What Critical Role’s Next Campaign Can Learn From Dimension 20

Critical Role’s fourth campaign is already breaking new ground, shaking up the familiar formula with a massive 13-person cast that’s split into three interconnected groups. Instead of sticking to a single, straightforward storyline, the show now weaves together multiple threads, each with its own flavor. The most significant shift, though, is the arrival of Brennan Lee Mulligan as the new Dungeon Master, stepping in for longtime leader Matthew Mercer. Mulligan, who made his name running Dropout’s Dimension 20, brings a unique energy and perspective to the table. While the scale of this campaign is bigger than anything he’s tackled before, his influence is already clear, and it ’s changing the way the story unfolds.

With a background in comedy and a knack for bending the rules to fit the moment, Mulligan’s approach stands out. He’s not afraid to let the tone of the story guide the mechanics, and his focus on genre over tradition is already making waves. As the campaign continues, these changes are likely to become even more pronounced, offering a fresh take on what fans have come to expect from the series.

Shifting the Spotlight

After spending countless hours watching Critical Role’s earlier campaigns, I dove into Dimension 20 and was immediately struck by the difference in style. Where Critical Role often lingers on deep character moments and slow-burn relationships, Dimension 20 moves at a brisker pace, balancing humor and action with sharp storytelling. Mulligan’s games rarely let any one player dominate the spotlight for long. Instead, he makes sure everyone gets a chance to shine, keeping the action moving and the stakes high.

This even-handed approach is already influencing the new campaign. With so many players at the table, it’s more important than ever to keep the story balanced and engaging for everyone. The rotating cast and multiple storylines mean that no single character carries the entire narrative, and that’s a big departure from previous seasons.

Raising the Stakes

One of the biggest differences between the two shows comes down to how they handle risk and consequence. In earlier Critical Role campaigns, the rules were followed closely, and while the stakes felt high, there was always a sense that the main characters were protected by a kind of narrative safety net. Deaths could often be reversed with the right spell, and the world itself seemed to bend to the needs of the story.

Dimension 20, on the other hand, isn’t afraid to let the dice fall where they may. Mulligan adapts the rules to fit the genre and tone of each campaign, sometimes making it easier for players to escape danger, and other times pushing them right to the edge. In Campaign 4, the very first major event is a character death, and for the first time, the usual resurrection magic is off the table. The gods are gone, and with them, the old rules about life and death. This new reality sets a much more dangerous tone, and the players are already preparing backup characters just in case.

Adventure at a New Pace

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at a tabletop adventure, now’s a great time to jump in. In previous campaigns, Critical Role often took its time, letting players explore every detail of their characters’ lives, from romantic subplots to shopping trips. Mercer’s focus was always on making sure his players were having fun, even if it meant slowing down the story.

With Mulligan at the helm, things move faster. His experience with comedy and shorter campaigns means he’s always looking for ways to keep the story moving. Character backstories come out through action, not long conversations, and relationships are built on the fly. With 13 players and a sprawling narrative, this new approach is already making a difference. Both Dungeon Masters are masters of their craft, but by bringing Mulligan into the fold, Critical Role is opening the door to a whole new way of telling stories. Only time will tell how these changes play out, but one thing’s for sure: the game will never be the same.