By Trickin’s Coin Purse, Did He Just Metagame Again?!
“Aye, the rogue just ‘happened’ to pack silver for a monster he’s never seen. Must be that sixth sense only min-maxers possess.”
Metagaming once is forgivable. Twice? Annoying. But when it becomes a pattern — like a bard sniffin’ out every plot twist before the scroll’s even unrolled — then yer table’s not playin’ a game. They’re doin’ puzzles with the answers written in the corner.
I had a player once, name of Doran the “Humble.” Claimed he was playin’ a clueless barbarian with a tragic past. But wouldn’t ya know it — he always knew which potions to buy, which cave was a trap, which NPC was cursed, and what spell would ruin the monster’s day. Funny how that much knowledge lives in a lad who can’t spell “tactics.”
And the worst part? He ruined it for everyone else. Because once one player starts beatin’ the story with out-of-character memory, the rest stop guessin’ — they start askin’ him. And that, lad, is how immersion dies.
It Ain’t a Guess if You Read the Answers
👉 Tired of players treatin’ the game like a monster quiz show? Then dive headfirst into the GM Wisdom vault, where monsters grow meaner and metagamers get metaphorically punched in the beard. Or send me a full report on yer party’s crimes through Mike’s contact scroll. I won’t judge. Much.
What to Do When the Same Player Keeps Metagaming
1. Talk to ‘Em Between Sessions
This is the first fix — and the most often ignored. No roasting. No yelling. Just a mug o’ truth:
“Hey lad, I know ya know the monster stats. But yer character doesn’t. Can we ease up?”
If they get defensive, tell ‘em it’s about group fun, not control. You’re not battlin’ the player — you’re protectin’ the table.
And if they still grumble, send them this: If No One Trusts Ya, That’s Not a Roleplay Choice. Might rattle their smug little scrollcase.
2. Tie Knowledge to Rolls and Roles
Every time they “guess” right, stop the table and say:
“How does yer character know that?”
If they can’t explain it in-world, call for a roll. Or deny it outright. Keep the world consistent. Let ‘em earn it.
And if they succeed? Maybe they do know. But if they fail? Maybe they think they know — and lead the party into a trap.
That’s the kind o’ misstep that’d make Bahlin’s bent fork look like a genius maneuver.
3. Reward Roleplay, Not Just Results
Start handin’ out bonus XP or inspiration for players who stay in character, even when the player knows better.
“Aye, you guessed the mimic — but yer bard still opened the chest. Respect.”
Train ‘em to enjoy bein’ wrong in-character. That’s real courage at the table.
4. Redesign Familiar Threats
Take yer common threats and twist ‘em. Not just with stat changes — but with lore. Say it ain't a vampire. Say it’s “The Last Sigh of Elira.” Same weaknesses? Maybe. Same vibe? Not at all.
Take a cue from Wanderer’s Rest, where the items aren’t what they seem, and every cursed effect’s a gamble.
5. Let ‘Em Be Right — Then Flip It
Let their metagame “guess” pay off once — then pull the rug.
“Yes, the troll burns with fire. Then it laughs. And its flesh reknits around the flame.”
Watch their face. And know that this time, the surprise stuck.
When Players Stop Playing the Game, It’s Time to Change the Rules
👉 A good table’s built on trust — not trivia. If yer players are treatin’ every monster like an open scroll, you need to start writin’ new pages. For more lessons in pain and prevention, grab a stool in GM Wisdom or read Yer Not the Chosen One — Yer Just Another Player if yer metagamer thinks he’s some blessed tactician.
Suggested Reading for GMs Losing Their Patience
FAQ
Q: What if the metagamer’s always right — and the party likes it?
A: Then it ain’t a game anymore. It’s trivia night. Change the rhythm or change the monster.
Q: Is calling them out publicly a good idea?
A: Only if it’s lighthearted. Otherwise, do it between scrolls. No need for drama at the table.
Q: What if I accidentally encourage it with predictable monsters?
A: Then good on ya for admitin’ it. Now go twist yer next beastie like a rusted hinge in a haunted doorframe.
