Smells like the 90s: Building a 90s Soundtrack for Your TTRPG Campaign Session


Ah, the 90s. A decade filled with iconic music that spans genres, from grunge and alternative rock to hip-hop and R&B. For many, it’s the sound of youthful rebellion, raw emotion, and unforgettable anthems. As a Game Master (GM), why not infuse your next TTRPG campaign session with the power of a 90s soundtrack? Music has the power to elevate a role-playing session by setting the tone, building emotional resonance, and guiding the pacing of the story. Whether your players are navigating dark dungeons or unraveling political intrigue, the 90s have the perfect musical mood for every moment.

Let’s break down how you can assign a 90s soundtrack to different parts of a typical TTRPG campaign session—combat, exploration, social encounters, and climactic moments—with track suggestions that will leave your players feeling like they’re in the heart of a cinematic adventure.

1. The Prelude: Setting the Scene (Atmosphere)

Every campaign session starts with establishing the world your players are stepping into. Whether it’s a bustling city or a desolate wasteland, music can set the mood for the journey ahead. For this, you’ll want a track that carries mystery and depth, but with a touch of nostalgia to bring your players into the right headspace.

Song Suggestion: “Teardrop” by Massive Attack (1998)
This dreamy trip-hop track has a haunting, ethereal quality that works perfectly for mysterious or suspenseful moments. The slow, rhythmic beat and eerie melodies help create a sense of calm before the storm, ideal for when your players are gearing up for an adventure or stepping into the unknown.

2. The Battle: Combat Encounters

When swords clash and spells fly, the intensity of combat demands music that drives action and energy. For combat scenes, you want something with power, adrenaline, and a bit of grit—music that makes players feel like their every roll counts.

Song Suggestion: “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine (1992)
There’s no better way to energize a combat scene than with this anthem of raw rebellion. The heavy guitar riffs and aggressive vocals make this the perfect soundtrack for battles against powerful enemies or when the stakes are at their highest. Whether your players are taking on a group of orc raiders or facing a towering dragon, Rage Against the Machine will give the fight a powerful edge.

3. Exploration: Delving into the Unknown

As the party navigates a dense forest, an ancient ruin, or an abandoned city, exploration scenes require music that captures curiosity and a sense of adventure. In the 90s, alternative rock often conveyed these themes, with atmospheric sounds that can fit perfectly into a TTRPG session.

Song Suggestion: “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins (1995)
This melancholic yet uplifting track captures the feeling of wandering through places both familiar and strange. The soft, atmospheric guitars and Billy Corgan’s soothing voice create a dreamy vibe that matches the mystery and wonder of exploration. It’s perfect for when your players are discovering ancient artifacts, secret passageways, or long-lost histories.

4. Social Encounters: Tavern Talk and Political Intrigue

When your players are engaging in conversation—whether negotiating with NPCs, gathering information at a tavern, or navigating political intrigue—you want a track that feels reflective and grounded. For these moments, something with a laid-back vibe that still carries emotional weight is ideal.

Song Suggestion: “No Rain” by Blind Melon (1992)
This folk-infused alt-rock song has a relaxed, feel-good rhythm that’s perfect for the more social aspects of your game. Whether the characters are gathering in a lively tavern or having heart-to-heart conversations with NPCs, the cheerful melodies of “No Rain” set a mellow, inviting tone.

5. Tension & Betrayal: Dramatic Revelations

Every good campaign needs a moment where the tension ramps up—when secrets are revealed, betrayal is uncovered, or a looming danger becomes clear. For these moments, you need a track that embodies dramatic tension, something that slowly builds up until the truth is revealed.

Song Suggestion: “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails (1994)
Dark, brooding, and intense, this industrial rock classic builds suspense like no other. The hypnotic beats and menacing tones of “Closer” create an atmosphere of unease, perfect for scenes where the tension is palpable, and something is about to go terribly wrong. Use this for moments of betrayal, sinister revelations, or when the true villain’s plan is revealed.

6. The Climax: Final Confrontations and Epic Moments

When your campaign session reaches its climax—whether it’s the showdown with the big bad or the epic finale of the adventure—this is the moment to pull out a 90s track that makes everything feel larger than life. You need something epic, emotional, and unforgettable.

Song Suggestion: “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve (1997)
This orchestral rock masterpiece brings grandeur to any climactic moment. The sweeping strings, combined with the steady rock beat, create a powerful, cinematic feel. Whether your players are facing down the ultimate evil or making a final, fateful decision, “Bittersweet Symphony” will amplify the emotion of the moment, leaving a lasting impression.

7. The Aftermath: Reflection and Resolution

After the dust has settled and the campaign session winds down, there’s often a moment of quiet reflection where the players can catch their breath and process what just happened. Whether they’re celebrating a victory or mourning a loss, this is where you need something introspective and emotional.

Song Suggestion: “Wonderwall” by Oasis (1995)
A defining song of the 90s, “Wonderwall” is both nostalgic and reflective. Its acoustic guitar riff and vulnerable lyrics make it a perfect track for moments of resolution, when the party is reflecting on what they’ve gained and lost. Whether it’s the calm after a hard-fought victory or the beginning of the next chapter, “Wonderwall” lets players emotionally unwind as the session comes to a close.

Conclusion: The Soundtrack of Adventure

By weaving a 90s soundtrack into your TTRPG campaign session, you create an unforgettable experience that blends nostalgia with storytelling. Music has the power to elevate a game, making every battle more intense, every twist more shocking, and every quiet moment more meaningful. The 90s gave us some of the most iconic and emotionally resonant tracks in modern music history, so why not use them to soundtrack your next adventure?

So dust off those old records (or hit play on your 90s playlist), roll the dice, and let the music guide your players through an adventure they’ll never forget.

Happy gaming—and may your rolls be ever in your favor.

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