How to Take D&D Notes Like Matt Mercer: Complete Campaign Prep Blueprint
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Does Matt Mercer take notes during the game or only prepare before?
Mercer writes actively during sessions. He keeps a scratch pad directly beside his primary notes to record spontaneous NPC names, damage dealt, resources spent, and promises made to player characters. These scratch notes are transcribed into his permanent campaign binder after the broadcast concludes.
Should I use a physical binder or digital tools like Notion and Obsidian?
Mercer historically relies on a physical binder with plastic page sleeves because physical pages allow instant side-by-side scanning without app-switching or battery concerns. However, modern digital tools can mirror his three-tier setup using pinned dashboards, backlinked NPC cards, and split-screen viewing layouts.
How far ahead does Matt Mercer plan his story arcs?
He designs the campaign world broadly with overarching villain goals, but session-by-session mechanical planning rarely extends beyond one or two games ahead. Over-preparing specific story paths wastes time, as player decisions consistently alter the narrative trajectory.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
