Top Dungeons & Dragons Campaigns to Kickstart Your Epic Adventure!

Highlights

For those new to the game, there are various D&D campaigns that are tailored specifically for beginners, providing enjoyable and challenging experiences without overwhelming them.

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Candlekeep Mysteries and Tales from the Yawning Portal are anthologies that offer short adventures ideal for novice players. They address common challenges like coordinating schedules or starting at higher levels.

Tabletop RPGs, once a niche pastime, have experienced a surge in popularity in recent decades, spearheaded by the renowned game Dungeons & Dragons. With the rise of video games, movies, and the 5th Edition itself, an increasing number of players are exploring the captivating world of the Forgotten Realms.

While 5e may be simpler than its predecessors, there is still a significant amount to learn. Those who are new to tabletop RPGs may feel overwhelmed by the abundance of D&D content and materials available. Which D&D campaigns are recommended for beginners, considering it is everyone's favorite TTRPG?

Updated on July 27, 2023 by Kristy Ambrose: Introducing new players to the D&D universe requires a delicate approach. A negative experience could potentially deter a player from ever trying again, and that is a nightmare for any Dungeon Master. It is crucial to find the ideal adventure for a group of low-level characters that is both enjoyable and challenging. Making it too easy may result in boredom, while making it too difficult can lead to frustration. In any case, there should always be treasure. Keeping this in mind, the Wizards of the Coast offer an even wider range of the best D&D campaigns specifically designed for new or inexperienced players.

13 The Joy Of Extradimensional Spaces, Candlekeep Mysteries

Getting everyone together can be a challenge for both beginners and experienced players. It can be disheartening to miss out on parts of a lengthy campaign due to life's circumstances. However, Candlekeep Mysteries, an anthology of captivating adventures, offers a solution to this problem.

The first adventure in this anthology is unique as it is the only one designed for 1st level characters. It begins with a standard quest of finding a cure for a village afflicted by a devastating plague. However, the quest takes an unexpected turn when the wizard responsible for the plague disappears, leaving behind only a single clue - a mysterious book titled "The Joy Of Extradimensional Spaces."

12 Lost Mines Of Phandelver

Lost Mines of Phandelver, included in the original D&D Starter Set, has become almost iconic. It is often the first suggestion from experienced Dungeon Masters to those who are new to the game. This campaign is relatively short, taking characters from 1st to 5th level, but the story is engaging and culminates in a thrilling climax. Additionally, the module provides premade characters and a simplified rulebook, making it even more accessible for beginners. Lost Mines of Phandelver is a timeless classic that offers an enjoyable experience for both players and Dungeon Masters.

11 Dragons Of Stormwreck Isle

Looking for a shorter adventure? Dragons of Stormwreck Isle is a fantastic option! It's included in the latest D&D Starter Set and serves as a spiritual successor to the popular Lost Mines of Phandelver released in 2014. The 5th Edition of D&D has undergone significant changes since then, and this modernization is especially evident in Dragons of Stormwreck Isle.

This adventure directly addresses a common concern among newcomers by featuring dragons. After all, if someone is joining a game called Dungeons & Dragons, they're most likely anticipating encounters with these majestic creatures.

10 Book Of The Raven, Candlekeep Mysteries

Introducing an intermediate-level exploration of the Shadowfell, or if desired, Barovia as an alternative to Curse of Strahd's well-known House of Death. The library received this mysterious book by means of a raven messenger, which offered no information regarding its origin or purpose.

Beyond delving into the Shadowfell and venturing into other realms, a concealed treasure map awaits discovery within the pages. Not all players may stumble upon it, but those who do can embark on a unique adventure distinct from the other potential paths.

9 Curse Of Strahd

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Curse of Strahd is an excellent choice for groups looking to start a campaign. However, it should be noted that this campaign can be quite perilous, with the possibility of losing characters. The introductory module, House of Death, is particularly known for its high lethality. Therefore, it is advisable to adjust encounters or consider alternate options such as Candlekeep Mysteries or Book of the Raven.

Strahd is an incredibly well-developed villain, with even his own memoir titled "I, Strahd." The setting of Barovia is captivating, along with its inhabitants. While it may pose challenges for new Dungeon Masters, it provides a unique experience that all Dungeons & Dragons players should try given the opportunity.

8 The Wild Beyond The Witchlight

The Wild Beyond The Witchlight offers a unique and beginner-friendly campaign experience like no other. It is particularly suited for those seeking a non-traditional adventure. Interestingly, players have the option to successfully complete the campaign without engaging in combat. Set in the strange and unpredictable realm of the Feywild, there is always something peculiar happening. This campaign encourages heavy role-playing, emphasizing diplomacy and charisma rather than traditional dungeon-crawling and treasure collecting. It is an ideal choice for parties who enjoy immersive role-playing and are eager to embrace it. Additionally, the Feywild setting allows for intriguing character choices, appealing to those with a flair for creativity.

7 The Murkmire Malevolence, Keys To The Golden Vault

This is the opening quest in The Keys To The Golden Vault module, designed for level 1 characters. The Varkenbluff Museum of Natural History serves as the starting point, where players are assigned the mission of securing a cryptic egg before it transforms into an Eldritch Horror.

Instead of forcibly entering, players will have the opportunity to unlock the Golden Vault, a compact golden chest, by using a golden key. The Dungeon Master will discreetly provide the key to the players at their own discretion.

6 Dragon Of Icespire Peak

This option is a part of the Essentials Kit, which includes dungeons, dragons, and adventure along the Sword Coast. Dragon of Icespire Peak is particularly recommended for beginners, offering a great introduction to the game. It is longer than the adventures in the Starter Kit, being about twice the length of Dragons of Stormwreck Isle. For players who are looking for a fairly lengthy adventure that still captures the classic Dungeons & Dragons experience, this is an ideal starting point.

One notable feature of Dragon of Icespire Peak is that most of its quests are obtained from a job board. These quests act as a series of standalone adventures that gradually lead the party into a more linear story in the second half of the game. This ensures that even less reliable players do not miss out on important story elements. Additionally, if the Dungeon Master has a one-shot adventure they want to run, they can easily add it to the job board for the players to decide on.

5 The Sunless Citadel, Tales From The Yawning Portal

Tales from the Yawning Portal offers a collection of seven short adventures, primarily targeting higher levels and focusing on the classics. Within this anthology, one can experience the thrill of dungeon delving, the exhilaration of defeating liches, and the excitement of springing traps.

Among the seven adventures, The Sunless Citadel stands out as the only 1st level adventure, and it is regarded as excellent. With a long-standing reputation as one of the top choices for new players, it follows the party as they venture into the deep, ancient ruins that share the same name as the campaign. Their mission: to track down the renegade Druid known as Belak the Outcast, delving into the darkness that envelopes the buried ruins.

4 Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist is primarily focused on intrigue, lore, and espionage, rather than combat. It is designed for characters of levels 1 to 5, making it a relatively short but content-rich campaign. It includes familiar names that may appeal to experienced players. While it excels in criminal intrigue, Waterdeep: Dragon Heist does have its flaws, although these are often overlooked by new players.

The material provides a wealth of lore and atmosphere for the game world and its inhabitants, but guiding the party in the right direction can be challenging. The DM has the option to use it partially or completely replace the entire campaign.

3 The Hidden Shrine Of Tamoachan, Tales From The Yawning Portal

An exciting 5th-level adventure awaits those who seek a challenge from higher levels. Brace yourself for vampires, monsters, and a mystical ancient city in ruins. But that's not all – get ready to immerse yourself in priceless nostalgia. This legendary adventure has been a beloved part of the D&D universe since its debut at the Origins game convention in 1979.

Encounter a spine-chilling tale in Tales Of The Yawning Portal. Uncover the captivating rumor of a haunted temple that pulsates with life. Be warned, for the carvings on its walls hungrily consume unsuspecting adventurers who dare to uncover the riches and mysteries hidden within The Hidden Shrine Of Tamoachan.

2 A Starry Breach, Be Prepared 2

From Kobold Press, known for their popular publications, we present not just one, but two collections of one-shot adventures. In total, there are 24 exciting adventures included, and this particular adventure is from the second volume. Additionally, these books offer the added advantage of being very affordable. Dungeon Masters have the opportunity to purchase both books, their corresponding PDFs, and the accompanying map packs for a price equivalent to that of a single official book.

The adventure's title is a nod to the deranged sorcerer who dwells within a desolate, frozen outpost. This eccentric character obsessively rambles about a mysterious fissure in the ice nearby. He firmly believes that this opening leads to a celestial pathway or perhaps something equally fantastical. Intrigued, a group of brave heroes ventures forth to investigate his claims.

1 Truly, Madly, Deeply

Getting started with D&D can be a daunting task, as new players are required to read multiple books such as the Player's Handbook, the Dungeon Master's Guide, and sometimes additional materials like Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. However, Truly, Madly, Deeply offers a solution to this problem. This D&D campaign is specifically designed for younger or less experienced players, allowing them to begin at "0th level" and gradually progress to 3rd level. By doing so, it effectively teaches players the mechanics and essence of the game over time.

Not only is the adventure itself enjoyable and straightforward, but it also caters to both new players and DMs, making use of the accessible design of the 5th Edition. Whether it's parents introducing their kids to D&D, teachers starting a school club, or simply looking for a gentle introduction without any complications, Truly, Madly, Deeply can meet those needs.