Top 10 Role Playing Tips in Role Playing Games

Let’s face it, roleplaying can be tricky. Whether you’re sitting around a table with your mates playing Dungeons and Dragons, or exploring the grimy post-apocalyptic remains of society in some gritty RPG, there’s always that moment of “Am I doing this right?” For some, stepping into the mind of a half-elf warlock is as easy as slipping into your favourite socks. For others, it feels more like squeezing into a wetsuit two sizes too small, awkward, uncomfortable, and vaguely damp.

But the truth is, these games were built with storytelling and character immersion at their core. Yes, the dice and the stats are fun (especially when you roll a nat 20 and absolutely ruin a bandit's day), but roleplaying is what brings the world alive. It’s what turns a game into a shared adventure you’ll be talking about for years.

Here at Goomoo: The Adventure Merchants, we live and breathe fantasy. From various incense that smells like a wizard’s study, to fantasy-themed character prints that look like they’ve been plucked from an epic campaign journal, we’re all about celebrating the magic of storytelling. I, Jake, your friendly GM and fantasy hoarder, have played more characters than I’ve had Chinese takeaways (and I’ve had a fair few). Roleplaying is hands down my favourite bit, whether I’m leading the chaos as a Game Master or causing it as a character. So here are my Top 10 Tips for Roleplaying in Roleplaying Games, to help you fully embrace the chaos and the magic.

1. Know your character inside and out

The more you know about your character, the easier it is to breathe life into them. Ask yourself the big questions. What are their goals? What makes them tick? What would they do if someone insulted their mum in a tavern? Go beyond the stats. Are they proud of their appearance? Do they love animals? Are they scared of the dark but pretend they’re not? The more layers you add, the more naturally your character will show up at the table.

2. If you're worried about roleplaying, create a character that’s basically you

And no shame in that, either. When you’re new to roleplaying, it’s easier to step into the story if your character feels familiar. You can always spice them up with an accent or a slightly ridiculous backstory. My first character, Dayve, was just me with a lute and a bad Australian accent. He wrote dreadful songs, had a ridiculous constitution score, and I loved every second of it. Ease in with a version of you, then when you’re ready, go full goblin.

3. Don’t be afraid to go all in

Seriously, the only way to get the full experience is to throw yourself at it like a bard at a buffet. No one ever looked back and said “wow, I really wish I hadn’t committed to that dramatic villain monologue.” I’ve had people pause mid-game and stare at me like I’ve grown a second head, but I was having a blast. You don’t need to go full theatre kid, but push just a little past your comfort zone, and you’ll see your games come alive.

4. Remember, everyone else is doing it

You are not alone in the roleplay wilderness. Everyone around the table is also pretending to be elves, demons, or a sentient loaf of bread. The Game Master is narrating talking trees, magical battles, and probably doing four different NPC voices. You are amongst your people. Lean into the weirdness, and remember, the only wrong way to play is not playing at all.

5. Practice your voice

A good character voice doesn’t have to be Oscar-worthy. Just a little something to separate you from your character helps. I like to rehearse mine while drying my hair. The sound of the hairdryer gives me plausible deniability if I sound daft, and it’s surprisingly good acoustics. The more you try it, the more confident you’ll become, and before you know it, you’ll have a goblin voice for every mood.

6. Let the dice guide your drama

Rolling a natural 1 is not a failure, it’s an opportunity. In fact, it’s often where the best roleplaying moments live. Let the dice tell the story. You fail a deception check? Don’t just say “it didn’t work,” lean in and describe how your rogue nervously sweat-babbled their way through an obvious lie about being royalty. Make those moments sing, even if it’s out of tune. Good roleplay isn’t about winning, it’s about weaving a tale worth remembering.

7. React like your character, not like you

This one’s a biggie. Sometimes you’ll face decisions in the game that you, as a person, would handle one way, but your character would do something utterly different. Maybe you’d never steal, but your morally-grey bard sees a shiny thing and can’t help themselves. Lean into it. Trust the character you’ve created to act in ways that might surprise you. That’s where the magic happens, and it keeps the story real and rich.

8. Create little quirks and catchphrases

These are the sprinkles on your roleplaying sundae. Maybe your cleric insists on blessing every sandwich before eating. Maybe your barbarian calls every enemy “Jeff.” These little habits, sayings, and oddities bring your character to life in a way stats never could. Plus, your party will start looking forward to your weird rituals, and that’s when you know you’ve nailed it.

9. Keep an in-character journal

Now this isn’t for everyone, but if you’re the type who enjoys a bit of creative scribbling, try journaling from your character’s perspective. Write about the party’s adventures, your feelings about that one time Gary the wizard turned himself into a goose, or just document how many gold pieces you’ve got and what odd trinkets you’re hoarding. It helps you stay connected to your character, and gives you something hilarious to look back on when the campaign’s done.

10. Don’t take yourself too seriously

We’re all just big kids in fantasy outfits playing pretend, and that’s brilliant. So laugh at your own terrible puns, embrace the awkward moments, and celebrate the absolute nonsense that happens during your sessions. Whether you accidentally propose to a goblin king or start a cult devoted to cheese, remember, it’s meant to be fun. The story doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be yours.

 

 

Rolling stats and building characters are a massive part of what makes roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons so special, but the real joy comes from diving into the story and letting your imagination off the leash. Great roleplay turns a fun evening into a legendary one, and trust me, your GM will absolutely adore you for it.

Try out these tips, go boldly where your character would go, and don’t forget, if you need a little help getting into the roleplay mood, Goomoo: The Adventure Merchants has all the fantasy inspiration you could ask for. From incense that smells like a fae forest, to character prints that could have leapt from your latest quest, we’ve got you covered.

Now go, brave adventurer, and make some stories worth retelling.

— Jake
Dungeon Master, Bardic Disaster, Collector of Weird and Wonderful Things