Descent Into Avernus is a campaign book for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition that takes players on an epic journey from the city of Baldur’s Gate into the fiery depths of Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells. As with any published adventure, players and Dungeon Masters often wonder whether the module is worth their time, effort, and creativity. The campaign is known for its darker themes, infernal contracts, and unique settings that push the boundaries of traditional fantasy storytelling. Understanding whether Descent Into Avernus is good involves looking at its structure, storytelling potential, gameplay variety, and overall impact on the player experience.
Setting and Atmosphere
A Unique Blend of High Fantasy and Infernal Horror
One of the strongest aspects of Descent Into Avernus is its setting. The module begins in Baldur’s Gate, a city full of crime, political tension, and urban intrigue. From there, the party eventually ventures into Avernus, a war-torn hellscape where infernal machines, demonic legions, and moral ambiguity rule. This drastic change in tone and environment sets it apart from more traditional campaigns.
Avernus is not your typical dungeon crawl. Instead of ruins and castles, players explore blasted landscapes, negotiate with devils, and ride massive war machines powered by souls. The aesthetic is a mix of Mad Max, apocalyptic horror, and mythological hell. This setting gives the adventure a distinct identity that can be both challenging and refreshing for seasoned players.
The Weight of Morality
Descent Into Avernus places a heavy emphasis on moral choices. Characters will encounter devils offering tempting deals, desperate NPCs seeking salvation, and situations where the right decision isn’t always clear. These moments are where the adventure truly shines, offering deep roleplaying opportunities and encouraging players to think beyond combat.
Story Structure and Pacing
A Gradual Descent
The campaign is designed to take players from level 1 to 13, with the transition from Baldur’s Gate to Avernus occurring after the early chapters. The opening act focuses on corruption and unrest in the city, while the later acts unfold in the hellish landscape of Avernus. The progression feels natural, and the narrative supports the idea of heroes being dragged deeper into a conflict beyond their control.
While some players enjoy the variety of tone between the city and hell segments, others may find the shift jarring. Dungeon Masters may need to work harder to maintain coherence between the campaign’s early political drama and its later cosmic horror elements. However, with a bit of creative linking, the story can flow smoothly and offer a compelling arc.
Strong Narrative Hooks
The story of Descent Into Avernus is rich with hooks and motivations. Whether it’s saving a city from destruction, rescuing a fallen city (Elturel), or grappling with past sins, players are given compelling reasons to engage with the plot. The inclusion of Zariel, a fallen angel turned archdevil, provides a powerful villain with depth and a tragic backstory.
Gameplay and Encounter Design
Memorable Combat and Exploration
The campaign provides a wide variety of encounters, from city brawls and infernal skirmishes to battles against demonic warlords. The inclusion of infernal war machines adds a unique element to combat, allowing for vehicular warfare rarely seen in D&D. Exploring the hellscape of Avernus, with its ever-shifting terrain and eerie locales, keeps exploration interesting and tense.
However, the challenge level can be inconsistent. Some encounters may overwhelm unprepared parties, while others might feel underwhelming without proper narrative framing. Dungeon Masters are encouraged to adjust the difficulty and atmosphere based on their players’ experience level.
Roleplay Opportunities
Descent Into Avernus is not just about fighting devils. There are numerous opportunities for social interaction, deception, and negotiation. Devils are bound by contracts and rules, which makes outsmarting them just as viable as overpowering them. Players who enjoy diplomacy, cunning, and character-driven choices will find this campaign rewarding.
Creative Freedom for Dungeon Masters
Room for Customization
While the book provides a solid framework, it also leaves space for Dungeon Masters to customize and expand. The lore of Avernus is intentionally surreal and fragmented, allowing DMs to introduce custom locations, infernal factions, or personal character arcs. The sandbox nature of Avernus enables creative storytelling without rigid boundaries.
Integration With Other Campaigns
Descent Into Avernus can easily be tied into other Forgotten Realms adventures or homebrew settings. The presence of Baldur’s Gate connects it to other iconic locations, and the themes of redemption, corruption, and cosmic war make it compatible with a variety of character backstories and motivations.
Pros and Cons Summary
Highlights of Descent Into Avernus
- Unique setting that blends infernal horror with fantasy adventure
- Strong villain and moral complexity with meaningful choices
- Exciting combat mechanics including infernal war machines
- Opportunities for both roleplaying and exploration
- Cross-platform appeal and potential for customization
Potential Drawbacks
- Sudden shift in tone from urban crime to infernal apocalypse
- Some encounters may be unbalanced without adjustment
- Requires a confident Dungeon Master to handle open-ended content
- Heavy themes may not suit all playgroups
Player and DM Experience
For Players
Players who enjoy character-driven stories, intense moral dilemmas, and non-traditional fantasy environments will likely find Descent Into Avernus to be a rewarding experience. It is especially appealing to those who enjoy exploring themes of redemption, corruption, and power.
For Dungeon Masters
Descent Into Avernus offers a rich canvas for experienced DMs to explore dark and epic storytelling. It challenges DMs to manage tone, present morally complex choices, and breathe life into a surreal, hellish landscape. Newer DMs may need extra preparation, but the potential for memorable moments is high.
So, is Descent Into Avernus good? The answer depends on what you’re looking for in a D&D campaign. If your group is eager for a dramatic journey filled with infernal intrigue, powerful themes, and a setting unlike any other, then this adventure delivers. With the right group and a creative Dungeon Master, Descent Into Avernus can be one of the most memorable campaigns in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. It’s not a perfect module, but its strengths in storytelling, atmosphere, and unique gameplay mechanics make it stand out in the D&D landscape.