Starting a Dungeons & Dragons campaign as a beginner can feel overwhelming, but the right adventure can make all the difference. Over the years, Wizards of the Coast has released multiple adventures tailored for new players and Dungeon Masters, offering engaging storylines, accessible mechanics, and gradual difficulty progression.
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Whether you prefer a classic dungeon crawl, a narrative-driven experience, or an open-ended adventure, there’s something for everyone. From introductory adventures in the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide to beloved classics like Tales from the Yawning Portal, these adventures provide the perfect starting point for anyone looking to dive into the world of D&D.
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Adventure Examples From The 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide
For Levels One Through Seven
The 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide introduces new adventure examples designed to help beginners ease into the game. These small-scale scenarios serve as templates for Dungeon Masters, showcasing simple encounters, story hooks, and quest structures that can be expanded into full campaigns.
The adventures included are for levels one, two, three, five, and seven, letting new Dungeon Masters experiment with how they want to tackle levels four and six.
Unlike standalone modules, these examples are intended to be flexible, allowing new players to experiment with storytelling and mechanics in a low-pressure environment. They provide a great way to get started without committing to a lengthy adventure, making them ideal for first-time groups looking for quick, manageable sessions before diving into larger campaigns.
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Dragons Of Stormwreck Isle
For Levels One Through Three
First released as a Starter Set adventure in 2022, Dragons of Stormwreck Isle provides an excellent entry point for new players and Dungeon Masters. The adventure takes characters from level one to level three, offering a mix of exploration, combat, and role-playing in a contained island setting.
The adventure introduces core D&D mechanics while keeping the story focused and easy to follow. The updated 2024 version expands on the original, making it even more accessible for first-time adventurers. With a compelling dragon-focused plot and structured progression, Dragons of Stormwreck Isle remains one of the best introductory adventures in modern Dungeons & Dragons.
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Tales From The Yawning Portal
For Levels One Through 11
Tales from the Yawning Portal is an anthology of classic adventures updated for modern D&D, and one of its standout beginner-friendly modules is The Sunless Citadel. Originally published for the 3rd Edition, this level one-to-three dungeon crawl introduces players to fundamental mechanics like exploration, puzzle-solving, and tactical combat.
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The adventure is structured in a way that allows players to approach encounters creatively while slowly increasing the stakes. It also introduces a variety of creatures, traps, and NPC interactions that serve as excellent teaching moments for new Dungeon Masters. For players who love classic dungeon-delving experiences, The Sunless Citadel is an excellent place to start.
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The Wild Beyond The Witchlight
For Levels One Through Eight
Unlike most D&D adventures, The Wild Beyond the Witchlight offers an alternative to traditional dungeon crawls by emphasizing role-playing, puzzle-solving, and creative problem-solving over combat. Its opening levels provide a whimsical and engaging introduction to D&D, making it perfect for new players who enjoy narrative-driven storytelling.
Set within a magical carnival that serves as a gateway to the Feywild, the adventure introduces characters to intriguing NPCs, moral dilemmas, and a world full of surprises. Its beginner-friendly approach allows players to experience the game without needing extensive knowledge of combat mechanics, making it ideal for groups who prioritize storytelling and character interaction.
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Dragon Of Icespire Peak
For Levels One Through Six
Included in the D&D Essentials Kit (2019), Dragon of Icespire Peak offers a more open-ended approach than traditional starter adventures. Instead of a linear narrative, the game presents players with a variety of quests centered around Phandalin, allowing them to choose their own path as they grow in power.
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This flexibility makes Dragon of Icespire Peak an excellent choice for new groups looking to explore at their own pace. It also introduces mechanics like item crafting, hireable NPC allies, and scaling encounters, making it a great bridge between beginner-friendly campaigns and more advanced storytelling.
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Ghosts Of Saltmarsh
For Levels One Through 11
Ghosts of Saltmarsh is an anthology of seafaring adventures, with some of its early scenarios being excellent for beginner groups. The level one adventure, The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh, blends mystery, exploration, and dungeon-crawling elements, providing a balanced introduction to D&D.
This adventure is particularly great for players interested in naval exploration, as it introduces ocean travel, smugglers, and underwater encounters. Its flexible design allows Dungeon Masters to expand the story into a larger campaign while still keeping it approachable for new players.
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Out Of The Abyss
For Levels One Through 15
For groups looking for a more intense and immersive start to their D&D journey, Out of the Abyss offers an unforgettable survival experience. The adventure begins with players imprisoned in the depths of the Underdark, forcing them to work together to escape and navigate a harsh, dangerous world.
While the setting is darker than traditional beginner adventures, the early levels teach problem-solving, resource management, and teamwork in highly engaging ways. Out of the Abyss is an excellent choice for players who want a more dramatic introduction to D&D and are ready for a challenge.
Dungeons & Dragons
- Original Release Date
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1974
- Player Count
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2+
- Age Recommendation
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12+ (though younger can play and enjoy)
- Length per Game
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From 60 minutes to hours on end.
- Franchise Name
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Dungeons & Dragons
- Publishing Co
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Wizards of the Coast
- Brand
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Dungeons & Dragons