D&D Session Zero Checklist for DMs and Players
The complete guide to running a great Session 0. Cover safety tools, house rules, character creation, scheduling, and more so everyone starts on the same page.
Establish the foundation. What kind of game is this? What world? What tone? Getting alignment here prevents mismatched expectations later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Session Zero in tabletop RPG?
A Session Zero is a pre-game meeting where the DM and players align on expectations before the campaign starts. It covers everything from safety tools and house rules to character creation guidelines and scheduling. Think of it as the campaign's social contract; it prevents misunderstandings and makes sure everyone is excited about the same game.
How long should a Session Zero take?
Most Session Zeros take 1-2 hours. A short one-shot might only need 20-30 minutes covering safety tools and basic expectations. A long campaign benefits from a full session (2-3 hours) to discuss house rules, create characters together, and establish party connections. Some groups split it across two sessions.
Do you need a Session Zero for a one-shot?
Yes, but a shorter one. Even a 5-minute check-in covering tone, safety tools, and any house rules is better than nothing. For convention or pick-up games, a printed one-page reference covering the essentials works well.
What safety tools should I use in my TTRPG?
The most common are the X-Card (tap a card to skip a scene, no explanation needed), Lines & Veils (lines are hard limits, veils are "fade to black"), and Script Change (pause, rewind, fast-forward, or resume the narrative). Start with one that feels natural for your group. The open-door policy (anyone can leave anytime) should always be in place.
What questions should I ask players at Session Zero?
Start with: What excites you about this game? What do you want to avoid? What kind of character are you thinking? How do you feel about PvP? Are there topics you want off the table? Then move into logistics: Can you commit to the schedule? What's your preferred session length? These conversations build trust before dice ever hit the table.
Can I run Session Zero online?
Absolutely. Video call is ideal so you can read body language, but voice-only or even text-based Session Zeros work. Tools like Multiloop let you document your Session Zero agreements digitally so everyone can reference them later. The format matters less than having the conversation.
Optional: Run This Workflow in Multiloop
This checklist is complete on its own. If you want a shared workspace, Multiloop helps you store your agreements, share them with players, and update them as the campaign evolves.