# Stars and Wishes Examples for GMs and Players Published: 2026-05-30 Updated: 2026-05-30 Stars and Wishes turns brief, specific feedback into stronger table dynamics, deeper character arcs, and clearer session goals. ## Article Want to improve your tabletop RPG sessions? Use the Stars and Wishes feedback method to highlight what worked and guide future sessions. It’s simple: - Stars: Call out great moments (like clutch moves, fun roleplay, or smart problem-solving). - Wishes: Suggest what you’d like to see next (story ideas, character growth, or session tweaks). This quick, 5–10 minute exercise fosters collaboration and keeps everyone engaged. Whether you’re a GM or a player, it’s an easy way to share feedback and make your campaign even better. How Stars and Wishes Works: A Simple TTRPG Feedback Loop ## Using Stars and Wishes for feedback on your D&D Game ###### sbb-itb-b8b00a5 ## 1. Session Highlights Session highlights are those standout moments that grab everyone's attention during a game session. As Joonas, author at Roleplay Letters, explains: "Stars tell you what worked the best. They are a reminder of things you should keep doing, in most cases." The key to making these highlights meaningful is specificity. A well-placed Star resonates more when it points to a precise moment rather than a generic compliment. Here are three types of highlights that resonate with both GMs and players: - The Clutch Ability Use When a player uses an ability at just the right time - like a Barbarian activating Rage to tank a critical hit or a Wizard casting the perfect utility spell - it’s worth celebrating. These moments showcase strategic, character-driven decisions and creative use of game mechanics. - The Inter-Party Scene Some of the most memorable moments happen between players, without any GM input. Whether it’s a heartfelt in-character conversation or an unexpected burst of humor, these interactions deserve recognition. As Burn After Running: RPG One-Shots notes: "I loved the scene between X and Y's PCs." Highlighting these moments helps build camaraderie at the table. - The Creative Problem-Solve When players bypass a deadly encounter through clever negotiation, use the environment to turn the tide of combat, or come up with a solution the GM didn’t foresee, it’s a Star-worthy moment. These instances reflect quick thinking and encourage more outside-the-box problem-solving in future sessions. Celebrating these moments not only acknowledges success but also inspires players to aim for even more memorable achievements in the sessions to come. ## 2. Future Goals Wishes help shape your campaign by highlighting what the group wants to explore or experience next. "Wishes tell you what your next session should include. I look at it as a shopping list: these are the things we should focus on together." - Joonas, Author, Roleplay Letters Here are some practical ways to create clear, actionable goals from both the player and GM perspectives: - Narrative Spotlights: These focus on specific story elements you’d like to see in action. For example, in April 2024, GM Joonas brought a "Dark Power" spirit patron into a Monsterhearts session after a player expressed interest in more interactions with their character's patron. Feedback from the session showed it was a hit - the player enjoyed the added depth the patron brought to the story. - Structural Adjustments: Wishes can also refine how sessions are run. In June 2023, Beth the Bard from TTRPG University implemented "Roleplay Initiative" after a player suggested a need for clearer character activity. This system ensured every player had a moment to act without overwhelming the GM, improving the overall flow of the session. - GM Wishes: Game Masters benefit from Wishes, too. For instance, if a player isn’t fully engaging with their character’s role, a GM might wish for them to "act more like a captain", offering a collaborative suggestion rather than a critique. If time runs short during a session, consider moving Wishes to a dedicated space like a Discord channel or shared spreadsheet. This allows everyone to provide thoughtful input without feeling rushed. ## 3. Table Dynamics When it comes to tabletop role-playing games, the way people interact around the table is just as important as the story being told. Feedback tools like Stars and Wishes provide a simple, low-pressure way for players to highlight what’s working and suggest improvements. This approach helps groups build better habits without making anyone feel singled out. "The Stars and Wishes safety tool promotes collaboration. It cultivates a sense of shared ownership and trust between game master and players." - Beth the Bard, Creator of TTRPG University Here’s how Stars and Wishes can improve group dynamics: - Celebrate others, not just yourself: Highlighting a teammate’s contributions - like bringing their character to life or creating space for others - reinforces teamwork and strengthens bonds. - Ease transitions after intense moments: After a heavy or emotional scene, a quick round of Stars can help everyone reset and regain balance before moving on. - Turn critiques into constructive Wishes: If something isn’t clicking - like the mix of combat and roleplay - a Wish reframes it as a positive, forward-thinking suggestion. As game designer Kieron Gillen explains, "It's the softest, easiest, kindest way to say you want to try something else." When game masters share their own Wishes, it shows that feedback is a two-way street. This openness encourages everyone to be honest and specific, creating a more collaborative and trusting environment. ## 4. Character Development Using Stars and Wishes for character development can add a layer of depth to personal engagement and storytelling. When applied thoughtfully, these tools can shine a spotlight on key character moments and help chart their future growth. A well-timed Star can highlight when a character truly felt alive, while a carefully framed Wish can guide the next steps in their journey. Instead of offering general feedback like, "You did great with the dialogue tonight", aim for something more specific: "I loved how your character's hesitation in that moment showed just how much they've grown since the start of the campaign." This kind of detailed acknowledgment makes character moments stand out. Consider this example: "Christy, your Barbarian was so cool when she burst through the door yelling bloody murder." - Trish, RPG Stack Exchange While Stars celebrate standout moments, Wishes pave the way for future development. Players can use Wishes to signal where they'd like their character's story to go. For instance, saying "I wish my character had a chance to confront their past" gives the GM a clear narrative thread to weave into the story without the need for lengthy discussions. Some groups even connect Stars for exceptional roleplay to mechanical rewards like experience points (XP). This not only encourages meaningful character growth but also strengthens the group's bond by celebrating these moments together. It's a feedback loop that makes deep roleplay both rewarding and impactful. ## Conclusion We've delved into how Stars and Wishes can transform your gaming sessions - from enhancing table dynamics to refining character development and setting clear goals for the future. It’s a straightforward yet impactful tool that can elevate every TTRPG experience. Here’s the thing: when feedback feels safe, people actually share it. This creates a ripple effect - Game Masters (GMs) get valuable insights, players feel acknowledged, and the entire group grows together. Whether you're a GM fine-tuning your prep or a player influencing the story, the practical examples shared here are ready to use. The secret ingredient? Consistency. Joonas from Roleplay Letters captures it best: “I look at it as a shopping list,” highlighting how Stars and Wishes create a direct link between what players want and what the GM delivers. By turning last week’s Wish into this week’s Star, you create a cycle of steady improvement. Friday, a Professional GM from Dollars & Dragons, underscores the importance of feedback with this warning: "If you are not receiving feedback to course correct you might be heading toward a preventable disaster. The rift between you and player expectations only grows larger with time." Make it a habit to dedicate the final five to ten minutes of each session to Stars and Wishes. This small investment ensures everyone stays on the same page, keeps engagement high, and sets your campaign up for even greater adventures ahead. ## FAQs ### How do we keep Stars and Wishes from feeling awkward? To ensure that Stars and Wishes feels natural and constructive, present it as a collaborative and uplifting ritual rather than a critique. Begin by introducing the method clearly during Session 0, so everyone understands its purpose and how it works. This sets the stage for open and supportive communication. Start the process with Stars to create a positive atmosphere. Highlight achievements, memorable moments, or things participants appreciated. Then, transition to Wishes, framing them as ideas or hopes for the future rather than demands or criticisms. This approach keeps the discussion forward-thinking and encouraging. If you're short on time, consider offering alternative ways for participants to share their feedback. Options like group chats or shared spreadsheets can provide flexibility while still maintaining engagement. Lastly, always focus feedback on behaviors or actions, steering clear of personal criticism to keep the process respectful and productive. ### What’s the best way to turn Wishes into next session’s plan? To transform Wishes into a plan for your next session, use them as a roadmap for preparation. Start by jotting down the Wishes players mention during or after the session. Next, go through these notes to pinpoint actionable goals - this might include tweaking pacing or focusing on particular character or NPC moments. Finally, incorporate these elements into your session planning to craft a story that reflects what your players want. ### How do I give a Wish without sounding critical? When offering a Wish, aim to make it sound like a positive suggestion rather than a critique. Focus on what you'd love to see in upcoming sessions, such as diving deeper into character backstories or exploring certain storylines. For instance, you could say, "I wish we could spend more time unraveling this character's past." Keep your tone encouraging, clearly explain your ideas, and steer clear of comments that might feel personal. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"How do we keep Stars and Wishes from feeling awkward?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" To ensure that Stars and Wishes feels natural and constructive, present it as a collaborative and uplifting ritual rather than a critique. Begin by introducing the method clearly during Session 0, so everyone understands its purpose and how it works. This sets the stage for open and supportive communication. Start the process with Stars to create a positive atmosphere. Highlight achievements, memorable moments, or things participants appreciated. Then, transition to Wishes, framing them as ideas or hopes for the future rather than demands or criticisms. This approach keeps the discussion forward-thinking and encouraging. If you're short on time, consider offering alternative ways for participants to share their feedback. Options like group chats or shared spreadsheets can provide flexibility while still maintaining engagement. Lastly, always focus feedback on behaviors or actions, steering clear of personal criticism to keep the process respectful and productive. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What’s the best way to turn Wishes into next session’s plan?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" To transform Wishes into a plan for your next session, use them as a roadmap for preparation. Start by jotting down the Wishes players mention during or after the session. 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