iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If you have finished or caught up with Critical Role Campaign 3, the best next show depends on what you want to change: a shorter commitment, more comedy, a smaller table, denser atmosphere, a podcast-first format, or official D&D material you can play at home. Dimension 20 is the easiest switch for a polished, season-based show; Worlds Beyond Number is the strongest atmospheric, character-led choice; Not Another D&D Podcast offers a smaller table with fast comedy and heartfelt character work; The Adventure Zone is a podcast-first family ensemble; and Dungeon Masters is the official D&D anthology with playable Ravenloft encounters.
Use the comparison below to choose by commitment length, editing, comedy-to-drama balance, cast size and how prominently game mechanics shape the story.
Quick picks: which show should you start after Critical Role Campaign 3?
| Show | Best fit | Commitment | Tone and format | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimension 20 | Shorter seasons and comedy | Season-based; generally a smaller commitment than a single huge campaign | Edited anthology with a high production finish | ActualPlay.World describes it as tighter, funnier and more formally produced than many long-campaign shows. |
| Worlds Beyond Number | Atmosphere, language and character-led fantasy | Ongoing long-form campaign | Narrative podcast, with Patreon Fireside bonus material | The Wizard, the Witch, and the Wild One is the first campaign, featuring Brennan Lee Mulligan, Erika Ishii, Aabria Iyengar and Lou Wilson. |
| Not Another D&D Podcast | Small-table comedy with sincere emotional stakes | Campaign-length podcast | Comedy-forward actual play with heartfelt character work | Its smaller table makes the chemistry easier to follow, while Campaign 1 (the Bahumia campaign) is the usual entry point. |
| The Adventure Zone | Podcast-first listening and family chemistry | Campaign arcs | McElroy-led actual play with an evolving format | Balance is the key comparison for listeners who want a family ensemble rather than a conventional streamed table. |
| Dungeon Masters | Official D&D content and table transfer | Weekly anthology episodes | Official material paired with playable encounters | The first campaign is a gothic-horror Ravenloft arc designed to connect viewing with play at your own table. |
What actual-play D&D show is closest to Critical Role?
No single show reproduces Critical Role exactly. The useful comparison is the part of the experience you want to preserve. If you want an ensemble that treats characters and setting seriously, start with Worlds Beyond Number. If you want the pleasure of a large fantasy idea without signing up for another enormous run, choose Dimension 20. For a looser, smaller-table version of comedy that can turn sincere quickly, choose Not Another D&D Podcast.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsListeners who mainly want a podcast they can play in the background should test The Adventure Zone: Balance. If what interests you is seeing published D&D material converted into an actual session—and then using related encounters yourself—Dungeon Masters is the most direct match. These are different kinds of “similar,” so choosing by format is more reliable than looking for a replacement cast or identical campaign style.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Dimension 20: the best shorter, polished alternative
Why it works after a long campaign
Dimension 20 is the clearest choice when you want to keep the energy of actual-play D&D but reduce the commitment. Its seasons are designed as distinct stories, and its anthology structure lets you finish one setting before deciding whether to continue. ActualPlay.World characterizes the show as tighter, funnier and more formally produced than many long-campaign actual plays. That combination makes it a useful reset after a sprawling campaign: you can get a complete arc without treating every episode as homework.
Editing is part of the appeal. Rather than presenting every table moment at its original length, the show shapes sessions into a faster narrative. Comedy is also more concentrated than in a typical drama-first campaign, although the jokes do not prevent serious character turns when a season needs them.
Where to begin
Fantasy High is the accessible starting point identified by ActualPlay.World’s beginner guide. It gives new viewers a clear premise and a season-sized runway, so you do not need extensive knowledge of other Dimension 20 settings. Start at the beginning of that season rather than sampling a random episode: the edited structure rewards knowing how the relationships and running jokes develop.
Choose it if, skip it if
- Choose it if you want a defined season, prominent comedy, polished editing and an anthology that does not require one uninterrupted campaign commitment.
- Skip it for now if your favorite part of Critical Role is the unhurried feeling of watching every table decision unfold or if you specifically want one continuous world for a very long time.
Read ActualPlay.World’s beginner overview for its entry-point guidance: https://actualplay.world/discover/best-actual-play-podcasts-for-beginners. Its broader comparison of actual-play podcasts is at https://actualplay.world/discover/10-best-dnd-actual-play-podcasts.
Worlds Beyond Number: the best atmospheric, character-led fantasy
What makes its style different
Worlds Beyond Number is for listeners who value mood as much as plot. ActualPlay.World recommends it for atmosphere, language and character-focused fantasy. Pauses, descriptions and the sound of a scene carry more weight than a rapid succession of jokes or tactical turns, so it rewards attentive listening—especially with headphones.
The official D&D Beyond interview identifies The Wizard, the Witch, and the Wild One as the show’s first campaign and names Brennan Lee Mulligan, Erika Ishii, Aabria Iyengar and Lou Wilson. Knowing that this is the starting campaign prevents a common mistake: searching for a later “beginner” season that is not the documented entry point.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Bonus material and listening commitment
The same interview notes Patreon Fireside bonus content. Treat that as optional companion material, not a prerequisite for following the main campaign. The principal trade-off is commitment: this is an ongoing long-form story, so it is better for someone who wants to settle into one world than for someone trying to finish a complete season quickly.
Recommended Free Tools
Choose it if, skip it if
- Choose it if evocative narration, careful dialogue and character relationships are the reason you stayed with Critical Role.
- Skip it for now if you need rapid episode turnover, heavily edited comedy or a self-contained first season.
Read the D&D Beyond interview with Brennan Lee Mulligan at https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1454-interview-brennan-lee-mulligan-on-worlds-beyond.
Not Another D&D Podcast: the best smaller-table comedy
Why the table size matters
Not Another D&D Podcast (NADDPOD) is repeatedly recommended as a comedy-forward D&D podcast with a smaller table and sincere character work. Fewer player voices can make introductions, alliances and running jokes easier to track, particularly if you are coming from a very large ensemble. The show can move quickly, but its emotional beats are not treated as punchlines by default.
Where to start
ActualPlay.World’s beginner guide points to Campaign 1, commonly called the Bahumia campaign, as the approachable entry. Begin at its first episode so the party’s chemistry and the campaign’s comedic rhythm have room to develop. The name “Bahumia” is useful when searching because it distinguishes this starting campaign from the show’s other arcs.
Choose it if, skip it if
- Choose it if you want a compact-feeling table, fast chemistry, jokes that coexist with genuine character consequences and a podcast you can hear without watching the screen.
- Skip it for now if you want the visual spectacle and elaborate editing of a filmed production, or if comedy-forward narration is not your preferred way into fantasy drama.
ActualPlay.World’s full actual-play list is available at https://actualplay.world/discover/10-best-dnd-actual-play-podcasts, and its beginner recommendations at https://actualplay.world/discover/best-actual-play-podcasts-for-beginners.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The Adventure Zone: the podcast-first family ensemble
What you are signing up for
The Adventure Zone is a natural option if the appeal of actual play is conversation rather than a studio-style viewing experience. The McElroy family ensemble gives it a recognizable chemistry, and the format evolves as its campaign arcs develop. The Adventure Zone: Balance is the major comparison point discussed by D&D Beyond’s interview with Brennan Lee Mulligan.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
This is best approached as a podcast-first show. You do not need to treat it as a visual substitute for Critical Role; its strengths are the voices, family interplay and the way an ongoing campaign finds its shape over time.
A necessary qualification about current status
Available published material establishes Balance as a relevant comparison and podcast-first recommendation, but it does not establish detailed current episode counts, a current campaign status or a definitive “latest season” starting point. For that reason, begin with Balance if you want the documented entry rather than relying on an assumed current production schedule.
Dungeon Masters: official D&D with encounters you can use
How the format works
Dungeon Masters is described by D&D Beyond as “the new official D&D actual play.” Its first campaign combines actual play in Ravenloft with a play-along pack. The official series page says the foundation uses official D&D game content and that viewers can bring the game to their own tables with playable encounters inspired by the episodes.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →That makes this show different from a normal recommendation for “another campaign.” You are not only watching a party make choices; you can use the associated encounter material as a bridge from viewing to running a session. It is the strongest pick for a Dungeon Master who wants inspiration that remains close to published rules and adventure design.
The Ravenloft campaign and cast
The opening arc is gothic horror in Ravenloft. Hasbro’s announcement names Jasmine Bhullar as Dungeon Master and Mayanna Berrin, Christian Navarro, Neil Newbon and Devora Wilde as players. The official descriptions frame the series as an anthology, so each arc can function as its own viewing decision rather than obligating you to follow one uninterrupted world forever.
D&D Beyond summarizes the premise this way: “That spirit is at the heart of Dungeon Masters, the new official D&D actual play anthology series where electrifying players turn official game content into a story worth remembering.”
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Who should start here
- Start here if you want official settings and adventures, a weekly anthology rhythm, gothic-horror D&D or encounters that can be adapted for your home game.
- Choose another show first if your priority is an improvised, creator-owned setting or a long character arc that is not tied to published material.
Read the announcement at https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/2147-dungeon-masters-the-new-d-d-actual-play, and see the official series page at https://www.dungeonsanddragons.com/dungeon-masters/. Hasbro’s cast and format announcement is at https://corp.hasbro.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wizards-coast-announces-dungeon-masters-official-dungeons.
How to choose by the experience you want
You want a shorter season
Pick Dimension 20, beginning with Fantasy High. Its season-based anthology structure is the cleanest way to get a complete story without adding another giant campaign to your queue.
You want the richest atmosphere
Pick Worlds Beyond Number. Its documented emphasis is language, mood and character, and its first campaign gives you a clear starting line. Allow more time between episodes than you would for a tightly edited comedy season.
You want the smallest-feeling table
Pick NADDPOD and begin with Bahumia Campaign 1. The smaller table and comedy-forward pacing make it a strong choice when a large ensemble has become difficult to track.
You want a podcast you can listen to without watching
Pick NADDPOD or The Adventure Zone. NADDPOD is the more direct recommendation for structured D&D comedy and sincere character work; The Adventure Zone is the better fit if family chemistry and an evolving podcast format are the main attraction.
You want to run what you watch
Pick Dungeon Masters. Its official-content foundation and playable encounters are specifically designed to transfer ideas from the episodes to a home table.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
You want another long-form character commitment
Pick Worlds Beyond Number. It preserves the sustained, character-led investment that many Critical Role viewers value, while using its own narrative identity rather than copying Critical Role’s production or cast.
A practical starting plan
- Decide your time budget. Choose a season-based anthology if you want a defined finish, or an ongoing campaign if you want a continuing weekly listening habit.
- Choose your primary tone. Select comedy for Dimension 20 or NADDPOD, atmospheric fantasy for Worlds Beyond Number, family-led podcast conversation for The Adventure Zone, or gothic-horror official play for Dungeon Masters.
- Start at the documented entry point. Use Fantasy High for Dimension 20, The Wizard, the Witch, and the Wild One for Worlds Beyond Number, Bahumia Campaign 1 for NADDPOD, Balance for The Adventure Zone, and the first Ravenloft campaign for Dungeon Masters.
- Give the format one full beginning. Do not judge an ensemble by a random mid-campaign episode. The opening establishes names, table rules, recurring jokes and the level of editing you will experience throughout.
- Switch deliberately if the format is wrong. Moving from a long campaign to an anthology is not abandoning actual play; it is changing the commitment model. Likewise, moving from a filmed show to a podcast changes how you follow action, not whether the campaign has dramatic stakes.
What to expect when moving on from Critical Role
The largest adjustment is not ruleset; it is production philosophy. Dimension 20 compresses sessions into edited seasons. Worlds Beyond Number leaves more room for atmosphere and sustained character attention. NADDPOD concentrates energy around a smaller table. The Adventure Zone foregrounds family conversation and podcast evolution. Dungeon Masters connects official material to encounters intended for play at home.
Mechanics also occupy different amounts of your attention. In one show, tactical decisions may be the visible engine of a scene; in another, the dice support a conversation that is edited for momentum. Decide whether you want to watch rolls and table procedure closely, or whether you mainly want the resulting story. That answer will usually identify your next show faster than a list of cast similarities.
Bottom line by viewer type
- New to actual play: Dimension 20’s Fantasy High is the least intimidating starting commitment.
- Critical Role fan who wants deep character atmosphere: Worlds Beyond Number.
- Critical Role fan who wants more jokes and fewer table voices: NADDPOD’s Bahumia Campaign 1.
- Podcast listener who enjoys family chemistry: The Adventure Zone: Balance.
- Dungeon Master looking for official material to adapt: Dungeon Masters’ Ravenloft campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which actual-play D&D show is easiest for a complete beginner?
Start with Dimension 20’s Fantasy High. Its season-based structure gives you a clear entry point and a defined story shape without requiring prior knowledge of another campaign.
Is there an actual-play show whose encounters I can use at my own table?
Yes. Dungeon Masters is built around official D&D content and playable encounters inspired by its episodes, making it the most direct viewing-to-game option in this list.
Which recommendation has the smallest table?
Not Another D&D Podcast is the small-table choice. Its Bahumia Campaign 1 is the commonly recommended starting point and combines comedy with sincere character work.
Should I start The Adventure Zone with its current campaign?
The documented comparison point is The Adventure Zone: Balance. Published information used here does not establish a current episode count or definitive latest-campaign status, so Balance is the safer identified entry point.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
