How to Run Session Zero for a D&D Campaign

How to Run Session Zero for a D&D Campaign

It’s been said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. That’s especially true when it comes to running a D&D campaign—and one of the best ways to set yourself (and your players!) up for success is by holding a Session Zero.

Session Zero is the foundation for everything that comes after. It’s a chance for everyone in the group to share what they’re hoping to get out of the campaign, to set expectations, and to make sure you’re all on the same page. You technically can play without one, but skipping it can open the door to miscommunication and frustration later on.

I like to break Session Zero down into four main categories:

Icebreakers: Letting everyone get to know each other and start building some camaraderie.

Player favorites: Finding out what kinds of stories and characters your players love, so you can weave those into the campaign.

Hard and soft limits: Making sure everyone feels comfortable and respected, and laying the groundwork for a safe gaming space.

Group choices: Deciding together on the campaign themes, character creation, and the overall vibe of the game.

There are also some practical things to cover—like how you’ll handle scheduling, how long the sessions will be, and how you’ll invite players. Getting those basics squared away up front helps everyone know what to expect and keeps things running smoothly.

But the real magic of Session Zero is that it builds trust and excitement before the first dice even hit the table. It’s a chance to create a safe, fun environment for everyone to tell great stories together—and to make sure everyone feels heard.

If you’re curious about how I bring these ideas together in my own campaigns, I talk through it all in more detail in the video above.

Cheers,
Brian