Top 10 D&D One-Shot Adventures for Quick Planning

In an ideal scenario, every Dungeon Master (DM) would have the luxury of abundant time and resources to craft intricate adventures in Dungeons and Dragons. However, reality often presents challenges, such as unexpected game nights or last-minute requests. Regardless of a DM’s experience level, having a selection of quick and simple one-shot adventures readily available can serve as an invaluable asset, ensuring a memorable and low-stress gaming experience for all participants.

While numerous resources exist for DMs eager to create their unique campaigns, there is also a wealth of short adventures that can seamlessly integrate into ongoing campaigns or stand alone, requiring minimal preparation. These ready-to-play scenarios come from a variety of sources, including the official 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide, various published books, and platforms like DMs Guild. Below is a curated selection of accessible one-shot adventures.

10
The Lost City: An Updated Version Of An Original Teaching Tool

Quests From The Infinite Staircase, Level 1

Originally launched in 1982, The Lost City has received a modern update in Quests from the Infinite Staircase (2024). Perfect for four to six players at level one, this adventure can function as a standalone one-shot or be expanded into a multi-session campaign, making it easy for DMs to engage their players.

9
Little House On The Scary: Very Little Improv Or Voices Required From A DM

Available For Purchase On DMs Guild, Levels 1-4

Little House on the Scary is designed for DMs limited on time and those whose players enjoy whimsical stories. This adventure features an abandoned inn entirely inhabited by Mimics—a unique twist that requires minimal setup and allows DMs to focus on storytelling. Available for purchase on DMs Guild, this light-hearted scenario proves to be a delightful experience for both players and DMs.

8
Frozen Sick: Ideal For DMs Who Love Critical Role

Free Adventure On D&D Beyond, Level 1

Offering a taste of the Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount, Frozen Sick is a complimentary adventure available on D&D Beyond. Players must unravel a chilling mystery surrounding a disease that transforms individuals into ice statues, navigating a treacherous frozen landscape filled with moral dilemmas.

7
The Contract: A Replayable One Shot Where Dice Rolls Determine The Plot

Available For Purchase On DMs Guild, Levels 1-4

The Contract is a dynamic one-shot adventure where DM and player actions shape the narrative. Featuring over 1,000 potential story variations based on dice rolls, this adventure engages players through a straightforward mission: protect a town’s heir during a chaotic night filled with intrigue and mystery. Available on DMs Guild, it’s a unique choice for versatile gameplay.

6
The Fouled Stream: A Short Example Adventure Shows The Flexibility Of DnD

2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide, Level 1

Demonstrating the flexibility of D&D, The Fouled Stream is an example adventure from the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide that requires little preparation. A recent instance showcased how an impromptu session could thrive with just a basic outline, proving that DMs can create engaging narratives with minimal resources. As articulated by Ben Brosofsky from Screen Rant, “it proves that extemporizing experience isn’t necessary.”

Available For Purchase On DMs Guild, Levels 1-4

Secrets of the Blind Palace invites players into a haunted royal residence filled with undead secrets. Tasked with retrieving the body of a deceased young man, players follow the only survivor from a previous expedition, a mute bard, who adds an element of depth to the mystery. This adventure includes NPC dialogue, printable maps, and can be extended across several sessions. Available for purchase on DMs Guild, it caters well to both new and experienced DMs.

4
A Most Potent Brew: An Easy And Quick Adventure With Basic Rules

Available For Purchase On DMs Guild, Level 1

A Most Potent Brew, purchasable on DMs Guild, utilizes foundational rules of D&D 5E for a swift and engaging session. Players are placed in a scenario involving giant rats in a cellar, which transitions into the exploration of ancient ruins, offering ample opportunities for inventive problem-solving and combat.

3
The Stygian Gambit: An Ocean’s Eleven Style Casino Heist

Keys From The Golden Vault, Level 2

The Stygian Gambit, part of the Keys from the Golden Vault, offers a thrilling heist experience akin to Ocean’s Eleven. This scenario effectively places the onus of strategy on the players as they navigate a high-stakes environment within a casino in the Nine Hells. Complete with colorful NPCs and pre-established dialogue, this adventure allows a time-pressed DM to engage their players with minimal effort.

2
A Wild Sheep Chase: Classic Magical Fun

Free Adventure From Winghorn Press, Levels 4-5

A Wild Sheep Chase is a quirky and free option provided by Winghorn Press. This lighthearted adventure revolves around a frantic sheep claiming to be a polymorphed wizard, embroiled in chaos with pursuing assassins. Its unique premise enables diverse playthroughs, ensuring that each session is a delightful, laughter-filled experience.

1
Affair On The Concordant Express

Keys From The Golden Vault, Level 9

In this interplanar train heist, Affair On The Concordant Express, players at level 9 find themselves aboard a magical train, embroiled in solving a mystery involving an outlaw. Drawing inspiration from classics like Murder on the Orient Express, the adventure emphasizes player agency, allowing them to guide the narrative while the DM facilitates the experience, making it ideal for those pressed for preparation time.

Such adventures often lead to memorable stories that are shared at many Dungeons and Dragons tables, with players unaware of any last-minute preparations the DM may have had to undertake.

Sources: DMs Guild (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) D&D Beyond, Winghorn Press

Source&Images

Top 10 D&D One-Shot Adventures for Quick Planning

10
The Lost City: An Updated Version Of An Original Teaching Tool

Quests From The Infinite Staircase, Level 1

9
Little House On The Scary: Very Little Improv Or Voices Required From A DM

Available For Purchase On DMs Guild, Levels 1-4