10 D&D Combat Narration Tips to STOP BORING COMBAT

July 10, 2025
Posted by Luke Hart

By Luke Hart

Combat in Dungeons & Dragons is supposed to be thrilling—a cinematic clash of steel, spells, and life-or-death stakes. But too often, it turns into a slog of dice rolls and damage math that drains the excitement from the table. If your players are zoning out during initiative, if fights feel like chores instead of climactic moments, then you’re probably missing the single most important ingredient: narration.

That’s right—great combat narration transforms dry mechanics into unforgettable action scenes. Whether your party is fighting goblins in a cave or battling an archfiend in the sky, it’s your words as the Dungeon Master that bring the battle to life. These 10 narration tips will help you keep your players engaged, immerse them in the moment, and make every round feel like it matters.

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1. Keep the Dialogue Going During Combat

Combat doesn’t have to shut down roleplay. Let your NPCs and monsters taunt the players mid-fight, plead for mercy, or issue dark threats. Let players talk back—briefly. One-liners and banter can make battles feel alive and personal.

2. Sum Up the Situation Before a Player’s Turn

Right before a player acts, quickly describe what they see. “The ogre is stomping toward you, and the cleric’s unconscious behind you. What do you do?” It grabs attention and helps players who may have lost the thread re-engage with the scene.

3. Sum Up the Situation Even When It’s Not Their Turn

Remind players of what’s happening even when it’s not their turn. “Tiffany, blood is pouring down your arm, and two goblins are closing in.” This keeps everyone involved and reminds players that they’re still in the fight even if they’re not acting.

4. Violence Demands Viscera

Don’t be afraid to get gory. D&D is a game about life and death, and your combat narration should reflect that—within your group’s comfort level, of course. “Your blade cleaves into the orc’s shoulder, spraying blood across the stones.” That’s way more engaging than “you hit for 9 damage.”

5. Narrate Enemy Actions in Detail

Go beyond “it attacks you and hits.” Describe what the enemy is doing and how. “The troll lurches forward, swinging its claws in a wild arc that tears through your armor.” Small descriptive touches turn routine actions into memorable moments.

6. Narrate Dramatic Failures

Failures can be just as fun as successes. When a player rolls low, describe how the arrow snaps off a stone wall or how their sword catches on a shield. Use failures to add flavor, tension, or humor instead of just saying “you miss.”

7. Encourage Players to Narrate Their Killing Blows

When a monster drops, don’t steal the spotlight. Ask your players, “Lethal or non-lethal? Want to describe it?” Giving players a moment to narrate their finishing moves invites them into the storytelling process and lets them shine.

8. Set the Example

As the Dungeon Master, your energy and style sets the tone for the whole table. If you narrate creatively and enthusiastically, your players will feel more comfortable doing the same. Lead by example, and your players will follow.

9. Remember: Combat Is Roleplaying

Combat isn’t just wargaming. Every action, spell, and attack is an extension of who that character is. Keep roleplaying during combat. Let your NPCs show fear, fury, or frustration. Let players express their characters through how they fight.

10. Don’t Overdo It

Narration is like seasoning—too much and it overwhelms the dish. Not every moment needs a paragraph. Feel it out. Describe key moments with flair, but don’t slow the combat to a crawl. Find the right rhythm for your table.

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