Being a Dungeon Master for the first time is like throwing yourself into the deep end of a fantasy-filled pool and hoping the dice will let you swim. Every DM has stumbled on their journey, whether by confusing rules, managing players, or while trying to orchestrate a dragon battle at the same time as deliver an important plot point. Here are some of the most common mistakes new DMs make and, more importantly, how you can dodge them.
1. Over-Preparing
New DMs often think they need to flesh out every detail of their world, planning every NPC, city, and stray goblin with intense detail. The truth? Your players will take your plans and promptly ignore them to pursue something entirely unexpected.
How to Avoid It: Create a loose framework and a few key plot points, but stay flexible. Focus on the story’s major beats and only detail elements you know will matter. For instance, if your adventurers are bound to enter a town, prep the mayor and some town rumors, but don’t go deep on the local economy unless it's going to be relevant.
Pro Tip: Use the Hero's Journey to figure out the big important plot points, have a list of names without any other info assigned to them, and have Kobold Fight Club ready in case of a random encounter.
2. Not Setting Clear Expectations with Players
It’s easy to assume everyone wants the same thing from D&D, but player expectations vary wildly. One person’s idea of fun might be epic battles, while another wants intense character development or a goofy goblin adventure.
How to Avoid It: Run a Session Zero to establish the campaign’s tone and address everyone’s preferences. Discuss the kind of game you plan to run and see if the players have specific themes or comfort zones. This approach makes the game more fun for everyone involved and limits mid-campaign misalignments.
3. Being a Hardass about Rules
As the DM, you may feel the need to get every rule exactly right, fearing that if you make a mistake, the universe might implode (players revolt). But D&D is about story and fun, not obsessing over minutiae. It's important to get the rules right, but it's not the most important.
How to Avoid It: Learn the basics well, but give yourself room to fudge rules if it serves the narrative. Also, there's no harm in asking your players if they'd prefer that you stick as close to the rules as possible or if they're okay with you making judgement calls in the moment. You’re not a walking rulebook but a guide on a shared adventure.
4. Mis-Balancing Encounters
New DMs often end up creating encounters that are either way too easy or so difficult that players start shopping for new characters before they’ve finished rolling stats. To be honest, veteran DMs do it too, it's maybe the hardest mechanical part of being a DM. Encounter balance takes practice, but the main goal is to make every fight feel challenging but fair.
How to Avoid It: Use Kobold Fight Club's encounter calculator to gauge difficulty based on your players’ levels and abilities. And remember, it’s okay to adjust mid-fight. If your party is breezing through an encounter, add a surprise enemy. Too hard? Maybe that dragon doesn't regenerate its breath weapon. It's also okay to kill characters now and then, or have a party roll through an encounter quickly to make them feel strong and useful.
5. Ignoring Player Agency
The players are not just bystanders—they’re co-authors of the story. Sometimes DMs feel so attached to their plot they try to railroad players onto a specific path, ignoring the decisions players want to make.
How to Avoid It: Embrace the chaos players bring! Allow their choices to impact the world, even if it derails your story. Letting players feel their actions matter makes for a far more engaging experience. By not over preparing you can also be sure to hit your important plot moments and give the rest over to your players' chaos.
6. Playing the Hero as the DM
Some DMs create DMPCs (a DM Player Character) that accompanies the party, swooping in with heroic deeds and sage advice. This can rob players of their time in the spotlight.
How to Avoid It: NPCs should support the players’ story, not take it over. It’s okay to have NPC allies, but let the players be the real heroes. Focus on empowering their choices and actions rather than showcasing your own cool characters.
7. Underestimating the Importance of Pacing
A session that’s all combat can feel like a slog, while a story-heavy session without action may bore some players. Finding a balance between action, exploration, and role-playing is essential to keeping everyone engaged.
How to Avoid It: Think of pacing like a rhythm: mix up combat, dialogue, and exploration. After a tough fight, maybe let the players rest and engage in a role-playing scene. When things are getting too slow, throw in an unexpected challenge to keep energy high.
8. Neglecting the Fun
As a new DM, it’s easy to feel so focused on “doing it right” that you forget to enjoy the game. D&D is supposed to be a good time for everyone—including you!
How to Avoid It: Embrace imperfection. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay! The important thing is that everyone is having fun. If something’s not working, talk openly with your players about how to improve it, and remember to laugh at any hilarious missteps along the way.
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FAQs
Q: Can I run a campaign without knowing every rule?
A: Absolutely! You just need a good grasp of the basics. D&D Beyond and other online resources offer quick reference guides to keep things running smoothly.
Q: How do I balance combat for my party?
A: Use an encounter calculator to check difficulty levels. Remember, it’s okay to adjust mid-combat if things aren’t going as planned.
Q: How do I improve my improvisation skills?
A: Practice by imagining quick dialogue and personalities for random characters, or watch experienced DMs improvise on shows like Critical Role for inspiration.
Q: What if my players go off track?
A: Roll with it! Adapt your story to their choices rather than forcing them back to a pre-planned path. The best moments often come from these detours.
Avoiding these common pitfalls can help make your time as a new DM more enjoyable for both you and your players. So grab those dice, embrace the chaos, and get ready to craft unforgettable stories!