D&D Tips: New Dungeon Masters Should Focus on Homebrewing Campaigns Instead of Campaign Worlds
The updated core books for Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) present an array of insights, but the new Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG) particularly stands out for novice DMs. Unlike its predecessor from 2014, which placed undue emphasis on world-building, the latest edition prioritizes the creation of homebrew campaigns. This shift is significant for new DMs, who typically benefit more from designing unique narratives rather than sprawling, original settings.
The Initial Missteps of the 2014 D&D DMG
An Incomplete Focus on World-Building
New DMs often begin their journeys by engaging with pre-existing adventures to build confidence in their roles. However, the ultimate ambition for most is to craft personalized campaigns. The desire to transcend merely acting as referees and narrators for others’ stories is a common motivator among budding tabletop RPG enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the 2014 DMG leaned heavily on world creation, leaving campaign crafting underexplored.
When players frequently question details about the DM’s homebrew world, it complicates their ability to develop characters that feel genuinely connected to that environment. Establishing a well-rounded homebrew D&D campaign is a challenge best suited for seasoned DMs, as it involves creating a detailed and believable world with its own history, politics, religions, and factions.
Each chapter in the 2014 DMG devoted considerable space to world-building prior to providing guidance for running campaigns, a puzzling choice. In contrast, the 2024 DMG includes Greyhawk as a sample campaign world, providing ample information for novice DMs to engage in a starter adventure. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding established worlds before attempting to create new ones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iMX_aKctSsVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Greyhawk | 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide | D&D (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iMX_aKctSs)The Benefits of Utilizing Premade Settings
Enhanced Character Immersion
The debate over the best D&D and Pathfinder settings is an age-old one among tabletop RPG veterans, but seasoned players often find that using established settings yields the most satisfying gameplay experiences. By utilizing a shared sourcebook, both the DM and players can access the same historical context and lore, ensuring everyone shares a clear understanding of the world’s atmosphere and the rules governing it.
Character immersion is critically dependent on context; players should feel as though their characters believably inhabit the campaign’s narrative landscape. When players can read about a location like Sharn in Eberron, they gain insights into the city’s culture and history, leading to richer character development.
Considerations for Established Worlds
Knowledge is Key for DMs
Despite the benefits of utilizing prewritten campaign settings, there are also challenges, particularly if a Session Zero is not held to address potential issues. Players may have more extensive knowledge of a setting like Forgotten Realms than the DM, especially if they have followed the narrative across multiple editions. Thus, it’s essential for the DM to clarify how they intend to interpret established lore.
For both novice and experienced DMs, some of the best third-party D&D campaign worlds include Cloudsea, Midnight, Iron Kingdoms, Rokugan, and Crystalpunk. These options offer accessible worlds without the pressure of world-building from scratch.
Ultimately, the creation of original worlds can be a fascinating endeavor, but prewritten settings typically provide a smoother path to immersive roleplay and coherent gameplay. The 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide correctly prioritizes campaign creation over world-building, as homebrew campaigns often result in unique gaming experiences, while original settings can lead to unnecessary challenges for new DMs.
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