How to Build a Successful Patreon as a TTRPG Creator: A Guide to Monetization

With the rise of independent content creation in the tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) space, many creators are turning to Patreon as a reliable platform for monetization. Whether you’re a game designer, DM-for-hire, artist, writer, or actual-play creator, Patreon can provide a steady income while allowing you to engage directly with your most passionate fans. But how do you build a successful Patreon that not only attracts supporters but also keeps them engaged and growing?

This guide will cover how to choose your tiers, gain followers, advertise, create engaging content, and maximize monetization.

1. Setting Up Your Patreon for Success

Before you start earning, it’s crucial to define your niche. Are you:

• A homebrew creator offering unique monsters, subclasses, and settings?
• A cartographer designing battlemaps?
• A writer producing story-driven campaigns and one-shots?
• A DM-for-hire running exclusive sessions?
• A podcaster or streamer with actual-play content?

Knowing your target audience will help you craft rewards and tiers that truly appeal to potential patrons.

Tip: Study other successful TTRPG Patreons in your niche and see what works. Look at their pricing, rewards, and engagement strategies.

2. Choosing the Right Patreon Tiers

Pricing Structure: Keep it Simple and Scalable

A good Patreon model includes a mix of low-cost, mid-tier, and premium options. Here’s a basic example tailored for a TTRPG creator:

• $3 - Adventurer Tier: Access to exclusive updates, early content previews, and voting on upcoming content.
• $5 - Dungeon Delver Tier: Includes monthly PDFs with homebrew content, such as monsters, spells, subclasses, battlemaps, or adventure hooks.
• $10 - Game Master’s Vault: Access to full one-shot adventures, detailed campaign supplements, or exclusive battlemap packs.
• $25 - Legendary Patron: Personalized content requests, shoutouts, and occasional custom NPCs or character artwork.
• $50+ - Exclusive VIPs: Limited spots for one-on-one DM coaching, private games, or personalized adventure design.

Tip: Keep the lower tiers appealing and affordable while reserving premium rewards for high-value supporters.

3. Creating Engaging Content That Keeps Patrons Paying

Once you have subscribers, you need to deliver consistent and high-value content. Consider:

• Exclusive PDFs - Custom subclasses, spells, magic items, battle encounters, or even full campaign settings.
• Map Packs & Digital Assets - If you're an artist or cartographer, release VTT-ready maps with different variations.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access - Show your patrons your creative process, drafts, and sketches.
• Polls & Interactive Feedback - Let your patrons vote on what you create next, giving them a sense of ownership.
• Monthly Themed Releases - For example, "Horror-Themed Encounters" for October or "Winter Adventures" for December.
• Actual-Play Content - If you run a live or recorded TTRPG series, offer exclusive episodes, bloopers, or Q&A sessions.
• Printable Player Handouts - Immersive lore sheets, NPC profiles, or dungeon blueprints.

Tip: Deliver content on a schedule (e.g., "New PDF every first Monday of the month") to keep patrons engaged.

4. Gaining Followers & Building Your Patreon Community

Where to Find Your Audience

• TTRPG Reddit Communities – Share your content in r/DnD, r/TTRPG, r/DMAcademy, and r/battlemaps (if relevant).
• Discord Servers - Many TTRPG communities allow you to promote homebrew content and resources.
• Facebook Groups - There are dedicated groups for DMs, indie TTRPG creators, and map makers.
• YouTube & Twitch - If you create actual-play sessions, map-making videos, or TTRPG guides, link your Patreon in the description.
• Twitter & Instagram - Post snippets of your work, polls, and teasers to drive interest.

Converting Followers into Patrons

• Give out free samples – Offer "pay-what-you-want" one-shots, free battlemaps, or teaser content to show the value of your Patreon.
• Create a lead magnet – For example, “Join my mailing list and get a free adventure module!”
• Use exclusivity to drive FOMO – Offer time-limited rewards (e.g., “Join in the next 3 days to get a custom NPC”).
• Engage with your audience – Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and involve your patrons in decision-making.

5. Advertising & Promoting Your Patreon

Social Media Strategy

* Post teaser content regularly – Short, high-quality snippets with a CTA ("Get the full PDF on my Patreon!").

• Use hashtags (#DnD, #TTRPG, #TabletopRPG, #DungeonMaster, #Homebrew).
• Run themed promotions – “This week, my $10 patrons get a spooky Halloween one-shot!”
• Cross-promote with other creators – Offer collaborations with artists, writers, or streamers.

Use Patreon’s Built-in Features

• Create Public Posts – Make some of your Patreon updates free to attract new subscribers.
• Offer Annual Memberships – Many Patrons prefer a one-time yearly payment, which provides stability.
• Enable Goal Milestones – Example: “At 50 patrons, I’ll release a full 50-page adventure module!”

Tip: Running occasional Patreon-exclusive giveaways (like custom dice or artwork) can incentivize new signups.

6. Scaling Up & Maximizing Monetization

Once your Patreon starts gaining traction, it’s time to think about long-term growth:

Upgrade Your Tiers

As your audience grows, introduce higher-tier rewards like:

• Custom Commissioned Maps or NPCs
• Early Access to Large Projects
• Merchandise (TTRPG-themed stickers, T-shirts, or dice)

Diversify Revenue Streams

Patreon is great, but don’t rely solely on it. Expand by:

• Selling PDFs on DriveThruRPG, Itch.io, or Ko-Fi
• Launching a Kickstarter for a full campaign setting or adventure book
• Offering paid workshops, one-on-one game design consultations, or DM coaching

Final Thoughts: The Key to Patreon Success in TTRPGs

Building a successful Patreon as a TTRPG creator requires consistent content, strategic marketing, and a deep connection with your audience. The best Patreon creators focus on their niche, provide real value, and engage with their community. By setting up reasonable tiers, delivering high-quality content, and actively promoting your work, you can turn your passion for TTRPGs into a sustainable income.

Now it's your turn! What kind of TTRPG content do you want to offer on Patreon? Share your ideas, and start building your Patreon empire today!