Cliffhangers keep your players on the edge of their seats. But did you know the term originated from Thomas Hardy’s serialised novel A Pair of Blue Eyes?
In the story, the protagonist clings to a cliff’s edge, his fate unknown, compelling readers to buy the next novel in the series, where all will be revealed. While this storytelling technique is common in novels and TV dramas, it’s also just as effective in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons. This is because they create suspense and demand some form of emotional investment—perfect for engaging players.
Without furhter ado, here are the 10 types of cliffhangers you can use in your campaigns and why they work so well.
1. Danger Cliffhanger
This cliffhanger puts characters into immediate peril. Think of a crumbling bridge over shark-infested waters or a literal cliffhanger scenario.
Example: The party is crossing a collapsing bridge when a player ends the session hanging by one hand as sharks circle below.
This technique heightens suspense and encourages creative problem-solving in the next session.
2. Accident Cliffhanger
Accidental cliffhangers are sudden and unplanned, triggering shock and chaos.
Example: A druid activates a pressure plate in a crumbling ruin, causing the GM to end with: “The faint sound of rolling boulders grows louder as the walls begin to shake.”
The unpredictability heightens immersion and increases tension.
3. Surprise Cliffhange
Introduce an unforeseen twist or revelation that shatters assumptions.
Example: The party unmasks the villain, only to discover it’s a trusted ally under a spell.
Surprise cliffhangers add drama and create rich opportunities for roleplaying as players navigate the new reality.
4. Running-Out-of-Time Cliffhange
Combine urgency with high stakes by introducing a time-sensitive challenge.
Example: The adventurers are trapped in a flooding catacomb, racing against time to escape before it’s too late.
This cliffhanger forces quick thinking and picks up the pace.
5. Threat or Carrot Cliffhanger
End on a note of promise or ominous threat.
Example: After breaching a secret chamber, the party finds a fabled black crystal. As someone touches it, the crystal shatters, and a disembodied voice declares, “You’re too late.”
This builds anticipation for what’s to come, either for the good or bad.
6. Lost and Found Cliffhanger
Focus on the disappearance or discovery of something significant.
Example: The party searches for a missing NPC with whom they share a deep connection. Will they find their friend alive?
This type of cliffhanger adds emotional depth or hope.
7. Foreboding Cliffhanger
Evoke a sense of dread with foreshadowing and suspense.
Example: During a long rest, a wizard dreams of a dragon’s eye opening deep within a mountain lair. Upon awakening, they feel an unsettling sense of being watched.
Perfect for slow-burn adventures, this cliffhanger builds tension over time.
8. Hope or Hopelessness Cliffhanger
Swings between optimism and despair to keep emotions running high.
Example: The players find a key to escape a room filling with sand, only to discover it doesn’t fit the lock.
This increases the emotional investment in your adventure, can they get out in time?
9. Question Cliffhanger
Leave players speculating about unresolved situations.
Example: After solving a riddle in an alternate timeline, players don’t know if their actions will impact the present.
This type of cliffhanger sparks discussion and creative thinking.
10. Uncertainty Cliffhanger
Deliberately leaves the story open to possibilities.
Example: The party confronts an NPC caught stealing from them but doesn’t know how they’ll respond when confronted.
This ambiguity keeps players invested and keen to explore different outcomes.
Why Cliffhangers Work: The Psychology Behind the Hook
Cliffhangers are effective because of the Ovsiankina Effect—a psychological phenomenon where people feel compelled to complete interrupted tasks. This urge to “close the gaming loop” drives players to return for the next session, eager to resolve the tension.
Using Cliffhangers Wisely
While cliffhangers are an excellent storytelling tool, overusing them can dilute their impact. Plan them carefully and ensure they naturally fit with the narrative to avoid frustrating your players.
Cliffhangers are more than just a way to end a session. They form part of a solid strategy to keep players deeply engaged and emotionally invested in your homebrew adventure. Happy writing!
Sources
Sources: Plot: The art of story. Amy Jones. (2012). https://amzn.to/3ZXnJ82