How Do You Make D&D Feel Less Awkward Online?

Awkwardness is the most common complaint about online Dungeons and Dragons. Players talk over each other, long silences feel uncomfortable, and roleplay can feel forced or artificial. Many groups assume this is just how online D&D is.

It is not.

Online D&D feels awkward when the experience is not designed to support comfort, presence, and flow. Once those elements are addressed, the awkwardness fades quickly.

Understand Why Online D&D Feels Awkward

In-person games rely on subtle cues. Eye contact, posture, and physical presence guide conversation naturally.

Online games remove those cues. This leads to:

• Uncertainty about when to speak

• Overthinking roleplay moments

• Long pauses that feel heavier than they are

Recognizing that this is a structural issue helps groups fix it instead of blaming themselves.

Normalize Small Pauses

Silence online feels louder than silence in person.

Dungeon Masters should:

• Let pauses exist without filling them immediately

• Address players by name when prompting responses

• Reassure the table that thinking time is normal

Once players know silence is acceptable, pressure drops and conversation flows more naturally.

Reduce Performance Pressure

Many players feel awkward because they think roleplay requires performance.

Make it clear that:

• Speaking in character is optional

• Describing actions is enough

• There is no correct way to roleplay

Comfort increases when players are not worried about doing it wrong.

Keep Scenes Focused and Short

Long scenes increase self-consciousness.

Shorter scenes:

• Keep energy high

• Give players frequent entry points

• Reduce the feeling of being put on the spot

Online D&D benefits from tighter pacing than in-person games.

Restore Visual Identity and Presence

One major source of awkwardness is disconnection. Players feel like voices rather than characters.

Visual embodiment helps solve this.

Faes AR allows players to visually embody their characters in real time using fantasy masks and character elements. When players see themselves as characters instead of webcams, roleplay feels more natural and less self-conscious.

You can explore Faes AR here:https://www.faes.ar/

And access the full product here:https://gumroad.com/products/qyoqv

Set Clear Social Expectations

Awkwardness often comes from uncertainty.

Before the game, clarify:

• Whether cameras are encouraged

• How turn-taking works in conversations

• When breaks happen

Structure creates safety. Safety reduces awkwardness.

Give the Game Time to Warm Up

The first twenty minutes of online play are often the most awkward.

This is normal.

Use:

• Light roleplay

• Simple interactions

• Low-stakes scenes

As players settle in, comfort increases naturally.

What Actually Makes Online D&D Comfortable

Online D&D feels awkward when players feel exposed, disconnected, or unsure.

It feels comfortable when:

• Expectations are clear

• Participation is encouraged, not forced

• Visual presence supports immersion

• The pace keeps things moving

Awkwardness is not a permanent feature of online play. With the right structure and tools, online D&D becomes relaxed, engaging, and enjoyable for everyone at the table.