The megadungeon occupies a place of honor and fascination for many RPG players and DMs alike. Megadungeons are not merely large dungeons; they are vast, sprawling, multi-level complexes that can serve as the heart of an entire campaign or even define the lifetime of a game. These colossal labyrinths offer more than just room after room of monsters and treasure; they present a living, breathing world beneath the surface, filled with history, mystery, and danger at every turn.
The allure of megadungeons lies in their scale and complexity. They are designed to be ecosystems of adventure, where players can delve into the unknown, chart unexplored territories, and confront challenges on a scale that dwarfs anything encountered in more conventional settings. The appeal of these dungeons extends beyond the promise of loot or the thrill of combat; it’s the allure of exploration, the satisfaction of mapping the unmapped, and the narrative depth that can be woven into every corridor and chamber. In a megadungeon, every door can lead to a new discovery, every corridor may hide a deadly trap, and every chamber could hold a secret waiting to be uncovered.
Megadungeons have become a staple of the RPG genre, offering endless opportunities for adventure and challenge. They speak to the creativity and ambition of DMs and game designers, inviting players to embark on journeys that can span years of real-time play. In this guide, we explore the most thrilling megadungeons ever created, delving into their depths to uncover what makes each one a unique and unforgettable adventure beyond imagination.
The Appeal of Megadungeons
Megadungeons offer a unique blend of elements that set them apart from standard dungeon crawls or adventure modules. But what exactly draws adventurers to these colossal labyrinths time and again?
Sense of Adventure and Exploration
First and foremost, megadungeons embody the very essence of adventure. They are vast, uncharted territories that beckon players to delve into their depths, promising the thrill of discovery with every step. The sheer size of these dungeons ensures that no two expeditions are the same, offering endless opportunities for exploration. Players can spend months or even years navigating the intricate layers and sprawling networks of rooms and corridors, each filled with its own dangers and secrets.
Complexity and Challenge
The complexity of megadungeons is another key element of their appeal. These aren’t mere collections of rooms and monsters; they are carefully designed ecosystems with their histories, factions, and internal logic. Megadungeons challenge players not just with combat encounters, but with puzzles, traps, and environmental hazards that require careful planning and strategy to overcome. This complexity extends to the narrative as well, with intertwining storylines that enrich the dungeon’s environment and provide a deeper context for the adventure.
Mystery and Lore
Megadungeons are steeped in mystery. Their ancient halls and hidden chambers hold secrets that date back centuries, offering tantalizing glimpses into the world’s history and mythology. Unravelling these mysteries becomes a driving force for many adventurers, compelling them to return to the dungeon’s depths time and again. The lore embedded within a megadungeon can serve as the foundation for an entire campaign, providing DMs with a rich tapestry of material to draw from as they craft their stories.
Rewards and Accomplishments
The rewards of braving a megadungeon go beyond treasure and experience points. Successfully navigating the challenges of such a vast and dangerous environment is an accomplishment in itself, one that fosters a sense of camaraderie among players. The stories that emerge from these adventures—the narrow escapes, the clever solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems, the victories hard-won against overwhelming odds—become the stuff of legend, shared and celebrated long after the campaign has ended.
In essence, the appeal of megadungeons lies in their ability to offer a truly immersive and dynamic gaming experience. They test the limits of adventurers’ skills and creativity, while simultaneously providing a playground for exploration and storytelling. For players and DMs alike, megadungeons represent the ultimate challenge and the ultimate adventure, a call that is impossible to resist.
Key Features of a Great Megadungeon
Megadungeons are intricate, sprawling worlds unto themselves. To stand out as truly great, a megadungeon must possess several key features that elevate it beyond the ordinary. These features not only contribute to the dungeon’s allure but also to its lasting impact on the players who dare to explore its depths.
Exploration: Vastness and the Need for Detailed Mapping
One of the defining characteristics of a great megadungeon is its vastness. The sheer size of these dungeons encourages extensive exploration, pushing adventurers to chart unknown territories and uncover hidden secrets. A well-designed megadungeon requires players to engage in detailed mapping, creating their maps as they navigate through the dungeon’s labyrinthine corridors and chambers. This aspect of exploration not only adds to the sense of adventure but also fosters a deeper connection to the dungeon itself, as players gradually piece together its layout and uncover its mysteries.
Complexity: Intricate Design, Including Multiple Levels and Interconnected Areas
Complexity is another hallmark of a great megadungeon. These dungeons feature intricate designs, with multiple levels, interconnected areas, and a variety of environments that keep the exploration fresh and engaging. The complexity of the dungeon’s layout challenges players to think strategically about their path and the areas they choose to explore. This complexity extends beyond the physical layout to include the dungeon’s ecosystem, with factions, creatures, and NPCs that interact in dynamic and sometimes unexpected ways.
Challenge: Variety and Toughness of Encounters and Traps
A great megadungeon presents a wide array of challenges to test adventurers. This includes a variety of encounters, from combat with fearsome monsters to negotiations with cunning denizens of the deep. The diversity of these encounters ensures that players must utilize all their skills and resources to advance. Traps and puzzles add another layer of challenge, requiring clever problem-solving and teamwork to overcome. The difficulty of these challenges is carefully calibrated to push players to their limits while still providing them with a fair chance of success.
Storytelling: Lore and Narratives That Deepen the Dungeon’s Mystery
Perhaps the most compelling feature of a great megadungeon is its storytelling potential. The best megadungeons are imbued with rich lore and narratives that deepen the dungeon’s mystery and engage players on a level beyond mere exploration and combat. This lore can be woven into the dungeon’s design, with artifacts, inscriptions, and architecture that tell the story of ancient civilizations, forgotten gods, and epic battles. The narratives embedded within the dungeon provide context and motivation for the adventurers’ quest, turning their exploration into a journey through history and legend.
Top Megadungeons Across RPG Systems
To curate our list of top megadungeons, we’ve considered several key factors: their influence on the RPG community, the complexity of their design, and their ability to engage players in a compelling adventure. While some are written for D&D 5e, most are from older editions and can be run with any great OSR system. Read on for our top megadungeon picks:
1. The Ruins of Undermountain (Dungeons & Dragons 2e)
The Ruins of Undermountain sets the standard for what a megadungeon can be. Located beneath the bustling city of Waterdeep, Undermountain’s sprawling levels offer an almost endless labyrinth of danger and discovery. Created by the mad wizard Halaster Blackcloak, this dungeon is filled with intricate traps, fierce monsters, and unimaginable treasures. The complexity of Undermountain is further explored in Ruins of Undermountain II: The Deep Levels, which delves into the dungeon’s lower levels, revealing even more of its dark secrets and challenges. Together, these volumes provide Dungeon Masters and players with a richly detailed adventure setting that has captivated the D&D community for decades.
2. The World’s Largest Dungeon (Dungeons & Dragons 3.5)
The World’s Largest Dungeon lives up to its name as a colossal undertaking designed to take characters through a complete 1st to 20th level campaign. The ambition behind this dungeon is unmatched, providing a vast, interconnected environment filled with diverse ecosystems, deadly traps, and formidable adversaries. The design of The World’s Largest Dungeon encourages thorough exploration and strategic thinking, as players navigate its myriad passages in search of escape and glory. Its sheer scale and the variety of challenges it presents make it a unique and ambitious addition to any RPG library, pushing the boundaries of what a megadungeon can be.
3. Rappan Athuk (Swords & Wizardry, Pathfinder, D&D 5e)
Dubbed the “Dungeon of Graves,” Rappan Athuk for 5th Edition D&D, with versions available for Swords & Wizardry and Pathfinder, embodies the essence of old-school dungeon crawling. Adventurers descending into the megadungeon’s depths are met with relentless challenges, traps that punish the unwary, and monsters that guard long-lost secrets and treasures. Rappan Athuk’s reputation for difficulty is not merely a boast; it is a warning to those who dare to explore its catacombs, for the dungeon is designed to test the mettle of the most experienced adventurers. Its sprawling levels and sub-levels offer a seemingly endless labyrinth of death. Don’t get attached to your character!
4. Barrowmaze (Labyrinth Lord, D&D 5e)
Barrowmaze, available for 5e and other editions like Labyrinth Lord, presents a unique blend of dungeon and barrow exploration. Set in a vast and desolate moorland, riddled with the barrows of ancient kings and heroes, adventurers are not merely exploring a dungeon; they are delving into the very heart of the land’s history and mythology. The Barrowmaze itself is a sprawling underground complex, filled with the undead and other malevolent creatures guarding the secrets of the past. The combination of above-ground exploration among the barrows, each with its own story and dangers, and the intricate, multi-level dungeon below offers a rich and varied adventuring experience. The lure of uncovering ancient artifacts and solving the mysteries of the barrows draws adventurers from far and wide, making Barrowmaze a megadungeon that is as much about the journey and discovery as it is about survival and conquest.
5. Dwimmermount (Labyrinth Lord)
Dwimmermount is a sprawling megadungeon that beckons adventurers to uncover its arcane secrets and delve into the lore of ancient civilizations that once thrived within its walls. Dwimmermount is a living piece of history, a puzzle box of mysteries waiting to be solved. Each level of the dungeon offers a unique narrative, weaving together tales of arcane might, lost knowledge, and civilizations that rose and fell in the pursuit of power. The dungeon’s design encourages exploration and discovery, rewarding players not just with treasure, but with pieces of a larger story that they must piece together to understand the true nature of Dwimmermount.
6. Castle Whiterock (Dungeons & Dragons 3.5)
Castle Whiterock stands as a towering achievement in dungeon design, a multi-level fortress filled with diverse environments that challenge adventurers at every turn. Published by Goodman Games for Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 and updated for Dungeon Crawl Classics, Castle Whiterock’s appeal lies in its variety; from dark, dank dungeons to opulent throne rooms, icy caverns to ancient ruins, the castle and its surrounding lands offer a wide range of settings for adventure. The inhabitants of Castle Whiterock are as varied as its locales, with a host of factions vying for power within the castle’s walls and secrets hidden in its deepest reaches. Players who venture into Castle Whiterock can expect not just combat and treasure, but complex social interactions and a richly detailed setting that feels alive and dynamic.
7. Anomalous Subsurface Environment (OSR games)
The Anomalous Subsurface Environment is where science fiction meets fantasy in a seamless blend that captivates the imagination. This megadungeon sets itself apart with its gonzo, post-apocalyptic setting filled with a curious mix of high technology and arcane magic. Adventurers might battle robots in one chamber and ancient dragons in the next, navigating through a dungeon that feels both familiar and utterly alien. The inclusion of technology in a traditionally fantasy setting offers unique challenges and opportunities for creative problem-solving.
8. Stonehell Dungeon (Labyrinth Lord, D&D)
Stonehell Dungeon offers a return to the roots of dungeon crawling with its open design and emphasis on player freedom. Created with the philosophy of simplicity and ease of play, Stonehell is perfect for newcomers and veterans looking for a classic megadungeon experience. Its modular structure allows Dungeon Masters to easily adapt the dungeon to their campaign, while the clear, concise presentation makes navigation and exploration a joy for players. The dungeon’s design encourages exploration and rewards player ingenuity, making it a standout example of player-friendly dungeon design.
9. The Forbidden Caverns of Archaia (D&D 5e, OSR games)
Explorers of The Forbidden Caverns of Archaia, available for 5e and OSR compatible systems will find themselves lost in a sprawling underground complex that rivals the surface world in scope and wonder. This megadungeon is renowned for its massive scale, featuring not just caverns but an entire buried city waiting to be discovered. The depth of exploration available here is immense, with every corner of the dungeon offering new secrets to uncover and challenges to overcome. The blend of traditional dungeon crawling with the exploration of an ancient, lost civilization provides a rich, immersive experience.
10. Dwarrowdeep (D&D 5e, OSR games)
Dwarrowdeep, available for 5e and also OSR systems, is a newer addition to the pantheon of megadungeons, yet it quickly distinguishes itself with its unique features and innovative design. This dungeon delves deep into the heart of the earth, where adventurers will encounter a living, breathing ecosystem that evolves over time. The dungeon’s design emphasizes not just exploration and combat but also the consequences of the adventurers’ actions on the environment and its inhabitants. Dwarrowdeep’s dynamic nature ensures that no two journeys through its depths are ever the same, offering a fresh experience with every expedition.
Adapting Megadungeons for Your Campaign
Megadungeons, with their vast scale and intricate design, offer a treasure trove of adventure possibilities for any RPG campaign. Whether you’re looking to integrate a megadungeon into an existing campaign or build an entirely new campaign around one, these colossal dungeons can provide endless hours of exploration, intrigue, and challenge. Here are some tips and suggestions for seamlessly incorporating megadungeons into your campaign and ensuring a balanced, engaging experience for your players.
Integrating Megadungeons into Existing Campaigns
- Find the Right Entry Point: Look for natural ways to introduce the megadungeon into your campaign’s narrative. This could be a mysterious portal discovered by the players, a quest given by a powerful NPC, or rumours of untold riches lying in wait beneath an ancient ruin.
- Ease Players In: Start by introducing smaller, related adventures that lead up to the megadungeon. This allows players to become familiar with the themes and dangers they might face, and it provides a narrative buildup that can heighten anticipation and excitement.
- Link to Larger Plotlines: Tie elements of the megadungeon to your campaign’s overarching story or the characters’ personal goals. This creates a deeper connection between the players and the dungeon, making their exploration and discoveries feel relevant and rewarding.
Using Megadungeons as the Campaign’s Focus
- Build Around the Dungeon: Design your campaign with the megadungeon at its heart, treating it as the central hub of adventure. Develop the surrounding area, factions, and NPCs in relation to the dungeon, creating a dynamic world shaped by the dungeon’s history and secrets.
- Offer Multiple Objectives: Give players a variety of reasons to explore the dungeon, from straightforward treasure hunts to complex mysteries that require delving into the deepest levels. This ensures that the dungeon remains a compelling and relevant destination throughout the campaign.
- Foster a Living World: Allow the dungeon and its surroundings to evolve based on the players’ actions. New paths might open, factions could shift their allegiances, and areas of the dungeon might change, keeping the environment fresh and dynamic.
By thoughtfully adapting a megadungeon to fit your campaign, you can create an unforgettable adventure that captivates your players. Whether serving as an epic backdrop for your campaign’s narrative or as a sprawling playground for exploration, megadungeons offer a rich, immersive experience that can define a campaign and create lasting memories for both players and Dungeon Masters alike.
Conclusion
In our journey through the depths of the most thrilling megadungeons across various RPG systems, we’ve uncovered realms of unparalleled adventure and complexity. From the arcane mysteries of Dwimmermount to the vast, deadly halls of Rappan Athuk, each megadungeon presents a unique world brimming with challenges, secrets, and stories waiting to be discovered. The legendary expanse of The World’s Largest Dungeon, the haunting depths of Castle Whiterock, and the ancient, buried civilizations within The Forbidden Caverns of Archaia exemplify the boundless creativity and ambition that define the megadungeon experience.
These colossal labyrinths are worlds unto themselves, offering endless opportunities for exploration, intrigue, and personal growth. Whether it’s navigating the quirky, gonzo chambers of the Anomalous Subsurface Environment or delving into the richly detailed layers of Undermountain, each megadungeon invites adventurers to embark on journeys limited only by their courage and imagination.
The enduring appeal of megadungeons lies in their ability to captivate and challenge us, to push the boundaries of what we believe is possible within the world of RPGs. They remind us that, in the realm of fantasy and imagination, there are always deeper mysteries to explore, greater foes to confront, and richer stories to tell. So, gather your party, ready your maps, and light your torches. Adventure beyond imagination awaits in the most thrilling megadungeons.