Motivating the Sluggish New Player

Maybe they are shy. Maybe they are the only newbie. Maybe they are afraid of breaking the game. They may not have any idea that they are being a wet blanket. They don’t feel the pulse of the game and can’t seem to find it.

It’s important to maintain an atmosphere of welcoming inclusion. At this point they could easily be discouraged. Also provide straightforward challenges for their character- ones that the player would know how to manage in real life. Not all of us CPAs and waiters know how to parley with a rogue buccaneer!

Here are some quick things you can throw at the new players that they should

1. Have an NPC engage in conversation directly with the new player’s character.
2. Give the adventurers a riddle or puzzle to solve for a reward.
3. Send the party scurrying on a scavenger hunt, giving the new person some 1:1 time with the DM.
4. Require the specific skills of the new player’s character.
5. Reward effective play with engaging NPCs, information, one time use magic items to let the player know that they are on track.
6. Give the player an obvious threat to act against. Motivate them to defend themselves. Thieving raccoons ransacking the wagon on their watch, have pickpockets set upon them.
7. Reward effective in-character role play with lucky re-roll credits the player can apply as needed.
8. If you must, step out of the game and speak with an experienced or outgoing player in the group. Encourage them to have their character buddy up with the shy player occasionally.

Adding a new player can bring a sense of energy and new life to a campaign. It’s worth it.