Session Zero Checklist (Downloadable PDF)

A great campaign starts long before the first die is rolled. Session Zero is the planning session where you and your players align on tone, expectations, safety, and the kind of story you want to tell together. Use the checklist below to run a smooth Session Zero for Dungeons & Dragons 5e, Pathfinder, or any tabletop RPG — then keep it on your Ultimate Game Master Screen so every prep note stays exactly where you need it.

What Is a Session Zero?

Session Zero is a dedicated meeting held before your campaign begins. Instead of jumping straight into combat, the table uses this time to set the schedule, agree on the campaign's themes, create characters together, and establish the safety tools and house rules everyone is comfortable with. A strong Session Zero prevents misaligned expectations, reduces table conflict, and sets up a campaign that lasts.

The Complete Session Zero Checklist

1. Set the Table

• Confirm a regular day, time, and session length
• Decide on cadence (weekly, biweekly, monthly)
• Agree on attendance and rescheduling expectations
• Choose in-person, online, or hybrid — and the tools you'll use

2. Pitch the Campaign

• Share the setting, genre, and overall tone (heroic, gritty, comedic, horror)
• Set the expected level range and campaign length
• Explain the style of play: combat, roleplay, exploration, or a mix

3. Establish Tone & Safety Tools

• Discuss content everyone wants to include — and lines that are off-limits
• Introduce safety tools (X-Card, Lines & Veils, open-door policy)
• Agree on how the table handles PvP, character death, and downtime

4. Build Characters Together

• Create characters as a group so backstories connect
• Make sure party roles are covered (tank, healer, face, utility)
• Tie each character to the setting with a hook the GM can use

5. Define House Rules

• Confirm which optional rules are in play (flanking, feats, multiclassing)
• Agree on rolling method, inspiration, and critical-hit rules
• Clarify how you'll handle rules disputes mid-session

6. Connect the Party

• Decide how the characters already know each other
• Give the group a shared goal or reason to adventure together
• End Session Zero with a one-line summary of the campaign's promise

Run Every Session Like a Legend

Once your Session Zero notes are set, keep your most-used references at your fingertips. The Ultimate Game Master Screen uses magnetic, dry-erase charts so initiative, house rules, and campaign notes snap exactly where you want them — and wipe clean for your next adventure. Browse more GM resources or explore the full accessory lineup to build your perfect command center.