Campaign Problems That Matter
Great campaigns are built on compelling problems. Learn to create conflicts that challenge your players and drive engaging stories forward.
Every Type of Campaign Problem
From urgent crises to complex moral dilemmas, create problems that challenge and engage
Immediate Threats
Urgent problems that demand immediate action. Natural disasters, monster attacks, or time-sensitive crises.
Political Conflicts
Complex social and political problems involving multiple factions, competing interests, and difficult choices.
Mystery & Investigation
Problems that require investigation, deduction, and careful exploration to understand and solve.
Personal Challenges
Character-driven problems that stem from backstories, relationships, and personal growth opportunities.
Resource Scarcity
Problems caused by lack of resources, information, or capabilities needed to achieve goals.
Moral Dilemmas
Problems with no clear right answer, forcing characters to make difficult ethical choices.
The Problem Design Framework
Essential elements that make campaign problems compelling and engaging
Clear Stakes
Every problem needs clear consequences. What happens if the characters succeed? What happens if they fail?
Multiple Approaches
Good problems can be solved in multiple ways. Give players choices in how they tackle challenges.
Escalating Tension
Problems should build tension over time. Start small and escalate based on player actions.
Problem Examples by Type
See how different types of problems create different gameplay experiences
The Plague Outbreak
Type: Immediate Threat
A mysterious plague spreads through the capital. People are dying, panic is rising, and the kingdom's stability hangs in the balance.
Stakes: Failure means thousands die and the kingdom falls into chaos. Success saves lives and brings stability.
The Succession Crisis
Type: Political Conflict
The king dies without a clear heir. Three claimants emerge, each with legitimate claims and powerful supporters.
Stakes: The characters must choose a side or find a diplomatic solution. Their choice shapes the kingdom's future.
The Vanishing Villages
Type: Mystery & Investigation
Remote villages are found completely empty with no signs of struggle. Where did everyone go? What force could move entire populations?
Stakes: More villages disappear each week. Without answers, panic spreads and civilization retreats.
The Cursed Artifact
Type: Moral Dilemma
A powerful artifact could save the realm, but using it requires an innocent's life. Do the needs of many outweigh one person's right to live?
Stakes: Either choice has profound consequences. There is no "right" answer, only difficult trade-offs.
Master Problem Creation
Learn our proven techniques for creating campaign problems that engage players and drive compelling stories. From concept to resolution.
Ready to Create Better Campaign Problems?
Build conflicts that challenge your players and create memorable stories with professional problem design tools.