Best Dungeons and Dragons 5e Kickstarters

Arguably the most recognized fantasy roleplaying tabletop game of all time, Dungeons & Dragons, first published in 1974, marked the beginning of modern roleplaying games (RPGs), the tabletop game industry, and the roleplaying video game genre.

In 2014, coinciding with D&D’s 40th anniversary, the fifth edition of the popular roleplaying game was released, and, as expected, came a wave of third-party, fully standalone games and game supplements compatible with the latest iteration that continues to this day. These supplements can provide players and Dungeon Masters with new options for character creation, campaign settings, monsters, and more.

Supplements are essential to tabletop roleplaying games because they help keep them endlessly customizable, allowing players to create their own characters, choose their own adventures, and even build their own worlds.

Dungeons & Dragons 5e supplements include additional rulebooks that provide new options for players and Dungeon Masters. They can add new races, classes, spells, monsters, and campaign settings.

There are many different supplements available for Dungeons & Dragons 5e. While some are published by Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro and the official makers of Dungeons & Dragons, others are created by independent third-party publishers, many of whom launch their 5e supplements through Kickstarter.

Although there are plenty of official Dungeons & Dragons 5e supplements that expand your options and inspire more world building, there are times you want to break out of the mold. For those looking to expand their worlds even more or do something different, third-party supplements like the ones featured on Kickstarter offer virtually limitless expansion for all your adventuring desires.

For game creators, there are several crowdfunding platforms where they can launch their 5e supplements. However, Kickstarter remains one of the best for board games, card games, and tabletop games, including RPG supplements.

Kickstarter remains the go-to crowdfunding platform for all types of creators and entrepreneurs, having helped fund over 244,000 projects, raising over $7.5 BILLION in pledges. While other crowdfunding platforms cater exclusively to the gaming community, Kickstarter still corners the market on D&D 5e editions.

This article will look closer at why Kickstarter is the best crowdfunding platform for 5e products, offer tips on creating a successful 5e product campaign, and outline our choices for the best RPG 5e Kickstarter campaigns.

Key takeaways

• Kickstarter is a preferred crowdfunding platform for creators of 5e supplements due to its established player base, niche appeal, creative freedom, community engagement, and direct funding benefits.
• Successful 5e Kickstarter campaigns offer substantial additions to the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, including new character options, unique themes, expanded gameplay mechanics, and rich lore.
• Launchboom helps creators run successful Kickstarter campaigns for their 5e supplements and accessories.

What makes 5e supplements perfect for crowdfunding on Kickstarter?

5e supplements are well-suited for crowdfunding on Kickstarter for several reasons:

• Established player base: D&D 5e has a massive and dedicated player base, making it an attractive market for crowdfunding campaigns. Players often look for new content to enhance their gaming experiences.
• Niche appeal: Kickstarter allows creators to cater to specific niches within the D&D community. Whether it’s unique settings, new character options, or specialized adventures, crowdfunding campaigns can target niche interests that might not be feasible for larger publishers.
• Creativity and innovation: Crowdfunding campaigns enable creators to explore creative and innovative ideas that might not fit within the framework of traditional publishing. That can lead to the development of unique mechanics, settings, and storylines.
• Engagement and community building: Kickstarter campaigns foster a sense of community involvement. Backers often feel connected to the project’s development, giving them a sense of ownership and pride when the product is released.
• Direct funding: Crowdfunding provides direct financing for creators without securing traditional publishing deals. That allows for more creative control and a higher percentage of profits going to the creators themselves.
• Stretch goals and extras: Kickstarter campaigns often incorporate stretch goals and extra content that incentivize backers to pledge more. For D&D 5e creators, this can include additional adventures, art books, maps, and more, enhancing the project’s overall value.
• Pre-Order Model: Kickstarter functions as a pre-order platform, allowing creators to gauge interest in their product before investing heavily in production. That minimizes financial risk and helps ensure that there’s demand for the product.
• Marketing and Exposure: Kickstarter campaigns inherently involve marketing efforts to attract backers. This exposure can lead to a wider audience discovering the product, helping to build anticipation and interest.
• Limited Print Runs: Some creators opt for limited print runs of their supplements, making them more exclusive and sought-after. Kickstarter allows for this approach, providing a sense of scarcity and collector’s value.
• Backer Involvement: Backers often have the opportunity to provide feedback and influence certain aspects of the product, such as stretch goals, art styles, or even specific content. This level of involvement can create a sense of collaboration between creators and backers.
• Art and Presentation: High-quality art and presentation are crucial in RPG supplements, and crowdfunding can provide the resources needed to commission stunning artwork and ensure a polished final product.
• Rapid Funding: Successful Kickstarter campaigns can receive funding quickly, allowing creators to start production sooner and potentially deliver the product ahead of traditional publishing schedules.

The proof of Kickstarter’s success in the games category is in the numbers. The platform has raised over $2.1 billion for projects in that category to date.

How crowdfunding a 5e product works on Kickstarter

Crowdfunding a 5e product on Kickstarter involves several key steps.

Here’s an overview of the process:

• Concept and planning: Define your idea for the 5e supplement. That includes the setting, mechanics, artwork, and unique selling points. Plan the project’s scope, including the content you want to create.
• Preparation: Before launching the campaign, prepare all the necessary materials. That includes writing engaging campaign text, creating visuals (such as concept art, mock-ups, and videos), setting funding goals, and designing reward tiers.
• Campaign creation: There are several facets of a successful 5e Kickstarter campaign, including:
  • Campaign page: Your campaign page should effectively communicate your product’s value, including its features, benefits, and what makes it unique. Use high-quality images, videos, and text to grab backers’ attention.
  • Rewards: Design a variety of backer reward tiers, including digital copies of the supplement, physical copies, exclusive content, art prints, and more. Make sure the rewards offer value and cater to different backer preferences.
  • Funding goal: Determine the funding goal based on your budget for development, production, artwork, and other associated costs. The goal must be realistic and achievable.
  • Stretch goals: Consider adding stretch goals that unlock additional content or improvements when reaching certain funding milestones. Stretch goals encourage backers to share the campaign and attract more support.
  • Campaign duration: Choose a campaign duration, usually 30 to 60 days. Choose wisely, as longer campaigns can lead to losing momentum, while shorter campaigns might not allow enough time to attract backers.
  • Video: Create a compelling campaign video that introduces yourself, explains the project, and showcases its highlights. A video can significantly increase engagement and backer trust.
• Launch and promotion: There are several characteristics of successful 5e product launches and promotion through Kickstarter, including:
  • Launch: Once your campaign is set up, launch it on Kickstarter. To generate initial interest, spread the word through social media, forums, mailing lists, and other relevant channels.
  • Engagement: Actively engage with potential backers during the campaign. Respond promptly to comments, questions, and messages. This interaction can help build a sense of community and trust.
  • Marketing: Continue promoting the campaign throughout its duration. Share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and new stretch goals to maintain interest and excitement.
• Campaign management: The management of your campaign should involve:
  • Updates: Regularly post campaign updates to inform backers about progress. Updates can include new artwork reveals, stretch goal announcements, and development insights.
  • Communication: Keep backers in the loop regarding any changes, delays, or important information. Transparency is key to maintaining trust.
  • Monitoring: Keep track of campaign analytics, such as funding progress, traffic sources, and backer demographics. This data can help you adjust your strategy if needed.
  • Post-Campaign Activities: Start planning your post-campaign activities early so that you can follow through on the following:
  • Fulfillment Planning: Once the campaign ends successfully, plan the production, printing, and distribution of rewards. Ensure you have a reliable plan in place to fulfill all backer orders.
  • Backer Surveys: Send out surveys to collect information such as shipping addresses and reward preferences.
  • Production: Work on the development of the supplement, incorporating any stretch goals and improvements you’ve promised.
  • Communication: Maintain open communication with backers, providing regular updates on the project’s progress and any potential delays.
• Fulfillment: If you’re offering physical rewards, ship them to backers according to the information collected through surveys. Ensure reliable packaging and consider using tracking numbers.
• Post-Campaign Engagement: Post-Campaign Engagement: Show appreciation to your backers for their support. That may include sending thank-you notes, providing digital bonuses, or offering exclusive discounts on future projects.

Remember that crowdfunding campaigns can be complex and require careful planning and execution. Make sure to research successful Kickstarter campaigns, engage with your target audience, and adapt your strategy based on the feedback and data you receive throughout the campaign.

It is also important to recognize that if you want your product to go down in history as one of the best Kickstarter 5e campaign success stories, you’ll need to offer something unique and exciting, such as a new setting, a new race or class, or a new set of rules or mechanics. Your 5e supplement should also be well-written and well-illustrated.

While some RPG 5e creators hire crowdfunding agencies to help their projects succeed, most don’t need to.

Our picks for the best 5E Kickstarters

Let’s jump right into it. Here are our top picks for best D&D 5e Kickstarters.

The Crooked Moon: Folk Horror in 5e by Legends of Avantris

The Crooked Moon Kickstarter by Legends of Avantris tops our list here, introducing a captivating folk horror-themed supplement for Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. Legends of Avantris, known for their exceptional D&D gameplay showcased on YouTube and Twitch, bring their talented gameplay to this project. Their sizeable fanbase attests to their mastery of the game and their entertaining roleplaying style.

Timed perfectly for an October launch aligning with the Halloween season, the campaign video is a standout feature, resembling a trailer for a Netflix horror/thriller series. The hauntingly atmospheric music, composed by the talent behind “Beyond the Garden Wall,” complements the folk horror genre impeccably, delivering a spooky, eerie, and quirky vibe.

The artwork is a highlight, capturing the eerie, folksy essence of the setting with precision. Drawing from their own richly developed homebrewed sessions, Legends of Avantris provides an abundance of intricate backstories, lending depth to the characters and scenes featured in the supplement.

The inclusion of Tarot cards and impressively large miniatures adds an immersive dimension to the experience, ensuring players become deeply engrossed in the vividly realized world of Crooked Moon. This Kickstarter promises an extraordinary addition to any D&D enthusiast’s collection, offering a unique and captivating dive into the realm of folk horror.

Take a look at some of the unique features available in Crooked Moon:

• Sinister Campaign Setting: Explore Druskenvald, a realm trapped between dusk and the witching hour. Investigate Wickermoor Hollow, where superstitious locals follow “The Old Ways” and horrors lurk.
• All-New “Fateweaving” System: Intertwine player character backstories and motivations into the main narrative. Deepen player investment by connecting character fates to the adventure’s plot from the start.
• Folklore-Inspired Monsters and Legendary Boss Battles: Face over 66 Folkloric Monsters requiring strategic encounters beyond basic combat. Engage in 11+ Epic Boss Fights with multiple phases and unique mechanics.
• Dreadful Subclasses and Halloween-Themed Races: Choose from 13+ Subclass Options, including Grim Harbinger Ranger and Horned King Patron Warlock. Select from 13+ Lineages of Druskenvald, inspired by Halloween pop culture.
• Upgrading Artifact Items and Chaotic Curses: Equip powerful artifacts that level up with you, offering new abilities. Torment players with 120+ Twists of Dread, unpredictable effects for added entertainment.
• Atmosphere of Terror and Original Music: Enhance your game with original music by The Blasting Company, legendary composers of Over the Garden Wall. Set the tone with thematic music for various spooky scenarios.
• Crooked Moon Tarot Deck and Mega Miniatures: Utilize a full 78-card Tarot Deck with imagery inspired by the setting. Terrorize the gaming table with 11 highly-detailed “miniatures” of major villains for boss fights.

Alright, alright, we admit we’re playing favorites a bit here. The team at Legends at Avantris are our clients on this one and we’ve really enjoyed working with them. But they’ve also created a truly outstanding D&D campaign with the most explosive Kickstarter launch, raising a staggering $1 million in a mere 6.5 hours!

Crooked Moon by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $2,345,506* (still live)
• Backers: 12,282
• Goal: $27,468

Ryoko’s Guide to the Yokai Realms 

Who doesn’t want to be a samurai warrior or a powerful element bending battling Kaiju, ninja assassins, and Japanese-style dragons to defend a world resembling feudal japan?

Ryoko’s Guide to the Yokai Realms is an extraordinary 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons supplement that invites players to step into a world reminiscent of feudal Japan, brimming with samurai warriors, powerful kitsune sorceresses with abilities akin to “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” and epic battles against Kaiju, ninja assassins, and Japanese-style dragons.

This Kickstarter campaign promises an immersive experience, allowing players to explore a realm adorned with cherry blossoms, witness intense samurai clashes, and traverse breathtaking Japanese landscapes. It fulfills the fantasy of entering a world akin to the one cherished since the days of watching classics like Rurouni Kenshin or Samurai Jack.

The campaign has made history by becoming the most funded 5e supplement ever on Kickstarter and other crowdfunding platforms, a testament to its immense popularity and the anticipation surrounding its release. With its enticing blend of Japanese folklore, dynamic combat, and rich world-building, Ryoko’s Guide to the Yokai Realms is set to revolutionize tabletop gaming, offering an unparalleled experience for D&D enthusiasts.

Here are some of the main features of this thrilling guide:

• Kaiju Battles and Combat Mechanics: Introduces rules expansion to 5e for epic battles against rampaging kaiju. Players can exploit vulnerabilities, adapt to changing behaviors, and use ninja prosthetics for tactical advantages.
• New Element Bender Class: Harness elemental forces like fire, water, earth, and air. Mix and match elements or specialize in one for a unique playstyle.

• Immersive Subclasses and Playable Races: Offers a variety of subclasses for established 5e classes, such as shinobi wizard, skeletal blade fighter, and circle of yokai druid. Provides a selection of 10+ races (14 subraces total) with rich lore and seamless integration into any setting.
• Dynamic Combo Attacks and Bestiary of Yokai: Enables simultaneous party actions for devastating combo strikes. Introduces over 50 unique yokai creatures with original mechanics and engaging stories.
• Cute Familiars with Leveling System: 10 new familiars that level up with the player, each with a unique tech tree compatible with the Tamer class.
• Magic Items and Prostheses: Over 80 new pieces of adventuring equipment, magic items, and prostheses inspired by Sekiro. Versatile crafting system for creating items from defeated kaiju and yokai.

Ryoko’s Guide to the Yokai Realms by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $3,327,234
• Backers: 26,377
• Goal: $20,000

Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass 

This 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons campaign setting marries the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli with the adventure-filled spirit of Zelda. The promise of this unique fusion is enough to make any fan eagerly part with their coins.

The art showcased on their Kickstarter page presents a world that could easily have sprung from the imagination of Hayao Miyazaki himself. It evokes memories of Kiki gracefully soaring over waters, Chihiro’s mysterious journey into the spirit realm, and Ashitaka’s diplomatic efforts with Lady Eboshi in a quest to solve the issue of corrupted waters.

The narrative is intricately woven with Ghibli-esque themes, ensuring an immersive experience that transports players into a realm inspired by some of the most cherished and iconic animations ever created. Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass stands as a promising addition to the world of tabletop role-playing, offering a chance to venture into a world brimming with wonder, adventure, and the indomitable spirit of Studio Ghibli.

At present, it holds the spot as the third most funded project, a testament to the widespread excitement and support it has garnered.

Here’s a look at the features Obojima has to offer:

• Rich Campaign Setting: 250+ pages of detailed lore, maps, characters, factions, and locations. Breathtaking artwork immerses players deeper into the world. Prime location for adventurous storytelling.
• Potion Brewing and Crafting: Players can learn potion crafting, gathering 100+ ingredients across the island. Combine ingredients to create custom potion recipes. Over 180 potions to brew, offering a wide range of effects and benefits.
• Corruption and Mysterious Affliction: Foul magic spreads along Obojima’s Eastern coastline, corrupting land and sea. Unlikely creatures gain dangerous abilities due to this corruption. Players can embark on a quest to uncover the cause of this dark affliction. 
• Diverse Player Options and New Monsters: Unique subclasses like College of Masks bard, Origami Mage, and Corrupted Ranger. Additional spells, backgrounds, feats, weapon types, and player races. Over 60 new monsters exclusive to the island of Obojima, each with their own quirks and abilities.
• Featured Artists: Varguy Art (German Illustrator) known for a simplistic and creative art style. Panel Per Day (Scott Higginbotham, Australian Illustrator) known for outstanding character and creature design.

Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $2,610,869
• Backers: 23,416
• Goal: $10,000

Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt

Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt is a 350+ page tome packed with exciting new content to enhance your 5E game. This supplement is inspired by the Soulsborne video game series and the works of H.P. Lovecraft, and it provides players and Dungeon Masters with everything they need to create a dark and challenging campaign, including:

• New character creations: Steinhardt’s Guide introduces several new character options, including new races, classes, subclasses, and feats. Players can choose to create a Fallen, a human corrupted by the dark powers of the Eldritch Hunt, or a Hunter, a mortal who has sworn to oppose these forces.
• New campaign settings: Steinhardt’s Guide also provides a detailed campaign setting called the Eldritch Wastes. This desolate and dangerous land is home to various strange and deadly creatures, and it is up to the players to explore its secrets and defeat its enemies.
• New adventures: The book also includes several pre-made adventures that can be used to start a campaign in the Eldritch Wastes. These adventures are designed for players of all levels, and they provide a great way to experience the dark and twisted world of Steinhardt’s Guide.
• New gameplay options: Steinhardt’s Guide introduces a number of new rules and mechanics to Dungeons & Dragons 5e, including a system for madness, a new type of magic called Eldritchism, and a variety of new monsters. These new rules and mechanics make the game more challenging and immersive, providing players with new ways to experience the world of the Eldritch Hunt.

Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt is a comprehensive and exciting supplement that adds a new level of depth and challenge to Dungeons & Dragons 5e, offering hours of enjoyment to players and dungeon masters.

Created by MonkeyDM, a popular independent publisher of D&D supplements, the book was successfully funded on Kickstarter in August 2022 with a release date of early 2024.

Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $2,692,698
• Backers: 19,723
• Goal: $24,999

Flee, Mortals!

“Flee, Mortals!” – The MCDM Monster Book for 5e is a 339-page Dungeons & Dragons 5e supplement containing over 300 new monsters and new rules and mechanics for creating and running action-oriented encounters. The book was written by James Introcaso and Matthew Colville, and it was successfully funded on Kickstarter in May 2022.

Here are some of the most notable features of the book, which is one of the best Kickstarter 5e editions:

• Monsters: The monsters in Flee, Mortals! are designed to be more challenging and interesting than the standard monsters in the Monster Manual. They have unique abilities and powers that make them more dynamic and unpredictable opponents. The book also includes several new monster types, such as abominations, constructs, and oozes.
• Rules and Mechanics: Flee, Mortals! also includes a number of new rules and mechanics for creating and running action-oriented encounters. These rules make it easier for Dungeon Masters to design challenging and exciting encounters for players. They include Minions, low-level creatures designed to be quickly defeated but can add numbers to an encounter without making it too difficult; Companions, which are non-player characters (NPCs) that can join the party on their adventures and assist combat and exploration; and Retainers, NPCs that can provide the party with services, such as crafting, healing, or transportation.

Flee, Mortals! is a comprehensive and exciting supplement that adds a new level of depth and challenge to Dungeons & Dragons 5e games. Its innovative monsters and gameplay mechanics have become an essential addition for Dungeon Masters looking to infuse their campaigns with thrilling challenges and unique storytelling opportunities.

Flee, Mortals! by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $2,084,117
• Backers: 27,009
• Goal: $600,000

Tanares RPG 5e

Tanares RPG is a third-party D&D 5e-compatible adventure and supplement with a high-fantasy campaign setting in a dystopian world where the Empire has forbidden war, and the only way to change the status quo is through the actions of a few brave adventurers.

The world of Tanares is a land of magic, monsters, and danger. The player characters can choose from various races and classes, including the new dragonblade, elementalist, madwalker, and redeemer classes. Each class has unique abilities and playstyle, allowing players to create characters that fit their preferences.

Here is a  detailed overview of the four new classes in Tanares RPG 5e:

• Dragonblade: The dragonblade is a powerful warrior who wields the elemental power of dragons. They are skilled in melee and ranged combat and can use their elemental abilities to devastating effect.
• Elementalist: The Elementalist is a master of the natural world. They can control the elements of fire, air, water, and earth and use their powers to create powerful spells and effects.
• Madwalker: The madwalker is a mysterious class that is said to have been created by the gods themselves. They are skilled in melee and ranged combat and can use their madness to their advantage in battle.
• Redeemer: The redeemer is a holy warrior who fights for justice and order. They are skilled in melee and ranged combat and can use their divine powers to heal the sick, protect the innocent, and smite their enemies.

The Tanares campaign setting is full of adventure and excitement. Players can explore ancient ruins, battle fearsome monsters, and uncover hidden secrets. They can also choose to play in a variety of different campaigns, from epic quests to personal stories.

Tanares RPG 5e is a complete roleplaying game that includes everything players need to create their own characters and start playing. The core rulebook contains rules for character creation, combat, magic, and more. There are also a variety of supplements available, including adventures, sourcebooks, and campaign settings.

Tanares RPG 5e is a great choice for players looking for a new and exciting roleplaying game. It is challenging and rewarding, rich and detailed, and offers many possibilities for players of all ages.

Tanares RPG 5e by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $2,100,242
• Backers: 9,403
• Goal: $50,000

Heliana’s Guide To Monster Hunting

Heliana’s Guide To Monster Hunting is Kickstarter’s best DnD 5e supplement for those who want to level up their game with epic monster hunts, tracking, harvesting, and crafting.

Published by Loot Tavern, Heliana’s Guide to Monster Hunting was successfully funded on Kickstarter in July 2021. It is a comprehensive resource for players and Dungeon Masters with everything they need to create and run exciting monster-hunting campaigns.

It includes monster hunting fundamentals covering the basics of monster hunting, including how to track, track, harvest, and craft from monsters, a variety of new weapons, armor, and other monster hunting gear, a number of new monster hunting spells, new adventures, and so much more.

Heliana’s Guide To Monster Hunting is a supplement that brings a hoard of new content to your 5e game, including:

• Rules for harvesting fallen foes
• A system for crafting items from harvested monster components
• A ruleset for tracking and over 150 random encounters
• Over 100 illustrated magic items
• 75 new creatures
• 69 new spells
• 14 stunning maps
• 11 engaging adventures
• Ten races.
• Nine new subclasses
• A new Monster Tamer class with four subclasses
• A ruleset for cooking and over 20,000 unique combinations of effects

This guide is a must-have for tabletop enthusiasts looking for the best RPG 5e Kickstarter supplement to delve deeper into the world of monster hunting.

Whether you’re a battle-hardened adventurer seeking new challenges or a creative storyteller crafting intricate quests, Heliana’s Guide To Monster Hunting supplement opens up a realm of possibilities. It takes you beyond the thrill of combat by introducing rules for harvesting materials from defeated adversaries and an innovative crafting system that transforms these components into valuable items.

The intricate details of tracking and including over 150 diverse random encounters ensure that no hunt is alike, infusing every session with unpredictability and excitement. From the irresistible selection of over 100 illustrated magical items to the host of new creatures, spells, maps, and adventures, Heliana’s Guide To Monster Hunting propels campaigns into uncharted territory.

Heliana’s Guide To Monster Hunting by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $1,845,422
• Backers: 18,082
• Goal: $15,000

Dungeons of Drakkenheim

Dungeons of Drakkenheim is a 5e campaign for characters level 1 to 13 designed by the Dungeon Dudes Monty Martin & Kelly McLaughlin, based on the original livestream game broadcast on YouTube and Twitch! It is an adventure where malevolent monsters and rival factions clash in a dark city devastated by a mysterious meteor shower. It is one of the best Kickstarter 5e campaign success stories, having been funded in just five minutes.

The campaign is set in Drakkenheim, a sprawling metropolis built on the ruins of an ancient Netherese city. Fifteen years ago, Drakkenheim was destroyed by an eldritch storm of falling stars. The city has since been rebuilt, but it is still a dangerous place to live. The streets are filled with crime, corruption, and supernatural threats.

The players take on the role of adventurers who are drawn to Drakkenheim for a variety of reasons. Some seek fame and fortune, while others search for answers to lost secrets. Whatever their motives, the players will soon be caught up in a web of intrigue that threatens to tear the city apart.

Dungeons of Drakkenheim is a classic dungeon crawl with a modern twist. The campaign features a sprawling cityscape to explore, a cast of memorable NPCs, and various challenging encounters. Players must use all their skills and abilities to survive in this dangerous city.

Here are some of the features that make Dungeons of Drakkenheim a unique and exciting campaign:

• A sprawling cityscape to explore: Drakkenheim is a massive city with a rich history and culture. The players can explore its bustling streets, dark alleyways, and hidden catacombs.
• A cast of memorable NPCs: The players will meet many interesting and colorful characters during their adventures in Drakkenheim. These NPCs can provide the players with valuable information, help them with their quests, or even become their friends.
• Various challenging encounters: The players will face multiple challenges in Drakkenheim. These challenges will test their skills, their courage, and their teamwork.
• A modern twist on a classic dungeon crawl: Dungeons of Drakkenheim is a traditional dungeon crawl with a modern twist. The campaign features a variety of modern elements, such as firearms, technology, and magic items.

The Dungeons of Drakkenheim is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a challenging and exciting Fifth Edition campaign.

Dungeons of Drakkenheim by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $1,279,240
• Backers: 13,376
• Goal: $20,000

Tome of Beasts 3

Tome of Beasts 3 is a 416-page supplement for the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons containing over 400 new monsters, including creatures from all corners of the fantasy world, from ghost knight templars to riptide drakes as well as foul new fiends, challenging aberrations, and so much more.

The monsters from the Tome of Beasts 3 cover the gamut from trash mobs to major villains. Each has been carefully designed, tested, edited, and illustrated to make an immediate, terrifying impact on your D&D 5e game.

The book is divided into four parts:

• Bestiary: This section contains the new monsters, organized by challenge rating. Each monster includes a stat block, a description, and a lore blurb.
• Domains: This section describes the different environments where the new monsters can be found. Each domain includes a list of monsters that are native to that environment, as well as suggestions for adventure hooks.
• Campaigns: This section guides players on how to use the new monsters in different campaign settings. Each campaign includes a list of monsters that are appropriate for that setting and suggestions for how to integrate them into your campaign.
• Rules: This section includes new rules for running encounters with the new monsters. These rules cover everything from creating custom monsters to adjusting monster stats for different levels of play.

In addition to the Tome of Beasts III hardcover and PDFs, this Kickstarter campaign funded the creation of over 16 beautiful monster minis, four VTT editions for digital play, an exclusive engraved 7-dice set, and a ready-to-play Tome of Beasts III Lairs hardcover of fast, furious encounters and short adventures.

Tome of Beasts 3 is a comprehensive and versatile resource for any 5th edition D&D campaign. Whether you are looking for new monsters to populate your world or new rules to make your encounters more challenging, Tome of Beasts 3 has something for you.

Tome of Beasts 3 by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $767,501
• Backers: 9,438
• Goal: $50,000

Sebastian Crowe’s Guide to Drakkenheim

Due out in September 2023, Sebastian Crowe’s Guide to Drakkenheim is filled with new player options for the Dungeons of Drakkenheim campaign created by the Dungeon Dudes Monty Martin & Kelly McLaughlin and brought to you by Sebastian, a half-elf, shadow sorcerer, and member of Drakkenforce. It features an all-new Apothecary class, an intelligence-based spellcaster whose esoteric powers combine medical science and occult magic!

It includes dozens of new spells harnessing deadly poison, burning acid, and withering necrotic forces; contaminated versions of your favorite spells empowered by corrupting eldritch energy; and new subclasses for every class, including the witch-sworn Oath of Hexes Paladin, the magic-wielding Way of the Arcane Hand monk, and the fallen Circle of Contamination Druid.

With Sebastian Crowe’s Guide to Drakkenheim, players can take charge of battles as the Commander Fighter, secure their big score as the Smuggler Rogue, or rain death from the rooftops as the Urban Ranger! They can embrace the darkness with the Shadow Domain Cleric, usher in the final fate of a  foe as the College of Doomsayers Bard, or welcome hideous new forms with the Flesh Pact Warlock Patron!

With Sebastian Crowe’s Guide to Drakkenheim, players can more deeply explore Drakkenheim, a conflict-riddled world gripped by political conflict and haunted by otherworldly abominations.

Sebastian Crowe’s Guide to Drakkenheim by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $1,025,330
• Backers: 8,963
• Goal: $20,000

The Griffon’s Saddlebag Book One

The Griffon’s Saddlebag is a hobby-turned-career passion project that releases new magic items (and other content) for the D&D 5th edition daily. This daily content is released on Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit. It is made possible by the support supporters through Patreon.

The Griffon’s Saddlebag Book One is a 200+ page compendium of every item made in the Saddlebag’s first year, including 365 game-ready, illustrated magic items, 12 new character subclasses, two new settings, and an evil villain that can be easily added into your favorite ongoing campaigns. This content is written and designed following the standards and precedents of the official 5e materials to make it easier to read and integrate into your games.

One of the standout features of the book is its detailed item tables for easy reference, as well as rollable magic item tables for when you’re determining the treasure your party can find. Since this book is filled with more magic items than any other single 5th edition book, it even includes alphabetical markers along the page edges, perfect for flipping through to find the page and item you need!

It features alphabetized, color-coded item charts that show the item name, type, rarity, sub-rarity, attunement requirements, and page number, along with rollable random magic item tables, categorized and sorted using the standards set in the official 5e guidebooks.

The item cards from the Deck of Many perfectly complement the book.

The Griffon’s Saddlebag book one was so popular among backers who want to support the best Kickstarter 5e editions that it was funded in just 15 minutes.

The Griffon’s Saddlebag Book One by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $663,131
• Backers: 8,495
• Goal: $10,000

Encyclopedia: Lore Book & Toolbox

Encyclopedia is a 360-page lore book for 5th-edition campaigns. It includes a multitude of ready-to-use cities, locations, NPCs, plot hooks, and magic items.

Throughout the book, you’ll find 15 cities and locations ready to serve as the settings for your next adventures, each with its own identity, featuring many adventure hooks and dozens of memorable figures, friends, and foes. Choose from a hobgoblin pirate port, a kobold mining village, a necropolis, a diabolist city, and more. The Free City, spanning over 40 pages, is split into 15 districts, which you can use separately as the locales of urban adventures or as part of a teeming metropolis.

This toolbox is perfect for veteran game masters who want to level up their homebrew campaign and beginners seeking readily usable content to begin their first campaign.

The book can also be used as a campaign setting to play in a universe steeped in sword and sorcery, portraying four colorful civilizations, each highly distinct from the others. Each has a distinctive atmosphere, unique mysteries, and individual antagonists.

Jim Searcy, the creator of Encyclopedia, said that one of his main objectives was to step away from the tropes of classic fantasy, where orcs and other ‘greenskins’ are brutish and inherently evil. Here, orcs have their own cultures, including pacifistic ones like the Iruul orcs, while hobgoblins have a thriving trading culture.

Encyclopedia is geared toward busy game masters, offering as much material as possible to help them prepare their next game session or upgrade their worldbuilding by picking from the Encyclopedia’s rich contents and cooking up your own unforgettable stories!

Encyclopedia: Lore Book & Toolbox by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $711,432
• Backers: 8,323
• Goal: $20,000

Odyssey of the Dragonlords

From the lead designer of Baldur’s Gate I & II and KOTOR comes Odyssey of the Dragonlords, an epic adventure book for 5e.

Odyssey of the Dragonlords is an epic fantasy campaign set in the world of Thylea, a land inspired by the ancient Greek epics, including The Odyssey, The Iliad, and The Argonautica.

The campaign begins with the players creating their characters, who will be called upon to save Thylea from a great threat. The Titans, ancient and powerful beings, have broken their oaths of peace and seek to conquer the world again. Only the Dragonlords, champions who wield the power of dragons, can stand against them.

The players will travel across Thylea, exploring its many islands and continents. They will battle monsters, solve puzzles, and uncover ancient secrets. Along the way, they will meet gods, heroes, and villains from Greek mythology.

The campaign culminates in a final battle against the Titans. The players will save Thylea and be hailed as heroes if they are victorious. If they fail, the world will plunge into darkness. Odyssey of the Dragonlords is a challenging and rewarding campaign. It is perfect for players who enjoy epic fantasy stories and want to experience the thrill of adventure.

Some of the key features of Odyssey of the Dragonlords include:

• A rich and detailed setting inspired by ancient Greece
• A cast of memorable characters, both gods and mortals
• A challenging and epic story
• A variety of gameplay options, including combat, exploration, and social interaction
• A beautiful and well-illustrated book

Odyssey of the Dragonlords by the Numbers

• Funds Raised: $456,332
• Backers: 8,239
• Goal: $50,000

Where can you buy Kickstarter 5e editions?

Kickstarter campaigns are time-limited. Once they conclude, the products are unavailable through the platform. However, there is no need to fret if you are looking for Kickstarter-funded 5e editions.

Here are some other places where you can buy Kickstarter 5e supplements:

• BackerKit and other pledge managers: After a Kickstarter campaign ends, many creators use platforms like BackerKit or other pledge managers to manage orders, late pledges, and pre-orders. You might be able to find the products there, even if you missed the Kickstarter campaign.
• Online Retailers: Once the products are produced and shipped to backers, some might become available through online retailers. Websites specializing in RPGs sometimes carry products from successful Kickstarter campaigns.
• Secondary Market: Occasionally, people who backed a Kickstarter campaign might decide to sell their copies of the products they received. Websites like eBay, Reddit’s RPG Marketplace, and various Facebook groups could be places to look for these items.
• Direct from Creators: Sometimes, creators make copies available for purchase on their websites or through other sales channels after the Kickstarter campaign is fulfilled. Checking the original Kickstarter campaign page or the official website of the creators or publishers could lead you to options for purchasing the product.

What do these successful 5e campaigns have in common?

The common theme among these Kickstarter campaigns is that they all offer substantial additions to the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition roleplaying game that will appeal to fans. They typically include new content such as character options, classes, subclasses, spells, monsters, adventures, and campaign settings.

Here are some key elements that these campaigns have in common:

• New content: Each campaign introduces a significant amount of new content to enhance the 5e experience, including new character options (races, classes, subclasses), spells, magic items, monsters, and more.
• Unique themes: Each campaign has a unique theme or setting that sets it apart. Themes range from dark and eldritch hunts inspired by video games and Lovecraftian horror to high-fantasy campaigns in dystopian worlds or cities devastated by mysterious events.
• Expansion of gameplay: The campaigns often introduce new gameplay mechanics, rules, and systems to enhance the depth and challenge of the game. These can include new systems for tracking madness, crafting, monster hunting, and more.
• Rich lore and story: The campaigns offer detailed lore, backstories, and settings that players and Dungeon Masters can use to create engaging narratives and immersive worlds.

These elements resulted in some of Kickstarter’s best DnD 5e campaigns, indicating strong interest and support from the tabletop RPG community. These campaigns have garnered many backers and raised substantial funds beyond their initial goals, indicating their popularity and demand among players.