How to Set Expectations Before Your First D&D Session

Most first Dungeons and Dragons sessions do not fail because of rules or preparation. They fail because expectations were never discussed. When players arrive with different assumptions about tone, commitment, or play style, frustration builds quickly, even if everyone is well intentioned.

Setting expectations before your first session creates clarity, comfort, and trust. It is one of the most important steps in building a successful group.

Explain What D&D Will Feel Like

New players often arrive with unclear or unrealistic ideas about the game.

Before the session, explain that D&D is:

• A collaborative storytelling experience

• A mix of conversation, decision making, and dice

• Something learned through play, not study

This removes pressure and helps players relax before they even start.

Clarify the Tone of the Game

Tone shapes how players behave at the table.

Be clear about whether the game will be:

• Lighthearted or serious

• Focused on humor or drama

• More narrative or more tactical

When tone is aligned, players feel safer making choices and engaging with the story.

Set Expectations Around Roleplay

Roleplay anxiety is common for new players.

Make it explicit that:

• Acting and voices are optional

• Describing actions is enough

• Comfort matters more than performance

When roleplay expectations are clear, players participate more willingly.

Agree on Session Length and Commitment

Unspoken assumptions about time and consistency cause many groups to fall apart.

Discuss:

• How long sessions will be

• How often you will play

• What happens if someone misses a session

Clarity here prevents resentment later.

Explain How Rules Will Be Handled

New players often worry about making mistakes.

Reassure them that:

• Rules will be explained as needed

• Mistakes are expected

• The focus is on keeping the game moving

This reduces fear and encourages experimentation.

Talk About Boundaries and Comfort

Every table has limits.

Before playing, give players space to:

• Share topics they want to avoid

• Ask questions about content

• Express concerns privately if needed

Respecting boundaries builds trust and long-term engagement.

Set Expectations for Online Play

If the game is online, expectations matter even more.

Clarify:

• Whether cameras are encouraged

• How turn-taking will work

• When breaks will happen

Online sessions feel smoother when structure is agreed on upfront.

Visual presence can also help players feel more comfortable early on.

Faes AR supports online groups by allowing players to visually embody their characters in real time using fantasy masks and character elements. This helps reduce self-consciousness and reinforces character identity, especially for first-time players.

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

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Keep the Conversation Simple

This does not need to be a long meeting.

Fifteen to twenty minutes of clear conversation prevents hours of confusion later. The goal is alignment, not rules enforcement.

Why This Step Matters

When expectations are clear, players relax. When players relax, they engage. When they engage, the game works.

Setting expectations before your first D&D session is not about control. It is about giving everyone the confidence to show up, participate, and enjoy the experience together.