Among tabletop role-playing game fans, the phrase How do you wanna do this? has become iconic. It’s a sentence that immediately sparks excitement, especially for players of Dungeons & Dragons and fans of the web series Critical Role. Spoken by Dungeon Master Matthew Mercer, the phrase signals that a player has landed the final blow on an enemy. But it’s more than just a question it’s a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and victory. Understanding the cultural impact of this phrase and how it’s used reveals a lot about the evolution of collaborative storytelling in modern games.
The Origin of How Do You Wanna Do This?
Matthew Mercer and Critical Role
Matthew Mercer, a renowned voice actor and Dungeon Master, popularized the phrase during episodes ofCritical Role, a web series in which a group of voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons. When a player deals the finishing blow to a monster or enemy, Mercer often turns to them and says, How do you wanna do this? This gives the player full creative freedom to describe the epic, dramatic, or even comedic way they defeat the foe.
A Moment of Player Glory
The question gives power to the player, letting them shape the story’s action in a direct and meaningful way. It also rewards their strategy, creativity, and persistence in battle. For many, it’s a bucket-list moment during a campaign the chance to narrate the climactic hit that turns the tide of battle or ends a powerful villain’s reign.
Why It Resonates with Players
Empowerment and Storytelling
Tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons are built around shared storytelling. The Dungeon Master (DM) sets the scene and guides the world, but the players breathe life into the action. By asking How do you wanna do this? the DM hands the narrative reins to the player, allowing them to direct the final act of the fight.
Memorable Moments
These moments often become the highlights of a campaign. Whether a player describes slicing off a dragon’s wing mid-flight or delivering a punch so powerful it cracks the earth, the freedom of this question allows players to imagine unforgettable cinematic moments.
Examples from Critical Role
Key Finishing Blows
Critical Role has showcased countless memorable How do you wanna do this? moments. Fans often recall how Vox Machina or the Mighty Nein defeated enemies with dramatic flair and personalized impact. Some scenes are emotional, others are humorous, but all reflect the unique personality and creativity of the player delivering the blow.
Fan Engagement
The phrase has become such a touchstone that fans regularly quote it, create fan art inspired by it, and even wear merchandise emblazoned with the phrase. It has transcended the game to become a cultural symbol for triumph and storytelling power.
Incorporating the Phrase in Your Own Games
Tips for Dungeon Masters
Any DM can adopt the phrase into their games. Here are a few tips for using it effectively:
- Use it for dramatic final blows, especially in boss fights or turning points.
- Let players be as detailed or silly as they like there’s no wrong answer.
- Encourage players who might be shy by leading with a suggestion or building their confidence over time.
- Celebrate their creativity with reactions and follow-up consequences in the world.
Encouraging Player Engagement
Players often feel a sense of ownership and pride when asked to describe their victory. It increases engagement and investment in the game. It also encourages them to think beyond dice rolls and stats, pushing for more narrative-driven combat.
Variants and Adaptations
Other Ways to Say It
While How do you wanna do this? is the most famous version, some DMs choose variations that suit their tone or setting. Alternatives include:
- What does your finishing blow look like?
- Describe the killing strike.
- How do you end this?
- What happens next?
Using It Outside of Combat
Though most often used in combat, the spirit of the phrase can be used in roleplay situations too. For example, when a player resolves a major plotline or overcomes a personal character challenge, giving them space to narrate the moment can be powerful.
The Emotional Impact
More Than Just a Kill
Sometimes, the moment is more than just about killing a monster. It might symbolize revenge, justice, redemption, or the end of a long personal journey. In those cases, How do you wanna do this? can lead to scenes that are deeply emotional and transformative for the player and character alike.
Group Celebration
Often, the group celebrates with cheers, applause, or in-character reactions. It strengthens the bond between players and adds to the collective storytelling experience. The moment becomes a shared memory that players recall for years.
The Phrase’s Legacy
From Catchphrase to Culture
What started as a casual question has evolved into a defining moment of modern tabletop roleplaying. How do you wanna do this? represents a shift toward player-focused storytelling and creativity. It’s a sign that games aren’t just about mechanics they’re about stories, characters, and collaborative worldbuilding.
Its Influence Beyond D&D
While most closely associated with Dungeons & Dragons and Critical Role, the phrase has also been adopted in other RPG systems. Its popularity reflects a broader trend in gaming culture toward improvisation, player agency, and narrative immersion.
How do you wanna do this? is more than a question it’s an invitation to shine. It encourages players to step into the spotlight and shape the story in their own voice. Whether you’re a veteran DM or new to the world of tabletop RPGs, using this phrase can transform your game. It elevates combat from a numbers exercise to a storytelling opportunity and turns final blows into legendary moments. Embracing this idea helps make every battle not just a challenge to survive, but a story worth telling.