Starting a tabletop roleplaying game session isn’t just about gathering around the table, preparing munchies, and diving into dice rolls. It’s your opportunity to set the tone, draw your players into the world, and fuel the excitement that keeps them engaged. A strong start can make the difference between an unforgettable adventure and one that falls flat.

So, how do you kick things off with maximum impact? Let's break it down together!

Set a Goal

Every session should start with intention. Ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish in the first 10 minutes? Am I setting up tension, establishing a mystery, or throwing the characters right into the action? If the opening starts to slow or without any hook, you might lose your players interest.

Consider opening with a vivid scene that demands attention—a city on fire, a cryptic message, or a sudden betrayal. Purpose drives engagement.

Customize Your Session to your Players Tastes

Some players love intense roleplaying and deep character interactions, while others thrive on fast-paced action. Tailor your session start to suit the group. For roleplay enthusiasts, begin with a dramatic NPC interaction or a moral dilemma. For action junkies, start with an ambush or an urgent mission briefing.

If you’re not sure what your players prefer, just ask them! It’s the simplest way to align your style with their expectations.

Grab Their Attention Fast

The first few minutes are critical. You know the drill: if players aren’t hooked early, distractions creep in.

Here’s how to grab their attention:

• Start With a Bang: Drop players in the middle of a situation—a chase, a negotiation gone wrong, or an unexpected attack.
• Ask a Provocative Question: “You wake up covered in blood. Whose blood is it?” Boom! Instant intrigue!
• Use Sensory Details: Engage the senses. Describe the sounds of distant thunder, the metallic tang of blood, or the oppressive heat of a desert sun.

Recap with Style

A quick recap helps reorient players, but make it dynamic. Instead of listing events, frame it as an in-world artifact—a news report, a bard’s song, or a villain’s monologue. This keeps the energy high and refreshes memories without feeling like a chore.

A recap should generally last 2 to 5 minutes. This keeps it concise, maintains player attention, and ensures the session starts with energy. The goal is to refresh key plot points, remind players of important NPCs or unresolved threads, and set the stage for the session ahead.

Create Immediate Choices

Players engage when their decisions matter. Give them an immediate choice to make:

• Moral Dilemmas: Save the villagers or chase the villain?
• Tactical Decisions: Do you take the stealthy route or charge in?
• Social Challenges: Convince the guard or find another way around?

Choices create investment, and investment fuels excitement.

Establish the Stakes

Why should the players care? Whether it’s the threat of an approaching army, a cursed artifact, or a kidnapped ally, make the stakes clear early on. High stakes create urgency and drive the narrative forward.

Use Cliffhangers from the Previous Session

If you ended the last session on a cliffhanger (by the way, you should!), jump right back into the action. No need for a slow build-up—pick up where the tension left off. If you didn’t have a cliffhanger, consider framing the new session with a surprising twist that connects to past events.

Starting strong sets the tone for the entire session. With a clear goal, great hooks, and meaningful choices, you can create an opening that captivates your players as soon as they dive in.

I would like to know: what's your favorite way to start a session? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and may your adventures always begin with a bang!

Download your free Session Starter Cheat Sheet HERE!