Reusing locations

In many video games, the protagonist will return to a certain location multiple times. They usually return after acquiring new keys or abilities to unlock additional areas. Alternatively, the party may hear about a new development that prompts them to return.

In TTRPGs, we can do something similar. Here are some ideas on reusing locations:

• After a dungeon was cleared out, a Goblin tribe has moved into the area.
• A map is discovered showing additional passages not noticed before.
• The party finds a key to unlock a door they couldn’t get past before.

Reusing locations has several advantages: 

• Your prep is significantly reduced, as you can reuse the same map with slight modifications each time. Some map makers even create multiple variations of the same map.
• Since the players have been there before, they will feel more confident exploring the area.
• By showing how an area has changed over time, the world feels more real and dynamic. 
• The party is reminded of the awesome time they had visiting the location previously.

If you’re going to reuse locations, here are some additional tips:

• Make sure to change some things so that the party still has to be careful. New traps may have been laid and new creatures have moved in since the party was last there.
• Don’t overuse this technique. Most sessions should still feature new locations, and you probably shouldn’t reuse a location more than once or twice.

Let me know if you’ve ever reused locations and how it went!