Introducing younger players to TTRPGs: our practical tips
Looking to share your love of tabletop RPGs with younger players? Whether it’s their first campaign or their first roll of the dice, here are a few simple, effective tips to make their first steps into roleplaying both smooth and exciting.
Choose a familiar setting
To kick off your campaign and help players dive into the story, start with a setting they already know and enjoy.
For example, if your group has played Baldur’s Gate 3, setting your story in the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition might spark immediate interest. Are they fans of Pokémon? You could create a light, playful adventure in that universe.
Don’t hesitate to ask what kinds of stories or worlds they love –sci-fi, fantasy, superheroes and tailor the game to that. The more familiar the setting, the easier it is to be immersed in the story.
Create personalized characters
Before you dive into your first session, make time for character creation.
To keep things simple and engaging, offer pre-made templates or partially filled character sheets. Let players tweak names, powers, goals, or flaws to make the character their own.
Even better—if you’re using a worldbuilding tool like Lore, you can design your own template and share it with them so they can create their characters directly in the software. This helps them connect to their character and feel more involved in the world.
Go for a sandbox campaign
A sandbox campaign is an open world where young players can explore without following a strict, linear storyline. If you’re playing with beginners unfamiliar with role-playing conventions, this is a great way to let them dive in without pressure.
You can prepare a few major scenes or events ahead of time and improvise the rest. Be sure to check out our tips on improvising as a Game Master.
Keep the gameplay simple
Running a first session with new players can seem daunting, which is why choosing simple mechanics is essential.
By learning just a few basic rules –like how to roll dice– young players can start getting the hang of role-playing. Of course, you can always add more complex rules over time as they gain confidence.
The main goal of discovering TTRPGs is to have fun! So involve your players as much as possible, and don’t hesitate to share funny moments or stories from your past campaigns.
