Introduction
Whether you’re a seasoned Dungeon Master or a newcomer to tabletop gaming, choosing the right DnD campaigns can make or break your table’s experience. After years of community feedback, Reddit discussions, and countless hours of actual play, we’ve compiled the definitive list of 50 must-play D&D adventures that have stood the test of time. From the gothic horror of Curse of Strahd to the pulpy jungle exploration of Tomb of Annihilation, these DnD campaigns represent the pinnacle of tabletop storytelling. Each entry has been battle-tested by thousands of groups worldwide, earning their place through memorable moments, clever design, and that magical ability to keep players coming back week after week. This isn’t just another ranking – it’s a celebration of the adventures that have defined what Dungeons & Dragons can be, spanning every edition from classic modules to cutting-edge 5e releases.
Why These DnD Campaigns Made the Cut
Before diving into our list, it’s important to understand our selection criteria. These DnD campaigns weren’t chosen based on marketing hype or publisher preference. Instead, we analyzed years of player testimonials, DM recommendations, and community discussions from 2014 to 2025. Each campaign earned its spot through:
- Consistent community praise across multiple forums and platforms
- High replay value with groups running them multiple times
- Memorable moments that players still talk about years later
- Accessibility for various play styles and experience levels
- Strong narrative design that engages players emotionally
The Top 50 DnD Campaigns: Complete Guide with Purchase Links
1. Curse of Strahd (5e, Levels 1-10)
The gothic horror masterpiece that redefined what DnD campaigns could be, Curse of Strahd traps players in the cursed valley of Barovia under the watchful eye of vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich. This sandbox adventure is praised for its atmospheric tone, with foggy forests, haunted villages, and the looming Castle Ravenloft creating unforgettable dread. The campaign’s Tarokka card reading system ensures each playthrough is unique, randomly determining key item locations and allies, making it infinitely replayable. DMs love how Strahd actively toys with the party throughout their journey, appearing at dramatic moments to test, taunt, or terrorize the heroes.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($59.99)
Best for: Groups who enjoy horror themes, roleplay-heavy games, and sandbox exploration
Pro tip: Read the entire module before starting – the interconnected lore demands preparation
2. Tomb of Annihilation (5e, Levels 1-11)
A pulpy jungle hexcrawl adventure that channels Indiana Jones while delivering one of D&D’s most challenging final dungeons. Set in the dinosaur-filled peninsula of Chult, players race against time to find the source of a death curse that’s killing everyone who’s been resurrected. The campaign excels at exploration, with ancient ruins, zombie-infested jungles, and the vibrant port city of Port Nyanzaru providing endless adventure hooks. The notorious final dungeon, the Tomb of the Nine Gods, features deadly traps and puzzles that have claimed countless adventuring parties.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($59.99)
Best for: Tables that love exploration, survival mechanics, and old-school difficulty
Warning: The final dungeon can cause TPKs – adjust difficulty as needed
3. Lost Mine of Phandelver (5e, Levels 1-5)
The perfect introduction to DnD campaigns, originally included in the 5e Starter Set and now available free on D&D Beyond. This adventure delivers all the classic fantasy elements: goblin ambushes, ruined castles, a young green dragon, and the frontier town of Phandalin with its colorful NPCs. Its elegant simplicity makes it ideal for new DMs while remaining enjoyable for veterans who appreciate well-executed fundamentals. The adventure teaches core D&D concepts naturally through play, from dungeon exploration to social encounters.
Link: 5e Tools
Best for: First-time players and DMs, introductory campaigns
Note: Now expanded into “Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk” for levels 1-12
4. Rise of the Runelords (Pathfinder, Levels 1-17)
Paizo’s flagship adventure path that put them on the map, starting with goblin raids on the town of Sandpoint and escalating to ancient Runelords awakening from millennia of slumber. Each of the six chapters offers something unique: a murder mystery in Magnimar, a haunted manor, ogre-filled fortresses, and reality-warping magic. The campaign is praised for its memorable NPCs, particularly the villains like Nualia and Karzoug, who feel personal and threatening. The Anniversary Edition (2012) updated and improved the original, fixing balance issues and adding stunning artwork.
Link: Paizo Store Anniversary Edition ($41.99)
Best for: Groups wanting epic scope and varied adventure styles
Heads up: It’s Pathfinder-crunchy – expect complex mechanics
5. Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (5e, Levels 1-5)
An urban treasure hunt through D&D’s most famous city, featuring intrigue, investigation, and a race for half a million gold dragons. The campaign’s unique villain system lets DMs choose from four antagonists (Xanathar, Manshoon, Jarlaxle, or the Cassalanters), each changing the story’s tone and challenges. Players navigate Waterdeep’s complex faction politics while running a tavern, solving murders, and dodging fireballs in the streets. The city itself becomes a character, with detailed neighborhoods, laws, and endless roleplay opportunities.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($59.99)
Best for: Groups preferring urban adventures and social encounters
DM note: Benefits from significant DM preparation and improvisation
6. Storm King’s Thunder (5e, Levels 1-11)
A massive sandbox adventure across the Savage Frontier where the ancient hierarchy of giants has shattered, causing chaos across the North. After an introductory chapter, the campaign opens into unprecedented freedom, with players able to explore dozens of locations from Waterdeep to Icewind Dale. The central plot involves recruiting allies, uncovering the giant conspiracy, and ultimately confronting the storm giant court. Notable set pieces include battling aboard a floating cloud castle and delving into ancient giant ruins.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($59.95)
Best for: Sandbox lovers and groups who enjoy player-driven narratives
Challenge: Prep-heavy due to the open structure – focus on areas that interest your players
7. Out of the Abyss (5e, Levels 1-15)
Beginning with one of 5e’s strongest openings – a drow prison break in the Underdark – this campaign delivers survival horror in the deep places of the world. Players must navigate the alien Underdark while demon lords rampage through the darkness, encountering bizarre locations like a city of mad kuo-toa and forests of giant mushrooms. The campaign excels at creating desperation through resource management and the constant threat of pursuit. The second half sees heroes returning as champions to face the demon lords in epic battles.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($29.99)
Best for: Groups who enjoy survival elements and weird fantasy
Consider: The NPC companion overload early on can slow play – trim as needed
8. Ghosts of Saltmarsh (5e, Levels 1-12)
This anthology compiles seven classic nautical adventures updated for 5e, centered around the coastal town of Saltmarsh. While technically separate modules, they connect beautifully into a maritime campaign featuring smugglers, sahuagin invasions, and haunted ships. The adventures include beloved classics like “The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh” and “Danger at Dunwater,” each offering different challenges from investigation to diplomacy. The book also provides robust sailing rules and ship combat mechanics that enhance any seafaring campaign.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($29.99)
Best for: Maritime adventures and groups wanting episodic play
Tip: Develop Saltmarsh NPCs to create campaign cohesion between adventures
9. The Wild Beyond the Witchlight (5e, Levels 1-8)
A whimsical Feywild adventure that begins at a magical carnival and ventures into the fairy tale realm of Prismeer. Notably, this entire campaign can be completed without any combat, emphasizing roleplay, trickery, and creative problem-solving instead. The adventure features memorable NPCs like talking snails, living oil paintings, and the hag coven known as the Hourglass Coven. Each area of Prismeer reflects different fairy tale themes, from the swamp of Hither to the mountainous storms of Yon.
Purchase Links:
- D&D Beyond Digital ($29.99)
- Amazon Hardcover (~$30-50)
- Roll20 Module ($49.95)
Best for: Roleplay-focused groups who enjoy fairy tale themes
Important: Players must buy into the whimsical tone for maximum enjoyment
10. Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage (5e, Levels 5-20)
The ultimate mega-dungeon experience: 23 levels of Undermountain beneath Waterdeep, each with distinct themes and challenges. Created by the mad wizard Halaster Blackcloak, the dungeon features everything from goblin markets to elder brain lairs to portals to other planes. While seemingly just endless dungeon crawling, creative DMs find rich opportunities for faction play, with various groups establishing footholds throughout Undermountain. The adventure provides enough content for years of weekly sessions.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($29.99)
11. Rime of the Frostmaiden (5e, Levels 1-12)
A survival horror masterpiece set in Icewind Dale, where the goddess Auril has cursed the land with eternal winter and darkness. The campaign begins with Ten-Towns struggling to survive, offering various quests that reveal the greater threat. Notable locations include a crashed alien city, horror-filled ruins, and Auril’s island fortress. The atmosphere of isolation and dread permeates every aspect, from resource scarcity to the paranoia gripping the desperate townsfolk.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($29.99)
Best for: Groups who enjoy survival mechanics and horror themes Tip: Strengthen narrative connections between chapters for better flow
12. Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus (5e, Levels 1-13)
Starting with gritty urban intrigue in Baldur’s Gate before plunging into the first layer of Hell for a Mad Max-style road trip. Players race across Avernus in infernal war machines, making deals with archdevils to save the fallen city of Elturel. The campaign features memorable NPCs like Lulu the hollyphant and Mad Maggie, plus opportunities for epic vehicle combat. The contrast between the dark opening and the over-the-top Hell sequences creates a unique tonal journey.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($59.99)
Best for: Groups wanting epic stakes and heavy metal aesthetics Note: The Baldur’s Gate chapters feel disconnected – consider starting in Elturel
13. Princes of the Apocalypse (5e, Levels 1-15)
A spiritual successor to Temple of Elemental Evil, featuring four elemental cults threatening the Dessarin Valley. Players can tackle the cults in any order, exploring sprawling temple complexes themed around earth, air, fire, and water. Each cult has distinct tactics, aesthetics, and dungeons, from the aerial monastery of the air cult to the underwater temple of the water cult. The nonlinear structure and variety of approaches make it highly replayable.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($24.99)
Best for: Combat-focused groups who enjoy dungeon variety Warning: Can feel repetitive if run straight – encourage creative approaches
14. Curse of the Crimson Throne (Pathfinder, Levels 2-16)
One of Pathfinder’s most beloved urban campaigns, set in the city of Korvosa during a plague outbreak and political upheaval. The party witnesses the death of the king and the rise of the tyrannical Queen Ileosa, eventually leading a rebellion against her dark reign. Each chapter escalates brilliantly: from street-level gang violence to quarantine zones to otherworldly dungeons. The Anniversary Edition (2016) updated it for Pathfinder 1e with improved balance and expanded content.
Link: Paizo Store Hardcover ($41.99)
Best for: Urban campaign fans who enjoy political intrigue Note: Heavy on NPC interaction – prepare to voice many characters
15. Hell’s Rebels (Pathfinder, Levels 1-15)
A unique rebellion-themed campaign where players lead an underground resistance against the devil-worshipping government of Kintargo. The adventure includes mechanics for managing your rebellion, recruiting allies, and conducting covert operations against the authoritarian regime. Each success builds momentum toward overthrowing the tyrannical Lord-Mayor Barzillai Thrune. The city of Kintargo itself is wonderfully detailed, with opera houses, coffee shops, and secret meeting places.
Link: Paizo PDFs (6 volumes, $22.99 each)
Best for: Groups who want to be freedom fighters Heads up: The rebellion mechanics require player buy-in and organization
16. Red Hand of Doom (3.5e, Levels 5-11)
Widely considered one of the best adventures WotC produced for 3.5e, this campaign focuses on defending the Elsir Vale from a massive hobgoblin invasion. The adventure excels at creating urgency – player actions directly affect how prepared the region is for the final battle. Strategic choices matter: which towns to save, which allies to recruit, and how to sabotage the enemy advance. The climactic Battle of Brindol remains one of D&D’s most memorable set pieces.
Link: DriveThruRPG PDF ($17.99)
Best for: Groups who enjoy tactical warfare and time pressure 5e Update: Excellent fan conversions available on DMsGuild
17. Candlekeep Mysteries (5e, Levels 1-16)
A collection of 17 mystery-themed one-shot adventures, each triggered by a book found in the great library of Candlekeep. Each adventure is self-contained but emphasizes investigation and puzzle-solving over combat. Standout adventures include “The Price of Beauty” (a spa with a dark secret) and “The Book of Cylinders” (a modron murder mystery). The anthology format makes it perfect for drop-in sessions or when regular players can’t attend.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($29.99)
Best for: Mystery lovers and groups wanting episodic adventures Tip: Select adventures matching your group’s tone preferences
18. Journeys through the Radiant Citadel (5e, Levels 1-14)
Thirteen adventures inspired by real-world cultures, connected by the floating Radiant Citadel hub. Each adventure was written by a diverse group of authors, bringing fresh perspectives to D&D storytelling. Notable adventures include “Written in Blood” (inspired by Latin American folklore) and “In the Mists of Manivarsha” (drawing from Indian mythology). The stories often deal with complex themes like family, identity, and community with remarkable nuance.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($29.99)
Best for: Groups seeking diverse settings and thoughtful storytelling Note: Read cultural notes carefully to run respectfully
19. Keys from the Golden Vault (5e, Levels 1-11)
Thirteen heist adventures where players become master thieves, each mission offering a different target and challenge. The adventures work as standalones or can be linked through the mysterious Golden Vault organization. Each heist emphasizes planning, stealth, and creative problem-solving over combat. Notable missions include stealing from a casino on the back of a giant turtle and infiltrating a museum run by a beholder.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($29.99)
Best for: Groups who love planning and Ocean’s Eleven-style capers DM advice: Be flexible when players devise unexpected plans
20. Tales from the Yawning Portal (5e, Levels Various)
Seven classic dungeons updated for 5e, including legendary adventures like Tomb of Horrors and White Plume Mountain. Each dungeon stands alone but can be inserted into any campaign when you need a famous challenge. The collection spans D&D history, from the deadly traps of Tomb of Horrors to the giants of Against the Giants. These dungeons defined what D&D dungeon crawling means and remain excellent examples of the form.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($24.99)
21. Age of Worms (3.5e Adventure Path, Levels 1-20)
One of the most epic adventure paths ever published in Dungeon Magazine, taking characters from grave robbers to world saviors. The campaign features strong recurring villains, particularly the undead dragon Dragotha and the titular Age of Worms prophesy. Each adventure escalates the threat: from investigating missing townsfolk to preventing an apocalyptic transformation of the world. The variety keeps things fresh across 12 adventures, including urban investigation, gladiatorial combat, and planar travel.
Link: EN World 5e Conversion (Free fan conversion)
Best for: Groups wanting a complete zero-to-epic campaign Note: Requires significant conversion work for 5e
22. Planescape: Turn of Fortune’s Wheel (5e, Levels 3-17)
The triumphant return of Planescape to D&D, featuring reality-bending adventures across Sigil and the multiverse. The campaign involves a mystery of identity as characters discover they’re connected to a multiversal conspiracy. Players explore iconic locations like the gate-town of Ribcage, the prison plane of Carceri, and of course, Sigil, the City of Doors. The adventure captures Planescape’s philosophical tone while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Link: Amazon Box Set (~$45-70)
Best for: Groups who enjoy mind-bending plots and planar travel Tip: Embrace the weird – Planescape thrives on the bizarre
23. Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen (5e, Levels 1-11)
A war story set during the War of the Lance, where heroes defend Kalaman from the Dragon Army invasion. The campaign features mass battle rules, allowing players to influence large-scale warfare while maintaining personal stakes. Classic Dragonlance elements appear throughout: draconians, dragon riding, and the struggle between good and evil. The adventure connects to the optional Warriors of Krynn board game for tactical battle resolution.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($59.99)
Best for: Fans of epic fantasy and military campaigns Optional: The Warriors of Krynn board game adds tactical depth
24. Empire of the Ghouls (Kobold Press, 5e, Levels 1-13)
A dark fantasy campaign from Kobold Press where an undead empire threatens to consume the world. Players journey from the surface through the Underworld to confront the Ghoul Emperor in the terrible city of Dara Nullhora. The campaign features incredible world-building, with detailed undead societies, politics among the dead, and horrific yet fascinating locations. Kobold Press’s signature quality shines through in both writing and production values.
Link: Kobold Press Store ($14.99)
Best for: Groups who enjoy dark fantasy and undead themes Quality: Premium production with excellent art and maps
25. Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk (5e, Levels 1-12)
An expanded version of Lost Mine of Phandelver that continues the story into cosmic horror territory. After completing the original adventure, characters discover connections to an aberrant threat from the Far Realm. The expansion adds new locations beneath Phandalin and transforms familiar NPCs in surprising ways. This version provides a complete campaign arc while maintaining the accessible design of the original starter adventure.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($19.99-$39.99)
Best for: Groups wanting to extend their starter campaign Note: Can start at level 1 or level 5 if you’ve played the original
26. The Temple of Elemental Evil (1e/5e conversion)
The prototypical mega-dungeon that defined the genre, featuring the village of Hommlet and the sprawling temple complex. Players can approach the temple through infiltration, faction manipulation, or frontal assault, with each element cult offering different challenges. The adventure rewards careful planning and resource management while punishing carelessness with deadly encounters. Modern conversions update the classic while maintaining its sandbox nature.
Link: DMsGuild Original PDF ($9.99)
Best for: Groups wanting old-school sandbox dungeon crawling Conversion: Excellent 5e conversions available on DMsGuild
27. Keep on the Borderlands (Basic D&D)
The adventure that introduced millions to D&D, featuring the titular keep and the nearby Caves of Chaos. This perfect sandbox provides a home base, multiple adventure sites, and lets players choose their approach to every challenge. The various humanoid tribes in the caves can be played against each other or systematically eliminated. Despite its age, the adventure’s simple, effective design still works perfectly for introducing new players to D&D.
Link: DMsGuild Original PDF ($12.99)
Best for: New players, sandbox introduction, old-school feel Classic status: The most-played D&D adventure of all time
28. Kingmaker (Pathfinder)
A unique DnD campaign combining hexcrawl exploration with kingdom building, as players establish and rule their own nation. The adventure path alternates between exploring the Stolen Lands, dealing with threats to the kingdom, and managing resources and politics. Each chapter presents different challenges, from bandits and fey to barbarian hordes and ancient curses. The 2e version significantly expanded and improved the original, adding more depth to the kingdom rules.
Link: Paizo Store (PF2e) ($54.99)
Best for: Groups wanting to build something lasting Systems: Available for both Pathfinder editions, with fan 5e conversions
29. Wrath of the Righteous (Pathfinder)
A mythic-powered crusade against the demon hordes of the Worldwound, where players become legendary heroes. The campaign uses Pathfinder’s mythic rules, granting players god-like powers to face apocalyptic threats. Moral choices matter throughout, determining whether crusaders remain righteous or fall to corruption. The scale escalates dramatically, from defending a city to invading the Abyss itself.
Link: Paizo Store & Amazon Individual Volumes (~$20-25 each)
Best for: Power fantasy and epic-scale adventures Note: The mythic rules add significant complexity
30. The Dark of Hot Springs Island (System-neutral)
An innovative hexcrawl presenting a fully realized island with interconnected factions and ongoing events. The adventure provides two books: one for players (an in-world field guide) and one for DMs packed with random tables and secrets. Every location has history, every NPC has motivations, and player actions create ripple effects across the island. The production quality is exceptional, with gorgeous art and intuitive layout.
Link: Swordfish Islands Store ($60 print set)
Best for: Groups wanting emergent storytelling and exploration Unique feature: The player-facing field guide enhances immersion
31. Points of Light (4e, Levels 1-30)
The epic 4e adventure path from Dungeon Magazine, showcasing the edition’s tactical combat across all three tiers of play. The campaign follows the resurgence of the ancient githyanki empire and their chromatic dragon allies. Each adventure featured memorable set pieces designed for 4e’s tactical grid combat. While tied to 4e’s mechanics, creative DMs have successfully converted it to other editions.
Link: Points of Light
Best for: 4e fans or those wanting epic tactical battles Conversion effort: Requires significant work for non-4e systems
32. The Lost City (B4)
A psychedelic adventure featuring a buried pyramid, masked factions, and a lost civilization beneath the desert. The module presents three competing factions players can join or play against, each with distinct philosophies and goals. The lower levels are intentionally left as an outline, encouraging DM creativity in developing the underground city. Its unique atmosphere and open-ended design make it endlessly adaptable.
Link: Print on Demand (~$10-15)
Best for: Groups who enjoy weird fantasy and faction play DM opportunity: The undetailed lower levels let you customize
33. Dungeons of Drakkenheim (Third-party 5e)
Based on the popular Dungeon Dudes livestream, this campaign presents a city devastated by a meteor impact that left behind magical crystals called delerium. Players explore the ruined city, navigate faction politics, and uncover the truth behind the cataclysm. The campaign excels at providing a sandbox with clear objectives and meaningful choices. The contamination and mutation mechanics add a unique risk-reward element to exploration.
Link: Ghostfire Gaming ($49.99)
Best for: Post-apocalyptic fantasy and faction intrigue Streaming: Watch the Dungeon Dudes run it on YouTube
34. Savage Tide (3.5e Adventure Path)
A swashbuckling adventure path that begins with urban intrigue and evolves into planar piracy and demon-fighting. Players journey to the colony of Farshore, defend it from threats, and ultimately prevent the savage tide from transforming the world. The Isle of Dread section provides excellent sandbox exploration with dinosaurs and lost civilizations. The variety of environments and challenges keeps the long campaign fresh throughout.
Link: Saveg Tide (Issues #139-150)
Best for: Nautical adventures and planar travel Length: 12 adventures from levels 1-20
35. The Night Below (2e)
An enormous Underdark campaign that starts with a simple kidnapping and descends into epic underground warfare. The three-book boxed set presents increasingly dangerous regions of the Underdark, culminating in the Sunless Sea. Player actions throughout affect the final confrontation with the aboleth city, creating meaningful long-term consequences. The campaign defined many Underdark conventions still used today.
Link: DriveThruRPG
Best for: Epic Underdark campaigns with long-term consequences Scope: One of the largest campaigns ever published
36. Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil (3e)
A sequel to the classic that adds new depth and deadly challenges to the original concept. The adventure features complex faction dynamics among the elemental cults and introduces the Elder Elemental Eye. The difficulty is notably higher than the original, with encounters designed to challenge optimized 3e characters. The campaign rewards careful investigation and punishes murder-hobo tactics severely.
Link: DMsGuild PDF ($9.99)
Best for: Experienced groups wanting serious challenges Difficulty: Notoriously lethal even for skilled players
37. Desert of Desolation (1e series)
A mystical trilogy set in a fantasy Arabian-style desert, featuring pharaohs’ tombs, efreet, and reality-bending magic. The adventures (Pharaoh, Oasis of the White Palm, Lost Tomb of Martek) can be run separately or as a complete campaign. The series introduced many innovative mechanics, including the first appearance of the thri-kreen race. The atmosphere and unique challenges make it stand out from European-fantasy modules.
Link: DMsGuild Bundle PDF ($9.99)
Best for: Arabian Nights-themed adventures Innovation: Introduced many D&D conventions still used today
38. Queen of the Spiders (1e series)
The legendary series linking the Giant and Drow adventures into one epic campaign from levels 8-14. Starting with hill giant raids, escalating through the Underdark, and culminating in Lolth’s Demonweb Pits. This series established drow as major D&D villains and created much of Underdark lore. The progression from mundane giant threats to planar spider-goddess confrontation remains unmatched in scope.
Link: DMsGuild Bundle PDF ($9.99)
Best for: The complete classic D&D experience Legacy: Defined the giant-drow-demon progression many campaigns emulate
39. Against the Cult of the Reptile God (1e)
A perfect low-level mystery adventure where a village falls under sinister influence. The investigation structure teaches new players how to gather information and follow leads naturally. The revelation and confrontation with the titular threat provide a satisfying climax for beginning adventurers. Many DMs consider this the ideal second adventure after Keep on the Borderlands.
Link: Archive
Best for: Low-level mystery and investigation Teaching tool: Excellent for introducing investigation gameplay
40. Spelljammer: Light of Xaryxis (5e)
A Flash Gordon-style space opera that takes D&D into wildspace across 8 episodes of pulp adventure. The party races to save their world from destruction by the elven Xaryxian Empire. Each episode features new locations, from asteroid cities to living ships, maintaining breakneck pacing throughout. The adventure embraces Spelljammer’s gonzo nature with space clowns, giant hamsters, and crystalline ships.
Link: DnD Beyond
Best for: Fast-paced space fantasy adventure Format: Designed for episodic play with cliffhangers
41. Scarlet Citadel (Kobold Press, 5e)
A modern take on the mega-dungeon that evolves based on player actions, with factions rising and falling. The dungeon connects to the town of Redtower, creating a living campaign where actions below affect the world above. Ten levels of dungeon each have distinct themes and inhabitants, from cosmic horror to ancient dwarven ruins. Kobold Press’s high production values include gorgeous maps and extensive GM tools.
Link: Kobold Press Store ($39.99)
Best for: Dynamic dungeon crawling with consequences Support: Includes extensive downtime and stronghold rules
42. Courts of the Shadow Fey (Kobold Press, 5e)
A political intrigue adventure set in the shadow fey courts, where words are weapons and etiquette is armor. Players navigate deadly court politics through “status” mechanics that track social standing and influence. The adventure includes formal duels, elaborate balls, and bargains with archfey. Combat takes a backseat to roleplay, with most challenges resolved through wit and social maneuvering.
Link: Kobold Press Store ($19.99 PDF)
Best for: Heavy roleplay and political intrigue Unique: Status system creates non-combat progression
43. Vault of the Drow (2e)
An artifact-hunt campaign where pieces of the legendary rod are scattered across the planes. The boxed set included a book for each piece, allowing DMs to customize the order and locations. The overarching plot involves the ancient battle between Law and Chaos, with the rod being key to preventing cosmic catastrophe. The modular nature lets DMs insert the pieces into existing campaigns.
Link: DMsGuild PDF ($9.99_
Best for: Artifact hunting across multiple planes Flexibility: Highly modular for insertion into campaigns
44. Tyranny of Dragons (5e)
The two-part campaign (Hoard of the Dragon Queen and Rise of Tiamat) that launched 5e, featuring the Cult of the Dragon’s attempt to summon Tiamat. Players chase the cult across the Sword Coast, gathering allies for a final confrontation. While the original release had issues, the combined and updated version in 2023 fixed many problems. The epic scope and dragon focus make it a classic fantasy adventure.
Link: D&D Beyond Digital ($59.99)
Best for: Classic dragon-focused fantasy Updated: The 2023 re-release fixes original problems
45. Expedition to the Barrier Peaks (1e)
The adventure where fantasy meets science fiction as players explore a crashed spaceship filled with aliens and technology. Players encounter robots, laser weapons, and bizarre creatures while trying to understand the ship’s dangers. The module includes extensive illustrations to help players understand the unfamiliar technology. This adventure proved D&D could handle any genre mixing.
Link: DMsGuild PDF ($4.99)
Best for: Genre-bending science fantasy Historical: Gygax’s famous tournament adventure
46. Return to the Tomb of Horrors (2e)
A massive expansion of the original deathtrap dungeon into a full campaign featuring multiple deadly sites. Players investigate the dark priests of Acererak across several locations before confronting the lich in his city of Moil. The difficulty remains extreme, but the expanded scope provides more variety than just trap-dodging. The boxed set included extensive handouts and illustrations.
Link: DMsGuild PDF ($9.99)
Best for: Groups wanting extreme challenges Warning: Maintains the original’s lethal reputation
47. The Shackled City (3.5e Adventure Path)
The adventure path that pioneered Paizo’s format, set entirely in and around the city of Cauldron built in a volcano. The campaign features strong continuity with recurring NPCs and villains whose plans unfold across the entire story. Each adventure builds on previous events, creating a cohesive narrative from levels 1-20. The hardcover compilation added extensive background material and fixes.
Link: BGG
Best for: Complete urban-centered campaigns Legacy: Established the adventure path format
48. Reavers of Harkenwold (4e)
Part of the 4e Essentials line, this adventure showcased how 4e could handle rebellion and guerrilla warfare scenarios. Players lead resistance against occupying forces, recruiting allies and striking at enemy weakness. The adventure includes mass combat rules and emphasizes tactical planning beyond individual encounters. Many consider it 4e’s best story-focused adventure.
Link: DriveThruRPG ($19.99, part of DM Kit)
Best for: 4e tactical combat with strong narrative Note: Included in the Dungeon Master’s Kit
49. Dragon of Icespire Peak (5e)
The adventure from the 5e Essentials Kit, featuring a job board structure that gives players agency in choosing quests. The young white dragon Cryovain threatens the region around Phandalin, creating urgency without railroading. The modular design makes it perfect for new DMs, with clear encounter balance guidelines. The included DM screen and accessories enhance the starter experience.
Link:
- D&D Beyond Digital ($14.99)
Best for: New DMs wanting structured flexibility Bonus: Includes codes for additional digital adventures
50. Vecna: Eve of Ruin (5e)
The multiverse-spanning adventure celebrating D&D’s 50th anniversary, where heroes must stop Vecna from remaking reality. Players journey through iconic D&D settings including Greyhawk, Forgotten Realms, Planescape, and more. The adventure features updated versions of classic locations and NPCs from D&D history. The high-level nature (10-20) provides epic challenges worthy of experienced heroes.
Link:
- D&D Beyond Digital ($69.99)
Best for: High-level play and D&D nostalgia Anniversary: Celebrates 50 years of D&D history
Choosing the Right Campaign for Your Table
When selecting from these DnD campaigns, consider:
- Experience level: Start with Phandelver or Dragon of Icespire Peak for beginners
- Preferred style: Combat-heavy (Dungeon of the Mad Mage) vs. roleplay-focused (Wild Beyond the Witchlight)
- Campaign length: One-shots (Candlekeep), short arcs (Dragon Heist), or epic sagas (Rise of the Runelords)
- Tone: Gothic horror (Strahd), whimsical (Witchlight), or grimdark (Rime of the Frostmaiden)
- Structure: Linear narrative vs. sandbox exploration
Tips for Running These DnD Campaigns Successfully
- Read ahead: Most campaigns benefit from DM familiarity with the entire story
- Customize freely: These adventures are frameworks – adapt them to your group
- Use community resources: Reddit’s r/DnD and campaign-specific subreddits offer invaluable advice
- Session zero matters: Align expectations about tone, difficulty, and content
- Track NPCs: Many campaigns feature recurring characters – keep good notes
Modern Resources and Tools
Today’s DMs have unprecedented support for running these classic DnD campaigns:
- Virtual tabletops with pre-built maps (Roll20, Fantasy Grounds, Foundry VTT)
- D&D Beyond for digital rules and character management
- DMsGuild for conversions and supplements
- Actual play podcasts demonstrating each campaign
- Online communities sharing tips and modifications
Conclusion
These 50 DnD campaigns represent decades of tabletop evolution, from Gary Gygax’s original modules to today’s innovative adventures. Each offers unique experiences that have created countless memories at tables worldwide. Whether you prefer political intrigue in Waterdeep, survival horror in the Underdark, or classic dungeon delving, there’s a perfect campaign waiting for your group.
If you don’t have time to commit to full campaigns but still want quality D&D content, consider Everon Games’ adventures. Everon Games specializes in providing free, professionally-designed D&D adventures delivered straight to your inbox through their email subscription service. Their adventures are perfect for one-shots, side quests, or when you need quality content on short notice. Each adventure features engaging storylines, balanced encounters, and easy-to-run formats that respect both DM prep time and player engagement. Sign up at everongames.com to receive regular adventure content that captures the magic of these classic campaigns in bite-sized, manageable sessions.
Remember, the best D&D campaign isn’t necessarily the most popular or critically acclaimed – it’s the one that brings your table together for unforgettable stories. These 50 adventures have proven their ability to do just that, time and time again.
Happy adventuring, and may your dice roll high!
