Effective game prep doesn’t have to be complex. With the right approach, gamemasters can cut down on time and stress without sacrificing depth, immersion, or narrative flexibility. That’s where the Lazy Dungeon Master method comes in: A structured yet flexible framework for smart prep. This post breaks down the method’s eight steps, explaining the purpose behind each one and how they combine to support a smoother, more responsive game session. The goal isn’t to prepare less, but to prepare what truly matters.

How the Lazy Dungeon Master Prepares Smarter

This structured workflow offers just enough prep to empower improvisation while keeping the game focused and engaging. Each step is designed to give the GM what they need most at the table – no more, no less.

1. Review the Characters

Before planning anything else, look at the characters. What are their goals, backgrounds, and current circumstances? This helps center the session around what matters most to the players. Understanding where the characters are coming from makes it easier to build meaningful scenes, encounters, and rewards that resonate with them.

2. Determine the Strong Start

A compelling beginning sets the tone for the session and gives players a clear direction. Whether it’s a combat encounter, a mysterious event, a dramatic conversation, or a surprising revelation, the strong start ensures that the game begins with energy and focus.

3. Outline Potential Scenes

Instead of scripting an entire plot, this step encourages listing possible scenes the players might encounter. Each scene is a container for action, roleplay, or exploration, and serves as a flexible guide that keeps the GM prepared without locking players into a predetermined path.

4. Define Secrets and Clues

These are bits of information that the players may discover. They are not tied to specific locations or characters, allowing the GM to introduce them organically in play. Secrets and clues help reveal the world, hint at backstories, or move the plot forward, giving players a sense of uncovering something meaningful.

5. Detail Fantastic Locations

Locations come to life when they have character. By preparing a few rich, interactive places – each with a mood, purpose, and sensory detail – the GM ensures that players always have a vivid world to explore. These places often become memorable set pieces or recurring hubs in the campaign.

6. Sketch Key NPCs

Not every non-player character needs a detailed biography. Instead, a handful of traits, motivations, and roles in the current session are often enough. This allows the GM to portray them authentically while remaining agile and focused on the players’ actions.

7. Identify Relevant Monsters

Selecting monsters ahead of time allows for quicker combat prep and a more coherent session tone. The creatures should reflect the themes of the story, the nature of the setting, and the intended level of challenge for the party.

8. Select Treasure and Magic Rewards

Loot should feel rewarding and narratively appropriate. This includes gold, magical trinkets, rare tomes, or items tied to a character’s background. The key is to focus on quality over quantity – fewer, more meaningful rewards leave a greater impression and create stronger engagement. Consider what types of treasure will inspire your players and support the tone of your campaign.

A Method That Evolves with the GM

The Lazy Dungeon Master workflow, outlined in Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master (2018) by Michael E. Shea, is not a fixed formula. It’s a toolkit that grows with experience. GMs who regularly use these eight steps tend to develop a sharper instinct for what kind of prep pays off and where to cut back. Over time, this method supports a smarter, more adaptive prep style that doesn’t just save time – it also boosts confidence, improves improvisation, and keeps the game focused on what players enjoy most. It’s a method that evolves with the GM, not one that holds them back.