Being a dungeon master takes a lot of work. Not only do you have to deliver exciting adventures for your party, you also have to wrangle players’ schedules, prepare every session and try to mediate chaos through every campaign. As you embark on the adventure that is 2026, here are five New Year’s resolution ideas for DMs to make sessions even more fun for everyone at the table. 

Be a player 

We asked around, and a bunch of the DMs told us they’d love to be invited to be a player every now and then. Unfortunately, it will be difficult for your local RPG community to know this if you don’t say anything. If you know other DMs, ask them to let you know when they have an open spot at their table, even if it’s just as a temporary stand-in. If you’re the only DM you know, join local Facebook or community groups to find a one-shot close by as a starting point. 

Even if this isn’t on your want list as a DM, it should be. It gives you the opportunity to enjoy the games you love without you needing to do any of the heavy lifting. It can also be a very insightful experience to be on the other side of the table getting a player’s perspective. You can learn from other DMs and get a better idea of where you can improve your own skills. 

Do your homework 

No, we don’t mean you should spend more time prepping for your future sessions. We’re talking about the homework that needs to be done directly after a session. While all the information is still fresh in your mind, make notes about discovered lore and explored locations. Make sure you’re fully caught up with every character in your campaign. Did any of them gain higher levels? What did they gain and lose from their inventories? Are they carrying any curses or boons into the next session? 

This kind of post-mortem after every session is extremely important. Your players are looking to you as the keeper of all this information. Having a better, more detailed, idea of where your adventurers left off will make prepping for the next session much easier. It can also be more exciting if you want to add in-world one-shots or mini games inspired by your players’ progression. 

Play more diversely 

TTRPGs are more popular, creative and diverse than ever, so if you only run Dungeons and Dragons or Call of Cthulhu campaigns, for example, 2026 is the time to mix things up. Spend some time doing research online to see if you can find a one-shot your party would like that’s different from what you’d usually play. Pay special attention to game creators who are people of color or from the queer community, as well as small indie creators just starting out. Other players are discovering incredible new systems, worlds and strategy by branching out, and so can you! 

To find these gems, check out Reddit recommendations and successfully-fulfilled crowdfunding campaigns. There are also loads of award-winning indie publishers for every taste. Think Exalted Funeral for all your macabre roleplaying, Snowbright for cozy queer adventures, Heart of the Deernicorn for art-driven gameplay, and so many more. 

Run a dungeon

You know who you are! You have taken your party on some incredible adventures. You’ve been through deep and dark forests; you’ve explored urban alleys, abandoned mines and mysterious mountain caves. But when was the last time you ran a good old school dungeon crawl, in an actual dungeon?

If it’s been a while, and you have nothing planned within your current narrative, it’s time for your players to go on a little side quest. No matter your preferred system, you will be able to find hordes of free dungeon crawl material online. Use a random generator, a fully-fleshed-out dungeon one-shot or you could even try a fun improv challenge with your players. 

Set boundaries 

Being a great DM isn’t just about ensuring your players are organized and entertained. It’s also about you, and how much fun you’re having at every session. It’s important to set boundaries with your party so that you don’t burn out. If they want to play too often for you to prepare, ask them for more time between sessions. If they want to bring new players in regularly, especially players who are new to RPGs, it’s okay to say no. Instead, tell them you’ll make some time to run a beginner’s one-shot for a small group who want to try it out. 

And don’t forget to set boundaries for yourself as well! Stay disciplined, do your homework and prep for a session that runs as smoothly for you as for your players. Don’t say yes to multiple new DM projects at the same time. Take them on one-by-one to gauge your capacity. Rest is also important. Once you’ve done your post-session homework, spend a few days (or weeks) trying not to consume too much RPG content online and don’t jump straight into prep for your next session. Taking some time to clear your mind will benefit your creativity and help prevent your favorite hobby from feeling like a chore. 

Are any of these on your New Year’s resolution lists for 2026? Let us know which ones and what else you’d like to achieve as a DM in the months to come.

Cover image: Death By Ooze 7-Piece Iconic Dice Set