oneshots

OneShots are standalone works that tell a complete story or provide a complete experience without requiring or anticipating continuation in a broader series. The term is used across media to describe single, self-contained pieces or sessions, emphasizing closure and a finished narrative or gameplay arc. In practice, oneshots avoid ongoing commitments and are designed to be consumed or completed in one sitting.

In comics and magazines, a one-shot is a single issue or publication that presents a complete story. It is published outside the regular ongoing series, and may introduce new characters, test experimental formats, or commemorate events. One-shots are often collected later in graphic novels or anthologies.

In tabletop role-playing games, a one-shot refers to a self-contained adventure intended to be played in a single session, usually spanning several hours. These adventures include a complete plot, characters, and encounters, and are popular for conventions, new players, or groups seeking a low-commitment experience without a campaign longer than a day.

In film and television, the term can describe a production designed to appear as a single continuous take, or more broadly a standalone episode or film outside a regular series. One-shot or single-take productions emphasize uninterrupted storytelling, though the term is sometimes used loosely to describe non-serialized specials.

Outside of media, “one-shot” can refer to any single, self-contained product or event. The concept centers on completeness and independence from sequels or extended continuities.