Mastering Dungeon Crawl Classics: A Guide to Epic Gaming
Published on February 26, 2025
Many tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) enthusiasts are familiar with the big names, but some crave a different flavor. For those folks, dungeon crawl classics might be the answer to take things in a whole new direction.
What even *is* dungeon crawl classics? It’s a system that calls back to the early days of fantasy role-playing and adds a modern twist.
Table Of Contents:
- What Makes Dungeon Crawl Classics Different?
- Community and Support around DCC
- DCC Compared to Other Systems
- Is DCC RPG For You? Thinking About Playing?
- Embracing the Unpredictable
- Additional Tips
- Dungeon Crawl Classics Modules
- FAQs about dungeon crawl classics
- Conclusion
What Makes Dungeon Crawl Classics Different?
At its core, Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC) is a role-playing game that seeks to capture the feel of early, foundational fantasy RPGs. However, Goodman Games designed DCC with modern sensibilities, making it familiar and refreshingly different. Goodman Games supports dcc with many official products.
Published by Goodman Games, Dungeon Crawl Classics Role Playing Game uses the Open Game License and System Reference Document version 3.5. This made DCC compatible with the revised third edition of Dungeons & Dragons.
A Nod to the Past, A Step Towards the Future
Dungeon Crawl Classics attempts to channel what its creators felt were key ingredients that made original roleplaying games exciting. This often meant taking a bit of a "back to basics" approach.
One of the goals of Dungeon Crawl Classics is fast play. Although a modern game, it still maintains some classic roleplaying elements, paying homage to that late 1970's game-style.
Key Elements and Mechanics
Let's get into some of the nuts and bolts. DCC RPG has a few mechanics and ideas that make it different from other games.
One of the biggest things is "The Funnel." All players begin with multiple 0-level characters that typically start with low stats, simple equipment, and then must battle their way to level 1. These 0-level characters need to survive deadly encounters to prove they are in fact heroes.
Combat has things called Mighty Deeds. Mighty Deeds gives non-magic-users something extra to do besides basic attacks. Some call it "the game that [they] wish wizards were in Dungeons and Dragons".
The magic system avoids fixed spell slots. It encourages taking risks when casting for added randomness and effects that aren't possible to do within the bounds of D\&D rules.
Wizards contend with things, like corruptions for casting spells. A tight-lipped warlock guarding long-dead secrets is a common trope found in DCC.
Zocchi Dice
Dungeon Crawl Classics doesn't limit itself to standard dice. While traditional dice like d6s and d20s are used, DCC uses dice like the d7, d16 and d24 to add some randomness and chaos.
For many players, gathering those rpg dice can be its own adventure. The dcc rpg dice are often referred to as Zocchi Dice, named after their creator Lou Zocchi.
Community and Support around DCC
DCC RPG seems to have developed a strong community over the years. There are resources from Goodman Games, who have released settings and expansions, many available on DriveThruRPG. A judge's screen is one of many products that is available for the game.
You can find people playing dungeon crawl classics both online and off. Some report finding groups easily, with numerous conventions and online platforms having places for people to join a game of DCC.
Third-Party Content is Welcome
Goodman Games has extended an open invitation to let other creators come up with adventure modules, new rules and more for their DCC systems. Many creators have created products in almost every conceivable setting imaginable.
Goodman Games also supports these 3rd-party publishers through a free license. This gives access to make changes to DCC without issues, something unheard of in many tabletop games. A rules set that is open and easy to work with is a large draw to this game.
Getting Started
There seem to be many resources available for newcomers. Even for a quick pickup game at an event.
Some Games Masters (referred to as Judges in the game), even create zero-level characters for folks using the Purple Sorceror 0-Level Party generator to save time. These characters often get rolled up very quickly. It helps streamline getting players to seek gold and glory as soon as possible.
DCC Compared to Other Systems
How does Dungeon Crawl Classics stack up against other role-playing systems? How is it similar or different to other roleplaying games, or is there even any similarity at all?
These comparisons get down to personal preferences. Some differences include different game philosophies and even game mechanics themselves.
DCC vs D\&D 5e
Dungeon Crawl Classics attempts to go "back to basics", making things less simple, but a little chaotic compared to 5e. Where 5e is well known for class balancing and encounter design, Dungeon Crawl Classics thrives on risks and has that dangerous dungeon vibe.
| Feature | Dungeon Crawl Classics | D\&D 5e |
|---|---|---|
| Character Creation | Often random, multiple 0-level characters | Point-buy or standard array, focus on 1st-level character |
| Classes | Basic, class and race usually combined | Multiple class/subclass choices. More customization |
| Combat | "Mighty Deeds" for martial, more open | Structured, specific actions/bonus actions |
| Magic System | Volatile and powerful, with corruptions | Spell slots and more clearly defined limitations |
| Danger Level | High risk, more character death. | Moderate risk of characters getting killed |
DCC vs. Other OSR Games
DCC fits into that "Old School Renaissance" but its mechanics move past simple retro-clones. Although designed around old school values, games can be unpredictable.
Other systems will focus on giving rules-lite games. Some may value flexibility or creating an easier game than those early systems provided.
DCC offers a unique blend. The open-feeling rules set still has some modern elements while maintaining a focus on an old school play style.
Is DCC RPG For You? Thinking About Playing?
So is dungeon crawl classics worth getting into? Ultimately, the best thing to consider is what *you* enjoy out of a TTRPG.
If those potential campaigns involve danger at every corner where PCs often die, or just want random, chaotic elements - DCC might just be the solution for you. Many people online who played and talked about Dungeon Crawl Classics report that they liked those key parts of gameplay.
What About People Wanting More Crunch?
People wanting more detailed character customization may find 5e appealing, however. If those details are vital, they should look towards other modern systems that give these type of mechanics for building out and progressing characters.
Those looking to jump right into a game with established rules for a long time will like that DCC is a contained game, but so is other classic fantasy-style RPGs. It is very easy to find a pickup game to play or even participate on online game.
Is it Possible to Take Things from DCC?
Some game masters like taking concepts, not entire systems. One that seems to be highly sought after is the "Mighty Deeds" which is used in DCC. It could find a home as a homebrew idea in many other games.
Embracing the Unpredictable
DCC RPG embraces the unknown, in some cases *literally*. This has led to a great many ideas created that people find unique.
Magic has chaos baked in to reflect dealing with powers that are possibly other-worldly. This results in a situation where using such power becomes dangerous, creating magical side effects that are not normally experienced with other systems.
Adventure Around Every Corner?
Because a great number of things rely on random tables and a dice-driven gameplay, some feel DCC brings back that exploration. Things such as critical hits add even more, where each class having their own, often changing fights completely.
Characters may be tasked with adventuring into the Shudder Mountains, or a location that gold was won deep within. Many classic feeling adventures exist.
Additional Tips
If looking to check out Dungeon Crawl Classics for yourself, there are resources to explore as previously mentioned. Trying a dcc adventure at a con or finding somewhere running the game near you might help.
How does Dungeon Crawl Classics stack up against other role-playing systems? How is it similar or different to other roleplaying games, or is there even any similarity at all?
Finding More Resources and Ideas
Numerous modules exist for those who wish to check out DCC. Those searching will find a variety of games that capture the feel of adventure as well as classic modules re-printed under that same banner of Dungeon Crawl Classics.
One great resource people recommend online is something referred to as "the funnel" that lets the player get in and get a taste. As another possible plus, sometimes a new system can help change things up for veteran role-players that might need to freshen things up.
Dungeon Crawl Classics are described in one interview as feeling different from a designer's point of view. That design philosophy leans into randomization, keeping players from "building" exactly what they want to instead try different ideas.
Dungeon Crawl Classics Modules
A wide array of campaign settings exist for those curious. Many times there's enough created in DCC to fill numerous campaigns for years, or more.
Settings for Dungeon Crawl Classics exist in a wide variety including licensed works such as Lankhmar or original creations set in DCC. There are a lot of games that exist now due to how long Dungeon Crawl Classics has existed. Modules include official Goodman Games products along with many third party products.
Core Modules for those Wanting to Test It Out
If the mechanics sound cool, finding the Core Rulebook is not too tough of a search. There also exist "First Time Fan" kits to start.
Getting a dice set is considered simple due to numerous places stocking unusual and funky dice sizes. Goodman games supports DCC RPG with online training as well for dungeon crawl classics.
FAQs about dungeon crawl classics
Is Dungeon Crawl Classics D\&D?
Dungeon Crawl Classics is *not* Dungeons and Dragons. DCC is an independent system that draws a great deal of inspiration from the roots of D\&D. DCC is a stand-alone role-playing game.
Is Dungeon Crawl Classic good?
Gamers seeking old-school style adventures while still wanting streamlined play will enjoy the random nature of DCC. Those looking to plan characters step-by-step may find its less-predictable mechanics annoying. It provides many opportunities for epic game experiences.
What system does Dungeon Crawl Classics use?
DCC has its own system but remains connected to early role-playing roots. They changed mechanics like spells having varying effects and things like criticals existing. Many sourcebooks based on DCC exist that have all sorts of rules options.
What dice do you need for Dungeon Crawl Classics?
DCC uses odd dice known as "Zocchi Dice," which has the typical d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20 used by many, but adds "funky" sizes like a d14 and even up to d30.
DCC relies on a different style and a need for odd die-rolls at times, depending on class. With these dice, you may find yourself battling a warlock guarding cryptic and powerful items.
Conclusion
If you're looking to capture some classic adventure feelings, but don't want some outdated and cumbersome parts, dungeon crawl classics could offer just that.
Dungeon Crawl Classics comes packed with mechanics to offer that unique blend. Its unpredictable outcomes along with the large amount of support and even free fan-driven creation adds even more to explore. You can experience things in DCC you would not in other games.