A Session Zero in Dungeons & Dragons is a meeting held before a campaign begins, where the Dungeon Master and players discuss characters, expectations, schedules, play styles, and boundaries. It helps everyone understand what kind of adventure they’re joining and prevents disagreements that could spoil the fun later.
At One-Eyed Ethel’s Tavern, a few adventurers were about to learn why.
The Adventure That Almost Ended Before It Began
The evening began pleasantly enough. A roaring fire crackled in One-Eyed Ethel’s Tavern. Fresh bread and roasted venison filled the air, and eager adventurers gathered around the largest table.
Faunlormic stood atop a chair, his cloak flowing dramatically. “Friends! Companions! Future legends! Tonight, we embark upon the greatest adventure ever conceived!”
Nim looked up from his spellbooks. “Have you prepared an adventure? Created characters? Explained what kind of campaign we’re playing?”
Faunlormic paused. “I assumed everyone wanted adventure.”
Behind the bar, One-Eyed Ethel muttered, “This ought to be entertaining.”
When Nobody Agrees on the Adventure
A heavily armored dwarf slammed his axe onto the table. “I came for glorious battle! Dragons! Giants! Mountains of treasure!”
A hooded elf shook her head. “I was promised political intrigue, ancient mysteries, and meaningful character development.”
A halfling raised his hand. “I just want to open a bakery.”
Silence. “A bakery?” Faunlormic repeated. “A very successful bakery,” the halfling replied.
Nim removed his spectacles. “Faun, did you ask anyone what kind of game they wanted? Or when they could meet?”
“Would it help if I sang something?”
“No!” shouted the table.
Ethel set down her tankard. “Sounds like you lot skipped Session Zero.”
What Exactly Is Session Zero?
“Session what?” asked the dwarf.
“Session Zero,” Ethel replied. “It’s what sensible people do before starting a campaign.”
Nim explained: “A Session Zero is a conversation between the Dungeon Master and players before the first adventure. Everyone discusses the kind of game they want, how the group will work together, and what expectations they share.”
“It doesn’t have to take all evening,” Ethel added. “Sometimes an hour is enough.”
A good Session Zero covers:
- The campaign’s setting, tone, and themes.
- Preferences for combat, exploration, and roleplaying.
- Character creation and party cooperation.
- Scheduling and attendance.
- Table etiquette, rules, and house rules.
- Personal boundaries and uncomfortable topics.
- How to handle disagreements.
“All that before rolling a die?” asked the dwarf.
“Better than rolling a hundred and discovering nobody wants to play the same game,” Nim replied.
1. Agree on the Kind of Campaign Everyone Wants
“What sort of adventure would everyone enjoy?” Faunlormic asked. The dwarf wanted battles; the elf wanted mysteries; the halfling still wanted his bakery.
Nim considered. “Perhaps a frontier town threatened by monsters, with political intrigue determining who controls the region.”
“And a bakery?”
“A bakery that becomes the party’s headquarters.”
“Now we’re talking!”
Why it matters: Players enjoy different parts of D&D. Discussing preferences helps the Dungeon Master build a campaign everyone can enjoy.
2. Create Characters Who Belong in the Same Story
The dwarf wanted to be a fearless warrior. The elf envisioned a secretive investigator. The halfling planned to become the kingdom’s greatest pastry chef.
“Fine ambitions,” Nim said. “But why would these characters travel together?”
“Free pastries?” the dwarf suggested.
“An excellent beginning!” Faunlormic declared.
Session Zero lets players build characters with shared motivations and reasons to cooperate. Characters can disagree in the story while their players remain committed to telling it together.
3. Establish Scheduling and Attendance Expectations
“When are you actually going to play?” Ethel asked.
“Every evening!” declared the dwarf. “Twice a month,” replied the elf. “Never on market day,” insisted the halfling. “That’s when I sell my cinnamon rolls.”
Nim sighed. “Another problem.”
Agree on how often you’ll meet, which days work, how long sessions run, whether the game is online or in person, and what happens when someone misses a session. A shared schedule gives a campaign a much better chance of continuing.
4. Discuss Boundaries and Table Safety
Ethel grew serious. “Not every story is comfortable for every player.”
D&D adventures may involve horror, violence, betrayal, and difficult choices. Some players enjoy dark fantasy; others prefer lighter adventures.
Session Zero is a chance to discuss topics to exclude and subjects to handle carefully or keep offscreen. Some groups use Lines and Veils: lines are content excluded from play, while veils are content that may exist but won’t be described in detail. Players should also feel free to raise concerns later.
“Respecting boundaries doesn’t weaken an adventure,” Nim said. “It helps everyone participate.”
“Any fool can make people uncomfortable,” Ethel replied. “A good Game Master makes them welcome.”
5. Agree on Rules and Disagreements
“Finally, the rules!” the dwarf cheered.
“Not just combat rules,” Nim said. “Which edition are we using? Are there house rules? What happens when a rules question comes up?”
Groups can agree on official rules, optional rules, or homebrew material, along with how the DM makes rulings and how players can raise concerns respectfully.
“If there’s a disagreement, talk about it like reasonable people,” Ethel said.
“And if that doesn’t work?” Faunlormic asked.
“Then you’re buying everyone a round while you sort it out.”
6. Make Sure Everyone Has a Voice
The dwarf offered to protect the frontier town. The elf proposed investigating a mysterious noble family. The halfling negotiated discounted pastries for party members.
Faunlormic leaned back. “You see? I knew we’d make a magnificent party.”
“You didn’t know anything,” Nim replied. “Ethel made us talk.”
Ethel smiled. “You don’t have to agree on everything. Just make sure everyone gets heard.”
Session Zero Checklist for Dungeon Masters
Before your first session, ask your players:
- What kind of campaign do you want?
- Do you prefer combat, roleplaying, exploration, mysteries, or a mixture?
- What character concepts interest you?
- Why will the characters work together?
- How often can everyone meet?
- How long should sessions last?
- Are we playing online or in person?
- What rules or homebrew options will we use?
- What subjects should be avoided or handled carefully?
- How will we handle absences, disagreements, and changing expectations?
You don’t need complicated paperwork. A friendly conversation and a few notes can make an enormous difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Session Zero
Is Session Zero required in D&D?
No. It isn’t mandatory, but it’s widely recommended for starting with clear expectations.
How long should Session Zero last?
It can take a short conversation or a full gaming session, depending on the group.
Do experienced players need Session Zero?
It can still be valuable. Experienced players often have different preferences and expectations.
Can Session Zero happen online?
Absolutely. Voice chat, video calls, or a group conversation work well.
Can we have another Session Zero after the campaign starts?
Yes. Revisit expectations when new players join, schedules change, or the story takes a different direction.
Find Players and Game Masters Who Share Your Play Style
Finding people who enjoy the same kind of game matters. The Adventurer’s Compass is being developed to help tabletop gamers discover compatible players, Game Masters, and local gaming opportunities.
- Find Game Masters
- Explore Players
- Find Game Stores
- How Do I Find a D&D Group Near Me?
- How Do I Start Playing D&D?
The First Adventure Finally Begins
The candles burned low as the group finished planning. The dwarf agreed to fewer battles. The elf admitted some battles were inevitable. The halfling negotiated exclusive rights to supply pastries. And Faunlormic somehow convinced everyone that a traveling bard was essential.
Nim looked over his notes. “Well, I believe we’re finally ready.”
Ethel set down a fresh pitcher. “Good. Now you can start without spending the first three hours arguing about what kind of adventure it is.”
Faunlormic raised his glass. “To Session Zero! The greatest adventure before the adventure!”
Somewhere beyond the tavern walls, a dragon stirred beneath the mountains, entirely unaware that its greatest future enemies had just settled their scheduling disagreements.
Every great adventure begins with a story. Every great party begins with a conversation.
