With the upcoming release of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, the beloved TTRPG is bound to see an influx of new players who are eager to start exploring. Because the game can be somewhat daunting at first, new players will want to seek out easier campaigns to begin their journey.
Whether it is anthologies like Candlekeep Mysteries or starter pack adventures like Dragon of Icespire Peak, D&D 5e has delivered a host of great places for new players to get in on the fun. Even so, only the best beginner campaigns are both easy to use, and representative of what the TTRPG has to offer.
Ghosts Of Saltmarsh (2019)
One of the best aspects of the 5e adventure modules is that fans have gotten a few anthology-style books to add to their collections. Ghosts of Saltmarsh is a series of smaller tales that all center around the coastal town of Saltmarsh, and each has a distinctly nautical bent.
The length of the Saltmarsh tales is perhaps the strongest aspect for newer players. The module is very helpful with entry points, so the rookie DM won't have to be too imaginative when kick-starting each campaign. Nautical combat is the focus of many of the tales and the book is an invaluable tool to introduce the mechanics of a new DM.
The Wild Beyond The Witchlight (2021)
Imagination and fun is the heart of a good D&D campaign, and The Wild Beyond the Witchlight has both in spades. Coming as the first module to be set in the Feywild, the module allows players to explore the fantastical realm as they pass through the Witchlight Carnival.
Though it may seem daunting at first, The Wild Beyond the Witchlight is actually quite easy to master for new players. On top of the existing most popular races to play in the game, the module introduces two new races to further spice things up. Unlike most modules that prioritize fighting, every encounter has a non-combat option to further simplify the playthrough for inexperienced adventurers.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (2018)
Waterdeep is one of D&D's most recognizable locations, and Dragon Heist is an urban adventure set within the classic locale. Famed explorer Volothamp Geddarm calls upon the adventuring party to explore the city of Waterdeep in order to uncover a massive pile of treasure that is hidden somewhere within.
Only taking players from level 1 up to 5, Dragon Heist isn't a long and drawn-out campaign that can cause newer players to lose interest. The DM ultimately has the choice of which final villain is encountered, and the game's singular location allows for players to focus on the adventure at hand without the distraction of long travel.
Candlekeep Mysteries (2021)
Drawing tales from a host of different writers, Candlekeep Mysteries is one of the best D&D 5e modules. Based around the famed library of Candlekeep, the module features a collection of short adventures each surrounding a book in the collection.
Like most other anthologies, the individual tales can be run as one-off campaigns or introduced into a larger narrative. For less experienced DMs, the mysteries are the perfect way to sharpen their craft with adventure parties, and they don't stray too far from the typical mechanics of a normal D&D game.
Princes Of The Apocalypse (2015)
Though it doesn't hold the player's hand quite as much as other beginner campaigns, Princes of the Apocalypse is nevertheless a great jumping-off point. Four deadly cults band together and use devastation orbs in an attempt to unleash an elemental evil upon the realm.
Taking players from level 1 to 15, Princes of the Apocalypse is of a much larger scope than most other modules. Nevertheless, it is a rewarding experience for newer players who aren't afraid to stick around for the long haul. With much larger stakes than simply fighting a monster or slaying a dragon, the module's epic scale will turn any new player into a seasoned adventurer by the journey's end.
Storm King's Thunder (2016)
Though giants aren't usually ranked among the scariest monsters in D&D, they still amount to fearsome foes in Storm King's Thunder. The module sees every race of giants unleashed across the realm as they seem intent to wreak havoc upon the small folks. The adventurers must set out to discover why the Storm King is no longer keeping his subjects in line.
Rune magic factors heavily into the module, and it is the only new mechanic that might cause inexperienced DMs problems. Even so, the moderate length and variety of the campaign are certainly enough to keep players engaged, and the pacing of the story can be fine-tuned for maximum excitement. Though it isn't the easiest campaign to master, it is still a great jumping-off point for novices.
Curse Of Strahd (2016)
The worlds of fantasy and horror come together with an exciting explosion of gothic terror in Curse of Strahd. Explore Barovia and discover the secrets of the mysterious Count who seems intent on destroying the unwary adventurers who trespass in his realm.
Though a far cry from the usual wizards and dragons of D&D lore, Curse of Strahd is still a great module to introduce new players to the game. The creepy atmosphere is ramped up by the addition of the tarokka deck which allows the DM to completely randomize certain events and encounters. In the end, it is the structure that makes it a perfect starting point and the singularly focused narrative is easy to understand for a beginner adventure party.
Tales From The Yawning Portal (2017)
Of all the 5e anthology modules, Tales from the Yawning Portal is perhaps the most beloved because it embraces D&D's history. The book contains several one-off adventures that are modern revamps of classic D&D modules from decades past.
Stretching back as far as 1979's Tomb of Horrors, the book gives the beloved tales a 5e facelift without sacrificing what made them great to begin with. The module is perfect for introducing new players because each journey can be played as a quick one-off game that doesn't take up too much time. Also, as the players and DM increase in confidence, the tales can be integrated into larger quests with ease.
Dragon Of Icespire Peak (2019)
Coming packed with the Essentials Kit sold in stores, Dragon of Icespire Peak was specifically designed to introduce the game to new players. Essentially a sandbox-style adventure, the module can be as simple or complicated as the DM makes it, though the final goal is the same.
Filled with important tips for new DMs, the module lays out the basics of the game quite well and is a perfect primer for any TTRPG experience. While there may be more creative and engaging modules for seasoned adventurers of the Forgotten Realms, few are as useful to new players as Dragon of Icespire Peak.
Lost Mine Of Phandelver
Like its predecessor Dragon of Icespire Peak, Lost Mine of Phandelver was meant to be an introductory module to the world of Dungeons & Dragons. An adventuring party is hastily assembled when two allies are kidnaped by goblin bandits who have been terrorizing the countryside.
While it is as simple and sandbox-like as its predecessor, Lost Mine managed to deliver a much more engaging and fun experience. All the tips are there, but the story is more pointed and focused which allows players and DMs alike to learn how the game works without being tasked with the burden of dictating too much of what goes on in the session.