What Is the World’s Largest D&D Campaign?

While quantifying the “largest” Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaign is tricky – we can’t exactly measure by square miles or number of player characters – the title likely belongs to the West Marches style campaigns. These are not defined by a single, overarching narrative, but rather by their expansive, player-driven exploration of a vast and often perilous setting. Instead of following a pre-written storyline, West Marches campaigns emphasize player agency, exploration, and the ever-present threat of the unknown. Rather than a single group playing every week, West Marches campaigns typically have a pool of players, and games happen sporadically, as individuals or smaller groups are available. Therefore, if we are defining “largest” by scope and the amount of storytelling taking place, West Marches campaigns undoubtedly take the prize.

Defining “Largest” in the Context of D&D

Before diving deeper into West Marches, it’s important to address what we mean by “largest” when discussing D&D campaigns. It’s not solely about:

• Number of players: While some West Marches campaigns involve dozens or even hundreds of players, sheer headcount isn’t the sole determinant.
• Number of sessions: A lengthy campaign might have a lot of sessions, but not necessarily cover a huge geographical or narrative space.
• Level of characters: Character levels can be high in many D&D games, but that doesn’t make the campaign “bigger” per se.
• Campaign length: A lengthy campaign might have a lot of sessions, but not necessarily cover a huge geographical or narrative space.

Instead, “largest” in this context refers more to:

• Scope and Scale: The size of the game world, both geographically and in terms of its history and lore.
• Player Agency and Exploration: The freedom players have to explore, make choices, and affect the world.
• Emergent Storytelling: The story isn’t predetermined; it arises from the players’ actions and interactions with the environment.
• Number of interconnected stories: Different groups may have vastly different adventures, but all exist in the same space, and may even affect each other.
• The sheer volume of gaming that takes place: With so many players, it can be an incredibly high volume of adventuring.

The West Marches Style: A Titan of Tabletop

The West Marches style, popularized by Ben Robbins in his blog post of the same name, focuses on a shared, persistent world where players chart their own paths. The key features of a West Marches campaign include:

• A Large and Dangerous Wilderness: Players are dropped into a vast and relatively unexplored wilderness, and their primary objective is exploration. This world is often filled with dangers, secrets, and opportunities for adventure. The scale of the game world can be massive.
• Player-Initiated Gameplay: There is no central story arc. The players determine when and where the adventures happen. They decide where to go, what to investigate, and how to handle challenges. The Dungeon Master (DM) doesn’t schedule or plan the gameplay outside of creating the environment.
• Recurring Characters: Characters can change between games, but will always be present in the game world, potentially coming back changed, injured, or simply more experienced.
• Focus on Exploration and Mapping: Discovery is the core of West Marches campaigns. Players meticulously map out the regions they explore, marking landmarks, dangers, and points of interest. This mapping process contributes to the growing shared world experience.

How West Marches Become So Large

• Shared World, Separate Groups: West Marches campaigns are typically open to a larger pool of players. These players form different groups that explore the world at different times, making the campaign feel expansive.
• Organic Growth: The world grows organically as players discover new areas, encounter new factions, and uncover ancient secrets. This creates a dynamic and unpredictable experience.
• Legacy and Impact: Players leave their mark on the world. Their actions can have lasting consequences, which future groups may encounter or build upon, further adding to the vast legacy.
• Multiple DMs: Larger West Marches campaigns might have multiple DMs, all contributing to the growth and richness of the shared world.
• A Focus on the world: The world is the main character in these games, and it feels truly lived-in.

The Appeal of the West Marches Style

The West Marches style is appealing for several reasons:

• Freedom and Agency: It empowers players to make meaningful choices and shape the campaign world, unlike traditional campaigns with more structured narratives.
• Exploration and Discovery: The thrill of the unknown and the possibility of uncovering hidden treasures and secrets keeps players invested and engaged.
• Community and Collaboration: Players become part of a larger community that actively contributes to the world’s development.
• Adaptability: The nature of West Marches allows for flexible scheduling, enabling busy D&D fans to play more often.
• A True Sandbox Experience: The world truly is a sandbox, and players are empowered to interact with it as they see fit.

Related FAQs

What are the primary differences between a traditional D&D campaign and a West Marches campaign?

Traditional D&D campaigns often follow a DM-driven, pre-written storyline with a consistent group of players, while West Marches campaigns are player-driven, focused on exploration, and involve a larger pool of players, who can participate in smaller groups. In essence, traditional D&D is story-driven; West Marches is world-driven.

How do you start a West Marches campaign?

Starting a West Marches campaign requires creating a detailed initial wilderness area with a few points of interest and dangers, setting up rules for exploration and advancement, and recruiting a larger pool of players who are prepared for the explorative style of the campaign. Be sure to set ground rules, and allow freedom for the players.

Is the West Marches style suitable for new D&D players?

West Marches can be challenging for new players because it emphasizes independence and planning. However, some new players will enjoy the autonomy and opportunity to learn on their own terms. It really depends on the player.

How does the DM prepare for a West Marches session?

DMs primarily focus on world-building, creating locations and encounters, and maintaining a consistent shared world. Session prep involves reviewing past player actions, creating new encounters, and adapting to new discoveries. The key is flexibility.

Do West Marches campaigns need a large number of players?

While not essential, a larger player pool allows for more exploration of the world and diverse player experiences. A very small player base can also work, but it is less true to the spirit of the format.

Can there be a cohesive overarching storyline in a West Marches campaign?

While West Marches campaigns do not emphasize an overarching narrative, they can develop emergent storylines as players uncover secrets, interact with factions, and deal with the consequences of their actions. The story grows naturally.

What tools are commonly used in a West Marches campaign?

Tools include mapping software, shared wikis or documentation tools, communication platforms for scheduling, and virtual tabletop software if playing online. Organization is key.

Are there any popular examples of West Marches campaigns?

Ben Robbins’ original West Marches campaign is the basis, and many modern D&D groups have run West Marches-inspired games. There isn’t a single widely publicized version of such a game, as it really takes place in smaller communities.

What is the average length of a West Marches campaign?

West Marches campaigns can be indefinite, lasting as long as the player pool remains engaged and the world continues to expand. There is no pre-determined end date.

How does character death work in a West Marches campaign?

Character death is often a real possibility in West Marches campaigns, emphasizing the dangers of exploration. Players often have to create new characters, or make use of replacement characters.

How does the lack of scheduling impact the flow of a West Marches campaign?

The spontaneity can be a challenge for those accustomed to weekly sessions. Good communication and proactive planning within the player pool are essential. Flexibility is crucial.

Can West Marches be adapted for other tabletop RPGs?

Yes, the West Marches style can be adapted to any tabletop RPG that supports exploration and player-driven gameplay, such as Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, or even sci-fi RPGs. The core principles apply across systems.

How does player mapping work in a West Marches Campaign?

Players are responsible for mapping the parts of the game world they’ve explored. This collaborative mapping process creates a shared understanding of the environment, and helps to form the world itself.

How do you handle player conflict in a West Marches Campaign?

While not always the case, conflicts should be settled out of game, as the premise of the game is focused on cooperation. This is why player communication is so important.

Can you run a West Marches campaign in person, or does it need to be online?

A West Marches game can be run in person, and it can be run online. The only main requirement is an organizational system which all players are privy to, so they can share their knowledge.