I’ve covered avoiding bad players, now time to cover being a good player. Of course you need to find good players, and strangers are a chance you will eventually have to take. So if you are a stranger or just a new player, here are some things to do to make a DM enjoy having you as a player.
Be Engaged
This one is an easy one, and it seems to get easier over time. But say something, and don’t be afraid to speak up. You can also be engaged without actively role-playing, if you like the social aspect of D&D but don’t like talking in character then you can always help plan attacks. Even just having a basic knowledge of events that happen in the campaign it helps a lot.
Engaging with NPC’s helps as well. It’s nice to see a recurring character that the players enjoy talking to. Don’t force it, but finding something to engage you in each campaign helps the DM realize they’re doing something right.
Show Up
This is the simplest one, the easist way to show your invested is to show up. Of course you can’t do this every time, it’s impossible. A good way to spot a bad DM is one who demands that since they’re setting aside their time you always have to as well. A good rule of thumb is to show up to about 75% or more of the sessions. That way if you have a good DM they can work your character into the story.
Make a Engaged Character
This is not the same as being engaged. Their are people who will make characters that don’t mesh well with a group, that’s fine, just avoid this. One of the biggest challenges if being a DM is getting all the characters to work together in a story sense, so making a character that is more willing to do that helps. Backstory is kind of optional as well, it doesn’t matter if it’s a generic backstory or a semi unique one, as long as it works in driving the character towards a combined goal.
For instance, having a goal be I want to find a family and meaning in life, is a good one. I am heading north on pressing business and I can’t stop to join these Adventurers in their quest to save this town is bad. If your character won’t join an adventuring group in character for any reason, then you need to make their motivations better.
Know your Class
Another simple one, someone who knows what their class and spells can do off the top of their head is amazing. As a DM you have to keep track of all the classes, skills and abilities. So if a player can’t keep track of their class it is annoying. I usually give a pass on knowing your spells as long as the player has spell cards, or the PHB open to look them up again. But if you sit there and take five minutes to find a spell in combat you already knew you wanted to use, your a problem player.
If your a new player, don’t worry as much. This mainly applies to veterans of the D&D field, people who’ve played for a year or more. At that point you need to have a basic understanding of what your doing, or else your probably not invested.
Encourage The DM
Especially if it’s a new DM, if you had a good time let them know. New DM’s can be bad, but as someone who was new to this just two years ago I can tell you that tiny word of encouragement go a very long way. If they are bad, don’t shatter their dreams just offer constructive criticism. Be a good person, and you will be able to keep a good DM. Don’t be afraid to leave the game as well, If the DM style isn’t what you wanted there is nothing wrong with taking a step back.
Know The Group Dynamic
Some people don’t get along. This is going to sound like weird advice i know, but if the group Dynamic is going in a way you don’t like, mention it. I have had problem players I have had issues with, but was afraid to ask them to leave. It wasn’t until later I realized all of my core player’s had the same issues but none of us wanted to bring it up.
There is a fine line between this and gossip, but if you have a problem with where the group dynamic is going, bring it up with your DM. A simple adult conversation usually fixes these things, and if they can’t then that person may not be mature enough to be in the group. Or maybe the problem is with you, and you need to look inward. Either way, be willing to change to meet a group dynamic, while still communicating to your DM.
It’s a fine balance, I would call it case by case. It works best if you have known the group for awhile, but even in knew groups having a “I feel” session may help. Always say I feel, or It feels like. If you start saying “That person is a horrible person they need to leave.” you will alienate any support you could have had.
That’s It
Really, I know. It’s a short simple list. Be engaged, show up, make an engaged character, and know your class. It’s not much to ask, and it shows you care. My favorite players do all of these and more. So go out there and find a game, know that you know what to look for in players, or what to do as one.
This list is also incomplete, people will always do things that surprise you, and what a DM wants in a player changes from person to person. So, last bit of advice is be yourself. If you have to force yourself to act different around your group, maybe you need to find a new group. Now, go out there and have fun!
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