There are some pretty popular videos about D&D player types. All of them, of course, exaggerated. People are people so none of these are 100% accurate. My set of D&D player types is going to be inaccurate to someone. These types, I hope, will show you what groups I’ve been dealing with.
My personal experience in running D&D has involved 22 individual players. I can say that I have seen a lot of variety of people. Many have not fit in the group, so they don’t last long, others have taken breaks. In one group that I ran for, I ended the campaign. It just wasn’t working. It was the game that had the player I call the conniver. I have a decent idea of people, so here is my list, then someone else’s list, and how many of those type’s I have encountered.
My D&D Player Types
The Audience Member
This is the only commonly described one that I actually believe in. The audience member is there because their friends are, and participate rarely. These people are fine, having one or two in a group is normal. As a DM I challenge myself to make them more involved, and it works. But I never force them to be involved. I just try to present situations they may want to partake in.
The Conniver
Someone who wants to surprise you with a plan you have never thought of. I have dealt with two players like this. They thought that by discussing the plans without me they would be able to surprise me and keep me guessing. It got to the point where they would ask me to leave the discord call so they could talk in private. Then expect me to resume the game right away without knowing anything. This would be ok sometimes, but when the session’s ended that way and I didn’t know what to prep for a heist, I broke. They saw me as the enemy, and I was there to be beaten. It did not last long, I did not accept it. You can see how this can be annoying.
The Power Gamer
The power gamer is someone who wants to feel strong, and have their character do cool things. I have a power gamer in my group. My experience with them has been simple, they power game so their character is strong in combat. But they never go too far. They stop before getting too powerful, or they have RP reasons that stop them from being op. Things like a character relying on blindsight, or needing to conceal his identity. The character is usually dedicated to keeping the party alive, which helps a lot.
Then there is the second power gamer I dealt with. They hunted for anything that increased the strength of the character. They went so far as to ignore what I was saying and try and steal from someone right outside a guard station. It did not go well. Those types I do not like.
The Roleplayer
The roleplayer is someone who loves roleplaying. They don’t have to do a fancy voice or anything, they just love to talk in character. They engage in all other parts of the game but engage most with in-character discussions, I like these people. Most of my players are these people. There are dabblings of others but primarily share these traits.
The Memer
Everyone has a part of the memer in them, some can see them as part murder hobo. They are someone who just wants to do something funny. From setting up elaborate pranks to making references to pop culture. Most of the time this is harmless, and in my experience happens far less often the longer one plays.
The Guest
This player is someone who just wants to try D&D. They don’t stick around enough for you to figure out their type of character. Usually, they last one or two sessions. I have had around 5 players like this.
The Common D&D Player Types
I will use the common types of players listed by Matt Colville in this video, which l really like. I wrote the above types before watching the video again so mine were unique. His distinction between audience members and players is perfect. I think it is a very realistic view. But below I will compare the list he used to the list I made.
Powergamer/Audience Member
These two are almost identical to my definition.
Murderhobo’s
Murder hobo’s an interesting term. Every party has the phase where they go around killing stuff with no home. My first ever D&D session started with the players burning down a tavern and getting murdered by the townsfolk. Most murder hobos are bad, but some are ok. The ones who just want to kill bad guys and not think are ok, they can sometimes be considered murder hobos. The ones who just want to kill anything and everything are bad.
Tactician
The tactician is a player dedicated to tactics and wargaming. I have never dealt with one. Most of my parties are pretty decent at talking and planning with each other. I am sure I will deal with these types at some point, but since I have never run pure combat session’s it may be a bit.
The Specalist
The specialist is someone who only ever plays one type of character. I have had no encounter with this type of player. I can see how they are problematic. It may be because all of my players are usually 21 or younger, they haven’t had time to become one yet.
The Actor
An actor is pretty much what I described as a roleplayer. Actors can be a lot of fun, they can be my favorite type of player.
The Jerk
A person who uses excuses to do things that can only be described as jerkish. I have seen many of these, and they are horrible. Some of them have derailed the game. If they use the excuse “It’s what my character would do!” and it isn’t what any sane person would do, then they are a jerk.
The Storyteller
Someone who wishes the best story to play out. Parts of them exist in my group. I honestly think I’m the biggest storyteller in the group. But as the DM it’s kind of my thing anyway. I feel like an investment in characters can make someone become storytellers but it also kind of goes back to what I call the roleplayer.
The Mad Scientist
Someone intent on pushing the boundaries of the rules and world to make it break. Pretty much what I called the conniver. The only one I encountered I did not like. But it helped me gain experience in dealing with this type of person.
D&D Player Types and The Meaning
In my opinion, none of these types will ever fully apply to one person. Labeling people like this is fun, enjoyable to read, and research. The fun does not apply as much to real life as people want. People naturally are completely unique. They have different ticks, strengths, and weaknesses. By using this as a defining list you are limiting your own perception of your players. It’s why I’m vague and say multiples apply to one person.
That being said it is a good mental exercise to describe your players in this way. On a basic level, it helps you to make a game your group can enjoy more if you boil down what they engage with on a fundamental level. It can lead to a feeling of happiness that you know no matter what they do they will love your next session. This also comes with time but it is the spot I am in now with my group. Getting to this spot has never left me more satisfied. So hopefully this list makes you think. It is vague and general but at least one or two should apply to you, so have fun! If you want a dive into player psychology click here. If you want to subscribe please put your email in the newsletter box on the sidebar, or follow me on twitter!
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