Open thy brain and share forth thy gaming wisdom!
What are your 3 best tips for brand new RPG players?
What are your 3 best tips for experienced RPG players?
Maximum snark is always appreciated (hey, its us), but I really would like to see some great ideas too.
My first rule is common to both groups: We should all be in this to have fun. This isn't a job, it isn't a chore, it isn't a war, and no one should be forcing you to do it. If you're not having fun, something is wrong, and you need to address that. If worst comes to worst, a popular catchphrase is "No gaming is better than bad gaming."
For newbies:
2) Try new styles out. There are so many systems, styles, milieus and genres out there. Don't fall into the common trap of thinking that the Only Way You Can Play The Game is exactly like your first group does it; that's like sitting down at a poker game and getting mad that the rules aren't exactly like blackjack.
3) Be someone interested in learning the rules of the system you play. A lot of players don't, and they not only place a lot of burden on the GM, but they slow down play for their fellow players in constantly having to be prodded and reminded of things. As with any other field of human endeavor, you get out of something what you put into it.
For experienced players:
2) Be true to (and aware of) yourself. Play the games you like, not the ones you don't because you've been browbeaten into it. Recognize the styles and milieus you can handle, how frequently you can play, how long you like sessions to be, how much digression and socializing you want. Not knowing your own limitations ends in trouble.
3) This is a cooperative exercise; tabletop, for the most part, is a consensus-driven game. A player who designs a character wildly at odds with the others, a player who wants to freelance all the time, a player who doesn’t want to get on board with the milieu or the setting, these are pains in the ass for all around them. There are RPGs out there for rugged individualists who don’t want to act in lockstep with others: we call them MMORPGs and LARPs.
Good advice.
Quote from: Ravenswing;895698There are RPGs out there for rugged individualists who don’t want to act in lockstep with others: we call them MMORPGs and LARPs.
Everyone doesn't need to be in lock step, but it sure does tend to be more fun if most of the time everybody is running, walking, marching, riding, skipping, or hobbling in the same basic direction.
"Backstory is not role playing."
For new players.
1: Try things. Experiment. Think outside the box. Think. Dont just charge everything swinging or assume everything will be handed to you.
2: Think about the other players. Dont do things that will actually ruin their enjoyment of the game.
3: NEGOTIATE! Despite what some gibbering idiots may stringently claim. D&D and most RPGs are not all about combat. Sometimes you gain more from talking than fighting. A-LOT more. And when that fails... RETREAT! When things look bad and when possible. Run like hell!
For seasoned players. On top of all the new player advice.
1: Just because your last DM was a fruitcake and total jackass. Do NOT assume every DM is.
2: Do not totally dismiss a game just because of one bad session/DM/Player.
3: Different tables can play the same game very differently. Expect the unexpected.
3 best tips for new players
1. Relax, it's just a game, have fun.
2. Think about what character you want to play, what is their motivation for what they are doing?
3. Don't worry about the rules, think about actions, and let the GM fit them to the rules.
3 best for experienced players
1. Relax, it's just a game, have fun.
2. Approach the game like a tabula rasa, a blank slate.
2. Think about what character you want to play, what is their motivation for what they are doing?
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689What are your 3 best tips for brand new RPG players?
1. Try to enjoy it, even if you don't know wtf are you supposed to do.
2.
TALK.
3. When in doubt, channel your favorite character (either real-life, or from some work of fiction).
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689What are your 3 best tips for experienced RPG players?
1. Try to enjoy it, even if everyone else (obviously) are playing it wrong.
2.
TALK.
3. Every now and then entertain the thought that you're playing it wrong and you know little about this whole RPG business and life in general.
I guess my top advice for any player is "Tell the GM what you're thinking." The GM isn't going to pick up on subtle unstated cues that your shy female PC is romantically interested in shy male NPC, for instance (that was one where I was the player). The GM has a lot on his/her plate and you need to make your intentions & aims very clear.
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689What are your 3 best tips for brand new RPG players?
1. Relax and have fun, no one is going to judge you. The key word is role playing
GAME, no one expects you to be a good actor, eloquent speaker, or master tactician.
2. Take risks, and be creative. Don't play it safe, there's no consequences in real life if something bad happens in the game.
3. Don't worry about the rules. The GM can handle those. Just play your character, and make the decisions you imagine they would make, rules knowledge will come in time and its no way necessary to enjoying the game.
QuoteWhat are your 3 best tips for experienced RPG players?
1. If you want to up your game, you could do worse than checking out some books on Improv theatre techniques. I especially recommend
Impro by Keith Johnstone.
2. If immersion is your thing, check out the exceptional, though sadly short-lived, webzine
Imazine by A& E alumni Paul Mason, whcih is highly focused on players and GMs heavy into immersive gaming.
3. If online arguments ever get you frustrated, look up the "post your pictures" archives on the rpgnet wiki and realize these are the sorts of people you're arguing with. Then log off and do some reading.
Quote from: dragoner;8957113 best tips for new players
1. Relax, it's just a game, have fun.
2. Think about what character you want to play, what is their motivation for what they are doing?
3. Don't worry about the rules, think about actions, and let the GM fit them to the rules.
lol, uncanny, my list was almost exactly the same.
Play to have fun
Don't worry about what other people think or gaming theory about how you should play - Play the way you find works best
Try playing different systems to see what you like
For new players:
1) RPGs are, ultimately, a team effort.
2) Reading out numbers from your character sheet isn't roleplaying
3) Try various systems and see what fits you best.
For veterans
1) Don't be afraid to experiment
2) Your favourite game might be another players' antithesis of all that is good on the world
3) Doing some reading to prepare for the game won't kill you if you aren't the GM.
Oh and the most important.
Dont Die! ...
...The player that is... Not the PC...
(a player from the group I picked up died before Id picked up the group. And one of my current players just came within an hour of not making it.)
New (but also good for Old players)
1) It's a group adventure game, so make a character who will get along with the rest of the group AND who wants to adventure.
2) Your character is always more than the sheet. You can always do more than what it says. Your character is never useless.
3) Your character could die because of bad choices or bad luck. And that's OK, it's how things roll. One thing that helps is to always have a second character in mind, or even ready to go. It helps "gamer grief" a lot.
Old
1) It's not your table and it's not your old game and it may not be your fave rules. So relax.
2) Help out with the new players. Treat them as equals.
3) Don't send day after emails to the rest of the group lecturing them on how they are doing everything wrong and don't appreciate your brilliance.
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689What are your 3 best tips for brand new RPG players?
(1) Forget the cliches. The experience of gaming is much different.
(2) Don't let one bad experience turn you off on the whole hobby (if at first you don't succeed....)
(3) Ask questions. We don't mind. Let's us know what's on your mind.
(4) Don't be daunted by the unknown. (everyone has a first date)
(5) Don't expect to "win." This isn't that kind of game.
(6) Enjoy yourself. It's make-believe (albeit) with rules. So, you can do this, because you HAVE done this (remember?).
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689What are your 3 best tips for experienced RPG players?
(1) You don't know EVERYTHING, 'k? (and even if you do, keep that shit to yourself, unless asked).
(2) Be a good example of whatever your role is (GM, player).
(3) Don't be "the cliche incarnate," please. Just adds another cross to bear for the entire hobby.
(4) Exercise tolerance for those less godlike
(5) Remember why you're there--to have fun.
Quote from: TristramEvans;895733lol, uncanny, my list was almost exactly the same.
I think a lot of the suggestions will be similar, except worded differently. The only difference for experienced players is just to not bring their preconceived notions, all gamers seem to settle into a similar routine. A lot of the complaining is about the rare 1 out of 10 person that actively chooses to act like an ass.
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689Open thy brain and share forth thy gaming wisdom!
What are your 3 best tips for brand new RPG players?
What are your 3 best tips for experienced RPG players?
Maximum snark is always appreciated (hey, its us), but I really would like to see some great ideas too.
For brand new players:
1) Say where your character is.
2) Say what your character is doing.
3) Let the GM decide when a roll is needed.
For experienced players:
1) Learn how the beginners are role-playing.
2) Learn how the beginners are role-playing.
3) Learn how the beginners are role-playing.
"Where we're going... we don't need no stinking tips. Pick up your pencil and dice and strap in."
-Analects of the D.O.N.G.
Johnny's in the basement
Mixing up the medicine
I'm on the pavement
Thinking about the government
The man in the trench coat
Badge out, laid off
Says he's got a bad cough
Wants to get it paid off
Look out kid
It's somethin' you did
God knows when
But you're doin' it again
You better duck down the alley way
Lookin' for a new friend
The man in the coon-skin cap
By the big pen
Wants eleven dollar bills
You only got ten
Maggie comes fleet foot
Face full of black soot
Talkin' that the heat put
Plants in the bed but
The phone's tapped anyway
Maggie says that many say
They must bust in early May
Orders from the D.A.
Look out kid
Don't matter what you did
Walk on your tiptoes
Don't try "No-Doz"
Better stay away from those
That carry around a fire hose
Keep a clean nose
Watch the plain clothes
You don't need a weatherman
To know which way the wind blows
Get sick, get well
Hang around a ink well
Ring bell, hard to tell
If anything is goin' to sell
Try hard, get barred
Get back, write braille
Get jailed, jump bail
Join the army, if you fail
Look out kid
You're gonna get hit
But users, cheaters
Six-time losers
Hang around the theaters
Girl by the whirlpool
Lookin' for a new fool
Don't follow leaders
Watch the parkin' meters
Ah get born, keep warm
Short pants, romance, learn to dance
Get dressed, get blessed
Try to be a success
Please her, please him, buy gifts
Don't steal, don't lift
Twenty years of schoolin'
And they put you on the day shift
Look out kid
They keep it all hid
Better jump down a manhole
Light yourself a candle
Don't wear sandals
Try to avoid the scandals
Don't wanna be a bum
You better chew gum
The pump don't work
'Cause the vandals took the handles
Quote from: Bren;895704Good advice.
Everyone doesn't need to be in lock step, but it sure does tend to be more fun if most of the time everybody is running, walking, marching, riding, skipping, or hobbling in the same basic direction.
Thankew!
I admit my advice targeted to experienced players is heavily influenced by 37 years of complaint threads online and in APAs, and were I to tinker with the OP, I think I'd ask so explicitly:
based on your experience with problems and issues at the table, what advice would you give to both newbies and veteran players?
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689Open thy brain and share forth thy gaming wisdom!
OK
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689What are your 3 best tips for brand new RPG players?
Go. Play. We learn by doing.
Have fun. These are games, you are supposed to have fun in a game.
That person whom you are asking for advice on the internet may well be a sociopathic pseudointellectual basement dweller who hasn't ever played a RPG face to face with real people but has a lot of theoretical situations that require special circumstances to be correct. Ask for input from others, but always make up your own mind on things.
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689What are your 3 best tips for experienced RPG players?
Go. Play. We learn by doing. We should always be learning.
Have fun. These are games, you are supposed to have fun in a game. If you are not having fun, then why are you playing? Figure that out and fix that shit so that you are having fun.
That person whom you are asking for advice on the internet may well be a sociopathic pseudointellectual basement dweller who hasn't ever played a RPG face to face with real people but has a lot of theoretical situations that require special circumstances to be correct. Ask for input from others, but always make up your own mind on things. Try not to be one of those sociopathic pseudointellectuals.
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689Maximum snark is always appreciated (hey, its us), but I really would like to see some great ideas too.
Don't ask for tips on the internet. The internet as a whole doesn't give two shits about you.
Quote from: jeff37923;896566Don't ask for tips on the internet. The internet as a whole doesn't give two shits about you.
WHAT?! Not even ONE little shit? (sniff) I'm crushed.:-)
Quote from: jeff37923;896566OK
Go. Play. We learn by doing.
Have fun. These are games, you are supposed to have fun in a game.
That person whom you are asking for advice on the internet may well be a sociopathic pseudointellectual basement dweller who hasn't ever played a RPG face to face with real people but has a lot of theoretical situations that require special circumstances to be correct. Ask for input from others, but always make up your own mind on things.
Go. Play. We learn by doing. We should always be learning.
Have fun. These are games, you are supposed to have fun in a game. If you are not having fun, then why are you playing? Figure that out and fix that shit so that you are having fun.
That person whom you are asking for advice on the internet may well be a sociopathic pseudointellectual basement dweller who hasn't ever played a RPG face to face with real people but has a lot of theoretical situations that require special circumstances to be correct. Ask for input from others, but always make up your own mind on things. Try not to be one of those sociopathic pseudointellectuals.
Don't ask for tips on the internet. The internet as a whole doesn't give two shits about you.
Quote from: cranebump;896613WHAT?! Not even ONE little shit? (sniff) I'm crushed.:-)
Actually, if the Internet has proven anything, it does give one, gigantic massive shit onto everything it touches. :D
So many good ones already. I'm going to offer just one each.
For new players:
Be clear with the GM about what your character is doing and what their intentions are. The GM plays antagonists to your protagonist, but they aren't themselves an antagonist.
For experienced players:
Every once in a while, at least, create the character you want to play at 1st level, as opposed to the character you want to play at nth level, and focus on playing them in that moment, so that you can you play to find out where you go and what happens rather than trying to get from A to B.
New Players:
Take simple steps in building characters that you think are fun to play.
Be sociable and ask questions.
Keep playing - it gets more fun the more you play.
Experienced players:
Take simple steps in building characters that you think are fun to play.
Be sociable and ask questions.
Keep playing - it gets more fun the more you play.
1) Don't be a dick.
2) Talk about stuff.
3) Remember that the object is for EVERYBODY to have fun.
This applies both to new and experienced gamers.
Okay, we're done here. Somebody fetch me a beer.
Thank you everyone!
I'm stealing all your ideas, making millions and moving to Rio!
Anyone else have some best tips?
Be sure to use plenty of sunblock.
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689What are your 3 best tips for brand new RPG players?
1- Remember that your team (fellow player characters) is more like the original X-Men. You don't have to be able to do it all, you just have to be able to do what you do and utilize it. Versatility is a good thing- but it's better to be the guy that's a good rifleman with some okay knife-fighting skills, than it is to be the guy who's a barely mediocre medic, mage, sharpshooter, martial artist, swordsman, etc. If you're pretty good at a couple of things, you can at least bet on succeeding at those couple of things... rather than being 'bleh' and failing at everything.
2- If you focus all your skills on combat, then you can bet your ass that your GM has at least ten ways to ruin your fucking day. And if you get that Wolverine complex going in your head, you can also bet that your fellow Players won't go to great lengths to save your ass.
3- Sit down with everyone else that's playing and see what they're up to. A team with synergy is better than a bunch of individuals that end up trying to do the same shit.
Quote from: Spinachcat;895689What are your 3 best tips for experienced RPG players?
1- Remember where you came from. I don't care what you say, everyone's first RPG characters were shitty. Everyone struggled with the rules. Everyone tried to be a badass. Everyone messes up.
2- GM/DM/Storytell at least once in your life.
3- Don't argue lore, but up front your group needs to decide how important it is. Otherwise you're going to be a case example of why I refuse to play any Star Wars RPG.