So you’ve agreed to run your first D&D game. Congratulations — and welcome to the best seat at the table. Being a Game Master is incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelmed. Where do you start? How much do you prepare? What if your players do something unexpected?
Don’t worry. Every experienced GM started exactly where you are now. Here are five practical tips to make your first adventure a great one.
1. Start Small — A One-Shot Is Your Friend
Your first game doesn’t need to be an epic 20-session campaign. Start with a one-shot — a single-session adventure with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It’s lower pressure for you and gives players a satisfying complete experience.
A great starter adventure like Shadows of the Forgotten Shrine is specifically designed for new GMs. It has a clear 4-part structure, detailed NPC notes, and multiple paths to success — so you’re never stuck wondering “what happens next?”
2. Prepare Situations, Not Scripts
New GMs often try to write out everything that will happen. Don’t. Instead, prepare situations:
- “The villagers are scared because three people have vanished into the forest”
- “The shrine has a protective ward that requires three keystones to bypass”
Then let your players decide how to respond. Your job isn’t to tell a story — it’s to create an interesting world and react to what the players do.
3. Use the “Yes, And…” Rule
When players suggest something clever that you didn’t plan for, say “yes, and…” or “yes, but…”. This keeps the game moving and rewards creative thinking.
4. Keep a “Cheat Sheet” During Play
Create a single page with NPC names, key locations, three random names, and combat encounter references. It’s your safety net — and nobody will know you’re using it.
Pro tip: Our free Session Zero Worksheet includes a GM cheat sheet template.
5. It’s Okay to Pause
If you’re stuck, just say: “Give me a second to check my notes.” Nobody minds a 30-second pause.
Ready to Run Your First Adventure?
Shadows of the Forgotten Shrine gives you a complete, ready-to-run adventure.
Price: £2.99 | Levels: 1-3 | Players: 3-5
Get it now → | Free NPC Prompt Pack