Whether you’re running Pathfinder, Dungeons and Dragons, or any other tabletop RPG, it’s easy as a Game Master to get lost in the sprawling to-do list that comes with running said tabletop RPG. You’re juggling story arcs, encounter designs, and the ever-elusive question: What’s going to make my players rave about this session?

I’ve been there. I’ve prepped hours of lore that no one cared about, thrown random encounters that got people looking at their phones rather than their character sheets, and even lost control of sessions because we spiraled into off-topic chaos. But I’ve also had moments where everything clicked—when players were so immersed, minutes ticked by like seconds.

Recently, I came across a video (linked below) that breaks down seven overlooked elements GMs often miss but players love. Let me share a few of those highlights, plus examples of how I’ve stumbled, learned, and nailed these ideas at my table.

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1. Moral Dilemmas

Players “love” being faced with tough choices. It’s not about good versus evil but about weighing trade-offs and consequences. I use quotation marks because some players prefer to play in Murderhobo mode, consequences be damned.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure both options have pros and cons—no easy wins here!

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2. Be Generous with Information

Have you ever watched your players flounder, unsure what to do, while you sit there thinking, The answer is right there, guys!? Turns out, sometimes we need to throw them a bone.

It’s easy to forget that players have a “flashlight view” of their surroundings. They see what’s directly in front of them and a little bit of what’s behind them as it fades into the darkness. Refreshers, reminders, and some strong hints and clues can help keep things fresh in their minds.

💡 Pro Tip: Especially in non-mystery games, offer enough clues to keep the story moving. Players don’t have access to your notes, after all!

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3. Manage the Game

This one hit home for me. Early in my GM days, I’d let tangents derail entire sessions. While jokes and side stories are fun, too much chaos can kill the momentum.

Now, I start on time (or as close as possible), gently redirect when we veer off-course, and use initiatives or turns to keep combat smooth. It’s made sessions feel tighter and more satisfying.

💡 Pro Tip: Be flexible but firm. A light reminder like, “Let’s bring it back to the game,” keeps things moving without being a buzzkill.

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4. Make Travel Interesting or Skip It

Travel sessions used to bore me and my players—until I started treating the journey like part of the story.

In one campaign travel session, I replaced random encounters with a mysterious landmark: a crude dam in the middle of a river that shouldn’t have been there. The players investigated, theorized, and role-played their reactions. That one detail made the trek memorable without adding extra prep. Sadly, that campaign ended before the foreshadowing could have paid off, but such is the nature of the game.

💡 Pro Tip: If travel doesn’t advance the story or characters, skip it. When it does, tie it to the world or plot in meaningful ways.

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5. Run Challenging Combats

We all want our players to feel heroic, but if every fight is a cakewalk, it loses its thrill. This point could be a full-blown post all on its own. There’s so many factors that can make this a tight balancing act, but when it gets pulled off it hits different.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to push your players. High-stakes battles are what legends are made of.

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Bonus Tips

• Use Modules: Pre-made adventures save time and often include puzzles, traps, and creative NPCs.
• Surprise Them: A unique monster or unexpected twist keeps players on their toes.

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The Takeaway

Players don’t always notice the hours you spend behind the screen, but they do notice when a session feels alive, engaging, and fun. By focusing on these areas—as well as the ones discussed in the video below—you’ll create experiences your group will never forget.

Check out the video from The DM Lair (linked below) for even more insights, and let me know in the comments: Which of these tips are you most excited to try? Or share your own GM successes (or fails)!

Let’s make every session legendary.