Personally,
I like some pre-genned NPCs to use on the fly.
Some are Goon #1, Goon #2 and have stats, skills, and some basic equipment. The names change with location. In case I need so unsavory bastards for the bar in the trading posts.
Others are fully completed, I have a name, picture, and backstory. This way I can launch and adventure from a random encounter or just because the game is lagging with PCs undecided about where to go.
Next, I like to pre-gen some locations, a farm, a trading post, a saw mill, gas station. That way I have a map, what is there, who is in it, and floor plans. Again, just in case my player strike off cross country.
Another, is I like to rough out the region the PCs are operating in. Rough out some villages, trade routes, brush up on the in game encounter groups, and settle on the tech levels.
Then, I plan some big bad bosses and their motivations. Why is this guy the villain, is he/she really a villain. What does he hold or intend to take? Why does he need this.
Villains need a story, after all, if you ask the villain, he is the hero!
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