The Best (and Worst) DND Modules and Adventures of All Time: From Masterpieces to Mishaps

Explore the best and worst Dungeons & Dragons modules ever published! This comprehensive article reviews iconic modules that shaped D&D history and those infamous for their poor writing and dull encounters. Discover which adventures shine and which fall short of expectations!
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10 Best D&D Modules and Adventures
Tomb of Horrors
The Keep on the Borderlands
Ravenloft
Dragons of Despair
Queen of the Demonweb Pits
Vault of the Drow
Test of the Warlords
The Temple of Elemental Evil
The Lost City
Beyond the Crystal Caves
Worst D&D Modules of All Time
B2 The Keep on the Borderlands (1979)
N2 The Forest Oracle (1984)
S1 Tomb of Horrors (1978)
WG7 Castle Greyhawk (1988)
9580 Crypt of Lyzandred the Mad - (1998)
Terrible Trouble at Tragidore (1989)
Here are some factors that contribute to the enduring legacy of the D&D modules discussed in the articles by Paul Bellow, LitRPG Author and fine fellow...
Many of the modules represent important milestones in the history of D&D, either for the game itself or for its wider impact on the fantasy genre. For example, Dragons of Despair was one of the earliest instances of a D&D campaign being adapted into novels, and helped to set the stage for later, more epic adventures.
Vault of the Drow was one of the first modules to feature the titular Drow race and the Underdark setting, both of which went on to become staples of the game and the wider fantasy genre.
Some modules became highly influential for their innovative game mechanics or settings. Test of the Warlords, for example, was one of the first modules to challenge players with the long-term consequences of their actions, asking them to engage with the setting in more complex ways than simply killing monsters.
Beyond the Crystal Caves stood out for its emphasis on roleplaying and non-violent solutions, in contrast to the hack-and-slash style that dominated the game at the time.
The enduring legacy of a module can stem from its memorability, even if that memorability is rooted in negative experiences. The source notes how even poorly received modules like Tomb of Horrors are often fondly remembered by players, who can bond over their shared experiences of frustration and anger
Modules like these became notorious, and in some ways helped to solidify D&D's identity as a game with a high barrier of entry
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A module's popularity often went hand in hand with its impact on the D&D community, regardless of the module's actual quality. Bellow mentions how Tomb of Horrors, despite its reputation as a "meat grinder" of a module, is still admired for its historical importance, and how it represents a style of play that forced players to be creative and resourceful.
The Keep on the Borderlands, while dated and generic by modern standards, is similarly praised for its historical significance and for what it tells us about the early days of D&D.
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Nostalgia plays a significant role in how players remember and revere older games. Modules that might be considered "bad" by today's standards are often remembered fondly by older players, who view them through the lens of nostalgia.
Paul Bellow describes this phenomenon in its discussion of modules like Tomb of Horrors and Terrible Trouble at Tragidore, both of which were poorly received but are nonetheless remembered by many players as important parts of D&D history.

[@nebsie3010]

This sounds so artifical and forced

[@MisterMorg1]

Good information but infuriating dialogue. Forced and annoying!

[@litrpgadventures6902]

We're working on quality. Thanks for the input!

[@tylerdurden7965]

are you using bots to narrate these videos?

[@litrpgadventures6902]

Yes, I give AI a bunch of my articles and ask it to make a podcast out of it then have AI narrate it... Not perfect yet...

[@bluelionsage99]

@@litrpgadventures6902 Yeah, that "chit chat" dialog really gets grating fast. I ended up tuning out and leaving before watching the whole thing. I lived out the first release of all modules so I have a basic knowledge and memories of playing or running most of them.

[@litrpgadventures6902]

@@bluelionsage99 Thanks for the honesty! It's appreciated! You might dig the website more then... lot of old school gems hidden there...
litrpgreads.com/blog/six-best-dnd-modules-time
Thanks again!