Combat is one of the best parts of a D&D campaign interesting.
For Dungeon Masters, some of the most important things about planning a D&D encounter are obvious. Encounters should be balanced around the levels of the player party so that they are challenging without being impossible. Although this can easily be accomplished using challenge ratings, DMs should also for the class composition and experience level of their D&D players. In addition, a freshly-rested party is much more fearsome than one that has used up all of its resources, so a DM should always keep in mind how worn down the player characters have become.
One key thing that many DMs forget to do during Dungeons & Dragons encounters is ensure that enemies have their own distinct strategies. Players often coordinate with one another during combat, and the Dungeon Master should feel free to do the same with the creatures that they control. While a few stray animals should not be able to come up with an advanced strategy, groups of intelligent D&D creatures such as humanoids should be able to work together while fighting the players. By having the enemies in Dungeons & Dragons encounters use realistic strategies, the players will have to be reactive and remain more engaged.
Creating Encounters With Unique Battlefields In Dungeons & Dragons
Having every encounter take place in an open field can become quite boring, so Dungeon Masters should also plan out unique locations for combat. With a detailed and unique D&D battlefield, more players will be able to show off their character's skills, and more creativity will be required to win. Dungeon Masters can begin combat by describing the area they are in and pointing out a notable features or items that the players can see, such as a waterfall, ladder to another floor, or even an ideal hiding place.
Most fights in Dungeons & Dragons are all about defeating the enemies while taking as little damage as possible, but Dungeon Masters should be encouraged to make them more complex. By adding an additional objective, such as protecting someone important or retrieving an item from the enemies, players are forced to think outside the box and make use of their D&D character's utility. Dungeon Masters should always try to give every fight in their D&D campaign a purpose, and having an objective will help in this regard.
Running a Dungeons & Dragons campaign is hard work, especially when trying to ensure none of it becomes repetitive. By following a few simple suggestions, Dungeon Masters should be able to keep their players on their toes whether they are fighting a group of Goblins or a dangerous Lich.
