A great one-shot lives or dies by its opening moments. If you’ve only got a few hours to play, you need a premise that grabs your players by the collar and hurls them into the action. That’s where one-shot hooks come in.
Whether you’re prepping a convention game, running a holiday session, or testing out a new group, the right hook sets the tone, defines the stakes, and builds instant momentum. Here are five tried-and-true one-shot hooks, complete with examples, tips, and just enough chaos to light the fire.
What Makes a Good One-Shot Hook?
Before we dive in, here’s what separates a memorable one-shot hook from a forgettable one:
- Clear stakes: Something must be won or lost.
- Urgency: There’s a ticking clock, visible danger, or limited window.
- Genre tone: Horror? Heist? High fantasy? The hook should set expectations.
- Player agency: Your players should have real choices from the start.
Now, onto the sparks.
1. The Timed Catastrophe
Example: A dormant volcano shows signs of eruption. A seer says it will blow in three hours. The local village refuses to evacuate until a missing child is found. Your party is the only one that can solve both problems in time.
Why it works:
- Tension rises every minute.
- Players know their mission from the start.
- Combining exploration, moral choice, and a climactic escape.
Great for: Dramatic, time-sensitive sessions with exploration and rescue.
2. The Mysterious Disappearance
Example: You’re guests at a noble’s wedding. During the toast, a member of the wedding party disappears in full view of the guests. The doors are locked. No one can leave. The clock is ticking before panic erupts.
Why it works:
- Establishes mystery and urgency in seconds.
- Perfect for roleplay-heavy groups.
- Adds tension with every passing moment.
Great for: Intrigue, horror, or investigative one-shots.
3. The Risky Heist
Example: One night. One vault. One artefact too dangerous to be left in the wrong hands. It’s up to you to break in, beat the magical traps, and steal it before midnight—and you’re not the only crew after it.
Why it works:
- Sets up team dynamics fast.
- Offers natural obstacles: puzzles, guards, rivals.
- Supports clever planning and chaotic improvisation.
Great for: Fast-paced, skill-focused one-shots with rogue energy.
4. The Unstoppable Threat
Example: A necromancer’s undead army is one village away. The town guard is missing. The townfolk are terrified. You have until sunrise to hold the line, find the source, or both.
Why it works:
- Simple, immediate setup.
- Naturally leads to a layered defence or boss battle.
- Gives options: talk, fight, sneak, or rally the town.
Great for: Combat-focused one-shots with big stakes and moral decisions.
5. The Bizarre Bargain
Example: A trickster fey interrupts your tavern at night. “Complete my old quest, and I’ll grant each of you a wish. Refuse, and I’ll take the thing you value most.” Suddenly, you wake up deep in a cursed forest, with no memory of what you agreed to.
Why it works:
- Puts players off balance instantly.
- Opens the door to weird magic and unexpected twists.
- Makes personal stakes easy to invent.
Great for: Roleplay-forward one-shots with weird fantasy or whimsy.
How to Use One-Shot Hooks Effectively
Hooks are more than a plot device—they’re a launchpad. Here’s how to make them land:
- Present the hook in the first five minutes of play.
- Let players react their way: fight, flee, investigate, or mess around.
- Tie the hook to your pacing structure. Learn more in our How to Write a One-Shot Adventure in 5 Steps guide.
- Cut anything that doesn’t serve the hook. One-shots reward focus.
For more examples and pacing advice, Wizards of the Coast’s Ghosts of Saltmarsh offers several short-form adventures with clean entry points.
Final Thoughts
A good hook doesn’t just start the story—it shapes everything that follows. Whether your party is chasing shadows, stealing relics, or holding the line against the dead, the right setup gives them the fire to make the most of a single night.
Have a favourite one-shot hook? Drop it in the comments—we’re always looking to steal or borrow a few for the next session.
