Dungeon Master advice and tips for running D&D 5th Edition games.
As Dungeon Master, you are the referee, storyteller, and world-builder. You describe the world, control NPCs and monsters, and adjudicate the rules.
Describe the World
Manage the Rules
Create Challenges
Facilitate Fun
Review last session's notes - What happened? What's unresolved?
Prepare encounters - Have stat blocks ready
List NPCs - Know who the party might meet
Outline key scenes - Know your major plot points
Plan flexibility - Be ready to improvise
Start with a recap - Remind everyone what happened last time
Set the scene - Describe the starting location
Track time - Note how long things take
Take notes - Record important events and NPC names
Watch your players - Adjust pacing based on engagement
Debrief - Ask players what they enjoyed
Take notes - Record plot threads and loose ends
Plan ahead - Think about next session's direction
Use this wiki - Search for rules, spells, and monsters
Track initiative - Use index cards or digital tools
Random tables - Keep some handy for improvisation
Session notes - Document your campaign
Player feedback - Ask what they want to see
For comprehensive DM guidance, see the Dungeon Master's Guide.