Three Encounter Dungeon (3ED) Guide

Need a session tonight but haven’t prepped a thing? The Three Encounter Dungeon delivers a complete, dramatic adventure in just three streamlined scenes: a compelling Hook, a tense Challenge, and a climactic final Climax. Designed for one-shots, drop-ins, or tight campaign interludes, this format helps GMs create fast, focused adventures with strong pacing and zero filler. This guide gives you the structure, tips, and a sample scenario — all system-agnostic and explained as briefly as possible.

Whether you’re a seasoned GM or just looking to improvise like a pro, the 3ED format keeps play tight, punchy, and unforgettable.