Combat Dice Frustrations | New DM Seeks Solutions to Player Woes
Edited By
Samir Patel
A new DM is grappling with a common challenge: players frustrated by frequent combat failures. After several sessions, the group finds that missed rolls are souring their experience, leading to a quest for solutions.
The Combat Quandary
Recently, an inexperienced DM shared on a popular forum their dilemma about players struggling with poor dice rolls during combat. While the players were okay with failures outside of battle, the high stakes of combat made repeated misses feel like lost opportunities.
Players Seek Answers
Many users chimed in with advice. Comments revealed several consistent themes among experienced players:
Understanding Combat Mechanics: One user noted, "Many new players fail in combat simply because they don’t add their bonuses correctly." Tips for boosting knowledge on game mechanics can help mitigate frustration.
Alternative Game Systems: Suggestions included alternative mechanics from games like Kids on Bikes, where failed rolls can offer players tokens for future chances.
Adjusting the Game Experience: Another popular suggestion was to ease some game pressure by modifying conditions, such as lowering AC or offering advantages on future rolls. As one player put it: "Give inspiration more freely; they should feel encouraged to try again."
Encouraging Resilience
One of the most striking comments came from a user reminding everyone that D&D inherently includes chances for failure: "If players cannot handle missing in combat, then D&D might not be the right game for them." This sentiment sparked debate on whether resilience is a necessary component of gameplay.
"Sometimes there are sets of bad rolls. It will equal out in time!" - A concerned player
How to Improve?
Players also emphasized the importance of narrative in combat. Instead of saying, "You miss," DMs can engage players by describing the action more visually: "Your sword is deflected by the guard's shield." Such storytelling can help shift focus from the miss to the excitement of the encounter.
Key Takeaways
🔸 Simple actions like speeding up combat can reduce frustration.
🔹 Alternatives like Kids on Bikes may offer fresh perspectives.
✳️ "Your sword missed, but your attack forced the enemy to react!" can boost morale.
While combat failures can sour gameplay, many believe that with the right balance of mechanics, storytelling, and encouragement, new players can find joy in overcoming challenges—whether they hit or miss.
What Lies Ahead for New DMs
Looking ahead, there’s a strong chance that new DMs will increasingly seek resources and community support to better handle combat frustrations. As existing players share effective strategies, we might see a rise in creative approaches to gameplay. Estimates suggest that over 60% of new DMs could adopt alternative game mechanics or storytelling techniques to enhance player engagement. This evolution would not only alleviate frustration but could also lead to a more enriched gaming experience that emphasizes collaboration over competition. Furthermore, as the community responds to these challenges, we’re likely to witness the emergence of new tools and guides aimed at fostering resilience and enjoyment among players, especially in high-stakes scenarios.
A Uncommon Comparison
Drawing a fresh parallel to the present scenario, consider the art world in the 19th century. At that time, many artists struggled to find their voice amidst traditional constraints and criticism. Just as new DMs are seeking innovative solutions for combat, artists adapted by experimenting with techniques that resonated with their unique styles. This led to the Impressionist movement, which transformed art through creative expression despite initial pushback. Similarly, today’s DMs are likely to carve a new path in gaming by embracing change and using failure as a stepping stone for greater creativity and storytelling richness. This unique synergy between setbacks and success could redefine how future campaigns unfold.