It’s hardly a controversial take to callBaldur’s Gate 3one of themost popular games of all time. The series has gone beyond drawing in CRPG fans and nostalgic players of the first two games, bringing in a slew of new players to the series - some of whom are experiencing the mechanics of D&D and the world of the Forgotten Realms for the first time. It wouldn’t be a surprise if - between the popularity of this game and shows likeStranger Things, plenty of people who’ve never given D&D a second glance are suddenly wanting to try it out.
D&D has a bit of a reputation for being one of the most streamlined and easy to pick up tabletop roleplaying systems available today. Many of the story and plot beatsfromBaldur’s Gate 3can be structured in a way that works in the tabletop game as well. While D&D is an easy system to learn, new players and DMs should still start off small to not be overwhelmed by their ambitions. This means that - for this list - some modules that are relevant toBaldur’s Gate 3but not truly suitable for beginners, such asDescent Into Avernus, which has a lot of moving parts and goes up to a high level, have been omitted.
7Candle Keep Mysteries
Proximity To Baldur’s Gate And Excellent, Lightweight Mystery Adventures
Candle Keep Mysteriesis a module anthology, meaning that instead of the entire book being one long adventure, each level is its own isolated adventure that can be slotted into a homebrew campaign or even just played as a one-off session.
While part of what makesBaldur’s Gate 3so greatis its length, for first time players and DMs especially, playing the initial one or two adventures in this anthology is a great way to get a feel for the world of the Forgotten Realms without overtaxing yourself.
6Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
A Familiar Name To BG3 Players And A Shorter Module
Any adventures that begin and end within levels 1-5 will be perfect for beginners to this game. 1-5 is the first ‘tier’ of play for D&D, where the players are recognized as adventurers still trying to get their bearings in the world.
Dragon Heist is great for players wanting to try outquirky or sly characters, set in the city of Waterdeep where a slick rogue or thief could make it big.
5Wild Beyond The Witchlight
Brings Closer Focus To Fey Elements From BG3
Thefight with Auntie Ethelis one of the most iconic, and most lethal, boss battles inBaldur’s Gate 3.For many players, this gruesome display of a Hag’s power was one of the best things about the opening act, andWild Beyond The Witchlightis the perfect way to follow up on this.
The level is a little higher than what a strictly beginner-focused module would go up to, but the book has excellent resources to help DMs create a vibrant - but dangerous word of the Fey for their party to explore.
4Ghosts Of Saltmarsh
Isolated Adventures That Are Easy To Run
TheGhosts of Saltmarshmodule is not set in the Forgotten Realms specifically, but its nature as an anthology of adventures means it’s very easy to slot the earlier games into anywhere on the Sword Coast that the DM’s heart desires - provided the ocean isn’t too far.
This anthology contains remasters of older edition D&D adventures, and really is perfect for those looking to get into that ‘classic’ high fantasy feel of a group of adventurers heading off to kill things.
3Dragons Of Stormwreck Isle
An Excellent Starter Module
While dragon slaying takes placein many games, and indeed is an option for many players in D&D,Dragons of Stormwreck Isleis the perfect place for beginners to start off - the module comes with pre-written characters and everything a DM will need to tell a compelling story.
The coastal, arid setting of this module is fascinating, with plenty of opportunities for the DM to work in player backstories into something larger and more grand.
2Phandelver And Below: The Shattered Obelisk
Lets DMs Set Their Own Pace
Ifmindflayers and nautiloidswere your favorite part ofBaldur’s Gate 3- that’s a little concerning. However, it also means thatPhandelver and Below: The Shattered Obeliskwould be the perfect module to start up D&D with.
Levels 1-5 are an updated version of an old starter module, perfect to get players into the game. If after level 5, players want more, the game can be taken up to level 11, with everything after these preliminary levels being focused on body horror and mindflayers.
1Journeys Through The Radiant Citadel
A Great Adventure Anthology For Unique D&D Experiences
Journeys Through The Radiant Citadelis very different to the other entries on this list. Drifting through the Astral Plane, the Radiant Citadel connects to many realms and dimensions, and is far more cosmic than other D&D modules on this list.
While unorthodox for a beginning module, the early levels are fantastic ways to introduce players and DMs alike to the possibilities of play beyond going into holes and killing things for loot. The adventure modules set in and beyond the Radiant Citadel truly showcase what 5th Edition D&D is capable of.
