9 Common Mistakes Dungeon Masters Make That Ruin the Fun for Players

Being a Dungeon Master is a bit like being the ultimate storyteller, puppeteer, and referee all rolled into one. It’s not an easy gig. You’re in charge of sculpting fantastical realms and ensuring your players are genuinely having a blast as they navigate your creation. But—and here’s the thing—sometimes, DMs can, without meaning to, make some pretty messed-up calls that suck the fun right out of the game. Mistakes like railroading the story, throwing off the balance during epic encounters, or just flat-out ignoring what the players bring to the table can turn a wild adventure into a tedious slog.

While the quest for absolute perfection is as mythical as a unicorn, understanding these pitfalls and learning how to dodge them can make a world of difference. Instead of demanding flawlessness in every roll of the dice, good DMs focus on crafting experiences where every player feels involved, challenged, and engaged. It’s all about creating those magical moments where the story takes on a life of its own, and both DM and players are swept along for the ride. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the nine things DMs do that can ruin the game—and how to avoid them like low-level henchmen avoid dragon fire.

1. Railroading the Players

Picture this: your players have just stepped into a vibrant fantasy realm, teeming with possibilities and potential. But as the adventure unfolds, they find that every choice is an illusion, every path leads to the same dull destination, and their treasured autonomy is, well, shackled. Welcome to the soul-crushing world of railroading. It’s the D&D equivalent of herding cats into a box—they don’t like it, and frankly, neither should you.

So why does railroading rank so high on the list of party-killing sins? It’s simple: it strips players of agency, rendering them passive spectators in what should be their epic journey. Players should feel like their decisions can ripple outwards, changing the story as they carve their fate. In contrast, railroading makes them feel like mere pawns, locked into someone else’s predetermined narrative.

But never fear! There’s hope on the horizon for those willing to trade iron-clad plotlines for more fluid storytelling. For starters, let go of that tight grip you have on the narrative. Embrace the chaos. Allow for multiple paths, each with its unique set of challenges and rewards. When your players do the unexpected (and they will), lean into the surprise. Let outcomes be shaped by their decisions, and you’ll see how much richer the narrative becomes.

Even when the game veers wildly off-script—much like a catapulted giant’s mishap—improvise instead of steering things back to your pre-written notes. Use these left turns as opportunities to deepen the narrative and draw players deeper into the world. Make room for collaborative storytelling, where player choices have visible consequences that paint the canvas of your shared universe.

18+ Ways to Avoid Railroading:

• Offer multiple quest lines with different outcomes.
• Allow player choices to affect the storyline.
• Improvise when players go off-script.
• Listen to player ideas and incorporate them.
• Encourage role-playing to shape the story.
• Let players’ backstory elements influence events.
• Create flexible story arcs that adapt to the players.
• Leave some plot points open-ended.
• Allow NPC actions to be reactive to player decisions.
• Build in optional side quests tied to different outcomes.
• Use player actions to inform world lore development.
• Avoid predetermined endings; let things unfold naturally.
• Encourage inventive problem-solving.
• Allow sandbox style exploration.
• Enable player decisions to change NPC alliances.
• Break down large conflicts into player-driven solutions.
• Allow creative solution success.
• Reward unexpected in-game behaviors.

So there you have it; ditching railroading unlocks not just player’s choices but expands the game into a living, breathing tapestry where both surprises and intentions intertwine. And isn’t that what the ultimate D&D experience should be all about?

But the real kicker? When players feel their choices matter, they’re not just playing your game—they’re living it. This often results in richer stories, more engaged players, and a campaign that’s far more rewarding for everyone. So, step back and let your adventurers carve their own path; you’ll be amazed where they take you.

2. Poor Pacing That Kills Momentum

Ever been flipping through a gripping novel, only to smack into a chapter that drags on endlessly, or worse, one that zips by so fast you’re left scratching your head? Yeah, poor pacing in D&D can have a similar impact. Whether it’s a combat scene that crawls, leaving players yawning, or a juicy plot twist that flies by without letting players truly savor it, pacing is everything.

Get it right, and the session flows like a well-composed symphony, rising and falling with perfect intensity. Get it wrong, and the game can feel like trying to trudge through a mire or, conversely, like you’re being rocketed past vital story beats. Balancing this pacing is both an art and a science, and it takes practice to nail.

Fantasy RPG AI Generators with ChatGPT+

Make life as a Game Master easier.... If you play Dungeon & Dragons, Pathfinder, or other fantasy tabletop role-playing games, check out my DND AI backstory generator and other fine AI RPG tools at LitRPG Adventures Workshop today.

How does poor pacing ruin immersion? Well, when scenes drag, players can easily get bored or distracted, fumbling through endless dialogue or calculations without anything exciting happening to latch onto. On the other hand, rushing through critical moments can leave players unsatisfied and frustrated, feeling like they missed out on key pieces of the narrative that could have enriched their characters’ stories or brought them deeper into the world.

You’re probably wondering, “How do I keep the pace just right?” Here’s a hint: keep an eye on your players. Are they engaged, or are their eyes glazing over? Incorporate breaks when tension peaks, allowing players to breathe between heated battles or complex negotiations. Or, when things slow down too much, consider introducing a sudden twist or unexpected event to reignite the scene.

Remember, a session’s tempo should rise and fall like a crescendoing melody. Trust your instincts—with practice, you’ll hear when a scene’s note sky-rockets too soon or lingers off-key.

In keeping things engaging, you’ll find that nothing thrills quite like a well-paced adventure. Your players will be on the edge of their seats, eager for the next twist, the next showdown, the next opportunity to explore. And isn’t that the sort of vibrant, creative chaos we all want in our games?

Creating compelling pacing is about drawing players into a rhythm, keeping their senses attuned to the game’s beats while ensuring they’re fully immersed in the unfolding story. As the conductor of this grand narrative orchestra, your attention to pacing can lead to memorable sessions and unforgettable stories spun across your table.

3. Overpowering or Underpowering Encounters

Imagine facing off against an enemy so mighty it crushes your party’s hope from the start. Or, inversely, you wipe the floor with every opponent without breaking a sweat. Both scenarios can strip the thrill from encounters, leaving players either overwhelmed or under-challenged. Getting the balance of power just right in encounters is like striking a perfect chord; it’s rewarding for both the players and the DM.

When a creature is too formidable, players can feel all their strategic planning crumbling under the weight of inevitability. Frustration mounts as they are thrown against a challenge they simply cannot overcome. On the flip side, foes that offer no challenge can make encounters feel rote and anticlimactic, dissolving any tension or excitement. A hero doesn’t want to breeze through; they want hard-won victory.

So, how do you balance encounters like a pro? It’s part math (adjusting CRs and abilities) and part artistry (understanding your players’ tactics). Take a step back, consider your players’ strengths and weaknesses, and fine-tune encounters on the fly. Are the players breezing through? Maybe the big bad has a hidden second phase up their sleeve. Are they struggling? Perhaps the enemy makes a tactical blunder, tipping the scales back in favor of the party.

Crafting encounters that feel rewarding and challenging involves anticipation and adaptability. It’s about rewarding strategic planning while still leaving room for the unpredictable chaos that makes sessions unforgettable. When players struggle, then triumph, that victory feels all the sweeter.

17+ Ways to Balance Encounters:

• Adjust enemy tactics mid-fight.
• Scale enemy HP dynamically.
• Introduce multi-phase boss battles.
• Use creatures with varied abilities.
• Add environmental challenges.
• Gauge party’s power level beforehand.
• Use homebrew feats or items sparingly.
• Vary damage type resistances.
• Balance numbers with terrain shortages.
• Observe player reactions to adjust difficulty.
• Include creatures with non-combat skills.
• Lend NPC assistance during hard fights.
• Avoid consecutive overwhelming encounters.
• Challenge players with leadership dynamics.
• Let players reveal enemy weaknesses.
• Implement enemies with flexible battle plans.
• Adapt to player choices affecting battle environment.

Remember: a perfectly balanced encounter isn’t about grinding characters down to their last breath every time. It’s about forging a path where challenge and creativity dance in harmony, where players feel both the strain of combat and the exhilaration of overcoming it.

By keeping encounters flexible, exciting, and full of potential surprises, you maintain tension and foster an atmosphere of engagement and fun. This not only keeps your players keen but ensures the story you’re crafting remains electrifying from start to finish.

Fantasy RPG AI Generators with ChatGPT+

Make life as a Game Master easier.... If you play Dungeon & Dragons, Pathfinder, or other fantasy tabletop role-playing games, check out my DND AI backstory generator and other fine AI RPG tools at LitRPG Adventures Workshop today.

There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing the contours of your imagined conflicts play out, the narrative shaped by the pulse of battle. Give them challenges, dole out victories, throw in a twist or two. Always keep them guessing—and they’ll always come back for more.

4. Ignoring Player Backstories

Player backstories are the secret sauce that spices up any campaign dish. Leaving them on the backburner can make players feel detached, like guests in a world that should be their home. When you overlook what your players crafted with their characters, it’s like hiring the main actor and forgetting to give them lines. The adventurer’s tale becomes a little less personal, a little less unique.

By integrating backstories into the main plot, you create a living, breathing world tailored for your players. Suddenly, their pasts are not just personal footnotes but keynotes in the grand adventure symphony. Without these ties, players might start losing interest, feeling like their meticulously crafted history is gathering dust in some forgotten corner of your DM screen.

To make sure this doesn’t happen, weave backstories into the narrative fabric. Let a character’s troubled past become a pivotal arc. Incorporate NPCs from their history. Make events in the world echo with their personal undertones and unresolved threads.

The truth is, backstories provide depth and dimension to the game. When you as the DM bring those histories into the fold, it’s like injecting a shot of personal stakes into the campaign’s beating heart. Your players will find themselves pulled deeper into the world, more invested in the plotlines, and eager to see how their pasts shape the future.

Integrating player backstories adds layers of emotion, tension, and personal stakes to any adventure. Allow their histories to inform your storytelling. Use backstory conflicts and motivations as stepping stones for epic narrative beats.

By acknowledging and incorporating where your players have come from, you not only enrich the campaign world but turn it into an intricate mosaic where every character’s uniqueness is celebrated. It’s this kind of deep, personalized storytelling that makes D&D not just a game, but an unforgettable journey with friends.

5. Taking Away Player Agency

Player agency acts as the fiery core of any role-playing game. It’s what makes players more than mere audience members—they become stars of the show, shaping the narrative through their choices and creativity. However, some DMs, often unintentionally, put out that flame by removing meaningful decisions or punishing innovative approaches. This can turn the game into a tedious grind rather than an exciting tale of unpredictability and freedom.

When players feel as though their choices don’t matter, they’ll quickly disengage. If every action is predetermined, every creative solution met with an invisible wall, you’ll see frustration mount and enthusiasm dwindle. The real essence of D&D lies in allowing players to forge their path. It’s about fostering an environment where creative thinking isn’t just allowed; it’s celebrated and rewarded.

But how can you ensure players always wield this agency? For starters, embrace the unexpected. If players come up with a surprising yet inventive solution to a problem, let it work, even if it means the narrative takes a hop, skip, and jump off your pre-written notes. Make those choices ripple through the game world, causing real and noticeable impacts.

19+ Ways to Ensure Player Agency:

• Let creative solutions succeed when they make sense.
• Avoid forcing outcomes; adapt to player actions.
• Reward outside-the-box thinking with in-game benefits.
• Base important NPC reactions on player decisions.
• Adjust narrative outcomes based on player-inflicted changes.
• Encourage open-ended problem-solving.
• Provide multiple paths or solutions to story problems.
• Facilitate dynamic choices during sessions.
• Allow players to bypass combat with clever role-play.
• Respect player decisions—even when they derail your plans.
• Introduce moral dilemmas with no single “correct” answer.
• Grant permanent effects from character decisions.
• Foster unique character story arcs shaped by player actions.
• Permit consequences for choices to evolve organically.
• Design puzzles that acknowledge creative interpretations.
• Maintain a balance between structured storylines and free play.
• Encourage character-driven story elements.
• Let players dictate their character’s moral compass.
• Incorporate player-suggested plot twists.

In striving for a campaign rich in player-dictated events, you’ll witness worlds blossom with unpredictable depth. The burdens and rewards of agency mean each move will resonate, creating a collaborative masterpiece shaped by every hand at the table.

When players see their choices echo across the world, they invest more in the story. They return session after session excited, because the game is no longer the DM’s story—it’s their story. In this shared creative space, anything becomes possible.

By handing over the reins, you’ll find that the narrative unfolds in ways you didn’t expect, sometimes taking you in breathtaking directions that only the minds of players could envision. This collaborative trust ensures that while you’re leading the group, you’re all co-pilots in this fantastical journey.

6. Playing DM vs. Players

The mighty DM’s screen can’t become a fortress of opposition. When the game morphs into a battle between the DM’s wits and the players’ desires, something’s gone astray. The beauty of D&D lies in its collaborative nature—where storytelling becomes a collective tapestry woven by all at the table. The problem arises, however, when a DM sees the game as a place to outwit and outsmart the players, challenging them with insurmountable odds purely to ‘win.’

This adversarial dynamic detracts from the true essence of role-playing. Instead of fostering camaraderie and creative engagement, such an approach can breed resentment and distrust. Players who feel targeted or combated by their DM may withdraw, feeling less like heroes in an epic saga and more like pawns in a manipulative game.

To steer the campaign back on track, the first step is recognizing that the DM and players are fellow travelers on this fantastical voyage. The DM should challenge players but in a way that promotes growth, adventure, and story advancement, not by setting roadblocks purely for the sake of difficulty or frustration.

Envision a space where the relationship between DM and players is a cooperative endeavor. Here, challenges are crafted to enhance story engagement and character development, not to set them up for failure. Be open to their choices, and let them shape the narrative.

By balancing challenge with fair play, you’ll create an environment where players feel respected, capable, and eager to embark on your epic adventures. Show them that you’re on their side, crafting not a game against them, but one of thrilling, shared storytelling.

When players witness their input and creativity recognized, the sessions transform into a collaboration of imagination, where every move enriches this living story. This camaraderie creates bonds and experiences far more significant than any solitary conquest could achieve.

7. Overcomplicating or Under-Explaining Rules

Let’s face it—in the heat of a climactic battle or a sticky social encounter, getting bogged down by rules can be a real mood killer. On the flip side, having too loose of a grip on the rules might leave players lost in a fog of confusion. The trick is to strike that golden balance, where rules guide smoothly without derailing the fun.

Picture this: the group’s rogue is just about to make an epic leap from a crumbling rooftop during a high-speed chase. You don’t want to stop and thumb through the rulebook while the tension dissolves. Still, you need a framework to ensure everyone is playing on equal footing. Too many rules can turn the game into a by-the-book slog while ignoring them altogether means chaos reigns.

How to keep gameplay flowing while still respecting the game’s mechanics? It’s about knowing the rules well but understanding when to be flexible, blending both to keep the session engaging and fair. Whether it’s making a quick judgment call to keep momentum or deferring to Rule of Cool for cinematic moments, clarity and adaptability are key.

16+ Ways to Handle Rules Effectively:

• Prioritize clear explanations before sessions start.
• Use Rule of Cool selectively to enhance dramatic moments.
• Make quick, reasonable rulings and move forward during sessions.
• Keep complex mechanics streamlined for smooth play.
• Tailor rule applications to the group’s experience level.
• Establish pre-session rule discussions for house rules.
• Encourage players to note relevant rules for their characters.
• Maintain an accessible rules summary for quick reference.
• Develop an adaptable mindset to handle rule disputes.
• Emphasize the storytelling aspect over strict rules adherence.
• Review new or complicated rules outside of gameplay.
• Confirm understanding on key mechanics with players periodically.
• Invite player input on confusing rules.
• Harness digital tools for faster rule lookup.
• Avoid gluing to the book unless it’s pivotal for fairness.
• Balance game flow with consistent rulings across sessions.

Striking this balance lets the game flow naturally while minimizing unnecessary interruptions. You want to create an environment where players trust your judgment and feel guided yet free within the ruleset.

Fantasy RPG AI Generators with ChatGPT+

Make life as a Game Master easier.... If you play Dungeon & Dragons, Pathfinder, or other fantasy tabletop role-playing games, check out my DND AI backstory generator and other fine AI RPG tools at LitRPG Adventures Workshop today.

By adapting your approach to both the party and story’s needs, you ensure rules serve as helpful guidelines—not shackles. This makes the experience not only smooth and enjoyable but highly engaging, focusing on the adventurous spirit at the heart of D&D.

When you become adept at seamlessly aligning rules with storytelling, players feel both their characters and choices matter in a world governed by coherent, yet flexible, laws. This increases player investment and lets sessions resonate with energy and fun.

8. Ignoring Table Dynamics and Player Comfort

A D&D campaign is more than just rolling dice, it’s a social experience where understanding group dynamics is key. Ignoring player comfort can create tension and disharmony faster than an unexpected TPK. It’s vital to account for different playstyles, personalities, and comfort levels within the group and to address such issues head-on when they arise.

Creating a harmonious table culture is like conducting a symphony. Each player’s different playstyle and personality contribute to the greater experience. If a player is uncomfortable—be it with content, dynamics, or how the DM handles situations—this can disrupt the entire group’s rhythm. Recognizing and addressing these issues promptly keeps everyone on the same page and ensures a joyous experience for all.

Not every player enters the game with the same expectations. Some seek epic narratives and moral quandaries, while others crave combat and puzzles. Being unaware or dismissive of these differences can alienate members, reducing the enjoyment and cohesion.

Creating a welcoming, inclusive table environment doesn’t just heighten enjoyment, it boosts creativity and deepens the game’s immersion. Ensuring that all voices are heard and respecting individual limits fosters a space where powerful storytelling takes root.

With strong table dynamics and comfort consideration, you’ll watch your sessions evolve into vibrant, collaborative adventures. Players will bring their most creative selves to the table, knowing their contributions matter and their enjoyment is prioritized.

By prioritizing player comfort and engagement, you create a fertile ground for adventure, camaraderie, and memorable gaming experiences. This is where tales worth telling are born, every character’s story intertwined in an ever-growing tapestry of shared imagination.

9. Not Allowing the Game to Evolve

Like a stagnant river, a game that doesn’t evolve can quickly become dull. One of the biggest downfalls a DM can face is clinging too tightly to their preconceived notion of how the game should go. A rigid DM, resistant to the story’s organic growth, can turn a vibrant campaign stale.

The essence of D&D lies in its ever-evolving nature, where patches of doubt and uncertainty give way to creativity and discovery. When DMs lock everything into a strict set of outcomes, they stifle player creativity and potential narrative surprises. Allowing the game to evolve involves releasing control and trusting that both the DM and players can shape the journey together in unforeseen delightful ways.

But sometimes, letting go is tough. DMs invest time into creating stories, settings, and challenges, and it can feel unsettling to see these plans shift. Yet, embracing these shifts often leads to richer storytelling avenues and player engagement. It’s about looking for those narrative opportunities that arise from the dice’s roll or player decisions and running with them.

Fantasy RPG Random Tables Books
Make life as a Gamemaster easier.... If you play Dungeon & Dragons, Pathfinder, or other fantasy tabletop role-playing games, this RPG random tables book is full of encounters, NPCs, and more. Available as an eBook or in a classic print format. Either way, you'll have a wealth of adventure ideas at your fingertips.

21+ Ways to Be a More Flexible DM:

• Listen actively to player feedback and make adjustments.
• Allow campaign arcs to grow organically based on player interest.
• Trust in players to lead story developments.
• Ask for player goals and integrate them into the storyline.
• Adapt encounters based on session flow, not pre-set plans.
• Swing with unexpected player decisions; let them mold the narrative.
• Introduce new plot threads based on in-session developments.
• Embrace unpredictability as a story tool.
• Dedicate sessions to mapping evolving narrative paths.
• Know when to shelve planned events if game dynamics shift.
• Collaborate with players on story twists and resolutions.
• Use player-controlled revelations to steer side plots.
• Incorporate GM emulators for surprising results.
• Balance pre-written modules with adaptable backgrounds.
• Be flexible with world events to create live storytelling.
• Create token cards representing divergent pathways.
• debrief after sessions for continuity insights.
• Rotate storytelling responsibilities for fresh perspectives.
• Keep an archive of unused plot ideas for future interest.
• Reinvent underused NPC backstories into player arcs.
• Transform ret-conned plots into urban myths within the game.

A campaign that breathes, changes, and responds to its players is one where excitement stays fresh, no session becomes predictable, and every adventure holds the allure of the new.

Remember, flexibility in storytelling invites players to invest in the game’s evolution, nurturing creative synergy. Encourage your players to imagine, build and transform their world, with you guiding them through its twists and turns.

With adaptation, every session can reveal new dimensions, making the storytelling experience richer and more fulfilling for everyone involved.

Final Thoughts on Avoiding DM Mistakes

Being a Dungeon Master is akin to being the captain of a ship on uncharted journeys. The best DMs aren’t the ones striving for perfection in every roll or encounter. Instead, they are the ones who prioritize fun, creativity, and engagement, making sure each player sails away with stories worth telling.

Remember, the most memorable campaigns are those where players feel they’re co-authors of a grand narrative, not passive audiences. As you sidestep common DM snares—like railroading, disregarding agency, or imposing inflexible narratives—you open a door to endless storytelling potential.

Flexibility is more than a DM skill—it’s an art. It’s about reading the table vibes, adapting stories to the group dynamic, and encouraging free reign in creativity. Seeking feedback helps you grow and ensures the game is an inclusive, collaborative endeavor. The balance lies in keeping the rules as a supportive framework while letting the story advance organically.

Learn to cherish creativity over control. While rules and plans have their place, they aren’t set in stone. Let your campaign naturally evolve to reflect the choices, trials, and triumphs of your adventurers, creating an unforgettable shared experience. Encourage players to dream big in your world, and be open to weaving these dreams into the epic tapestry of your campaign.

Ultimately, being an exceptional DM means creating a playground where imagination thrives, stories flourish, and every player feels they’re a valued part of an extraordinary collective journey. That’s where the magic truly happens.