The 25 Best DnD Campaigns Ever Made
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It’s been over 50 years since Dungeons & Dragons was first published. Since that times there have been hundreds of campaigns, offering rich narratives that take players across the multiverse and multiple levels of play. Yet of this impressive collection of adventures, only a few stand out as being truly epic in nature. Some of these are recent additions to DnD, while others date back to the earliest editions of the game.
To help crown a winner, we’ve put together this list of our picks for the top DnD campaigns, judging them based on their story, memorability and challenge (notably, we’ve also included both official and third-party titles). For ease of reference, we’ve also included the year the book was published, the edition, the character levels, the setting and our rationale for why we picked it.
So prepare to face down some of TTRPG’s greatest critical hits as we break out… the 25 best DnD campaigns ever made.
25. Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Published: September 2020
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-12
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: Set in the remote, frozen wilds of Icewind Dale (a region first popularized in the Legend of Drizzt books), this unique DnD campaign is focused on a never ending winter that’s been cast over the land by the ice goddess Auril. It’s up the players to break the curse, while also exploring the region, taking on a variety of side quests and encountering the many unique NPCs and monsters that inhabit the region. The resulting adventure offers an icy all-you-can-play buffet of combat, mystery, roleplaying and exploration that showcases the best of DnD.
24. Storm King’s Thunder
Published: September 2016
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-10
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: Set in the Sword Coast region of the Forgotten Realms, this classic adventure kicks off after Annam All-Father, the legendary god of the giants, goes missing, with the remaining giant clans fighting to fill the power vaccum and trampling the Realms in the process. It’s up the players to figure out what happened and turn the tide of the colossal armies ravaging the land. It’s a fast and fun paced series of modular adventures that also features new magic items, monsters, NPCs and maps. The end result remains one of the biggest and best DnD campaigns.
23. Tyranny of Dragons
Published: January 2023
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-15
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: Collecting the two previously published books Hoard of the Dragon Queen and Rise of Tiamat into a single edition, Tyranny of Dragons is an epic DnD campaign that takes players across the Forgotten Realms in a quest to prevent the evil dragon goddess Tiamat from escaping her prison in the Nine Hells. Featuring numerous locations throughout the Sword Coast and recruiting or battling key factions and NPCs along the way, it’s a solid adventure with world shattering stakes.
22. Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Published: November 2018
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 5-20
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Chose It: If you’re looking for an incredible campaign that puts the “dungeon” in Dungeons & Dragons, then this book has you covered. The campaign takes players akes place beneath the streets of the city of Waterdeep in the infamous mega dungeon known as Undermountain. Each level of this massive dungeon offers its own challenges, NPCs and factions, along with traps, puzzles and monsters. The end result is one of the most epic dungeon crawls of all time.
21. Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep
Published: March 2022
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 3-12
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: Set in the land of Exandria, the setting first popularized in Critical Role podcast, this unique DnD campaign involves player battling an ancient evil while exploring a large part of the continent of Wildemount and the dark underwater realm known as the Netherdeep. It’s an incredibly fun and fast paced adventures that showcases much of why the world of Critical Role has become such a massive hit among gamers.
20. Scarlet Citadel
Published: July 2021
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-10
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: If you’re looking for a DnD campaign that offers an incredible story with a sprawling old school mega dungeon, then Scarlet Citadel has you covered. Created by third-party publisher Kobold Press, it’s a sandbox style adventure that features plenty of twists and turns. During the campaign, players will set up their homebase in the town of Redtower and can then explore the nearby surroundings, include the. Featuring stunning artwork, a ton of maps and dozens of new monsters, traps, magic items and NCPs, it showcases the best of third-party DnD campaigns.
19. Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Published: September 2018
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-5
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: Set in the legendary city of Waterdeep in the Forgotten Realms, this urban campaign takes players on a quest to recover a mysterious magical artifact that can help identify a hoard of ill-gotten gold. Along the way players will face down some of Waterdeep’s most iconic factions, NPCs and monsters. One of the most interesting (and often debated) aspects of the campaign is that it features multiple story options that take place during different seasons in the City of Splendors and each of which features a different villain. That being said the popular “Alexandrian Remix” combines all of the seasons and villains into one epic campaign. Whatever option you choose though, Dragon Heist remains the crown jewel of action-packed DnD urban adventures.
18. The Wild Beyond The Witchlight
Published: September 2021
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-8
Setting: Feywild (Prismeer)
Why We Picked It: Set in the magical fairy realm of the Feywild, this unique campaign takes place in the land of Prismeer, where characters are tasked with finding out why a dark presence has invaded the once peaceful realm. While the theme and tone might not be for everyone, the story itself is incredibly well told and brings a unique style to the DnD universe.
17. Out of the Abyss
Published: September 2015
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-8
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: Set in the Underdark of the Forgotten Realms, a vast subterranean world popularized in the Legend of Drizzt books, the campaign starts off players captured by dark elves and forced deep into the shadowy depths. Players will have to figure out a way to escape, eventually encountering the other races, monsters, factions and NPCs before facing down an even greater demonic threat. It’s an incredibly unique campaign that really does offer something for everyone, featuring visceral combat, sprawling exploration and a ton of roleplaying.
16. Dragon of Icespire Peak
Published: September 2019
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-6
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: Included in the D&D Essentials Kit, this introductory campaign involves players dealing with a vicious white dragon that’s been terrorizing the land. The campaign is fairly loosely constructed, with players able to explore freely in a largely sandbox environment located around the remote village of Icespire Peak in the northern reaches of the Sword Coast. It’s a solid DnD campaign that’s also a great introduction for new players.
15. Empire of the Ghouls
Published: October 2020
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-3
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Chose It: Created by Kobold Press, this epic campaign is set in the world of Midgard (the primary setting of Kobold Press), with players facing down the terrifying Ghoul Imperium, a massive underground kingdom filled with intelligent undead. The campaign is sweeping in scope, with tons of combat, exploration and roleplaying, with the chance to experience a huge portion of Midgard. If you’re looking to break away from your traditional DnD fantasy settings, then Empire of the Ghouls has you covered.
14. Ghosts of Dragonspear Castle
Published: June 2013
DnD Edition: 5th (D&D Next)
Character Levels: 1-10
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: An often overlooked campaign in the history of DnD, Ghosts of Dragonspear Castle was a preview designed to showcase the upcoming 2014 fifth edition rules (which were known at the time as “D&D Next”). While the rules themselves were tweaked somewhat, it’s still an incredibly adventure, with players tasked with the protecting the town of Daggerford from a deadly invasion. Along they way they’ll forge alliances, explore dungeons, and battle monsters. It’s an amazing adventure and an early example of the modern DnD play style we know today.
13. Dungeons of Drakkenheim
Published: June 2019
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-13
Setting: Drakkenheim
Why We Picked It: Created by popular YouTubers Monty Martin and Kelly McLaughlin (better known as the Dungeon Dudes) this unique DnD campaign blasted Kickstarter records, getting funded in 5 minutes and generating over $1.2 million dollars in backer support. The story is set in the titular Drakkenheim, a grim dark city which has been destroyed by cataclysm, and is now haunted by rival factions and deadly monsters. It’s an incredibly detailed and original campaign that offers plenty of action for players looking for a darker DnD experience.
12. Call from the Deep
Published: June 2019
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-12
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: While Wizards of the Coast is practically synonymous with with Dungeons & Dragons, the fact is that there are a number of amazing third-party publishers that have released incredible campaigns over the years. Case in point: Call from the Deep, an epic, sprawling series of adventures from award-winning game creator JVC Parry. Set in the Forgotten Realms, with the action focused in and around the Sword Coast, the story combines high seas action, urban intrigue and a touch of horror. The end result is easily one of the best DnD campaigns ever created and a classic example of the power of third-party publishers.
11. Odyssey of the Dragonlords
Published: December 2022
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-15
Setting: Thylea
Why We Picked It: Created by a team of video game designers who created titles such as Baldur’s Gate, Dragon Age, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, this epic DnD campaign is set in Thylea, a world inspired by Greek mythology. The campaign itself includes a ton of background material, lore, optional rules and monsters. It’s a literal epic that stands out from official Wizards of the Coast thanks to its inspired storytelling, incredible artwork and immersive world.
10. Quests from the Infinite Staircase
Published: July 2024
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-13
Setting: Various
Why We Picked It: A collection of six classic DnD adventures from older editions that have been updated for the fifth editions rules, when connected they create a complete campaign. The story involves the powerful genie Nafas (a new character to NPC lore) who grants the wishes of those in need via the Infinite Staircase, a multiverse-spanning portal to numerous planes of existence. It’s a fantastic way to experience some of the greatest adventure modules from DnD history.
9. Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Published: May 2019
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-11
Setting: Greyhawk
Why We Chose It: Set in the world of Greyhawk, the nautical-themed anthology collects some of the most beloved old school DnD adventures into a single, epic campaign. The story starts off in the coastal town of Saltmarsh, with players facing face monsters, pirates, underwater cities and ancient magical artifacts. It’s an amazing campaign for players looking to experience both the high seas and some of Dungeons & Dragons’ most iconic adventures.
8. Tales from the Yawning Portal
Published: April 2017
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-11
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Chose It: This unique anthology takes seven of the greatest DnD adventures from past editions and puts them together into a complete campaign, with the action kicking off in the infamous Yawning Portal tavern in Waterdeep. The adventures include classics like The Tomb of Horrors and The Sunless Citadel, letting you experience an amazing narrative and some of the most iconic modules in DnD history.
7. Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
Published: September 2023
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-12
Setting: Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: A remake of the popular The Lost Mine of Phandelver adventure, this new Phandelver campaign combines a classic D&D story arc with a touch of horror. The story also explores the strange Black Obelisks that have appeared in other D&D campaigns, and introduces a number of new magic items and monsters. Originally included in the DnD Starter Set from 2014, The Lost Mine of Phandelver is not only a solid introduction for new players, but is also an absolute classic that’s quickly become a fan favorite.
6. Queen of the Spiders
Published: March 1986
DnD Edition: 1st (AD&D)
Character Levels: 8-14
Setting: Greyhawk
Why We Picked It: A compilation of seven previously published modules written by DnD co-creator Gary Gygax, this legendary “supermodule” was one of the first campaigns to feature the Underdark and the dark elf goddess Lolth. The story finds players battling giants, demons and other powerful creatures. It’s an epic adventure that would go on to influence countless future DnD campaigns (including recent products like Storm King’s Thunder and Out of the Abyss) and establish some of the game’s most popular lore.
5. Against the Giants
Published: September 1981
DnD Edition: 1st (AD&D)
Character Levels: 8-12
Setting: Greyhawk
Why We Picked It: Collecting three modules written by DnD co-creator Gary Gygax, this unique campaign finds players facing a variety of evil giants who have begun to raid the nearby lands. The story blends dungeon crawling, wilderness exploration and roleplaying into a satisfying whole that would go on to influence a whole new generation of DnD designers.
4. Red Hand of Doom
Published: February 2006
DnD Edition: 3.5
Character Levels: 6-12
Setting: Nerath
Why We Picked It: One of the few complete campaigns published for third edition DnD, this epic adventure pits heroes against an army of bloodthirsty hobgoblins who have invaded the frontier region known as the Elsir Vale. Players soon learn that there are darker forces driving the evil humanoids on and it’s up to them to turn back the tide of darkness. The campaign remains an absolute classic that blends combat, exploration, and also introdcued the short lived Nerath campaign setting (also known as the Points of Light), cementing its place as one of the greatest DnD campaigns ever made.
3. Curse of Strahd
Published: March 2016
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-10
Setting: Ravenloft (Barovia)
Why We Picked It: Based on the original Ravenloft AD&D module published back in 1983, this resurrected DnD campaign takes place in the realm of Barovia, one of the Domains of Dread ruled over by the vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich. Players will have to do everything in their power to escape the cursed lands, while battling undead monstrosities and terrifying creatures, before a final showdown with Strahd himself. While the Gothic vibes might not be for everyone, Curse of Strahd is still easily of the best DnD campaigns ever created, serving up a bloodspattered blend of horror, action, roleplaying and exploration.
2. Tomb of Annihilation
Published: September 2017
DnD Edition: 5th
Character Levels: 1-11
Setting: The Forgotten Realms
Why We Picked It: Inspired by the legendary 1975 adventure module Tomb of Horrors, this amazing DnD campaign is easily one of the greatest RPG experiences of all time. Set in the Forgotten Realms in the remote jungles of the continent of Chult, the campaign focuses on a quest to find and stop a deadly magical curse instigated by the lich Acererak. Along the way players will take on deadly monsters, mysterious ruins, and yes, zombie dinosaurs. It’s an incredible campaign that stands the test of time and is something every DnD player should experience at least once.
1. The Temple of Elemental Evil
Published: August 1985
DnD Edition: 1st (AD&D)
Character Levels: 1-8
Setting: Greyhawk
Why We Picked It: Written by Gary Gygax and Frank Mentzer, this legendary campaign is an expansion of the 1979 module T1: The Village of Hommlet and takes place in the remote kingdom of Verbobonc, where players must face down an evil thought to be long destroyed. Combining exploration, roleplaying, combat and dungeon crawling, it’s an absolute masterpiece of adventure design. Referred to at the time as a “super module”, it was significantly larger than any adventure at the time and essentially established the format for the larger DnD campaigns we know and love today.
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Ollie Delano is a Staff Writer who lives in Chicago, Illinois where he majored in Journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He’s been playing Dungeons & Dragons for over 10 years and currently plays in a weekly game group where he rolls way too many natural 1s and chugs way too much Mountain Dew. His favorite D&D campaign setting is Eberron and his favorite character to play was a Tiefling rogue named Draxiss who enjoys both literal and figurative backstabbing.
