set aside distractions like checking your phone. Also, side conversations while other players are interacting can be distracting.
Respect the reason you’re at the table, play collaboratively, and leave distractions behind. There’s no faster way to stop momentum than a player not paying attention to what’s happening.
Also, you might find there are disagreements between players or between the players and your rulings. Our friends at Kobold Think Tank have some great tips on how to talk to your fellow players to resolve most disagreements.
Player Interviews
Whether or not you need to interview your players depends on your table dynamics. Bringing together new players for the first time is a great reason to conduct an interview.
But you don’t need to get all Barabara Walters on your players for a great interview. Focusing on learning the most important things will help you cater the game to their preferences and skill level.
If you need help with your interviews, check out our Zero Session Pocket Wizard guide.
Some good topics for new player interviews are:
How long have you been playing?
How familiar are you with the rules?
What’s your comfort level with roleplaying?
Is there anything you aren’t comfortable with or topics we should avoid?
What interests you about roleplaying games?
Combat, stealth & intrigue, roleplaying, storytelling?
What do you want to get out of the game?
Adventure Brief
Depending on what kind of adventure or campaign you have planned, providing an adventure brief can help set the tone for the game. This is especially true if you’re running one of the many D&D adventure books, like Candlekeep Mysteries.
Adventure briefs are also useful in preparing the players for creating their characters and fleshing out party dynamics. You can also let your players know if your game will be a one-shot or ongoing campaign.
Party & Character Discussion
Depending on who’s at your table, you can use this time to help new players with their characters. Some players will come with characters already made. Others might have some ideas, but no solid character choice yet.
Giving the players a forum to share their characters lets them bounce ideas off each other and helps in formulating the group dynamic. Having a party that gels from the beginning helps smooth out the game and keeps the group accountable to each other.
Whether they have a pre-existing backstory or are brought together by fate, this is a fun opportunity to flesh out these important details before the game begins.
Run the Session Zero That’s Right for You
We believe running a session zero in some way, shape, or form elevates any roleplaying game. As you understand your own style and preferences, you can run your session zero in a way that’s right for you and your players.
They are definitely not a waste of time and can help amplify the enjoyment you get from your games.
FREE D&D 5e Zero Session Tool
If you need help getting started with your zero session, we’ve created this handy printable Zero Session Pocket Wizard to help you cover the most important aspects of running a productive session.
Click below to download the Pocket Wizard and check out the video for assembly instructions.