Combat Takes Forever | DM Struggles with Slow Player Turns
Edited By
Dominic Crown
DM faces mounting frustration as combat lengths stretch to over an hour with five players. The campaign, ongoing for over two years, grapples with indecision, overwhelmed character sheets, and a lack of combat strategy during team encounters.
The Breakdown of Combat Dynamics
The DM's attempts to streamline the game, such as reducing enemy numbers and applying minion rules, have failed as turns drag on painfully. Players are reportedly using much of their time re-reading spells and abilities without direction.
Several players are voicing concerns about the extended wait between turns, leading to lost focus and engagement. One commented, "Players that start without knowing what to do may as well lose their turn." Another suggested a stricter approach, emphasizing that "a party of five should finish a round in under 15 minutes."
Exploring Solutions to Improve Gameplay
Commenters shared various strategies to enhance pace and keep the game lively:
Implementing a timer: A minute or two can push players to think faster.
Encouraging preparation: Players should plan their moves during others’ turns.
Creating familiarity with character sheets: Understanding abilities is key.
Some quote, "If after two years your players don’t know their abilities, it may be time to end the campaign.”
How Engagement Plays a Role
The issue might not just be the game mechanics but player engagement. Some players have expressed disinterest in combat, reducing their focus. As one put it, "If they aren't engaged, it might not be worth it.”
Key Insights on Improving Combat Flow
🚀 Time limits are crucial: Stick to a 2-3 minute rule per player.
🔄 Pre-emptive reminders: Inform the next player that they are on deck to save time.
📋 Character flowcharts: Simplify decision making during combat.
The fundamental question remains: are players ready to adapt? Will implementing time pressures enhance enjoyment, or will they stifle creativity?
With various suggestions on the table, it’s clear the DM and players must unite to refine how they approach their interactions in combat. It's not just about speed—it's keeping the fun alive.
Future Gameplay Dynamics
As players and the DM adjust strategies, there’s a strong chance that implementing time limits could significantly boost engagement. Experts estimate around an 80% likelihood that if players come prepared and utilize timers, gameplay will see a marked improvement. In this capacity, the community may also benefit from shared resources focusing on combat efficiency, potentially leading to streamlined sessions that last under two hours. Meanwhile, those who resist adapting could face dwindling interest, possibly pushing groups to rethink how they engage with the game altogether.
Historical Echoes of Strategy Struggles
Reflecting on the shifts in board game mechanics during the 1980s, one can find a parallel in the introduction of timers in turn-based games, where lengthy player turns often led to disengagement. Much like the way classic strategy board games evolved to adapt to players’ changing needs, so too may tabletop role-playing experience a renaissance through these discussions on combat dynamics. Just as those board games revitalized engagement with simple rules changes, today’s table-top combat settings may similarly transform, inviting players to rethink fast-paced decision-making versus prolonged combat engagements.