The anticipation hangs thick in the air. Dice at the ready, character sheets blank slates of possibility – your players are eager to embark on a grand adventure. But before you dive headfirst into the campaign, a crucial step awaits: Session Zero.

What is Session Zero?

Think of Session Zero as a pre-game game, a chance to lay the groundwork for the tabletop RPG (role-playing game) journey ahead. It’s where you, the Dungeon Master (DM) or Game Master (GM), and your players set expectations, craft compelling characters, and establish the foundation for a world you’ll explore together. This is the time to set expectations and build the framework of the campaign.

Building the Bridge: Core Elements of Session Zero

1. Collaborative Campaign Canvas:

This is the time when logistics and scheduling should be worked out as well as play style preferences. Also if you as the GM want to involve your players in the campaign design this is the perfect time to get their input.

• Setting the Stage: Outline the campaign’s genre, tone, and core themes. Is it a swashbuckling pirate adventure or a heart-pounding horror story? 
• Worldbuilding Brainstorm: Discuss the world you’ll be playing in. Bounce ideas off each other, flesh out existing lore, and leave room for player input.
• Shared Expectations: Discuss how often you’ll play, the expected length of sessions, and preferred playstyle. Do your players enjoy intense combat or prefer a focus on roleplaying and exploration?

2. Character Creation Cornerstone:

• Backstory Bonanza: Encourage players to develop their characters’ backstories. Where do they come from? What are their motivations and goals? Help them craft characters that intertwine with the world and complement each other. If the campaign is gonna be RP heavy, recommend coming up with a story they like and a character they want to play out over other considerations.
• Rules Review (Optional): If you’re using a new system, spend some time familiarizing everyone with the core mechanics. This is especially important if players are new to tabletop rpgs in general. Also as the GM be prepared to be assisting with the mechanics of character construction. This takes up about 90% of my time in Session 0’s regardless of how familiar everyone is with the system. 

3. Session Zero Safety Net:

This is the Single most important part of Session 0 and really should happen before playing any game session with new people.

• Lines & Veils: Establish boundaries for content that might make players uncomfortable. Open communication is key to a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Not everyone wants saucy or edgy content in their games and this is a time to make sure you know where the lines exist.
• The Power of “No”: Remind players that it’s okay to say “no” to situations or actions that don’t feel right for their characters. Everyone should feel comfortable and should especially feel comfortable saying no to situations that cross any lines that make them feel uncomfortable.

Pro-Tips for a Stellar Session Zero

• Embrace Collaboration: This is a shared experience. Encourage player participation and make worldbuilding and character creation a collaborative effort.
• Snacks & Fun: Keep the atmosphere light and engaging. Snacks, drinks, and a dash of humor go a long way in fostering a positive gaming environment. This is great practice for traditional sessions.
• Be Flexible: Session Zero is a jumping-off point, not a rigid script. Adapt the discussion to your players’ interests and the campaign’s direction. Get a feel for what your players want to get out of the campaign based on what they get the most excited about in preparations.

Beyond Session Zero: Launching Your Campaign

With a successful Session Zero under your belt, you’re ready to set sail on your tabletop RPG adventure! Remember, open communication, player agency, and a shared sense of fun are the cornerstones of a fantastic campaign. So grab your dice, unleash your creativity, and get ready to weave a story that will leave your players wanting more.

Have you had a memorable Session Zero experience?

Share your tips and stories in the comments below! Let’s help aspiring GMs craft exceptional beginnings for their tabletop RPG campaigns.