TOP 10 Campaign Books for Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)
For now, the fifth edition of the classic Dungeons and Dragons RPG offers us around 30 different Campaign Books or Adventures. But which of them are the best? Which of them will take you for a long hours of adventure? In this post we will show you our TOP 10 Campaign Books for DnD 5e. Fasten your seatbelt and go with us into a journey around The Forgotten Realms!
Note: Miniatures presented in this post are a gallery of our recent projects for the DnD setup. Monsters presented here are 3D printed and are mostly not related with any of the showcased books. However, miniatures are a phenomenal and immersive tool to use as a Dungeon Master!
1. Curse of Strahd
Forget slaying dragons and rescuing princesses. Curse of Strahd throws you into Barovia. It is a land perpetually choked by mist and ruled by the deranged vampire Count Strahd. This isn’t your typical high-fantasy romp. Here, the villain reigns supreme, the land is desolate, and death lurks around every corner – from ravenous wolves to creepy hags. Brace yourself to explore chilling landscapes, raid ominous temples, and, if you’re lucky enough to survive, confront Strahd in his imposing castle, Ravenloft. But beware, even your fellow adventurers might not make it out alive. In Barovia, every choice you make carries weight, as you determine the fate of this world trapped in Strahd’s nightmarish grip.
This book pairs well with Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft.
You can see the full contents here.
2. Out of the Abyss
Out of the Abyss plunges you headfirst into the Underdark, a vast network of tunnels where bioluminescent fungi cast an eerie glow. Here, deranged cults worship the spider goddess Lolth, and danger lurks around every bend. This isn’t your typical fantasy setting – the Underdark is a complex world with bustling cities and trade routes, but make no mistake, it’s a harsh and unforgiving place. Your adventure begins as a prisoner, thrust into a perilous journey that evokes the chaos and terror of Apocalypse Now. Think Demogorgon, not friendly dragons. For fans of dark fantasy and the brooding drow warrior Drizzt Do’Urden, Out of the Abyss offers a chance to delve into a truly bizarre and unforgettable world. However, be warned – this campaign requires a seasoned Dungeon Master, so prepare for a wild ride!
You can see the full contents here.
3. Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
Crank up the metal! This epic campaign throws you into the heart of the Nine Hells, a brutal battleground where demons and devils clash in an eternal Blood War. Picture Mad Max cruising the fiery wastelands on a motorcycle – except the motorcycles are powered by tortured souls, and the enemies are literal hell-beasts.
But wait, there’s more! This ain’t all just grim and gory. Adorable golden elephants prance around dispensing sparkles of positive energy, offering a glimmer of hope in this infernal landscape. The length is no small feat either – Descent into Avernus is a sprawling adventure, taking characters from wide-eyed newbies to hardened veterans (levels 1-13). If you’ve ever dreamt of piloting a soul-powered motorcycle through a demon-infested hellscape, or are a Baldur’s Gate lore buff eager to explore the world before Baldur’s Gate III, then this heavy metal odyssey is for you!
You can see the full contents here.
4. Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Ghosts of Saltmarsh sets sail on a wave of classic adventures, pulling you into a nautical nightmare. This campaign, cobbled together from the salty pages of Dungeon magazine, features seven thrilling tales perfect for swashbuckling pirates and salty sea dogs (or landlubbers looking for a change of pace).
Whether you crave a full-fledged campaign spanning levels 1-12, or a series of rollicking one-offs, Ghosts of Saltmarsh has you covered. The quaint fishing village of Saltmarsh serves as your home base, from which you’ll launch into adventures like exploring a haunted lighthouse (Secret of Saltmarsh), infiltrating Lizardfolk swamps (Danger at Dunwater), or even claiming a cursed island (Isle of the Abbey).
The open seas are teeming with danger and opportunity. This campaign provides all the tools you need to run thrilling ship-to-ship battles, navigate treacherous waters, and encounter all manner of bizarre creatures, from creepy crawlies to colossal krakens! Feeling creative? The modular format allows you to weave your own stories into these adventures, adding a personal touch to your seafaring escapades. So raise the anchor, hoist the sails, and prepare for Ghosts of Saltmarsh – a treasure trove of nautical adventures for any D&D crew!
You can see the full contents here.
5. Tomb of Annihilation
Calling all dinosaur wranglers and jungle explorers! Tomb of Annihilation takes you on a heart-pounding expedition through the lush but lethal jungles of Chult. Something sinister lurks within this verdant island, unleashing a deadly curse that chills adventurers to the bone.
Get ready to face nightmarish foes – think snake people slithering through the undergrowth, carnivorous flora chomping at your ankles, and the ultimate apex predator: a zombie T-Rex! But fear not, intrepid heroes! You might just encounter some familiar faces along the way, like the legendary lich Acererak, notorious for his dimension-hopping shenanigans.
Tomb of Annihilation offers a thrilling blend of themes, catering to a variety of tastes. Channel your inner Indiana Jones as you unravel the mysteries of the death curse, or delve into the chilling atmosphere of a cursed island. With its exotic encounters, challenging puzzles, and epic boss battles, this campaign is a true adventurer’s paradise!
You can find the full contents here.
6. Storm King’s Thunder
Storm King’s Thunder whisks you away to the frigid peaks of the Forgotten Realms, where a giant-sized threat looms large. Civilization trembles as these monstrous beings rise from their icy slumber, wreaking havoc across the land.
In response, a ragtag band of heroes unites – from plucky adventurers to desperate villagers. Their quest? To reclaim the power of rune magic, an ancient force that once allowed giants to topple dragons! Prepare to face an icy gauntlet of adversaries, including kraken-wielding wizards, enchanted forests teeming with danger, and of course, the giants themselves – a diverse and formidable foe in all shapes and sizes.
Storm King’s Thunder is a high fantasy buffet, brimming with detail and overflowing with possibilities. This hefty tome offers a refreshing lack of railroading, presenting players with multiple paths to victory and a cornucopia of potential outcomes. It’s a complex campaign, but the wealth of information makes it surprisingly manageable for Dungeon Masters. So, if you and your players crave a classic Dungeons & Dragons experience, gear up for Storm King’s Thunder – an epic adventure that will leave you breathless!
You can find the full contents here.
7. Tales from the Yawning Portal
This tome is a treasure trove of danger, collecting seven of the most lethal dungeons from the past 30 years of Dungeons & Dragons.
Prepare to descend into the infamous Tomb of Horrors, a labyrinthine crypt teeming with nightmarish creatures and guarded by an ancient Demilich. But the chills don’t stop there. Sunless Citadel offers an apple of immortality – if you can survive the challenges within the abandoned fortress.
For the forge-tested, delve into The Forge of Fury, a dwarven stronghold overrun by orcs. Feeling whimsical? Then White Plume Mountain awaits, a mad wizard’s lair overflowing with bizarre contraptions and deadly surprises.
These adventures are pure dungeon-crawling thrills, light on story but heavy on peril. You’ll need every ounce of wit, strength, and maybe even a sprinkle of good fortune to emerge victorious. So gather your party, sharpen your blades, and step through the Yawning Portal – if you dare!
You can find the full contents here.
8. Tyranny of Dragons
Do you crave a challenge that will etch your legend into the ages? Then answer the call of Tyranny of Dragons! This epic campaign thrusts you into a desperate struggle against the nefarious Cult of the Dragon.
These fanatics, infamous for their unholy dracoliches, now plot a cataclysmic act – unleashing the five-headed monstrosity Tiamat herself upon the Material Plane! Stand as the bulwark against this draconic doom!
Tyranny of Dragons unfolds across multiple modules, with the initial chapter, Hoard of the Dragon Queen, taking you on a whirlwind adventure across the vast continent of Faerûn. Prepare to delve deeper into the lore of the Forgotten Realms, as this legendary setting becomes your battleground [Consider adding a note here if you have access to Forgotten Realms resources to enhance the experience].
Will you answer the call and defy the Tyranny of Dragons? The fate of the world hangs in the balance!
You can find the full contents here.
9. Icewind Dale: Rime Of The Frostmaiden
Craving a different kind of challenge? While Tyranny of Dragons offers an epic saga, Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden throws you into a brutal survival struggle!
This adventure takes you to the unforgiving realm of Icewind Dale, specifically the Ten Towns. Here, an everlasting winter grips the land, shrouded in an unnatural darkness by the Frostmaiden. Can you break the curse and bring sunlight back to the shivering townsfolk?
Be warned, this campaign is notorious for its difficulty. Even the developers at Wizards of the Coast acknowledge it! You’ll face off against horrific creatures like mind flayers and dragons, all while battling the brutal elements. This adventure is best suited for players who relish a challenge and DMs who enjoy a bit of grit alongside their storytelling.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a brave newcomer, Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden promises an unforgettable experience. So gear up for the cold, hone your skills, and prepare to confront the Frostmaiden’s wrath!
You can find the full contents here.
10. Lost Mine of Phandelver
Lost Mine of Phandelver, the introductory adventure included in the D&D Starter Set, is the perfect springboard for your heroic journey!
This easy-to-learn campaign offers a balanced mix of roleplaying and thrilling combat encounters. Explore a charming village brimming with friendly NPCs, uncover hidden quests, and delve into dungeons teeming with classic fantasy foes – goblins, a fearsome dragon, and even a ravenous owlbear!
Lost Mine of Phandelver is more than just a starter campaign; it’s a springboard for grander adventures. The story seamlessly integrates with other Forgotten Realms settings, allowing you to continue your odyssey in a world teeming with possibilities.
Pro-Tip for New Players: Ditch the pre-generated characters! Craft your own unique hero using the Player’s Handbook or online resources. Gather your party for a “Session 0” – a collaborative character creation session that sets the stage for your epic saga!
You can find the full contents here.
This is the end of our TOP 10 Campaign Books for Dungeons & Dragons.
If you find it helpful, check our previous post in which spotted TOP 10 Sourcebooks for DnD!
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