Dungeon Design
This page contain links to advice and discussion about designing dungeons for classing Dungeons & Dragons.
My general tips and guidelines for dungeon level/map design
- When drawing a dungeon level map, I usually start by thinking in terms of 4-8 clusters of rooms. One of the things this does it make stocking the level with competing monster factions easier.
- Each cluster has around 8-16 rooms.
- At least half the clusters should connect to two or more other clusters. This promotes non-linearity.
- Generally, the primary entrance and the primary exit of the dungeon level should each be surrounded by a cluster. However, there should be multiple opportunity to vertical movement besides the main stairways.
- Vertical movement does not necessarily mean passages to different dungeon levels. One dungeon level may have parts that are a little higher or lower than other parts. Include some ramps or three-step stairs.
- Hallways connect clusters.
- Some hallways should be long, others short. At least one should be exceptionally wide. Twisty, maze-ish hallways are more interesting that long, straight hallways.
- Each cluster should have at least one or two non-rectangular rooms.
- Some rooms and hallways should run on the diagonal.
- A few rooms should have very high or very low ceilings.
- Constructed dungeons levels often join-up with natural cave systems.
- Include one or two water features.
- Include one or two weird or inexplicable things.
- Include one or two secret sub-levels/clusters to the players might later find a map or otherwise stumble over.
- Include a couple of traps.
- It would be good to have a few distinctive rooms—perhaps important junctions or choke points—that players can use as waypoints to orient themselves.
Dungeon design links