Becoming a Dungeon Master (DM) can feel like intimidating territory. After all, you're not just playing the game; you're crafting engaging stories, orchestrating encounters, and juggling the whims of your players. But here's the secret to starting off strong as a new DM: pick the right campaign. The right campaign can turn an overwhelming experience into a thrilling adventure, offering you the guidance you need while giving your players an entertaining ride.

To help you brave the dungeon, we’ve rounded up the best campaigns for new DMs. These modules, published by Dungeons & Dragons or created by third-party developers, are designed to make running your first games simple, streamlined, and tons of fun.

Why Choosing the Right Starter Campaign Matters

Before we break down the list, it’s important to realize why choosing a beginner-friendly campaign can make all the difference.

  1. Clear Directions: Many beginner campaigns come with step-by-step instructions, which means less scrambling to figure things out mid-session.
  2. Balanced Encounters: These adventures are carefully designed to offer a mix of combat, exploration, and roleplay, ensuring your players stay engaged without overwhelming you.
  3. Creative Freedom: A good campaign lays out the framework but leaves room for you to improvise and make the story your own.
  4. Scaffolding for Confidence: Starting with a structured campaign lets you focus on storytelling and gameplay basics before tackling more complex challenges.

With this in mind, let's look at your top options!

1. Lost Mine of Phandelver

Wizard of the Coast (5e Adventure)

If you’re a new DM venturing into the world of Dungeons & Dragons, Lost Mine of Phandelver is the undisputed best starting point. This adventure is included in the D&D 5e Starter Set, making it easy to pick up and play right away.

Why It’s Great for New DMs

  • DM-Friendly Instructions: The module provides clear guidance on how scenarios should play out, with helpful tips for running combat and managing NPCs.
  • Balanced Gameplay: Lost Mine of Phandelver introduces all major pillars of D&D gameplay (combat, exploration, and roleplay) without leaning too heavily on any one aspect.
  • Fun for Players: The adventure follows a progressively unfolding mystery set around Phandalin, filled with goblins, bugbears, and an iconic fight with a green dragon!

This campaign is simple without feeling dull, making it perfect for DMs cutting their teeth on their first adventures.

2. Dragon of Icespire Peak

From the Essentials Kit (5e Adventure)

Another beginner staple, Dragon of Icespire Peak, expands upon the foundations of Lost Mine of Phandelver while staying beginner-friendly. Designed for small-to-medium parties, this campaign takes place in the Sword Coast region, giving new DMs a fantastic sandbox to play with.

Why It’s Great for New DMs

  • Flexible Scenario Design: Rather than following a linear plot, this module includes an assortment of quests that you can mix and match to suit your group’s interests.
  • Sidekick Characters: If you’re DMing for fewer than four players, the module introduces sidekick rules, which allow players to bring NPC helpers into their party.
  • Simple Yet Epic Villain: An evil white dragon named Cryovain terrorizes the area, giving the campaign a satisfying arc without being overly complex.

The open-ended structure lets new DMs dip their toes into storytelling while providing a solid framework to lean on.

3. Curse of Strahd (With Modifications)

Wizards of the Coast (5e Adventure)

Feeling brave? Curse of Strahd is a gothic horror masterpiece that has enchanted the D&D community since its release. It’s darker and more intricate than your average starter campaign, but with a little preparation (and simplification), it can be an unforgettable first campaign.

Why It’s Worth Considering (With Prep):

  • Atmospheric Storytelling: This adventure takes place in the sinister land of Barovia, with layered themes of despair, hope, and redemption. Running this lets you flex your storytelling muscles.
  • Iconic Villain: Strahd von Zarovich is one of the most memorable villains, offering plenty of chances to practice crafting dynamic NPC interactions.
  • Plenty of Content: It’s brimming with quests, making it an excellent jumping-off point for campaigns lasting months.

While Curse of Strahd has some complexity, using resources like streamlined fan guides (Curse of Strahd Revamped) can make running it much smoother even for new DMs.

4. Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

Wizards of the Coast (5e Adventure)

If you or your players enjoy urban intrigue, Waterdeep: Dragon Heist is an excellent starting point. This campaign drops adventurers into the iconic city of Waterdeep to unravel secrets and hunt for a long-lost treasure hoard.

Why It’s Great for New DMs

  • Focus on Roleplay: This campaign emphasizes NPCs and social interaction over combat-heavy gameplay, giving you ample practice in roleplay storytelling.
  • Loadout of Villains: Depending on the season your campaign takes place, the DM can choose one of four villains, keeping things fresh and customizable.
  • Urban Setting: The city itself is a character, providing a dynamic and interesting playground.

While this campaign sometimes requires a bit of creativity to connect encounters seamlessly, the overall design is highly accessible for beginners.

5. The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

Wizards of the Coast (5e Adventure)

For those who prefer whimsy and wonder over sword-swinging, The Wild Beyond the Witchlight transports players to the Feywild. It’s a roleplay-heavy adventure full of puzzles, strange creatures, and mind-bending encounters.

Why It’s Perfect for Roleplay-Loving DMs

  • Avoid Combat Altogether: This campaign allows you to provide solutions to nearly every encounter without requiring players to fight, ideal if you’re less comfortable running combat.
  • Feywild Charm: The magical landscape gives you the freedom to improvise and inject creativity in spades.
  • Iconic Villains: The whimsical yet creepy hags of the Hourglass Coven are fantastic foes for a spellbinding story.

If you want to enchant your table with a campaign that’s unique, lighthearted, and clever, this is a top choice.

6. Dragons of Stormwreck Isle

From the D&D Starter Set (2024)

Released with the most recent Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set, Dragons of Stormwreck Isle is tailor-made for new DMs. It’s a concise yet engaging campaign that feels both approachable and epic.

Why This Newcomer Shines

  • Straightforward Structure: With a clear linear adventure, it’s easy to follow and doesn’t overwhelm new DMs with too many side quests.
  • Bite-Sized Sessions: Designed to be run in short, manageable bursts, it’s perfect for groups new to D&D or with limited time.
  • Sandbox Appeal: Though concise, it fosters creativity with well-placed opportunities to expand the story as DMs grow more comfortable.

The mix of accessible mechanics and epic moments ensures that Dragons of Stormwreck Isle is an ideal introduction to D&D. Plus, its focus on a dragon-themed adventure brings both excitement and high fantasy right out of the gate.

Final Advice for New DMs

Starting your DM journey can feel daunting, but here’s the good news: you don’t need to be perfect. The best campaigns for new DMs are those that help you build confidence while having fun with your group. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Focus on Fun: Don’t get bogged down in rules or worry about mistakes. If everyone’s having a blast, you’re doing it right!
  • Be Flexible: Players will always do the unexpected. Roll with it and admire their creativity.
  • Engage Your Players: Whether through combat or roleplay, tailor the session to what excites your group the most.
  • Learn as You Go: No DM starts out as a master storyteller. You’ll improve with every session!

Choose one of these campaigns, gather your party, and kick off your tabletop adventure with confidence. It’s your turn to create some unforgettable stories!