Beginning a session with a bang – what some RPG game masters call a “strong start” – is one of the most effective ways to captivate players and draw them straight into the scenario. Whether it’s a high-energy confrontation, a shocking discovery, or a sudden twist, a strong start immerses players immediately, setting the tone for an engaging session. This article explores the core principles of creating a strong start, covering techniques like the action-driven cold open, in medias res storytelling, and the value of presenting players with meaningful decisions right from the get-go.

The Key to a Strong Start: Jumping Straight to Decision Making

At the core of a strong start is one simple idea: “Something happens.” Opening your session with a vivid, attention-grabbing event that demands player reaction makes it much easier to engage everyone at the table. Think of movie scenes that open mid-chase or mid-battle – this technique, sometimes referred to as a “cold open” or “in medias res”, drops viewers right into the heart of the action without any setup or explanation. In RPG terms, starting in this way means opening with an urgent event – perhaps the characters are even already mid-battle, start in a collapsing or burning building, or arrive just as an explosion erupts nearby. Instead of a lengthy recap or setting description, a cold open builds energy and suspense, drawing players into the session right away.

For game masters, a strong start does more than just hook players; it also provides a natural pathway into the narrative throughline of the scenario. By crafting an event that flows naturally into the scenario’s hook or objective, you can align player interest with the game’s goals from the very beginning.

Action with Meaningful Decisions

A strong start should do more than just shock or surprise players, telegraphing the start of the game session. For maximum engagement, the opening scene should also require players to make meaningful decisions. This doesn’t mean overwhelming them with choices but rather placing them in situations where their decisions will immediately show and thus prove their impact.

Practical Tips for a Strong Start

Creating a compelling opening scene takes planning and a bit of finesse. Here are a few questions and tips to consider as you prepare:

• What’s Happening? Frame the session with a dynamic event or scene that demands attention. This initial event should captivate the players and pull them immediately into the heart of the session. It could be anything from an unexpected encounter to a sudden environmental change, as long as it’s impactful and relevant to the scenario.
• What’s the Point? The strong start should align with the core objectives of the session. Begin by asking yourself, “What is the purpose of this event?” and thus “What is the agenda of this starting scene?” Ideally, it should lead the players organically to the session’s narrative throughline. For example, if the scenario revolves around uncovering a hidden enemy, the opening scene might hint at their presence or influence, giving players a sense of the story’s direction. Remember that a strong start isn’t just about throwing characters into action; it’s about action with purpose.
• Where’s the Action? One of the most effective ways to build momentum is by starting as close to the action as possible, integrating choices that immediately impact the session’s direction. This doesn’t mean every session needs to begin with combat, but it should involve some form of tension or conflict that requires immediate attention. Avoid heavy descriptions and unnecessary exposition at the beginning of the session. Instead, get straight to the core of the scene – whether it’s a dramatic encounter, a critical moment of discovery, or an unforeseen complication.
• When in Doubt, Start with Combat! Combat is a highly engaging way to start, as it pulls everyone’s attention to the game immediately. It prompts players to act, strategize, and invest in the session from the start. However, combat can be overused, so keep it as one of many possible tools to maintain variety and engagement.

Strong Starts: Capturing Player Interest from the First Moment

This approach to session beginnings draws inspiration from Michael Shea’s Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master, which emphasizes the value of a strong start in capturing player interest and keeping sessions focused. Shea’s principle reminds game masters that each session is an opportunity to launch characters into memorable moments, sparking curiosity and interaction from the first moment. With the right combination of action, meaningful choices, and a clear purpose, you can ensure that every session kicks off with energy and engagement.