Are you ready to roll some dice, but your D&D group is missing some key players? Don't worry, you can still have some fun by running one shots! One shots are short adventures that can be completed in a single session, making them perfect for those times when you can't get everyone together for your main campaign. In this article, we'll give you some tips and tricks for running one shots, and some other things to do when you're missing players.

Running One Shots 🎉

Running one shots can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a bit more challenging than running your main campaign. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Keep it Simple 🤔

When you're running a one shot, you don't have as much time to get into the nitty-gritty of your world and its lore. Keep things simple and straightforward, so that you can get to the action as quickly as possible.

Make it Self-Contained 🏰

Your one shot should be self-contained, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This means that you don't need to worry about setting up any long-term plotlines or character arcs.

Give Your Players a Clear Goal 🎯

Make sure your players have a clear goal to work towards. This will help keep them focused and engaged, and will give your one shot a sense of purpose.  Remember in one shots rails are your friend.

Prepare Shortcuts 🐢 and Obstacles 🐇

If you want to fill as much of your play time as possible, remember to prepare some shortcuts (secret tunnels or guides) and obstacles (puzzles, combats quirky NPC) for your players, in case they are moving too fast or slow through the adventure.  My go-to for this is always a quirky NPC, as this gives you the most control and doesn't require your players to notice a glaringly obvious clue.

Have Fun with It! 😜

One shots are a great opportunity to try out new things and experiment with different play styles and homebrew of all sorts. Don't be afraid to have fun with it and see where the adventure takes you!

Other Things to Do 🤔

If you're missing too many players to run your main campaign, there are still plenty of other things you can do to keep the fun going. Here are some ideas:

Play Board Games 🎲

Board games are a great way to get your gaming fix, even when you're missing players. There are plenty of great board games out there with fantasy or adventure themes that will scratch your itch for adventure.

Try a New RPG 🧙‍♀️

If you're feeling adventurous, why not try out a new RPG? There are tons of great RPGs out there that offer different play styles and mechanics than D&D. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite game!

Have a Character Creation Party 🥳

If you're missing players but still want to work on your main campaign, why not have a character creation party? This is a great way to get everyone together and work on your characters, even if you can't actually play the game.  When you are done, use them as backup characters, one-shot characters or NPCs for the players to run into.

Take a Break and Hang Out 🍻

Sometimes, it's okay to just take a break and hang out with your friends. Go out for some drinks, catch a movie, or just hang out and chat. Sometimes, a little time away from the game can help you come back feeling refreshed and re-energized.

Wrapping Up 🎁

Running one shots and trying out new things can be a great way to keep your D&D group engaged and excited, even when you're missing players. Just remember to keep it simple, have fun, and don't be afraid to try new things. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite game or play style along the way!