But my players LOVE being railroaded?

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Dungeon Dudes

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Published on September 18, 2025 6:01:05 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6FamF2S5ZM

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Let’s break down the difference between railroading and linear storytelling. Sponsored by: The One Dice
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Many DMs worry they’re forcing their players down a single path, but here’s the truth: not every clear story arc is a “railroad.” In this episode, we explain:

If your players say they “love being railroaded,” what they actually enjoy is a well-paced campaign with meaningful choices.
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What railroading really is (and why players hate it)

How linear campaigns give direction without removing choice

Examples from classic adventures like Curse of Strahd

Why video games like The Last of Us and Mass Effect help illustrate the difference

DM tips to keep player agency alive, even in a structured story
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