Skip to main content

New Game Master Getting Started Guide

New Game Master Guide

Welcome, future Game Master! Running your first game might seem daunting, but this step-by-step guide will prepare you to create amazing experiences for your players. Take your time with each step - being a great GM is a journey, not a destination.

Your Path to Game Mastery​

Step 1: Understand the GM Role 🎬​

Time needed: 20-30 minutes

Learn what being a Game Master really means:

  • Read About Game Masters to understand your responsibilities
  • Learn the difference between facilitating and controlling the story
  • Understand that your job is to create fun challenges, not defeat the players

✅ You'll know you're ready when: You understand that the GM's role is to facilitate fun, fair, and engaging experiences for everyone.

Step 2: Master the Core Rules 📚​

Time needed: 60-90 minutes

Build your foundation of game knowledge:

✅ You'll know you're ready when: You can confidently call for ability checks, set DCs, and resolve basic actions without constantly looking up rules.

Step 3: Learn Character Creation 📝​

Time needed: 45-60 minutes

You need to understand characters to help players:

  • Character Creation - Learn the complete process
  • Character Origins - Understand species and background options
  • Classes - Read overviews of all classes to understand player capabilities
  • Practice making a character yourself to understand the process

✅ You'll know you're ready when: You can help a new player create a character and understand what each class can do.

Step 4: Plan Your First Session 📋​

Time needed: 90-120 minutes

Prepare your inaugural adventure:

✅ You'll know you're ready when: You have a written adventure outline, NPC notes, and all necessary stat blocks prepared.

Step 5: Learn Session Management 🎯​

Time needed: 30-45 minutes

Master the art of running smooth sessions:

  • Read Running Games for table management
  • Understand how to make rulings quickly and fairly
  • Learn techniques for managing different player types
  • Practice improvisation and adapting when players do unexpected things

✅ You'll know you're ready when: You understand how to keep the game moving, handle rule disputes, and make fair decisions on the fly.

Step 6: Understand Long-term Play 📈​

Time needed: 30-40 minutes

Prepare for ongoing campaigns:

  • Read Managing Campaigns for long-term story management
  • Learn how to track character development and ongoing plotlines
  • Understand session-to-session continuity and note-taking
  • Plan for character advancement and growing challenges

✅ You'll know you're ready when: You know how to keep track of ongoing stories and help characters grow over time.

Step 7: Run Your First Session! 🎲​

Time needed: 3-4 hours

Time to put it all into practice:

  • Gather your materials: adventure notes, dice, scratch paper, reference sheets
  • Start with Session Zero: discuss expectations, safety tools, and character relationships
  • Run your prepared adventure but be ready to adapt
  • Take notes during play about what happens and what needs follow-up
  • Ask for feedback after the session

✅ You'll know you're ready when: You've successfully guided a group through a complete adventure session!

Step 8: Continue Growing 🌱​

Time needed: Ongoing

The learning never stops:

  • Read Improving as GM for continued development
  • Reflect on each session and identify areas to improve
  • Watch other GMs online or in person to learn new techniques
  • Join GM communities to share experiences and get advice

✅ You'll know you're ready when: You're committed to ongoing improvement and learning from each session.

Pre-Session Checklist​

Before your first session, ensure you have:

  • Adventure outline with clear scenes and objectives
  • NPC notes with names, motivations, and key information
  • Monster stat blocks printed or bookmarked
  • Battle map or description for combat encounters
  • GM screen or reference sheet with common DCs and rules
  • Plenty of dice and scratch paper
  • Session Zero discussion completed with players
  • Safety tools discussed and implemented
  • Character sheets reviewed and understood

Common New GM Questions​

"What if I don't know a rule?"​

Make a quick ruling to keep the game moving, then look it up later. Tell players "For now, we'll do X, but I'll double-check the rule after the session."

"What if players do something I didn't plan for?"​

This is normal! Say "Give me a moment to think" and adapt your prepared material. Often you can reuse planned encounters in new contexts.

"What if I make a mistake?"​

Everyone makes mistakes! If you notice during the session, you can retcon (change what happened). If you notice later, just adjust going forward.

"How do I handle difficult players?"​

Address issues quickly and directly. Talk privately if needed. Remember: everyone should be having fun, including you.

Essential GM Resources​

Core References:​

When You Need More:​

Tips for First-Time GMs​

  1. Start simple: Use pre-written adventures or simple scenarios for your first few sessions
  2. Know your players: Understand what they enjoy and tailor experiences accordingly
  3. Say "yes, and...": Build on player ideas rather than shutting them down
  4. Don't over-prepare: You can't plan for everything players might do
  5. Take notes: Write down important decisions and plot developments
  6. Ask for feedback: Regular check-ins help you improve
  7. Have fun: If you're enjoying yourself, your players probably are too

Session Zero Essentials​

Before your first regular session, hold a Session Zero to discuss:

  • Campaign expectations: Tone, length, frequency of play
  • Character creation: Method, restrictions, party balance
  • Table rules: Phone use, food, attendance, respect
  • Safety tools: Lines, veils, X-card, or other safety mechanisms
  • Character relationships: How do the characters know each other?
  • Player goals: What do players want from the game?

Ready to Run?​

Once you've completed these steps, you'll be well-prepared to run your first session. Remember: no GM is perfect starting out. Your skills will develop through practice, and every session is a learning opportunity.

Feeling overwhelmed? That's normal! Start with a simple one-shot adventure and focus on the basics. You can always add complexity as you gain experience.

Next Step: Schedule your Session Zero and gather your players!