On StartPlaying, every game is either a one-shot or a campaign. Here's what each means and how they differ.
What is a One-Shot?
A one-shot is a self-contained adventure that takes players through a complete story arc in a single session. You sign up, play the game, and the story is finished. No ongoing commitment required!
Payment: You are charged once for a one-shot, covering the single session.
Typical length: Most one-shots run 2–4 hours.
What is a Campaign?
A campaign is a series of connected sessions set in the same world. Your DM creates an ongoing story with a backstory, settings, and recurring characters (NPCs) that develops over multiple sessions. You and your group meet regularly to play through the story together.
Payment: You are charged per session each time your group meets.
Typical length: Campaigns vary widely from a handful of sessions to many months of weekly play. Check the game listing for the DM's estimated session count.
What is the difference between a one-shot and a campaign?
| One-Shot | Campaign |
Length | Single session | Multiple sessions |
Story | Self-contained | Ongoing |
Commitment | One-time | Recurring |
Payment | Charged once | Charged per session |
Which is right for me?
Choose a one-shot if you want to just try out D&D, a new DM, or just have a single evening of adventure with no ongoing commitment.
Choose a campaign if you're looking for a longer story, want to develop your character over time, and are ready to commit to a regular schedule with a group.
What about planned end date campaigns?
Planned end date campaigns are campaigns with set start and end dates. This is unique to Young Heroes games because of their differing cancellation structure to standard games.
Think of planned end date campaigns similarly to summer camp. You have specific dates you know you'll be there, and when camp is over there is no further time commitment. Friendship bracelets are optional.
DM's can extend planned end date campaigns by changing the last session date. We would require agreement from all players' guardians for that kind of extension. Even easier, DM's can make a separate, ongoing campaign for their players if everyone decides they want to continue after the original agreed-upon end date.