Prep Like a Pro: Efficient Techniques for Game Masters

As Game Masters, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with the amount of prep that seems necessary before each session. How do some GMs manage to do it all? The secret lies in prepping smarter, not harder. In this guide, we’ll explore techniques to streamline your game prep, so you can spend more time enjoying the fun parts of GMing and less time buried in notes.

Understanding Prep Fatigue

Many GMs experience prep fatigue, feeling like there's never enough time to prepare for their sessions. The key is to realize that not everything requires exhaustive preparation. The art of efficient game prep can be mastered by knowing what truly needs attention and what can be improvisational.

Modular Prep: Become a Master of Adaptability

Modular prepping involves creating flexible, interchangeable scenes or encounters that can be reused across different sessions or campaigns.

• Prepare several generic NPCs with varied motivations that can be slotted in as needed.
• Create interchangeable encounter templates; simply swap in relevant monsters or challenges based on your storyline.

Leverage Published Materials and Online Generators

Don't reinvent the wheel. Consider using published modules or online generators for inspiration and content filling. Here are a few tips:

• Sly Flourish's Lazy Dungeon Master offers excellent advice on prioritized prep, focusing on the essentials rather than exhaustive details.
• Online generators can assist in creating random encounters, NPC names, and even entire quest lines.

Focus on Key Points: The "Lazy GM" Approach

Inspired by the Lazy Dungeon Master approach, focus your prep on:

• Key NPC motivations and goals.
• Broad strokes of the campaign's storyline, allowing flexibility in details.
• Quick reference notes for on-the-fly improvisation.

Utilize Campaign Management Tools

Maximize your efficiency with digital tools and resources designed for GMs:

• Use the Ultimate Game Master's campaign planner sheets for organized session plans.
• The UGM Screen can serve as your quick reference hub, with spots for monster stats and encounter tables to minimize active session prep.

Prioritize and Improvise

Learn to distinguish what truly requires prep:

• List your session's top three key events or plot points.
• Outline potential player choices, but be ready to adapt – after all, player unpredictability is inevitable!

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Prep Time

By adopting a more strategic approach to preparation, you'll reduce burnout and embrace the joy of storytelling. Remember, being a great GM doesn't mean preparing every single detail – it's about being ready to guide the story and players together. So, implement these tips and let your creativity flow without boundaries.

For more dedicated tools and community-driven advice, explore our resources at Ultimate Game Master. Share your thoughts and experiences with prep in the comments below!