Top 10 Tips for First-Time Dungeon Masters

So, you’ve decided to don the Dungeon Master’s (DM) cloak for the first time? That’s a brave leap into the unknown! Let me tell you something reassuring right off the bat—when I (James, your DM of Roll Britannia) started this podcast, I had never played Dungeons & Dragons before, let alone helmed a table as DM. If I can manage it—mistakes, bants, and all—you absolutely can too.

I’m not going to parrot the usual advice about “knowing the rules” or “reading the Player’s Handbook.” Instead, here are 10 practical tips that’ll help you prep for your first campaign, calm your nerves, and create the best possible game for you and your players.

Dungeon Master James in a dinner jacket in a bar

Let's Get Into It: My Top 10 Tips for First-Time Dungeon Masters

Let’s get this out of the way—you don’t need to have all the answers. Players will inevitably ask tricky questions or try something mad, like seducing a dragon (yes, it happens). If you’re stumped, pause, take a breath, and look up the rule or make a decision on the fly. Players appreciate honesty and flexibility more than perfection.
As the DM, you’re not writing a novel; you’re co-creating a story with your players. Leave space for them to surprise you with their choices. You might plan for them to visit the haunted tavern, but if they decide to rob the mayor’s mansion instead—roll with it! Their chaos is part of the magic.
Players rarely remember the stats of the goblins they fight, but they’ll never forget a bartender with a hilarious accent or a villain with a tragic backstory. Focus on creating a few memorable NPCs with distinctive quirks, goals, or accents. (Pro tip: The Roll Britannia crew loves a good pirate voice.)
Sure, the Player’s Handbook has rules, but the real fun comes when you let your players attempt ridiculous stunts. Want to let the bard use a lute solo to distract a dragon? Do it! It’s all about balance—use the rules as your foundation but bend them for moments of cinematic brilliance.
Immersion can elevate your session. You don’t need to spend a fortune—hand-drawn maps, a Spotify playlist of fantasy tracks, or a few printed handouts work wonders. For Roll Britannia, we’ve leaned into the ridiculousness of pirate life, and a bit of background sea shanty music instantly sets the tone.
Players will absolutely derail your plans, and that’s a good thing! Instead of plotting every moment, outline a few key beats or encounters. Think about how your NPCs might react to different scenarios. Players' decisions will naturally weave the story together in ways you could never script.
Combat can slow the pace of a session if it drags on. As a first-time DM, keep fights simple. Instead of large-scale battles with hordes of enemies, focus on smaller encounters with unique stakes. Perhaps the goblin leader has a magical item the players want, or the bridge they’re fighting on is crumbling.
Here’s a secret—every DM borrows ideas. Need a quick dungeon? Google one. Want an interesting villain? Adapt a character from your favorite film. The Roll Britannia podcast has plenty of wild inspirations, some of which started as happy accidents. Incorporate ideas that excite you and make them your own.
After your first session, take a moment to chat with your players. What did they enjoy? What confused them? Roll Britannia thrives on player input—it’s how we’ve kept the game engaging for so many episodes. Their feedback will help refine your DMing style.

10. Finally, remember this: your job isn’t to be perfect; it’s to have fun. Whether you’re botching NPC voices (trust me, I’ve been there) or improvising wildly when the players go off the rails, as long as everyone’s laughing, cheering, or feeling invested, you’re nailing it.

Embracing the Role of Dungeon Master

Being a first-time DM can feel daunting, but you’re embarking on something brilliant. When I started Roll Britannia, I was a total novice. Yet, here we are, spinning tales of nautical nonsense that thousands of listeners enjoy. The key is to embrace the chaos, keep your sense of humor intact, and remember that every misstep is an opportunity for a laugh or a lesson.

Preparing for Success

To prepare yourself, gather your materials early. Create resources that can assist you during sessions. Prepare a notes document that includes NPC names and locations players may encounter. Having this at hand can ease your nerves and make gameplay smoother.

Engaging Your Players

Encouraging players to engage with each other can enhance the experience. Consider introducing player backstories into your sessions. This can deepen the connection players have to the game. Involve their characters in elements of your plot, making them feel like they are an essential part of the campaign.

Ask for Feedback

After your first session, take a moment to gather thoughts from your players. What did they enjoy? What confused them? Check out Roll Britannia to see how feedback has helped the crew refine their storytelling methods

Roll Britannia.

So go on, grab those dice, scribble down your wildest ideas, and set sail into the uncharted waters of Dungeon Mastering. Your players—and an unforgettable adventure—await. Good luck!