Best Dungeons & Dragons Campaigns For Beginners

Key Takeaways

• Candlekeep Mysteries offers short, beginner-friendly adventures to keep players engaged despite scheduling issues.
• The Shattered Gates of Slaughtergarde is ideal for new players, presenting unique lore in a familiar D&D setting.
• Dragon of Icespire Peak provides a classic D&D adventure with quests suited for both dedicated and unreliable players.

Tabletop RPGs have exploded in popularity over the past few decades, led by the now-household name brand of Dungeons & Dragons. The current updating of One D&D is intended to represent the next generation of the game as it becomes part of the online and digital world, and the complete version is expected to launch in September 2024.

Considering the myriad of choices available, having a list of the best D&D campaigns for beginners is helpful. A single bad experience with a TTRPG session might turn a potential gamer away forever, and that’s every DM’s nightmare. It’s important to find the perfect adventure for a party of low-level characters that’s fun, interesting, and also challenging, but not so difficult that everyone’s character risks certain death every time they roll the dice.

Updated September 18, 2024, by Kristy Ambrose: Not every module for low-level players is for beginners, and often, adventures for higher-level players start with a short time in tutorial mode. With this in mind, the Wizards of the Coast have an even bigger selection of the best D&D campaigns for new or inexperienced players. Dungeons & Dragons is relatively easy to learn at first, but mastering it can take a lifetime, and there’s a vast library that players can start with, especially with the ongoing creation of homebrew materials.

18 The Joy Of Extradimensional Spaces, Candlekeep Mysteries

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: January 1, 2020
• Author/s: Graeme Barber, Bill Benham, Kelly Lynne D’Angelo, et al.
• Character Levels: 1-16

A common issue among beginners and veterans alike is getting everyone together. Life happens, and missing out on parts of a long campaign can be discouraging. Fortunately, anthologies like Candlekeep Mysteries resolve that issue with a series of short yet intriguing adventures.

This is the anthology’s first adventure and the only one set at 1st level. It starts with a typical quest, which is finding a cure for a plague ravaging a village. It becomes a hunt for the wizard himself after he disappears, leaving only a single trace, a book entitled The Joy Of Extradimensional Spaces.

17 The Shattered Gates of Slaughtergarde

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: December 26, 2006
• Author/s: David Noonan and Mike Mearls
• Character Levels: 1-6

This module uses the 3.5 D&D rules, which differ from the 5th edition in some ways. However, with the extensive updates and revamps currently taking place in the D&D One universe, it’s up to the DM to decide which system is best for this party and their adventure.

Which path they take is determined by either good, neutral, or moral alignments, making The Shattered Gates of Slaughtergarde ideal for those who might be new to the concept. The module walks a fine line between having some unique, complicated lore, along with being derivative enough to feel like an authentic D&D adventure. Features include a dungeon which was once the site of a savage battle between demons, celestials, and the various other factions that support either side.

16 The Wild Sheep Chase

Winghorn Press

• First Published: January 1, 2020
• Author/s: Graeme Barber, Bill Benham, Kelly Lynne D’Angelo, et al
• Character Levels: 4-5

A short and sweet one-off adventure, The Wild Sheep Chase begins when a group of adventures, who are trying to take the day off, are interrupted by a disgruntled critter of the ovine persuasion. A Scroll of Speak with Animals unveils that our heroes have inadvertently involved themselves in an old grudge match with a magical twist.

The story isn’t exactly about livestock. There’s only one sheep in this adventure, and it isn’t even a real sheep. It spoils the twist slightly to reveal that this is a Wizard who’s been changed into a woolly, speechless beast by an angry former student. The goal of the adventure is not only to restore the Wizard, but also to defeat his former student and his minions, and restore some magical stolen property.

15 Lost Mines Of Phandelver, D&D Starter Set

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: July 15, 2014
• Author/s: Wizards of the Coast
• Character Levels: 2-5

Included in the original D&D Starter Set, Lost Mines of Phandelver is designed as both a tutorial for new players and a testing ground for low-level characters. It’s iconic in itself, often the first recommendation from any DM to those less experienced.

It comes with a set of premade characters and a simplified rulebook to make the experience even more beginner-friendly. For a module that’s easy on both the players and DM, Lost Mines of Phandelver is a classic.

14 Dragons Of Stormwreck Isle: D&D Starter Set

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: October 4, 2022
• Author/s: Wizards Of The Sword Coast
• Character Levels: 1-5

For those looking for a shorter adventure, Dragons of Stormwreck Isle is a prime choice. It’s part of the newest D&D Starter Set, as a spiritual successor to the 2014-released Lost Mines of Phandelver. The 5th Edition has changed drastically since its release, and this modernization is noticeable in Dragons of Stormwreck Isle.

It addresses an issue often brought up by newcomers regarding the accuracy of the game’s title, and just to keep everyone happy, this is an adventure that features dragons. If a new player joins a game called Dungeons & Dragons, that’s what they’re expecting.

13 Book Of The Raven, Candlekeep Mysteries

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: March 16, 2021
• Author/s: Graeme Barber, Bill Benham, Kelly Lynne D’Angelo, et al
• Character Levels: 1-10

The Library of Candlekeep was one of the most important locations in the early Baldur’s Gate video games, and it appears again in this campaign. This book arrived in the library via a raven courier, and the bird had little to say about where it had come from or why. The Book of the Raven is a 3rd level introduction to the Shadowfell, the realm of Shar which BG3 players can visit briefly, or even Barovia if DMs want to avoid Curse of Strahd’s notorious House of Death.

In addition to the Shadowfell and travel to other planes, there’s also a treasure map hidden in the book that not all players will find. When they do, they can use it to build a different adventure instead of following the other two possibilities.

12 Curse Of Strahd

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: March 15, 2016
• Author/s: Jeremy Crawford, Laura Hickman, Tracy Hickman, et al
• Character Levels: 1-10

For the more ambitious beginners happy to start with a longer more serious campaign, Curse of Strahd is among the best. The campaign is quite dangerous, and players should be prepared to lose a character or two. Its introductory module, House of Death, is also notoriously lethal, so it’s recommended to tweak encounters or run an alternative like Candlekeep Mysteries or Book of the Raven.

Strahd is an incredible and fleshed-out villain, even having his memoir in “I, Strahd,” and the setting of Barovia is deeply intriguing, as are its inhabitants. While it has its challenges for new DMs, it’s an experience and one that all D&D players should try if given the chance. There’s a Revamped version of the module that also includes a tarokka card deck, Barovia-themed posters, and a Creaures of Horror book.

11 The Wild Beyond The Witchlight

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: September 21, 2021
• Author/s: Various authors
• Character Levels: 1-8

For an unusual but still beginner-friendly campaign, The Wild Beyond The Witchlight is unrivaled, especially for those looking for a non-traditional adventure. If they want, a party can complete the campaign without fighting a thing, and as it’s based in the Feywild, there’s always something weird going on. It can be very role-play-heavy, focusing on diplomacy and charisma over dungeons and loot.

While that won’t suit every party, it’s perfect for those comfortable role-playing and eager to do so. The Feywild also allows for some fascinating character choices, for those who are creatively inclined.

10 The Murkmire Malevolence, Keys To The Golden Vault

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: February 10, 2023
• Author/s: Heroic Maps
• Character Levels: 1st

This is the introductory adventure in the module The Keys To The Golden Vault, and it’s the perfect place to begin an adventure. The Varkenbluff Museum of Natural History is the setting and players are tasked with retrieving a mysterious egg before it turns into an Eldritch Horror.

The twist to this story is that the Golden Vault isn’t something that players break into. It’s a small golden chest that gives players a mission when they open it with a golden key, an object the DM will place in their possession in a manner of their choosing.

9 Descent Into Avernus

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: Sep 17, 2019
• Author/s: Chris Perkins et al.
• Character Levels: 1-13

There are a lot of new D&D players that have been drawn to the tabletop version of the game through the popular video game title Baldur’s Gate 3, and Descent Into Avernus forms part of the backstory for the game. The Tiefling refugees that are hiding in the Druid Grove in Act 1 are fleeing from the city of Elturel after it was dragged into the Nine Hells.

This campaign explains more about certain characters that are mentioned in BG3 but never appear, such as the Fiend Zariel, the devil that enslaved Karlach and rules Avernus. Elturel was eventually returned to its rightful place in Faerun by a dedicated group of adventurers, which is the basic plot of the campaign.

8 Dragon Of Icespire Peak: D&D Starter Set

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: September 3, 2019
• Author/s: Jeremy Crawford, et al.
• Character Levels: 1-6

This option is part of the Essentials Kit, including dungeons, dragons, and adventure along the Sword Coast. It’s longer than the Starter Kit adventures, about twice as long as Dragons of Stormwreck Isle, so if players are interested in a fairly lengthy adventure while keeping the classic Dungeons & Dragons feel, this is a good place to start.

A notable benefit of Dragon of Icespire Peak is that most of its quests are taken from a job board, acting as a series of one-shots that lead the party to a more linear second half. This means that less reliable players don’t miss out on much storywise; furthermore, if the DM has a one-shot they want to run, they can throw it on the job board for players to decide.

7 The Sunless Citadel, Tales From The Yawning Portal

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: 2000
• Author/s: Bruce Cordell
• Character Levels: 1st

Tales from the Yawning Portal is an anthology with seven short adventures to choose from, but other than the first adventure, it is geared more toward higher levels and the classics. The Sunless Citadel is the anthology’s only 1st level adventure, and it’s a good one.

This adventure has a long history as one of the best adventures for new players, also because it’s natural to progress to the second should everyone survive. The party pursues the rogue Druid, Belak the Outcast, into the darkness of the buried ruins of the campaign’s namesake.

6 Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: September 18, 2018
• Author/s: Christopher Perkins, James Haeck, James Introcaso, et al.
• Character Levels: 1-5

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist is less combat-driven as it focuses on intrigue, lore, and espionage. It ranges from 1st to 5th level, as well as includes recognizable names for any experienced members of the party. While a great campaign for criminal intrigue, Waterdeep: Dragon Heist has its flaws, though newer players rarely mind.

The material offers a wide swathe of lore and flavor for the world and its denizens, but keeping the party in the right direction can be difficult. It can be used piecemeal or to replace the campaign entirely, which is up to the DM.

5 The Lost City

TSR Inc.

• First Published: 1982
• Author/s: Tom Moldvay
• Character Levels: 1-3

A vintage adventure from the days of the Basic edition, The Lost City takes place in the land of Mystara, which was part of a region called The Known World at the time of publishing. This has since expanded to include a whole universe of other realms, and this module can be played in either context. Beginners and experienced players alike will enjoy the retro feel of this adventure, which could easily be adapted to a modern setting if the DM wishes it.

The Lost City is part of a larger set of adventures that includes 12 modules, all of them for characters at their earliest levels, and this adventure is Part 4. Having the complete set, or even a few of them, offers a wealth of materials for an enthusiastic party and an ambitious Dungeon Master. This module in particular was intended for new players and fledgling DMs who need practice fleshing out a completely immersive world along with a classic D&D adventure.

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

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: 1980
• Author/s: Harold Johnson, Jeff R. Leason
• Character Levels: 5 and up

Tales Of The Yawning Portal includes one fantastic rumor of a haunted temple that also seems to be alive. Carvings on the walls devour wayward travelers who dare to seek out the treasure and secrets of The Hidden Shrine Of Tamoachan.

A 5th-level adventure for those who prefer to start at higher levels. Vampires, monsters, and an ancient ruined city. What’s not to love? Well, how about some priceless nostalgia? This adventure has been a part of the D&D universe since 1979 when it debuted at the Origins game convention.

3 Princes of the Apocalypse

Wizards Of The Coast

• First Published: April 7, 2015
• Editor/s: Michele Carter, Stacy Janssen
• Character Levels: 1-15

Princes of the Apocolypse is the ideal campaign for players who are new but enjoy the lore and story as much as the combat. The adventure takes place in the northern reaches of Faerun and revolves around the rise of four deadly cults, each of them wielding a different elemental power.

The Elemental Evil Player’s Companion is a guide that further clarifies some of the details in this extensive campaign that can take characters through up to 15 levels if they so choose. This is also a handy resource for homebrewers who are building their unique campaigns.

2 A Starry Breach, Be Prepared 2

Kobold Press

• First Published: August 27, 2017
• Author/s: Jon Sawatsky
• Character Levels: 1-11

From the ever-popular Kobold Press come not one, but two anthologies of one-shots, 24 adventures in all, and this is an adventure from the second volume. There’s also the added benefit of the books being very cheap. DMs can buy both books, their PDFs, and their related map packs for about as much as one official book.

The title is a reference to the mad mage inhabiting a frozen and otherwise abandoned outpost, and his rantings are concerned with a breach in the ice nearby. He believes it leads to a path into the stars or something crazy like that, and the band of heroes goes forth to investigate.

1 Truly, Madly, Deeply: Level Zero To Hero

Hipsters & Dragons

• First Published: May 14, 2021
• Author/s: Patrick Higginbotham, Chad Cray, Summoning Grounds
• Character Levels: 0-3

Getting into D&D can be arduous, with new players having to read the Player’s Handbook, the Dungeon Master’s Guide, and often supplemental materials like Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. Truly, Madly, Deeply helps to fix that. This D&D campaign starts players at “0th level” and progresses steadily to 3rd, teaching the mechanics and spirit of the game over time.

The adventure itself is simple and fun, accommodating new players and DMs alike while taking advantage of the 5th Edition‘s accessible design. For parents teaching their kids D&D, teachers starting a school club, or just a gentle introduction without any fuss; Truly, Madly, Deeply has it covered.