I only ever run one-shots, but have some advice.

I agree that debts and corruption are the killer apps of Urban Shadows; use both early and often. Don’t be afraid to tell people to mark corruption for reasons other than their corruption move.

In one-shots, no one ever fails outright on a miss: there are just lots and lots of very hard moves.

Also In one-shots, I often advance a countdown clock as a hard move.

If things get slow, some vamps with shotguns show up, and they’ve been looking for you. Why? Let’s find out!