Article: Session Zero Checklist for Tabletop Games That Work

Nov 4, 2025

Session Zero Checklist for Tabletop Games That Work

Updated on: 2025-11-04

This guide offers a calm, step-by-step approach to building a session zero checklist for tabletop games, so your group can align expectations before the first dice roll. You will find practical categories, sample prompts, and safety tools that help everyone feel comfortable and engaged. A numbered how-to section walks you through hosting the conversation, and a short FAQ answers common questions about planning, scope, and logistics. Feel free to adapt the checklist to your system, table culture, and campaign goals.

Why a session zero checklist for tabletop games sets your group up for success
The complete session zero checklist for tabletop games
How-To Steps: run a session zero for a new tabletop campaign
Essential session zero questions for players (with examples)
FAQ: session zero checklist for tabletop games

Starting a new campaign can feel exciting and a little uncertain. A clear session zero checklist for tabletop games helps your group build shared expectations, agree on safety, and plan logistics before play begins. This guide offers a friendly tabletop game session zero checklist that you can use as-is or adapt to your system. You will also find session zero questions for players, a tabletop RPG safety tools checklist, and gentle tips for creating a printable session zero checklist for tabletop games that suits a new group.

Why a session zero checklist for tabletop games sets your group up for success

A session zero gives everyone a calm moment to align on what the campaign will feel like, how often you will play, and what is comfortable for the table. By writing down your decisions in a session 0 checklist for tabletop games, you reduce misunderstandings and support smoother sessions later. The process also creates space for safety tools, boundaries, and tone, which can make the game feel welcoming. Whether you are preparing a high-action dungeon crawl or a character-driven intrigue story, a thoughtful tabletop game session zero checklist makes it easier to start strong.

The complete session zero checklist for tabletop games

Consider the sections below as a flexible template. You can add, remove, or reorder items to fit your group, system, and campaign format. Many groups prefer to keep it simple for a one-shot and expand for a long-form campaign. As you read, note any items you might wish to include in your own session zero checklist for new tabletop game groups.

Group expectations and playstyle alignment

Fun goals: What would make this campaign satisfying for you?
Playstyle: Tactical combat, narrative focus, exploration, puzzles, or a blend?
Player spotlight: How will everyone get time to shine?
Table culture: Respectful communication and turn-taking norms.

Scheduling, cadence, and table logistics

Session length and frequency that works for everyone.
Location or platform (in-person or virtual) and time zone if needed.
Attendance, late arrivals, and cancellation expectations.
Prep and homework: What is optional and what is helpful?

Safety tools: a tabletop RPG safety tools checklist

Lines and veils: Topics that will not appear, or will fade to black.
Check-in tools: Simple signals to pause, rewind, or fast-forward.
Open-door policy: Anyone may step away at any time without pressure.
Aftercare: A brief debrief to ensure everyone feels okay post-session.

Choosing safety tools together is a friendly way to support different comfort levels. It reassures players that their well-being is valued and that adjustments are always possible.

Setting, theme, and table tone

Genre and subgenre (heroic fantasy, cosmic horror, cozy mystery, sci-fi heist).
Intensity level: Lighthearted, balanced, or gritty.
Themes to explore or avoid.
Level of realism vs. cinematic action.

Character creation, backstories, and party roles

Character creation guidelines: Sources allowed, level/advancement, and starting gear.
Backstory length and how it ties to the setting.
Party composition: Covering exploration, social, and combat gaps.
Secrets at the table: What is public versus private knowledge?

Core rules, house rules, and system scope

Optional rules and variants in use.
Homebrew approvals and balance expectations.
Dice rules: Open rolling, advantage methods, and rerolls.
Leveling and progression pacing.

Supplies, space, and a printable session zero checklist

Materials: Character sheets, pencils, notebooks, and tokens.
Dice and accessories: Each player’s set and any table dice options.
Table setup: Maps, minis, virtual tools, and audio.
Food and drink etiquette and cleanup norms.

If you would like to gather new gear, you may explore helpful accessories such as dice sets or protective dice trays that keep rolls neat and readable. When you finish planning, consider turning these bullet points into a printable session zero checklist for tabletop games. A short, one-page summary is easy to review at the table or share with new players.

How-To Steps: run a session zero for a new tabletop campaign

The steps below show one gentle way to host the conversation. Feel free to adapt the order, and skip any items that do not apply to your group or system. This section will help if you are wondering, “How do you run a session zero for a new tabletop campaign?”

Step 1: Clarify goals and scheduling

Begin by asking what everyone hopes to enjoy. Then set a session length and cadence that feels comfortable. This helps the session zero checklist for tabletop games deliver practical value from the start.

Step 2: Share a clear campaign pitch

Offer a few sentences on the premise, tone, and stakes. Invite players to ask questions so they can imagine characters that fit the world and party.

Step 3: Agree on safety tools

Walk through your tabletop RPG safety tools checklist and get consent. Confirm how to pause, rewind, or fade out at any time. This agreement protects everyone’s comfort.

Step 4: Gather character concepts

Invite each player to share a short concept and their role. Encourage connections between characters so the party feels coherent at session one.

Step 5: Establish table rules

Cover rolling conventions, phones and side-chat etiquette, and how retcons are handled. Keep rules simple and kind. Clarity reduces friction later.

Step 6: Review setting and tone

Confirm genre, themes, and intensity. Share two or three sample scenes so players understand the mood and narrative style you are aiming for.

Step 7: Align on challenge and content

Discuss how tactical and how risky you expect play to be. Invite players to state preferences for puzzles, social scenes, or exploration.

Step 8: Build party bonds

Use quick prompts to connect the group: why the party trusts each other, what they already achieved together, and a shared goal that anchors session one.

Step 9: Confirm logistics and tools

Set the platform, dice or roller, sheet method, and any digital tools. If you plan to use battlemaps or props, outline how those will be shared.

Step 10: Summarize decisions and share the checklist

End with a short recap. Save your tabletop game session zero checklist where everyone can access it. A simple document in your group folder works well.

Essential session zero questions for players (with examples)

Open-ended prompts can draw out thoughtful preferences. The questions below work well for a session zero checklist for new tabletop game groups.

Questions about characters

What is your character’s short-term goal, and how might it lead into the campaign?
How does your character contribute during exploration, social scenes, and combat?
What type of spotlight moment would feel rewarding for you?

Questions about playstyle

Do you prefer tactical maps, theater of the mind, or a mix?
How do you feel about improvisation at the table?
Would you like puzzles, downtime scenes, crafting, or resource management?

Questions about boundaries and safety

Are there topics you would prefer to skip or fade to black?
Which safety tool signals feel comfortable to use in the moment?
Would you like a quick debrief after sessions?

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FAQ: session zero checklist for tabletop games

What should be included in a session zero checklist for tabletop games?

A balanced checklist covers expectations and playstyle, schedule and logistics, safety tools and boundaries, setting and tone, character creation guidelines, and any house rules. It may also list materials (sheets, pencils, dice), table etiquette, and how you will share recaps. If you keep it to one page, it is easier to reference during play.

How do you run a session zero for a new tabletop campaign?

Offer a short campaign pitch, ask for character concepts, confirm safety tools, and agree on logistics. Keep the conversation friendly and concise. Writing decisions into a simple session zero checklist for tabletop games helps everyone remember what you agreed on and reduces friction later.

Do you need a session zero for one-shots?

It may be brief, but a quick session zero still helps. A five-minute check on tone, lines and veils, rules in use, and character roles can prevent misunderstandings. Even for a single session, alignment supports a smoother and more enjoyable game.