Critical Role’s major D&D campaign officially returns — what to know
Critical Role, the popular actual-play Dungeons & Dragons show, has officially launched Campaign 4 with new leadership. Brennan Lee Mulligan, a prominent figure in the actual-play RPG community known for his work with Dimension 20 and Dropout, has taken over the Dungeon Master role from long-time leader Matthew Mercer.
The transition represents a significant evolution for the show, which has become known for its high production values and 100+ episode campaigns. Mercer, who had served as DM throughout Critical Role’s run, stepped back to allow fresh creative direction. He recently returned to DM duties for the gothic horror miniseries Sallowlands within the Age of Umbra setting, demonstrating the show’s willingness to explore multiple genres and storytelling styles beyond traditional high fantasy.
Campaign 4 takes place in a new fantasy world, moving away from Exandria, the setting of previous campaigns. Mulligan is leading the players through a narrative centered on magic, death, and revolution, creating distinct thematic territory from earlier campaigns. This new direction reflects Critical Role’s reputation for telling diverse stories across multiple genres and tones.
Mulligan brings extensive experience from his work with Dimension 20, where he has created numerous actual-play shows and campaigns. His appointment signals Critical Role’s confidence in continuing to produce large-scale productions with respected talent within the actual-play community. The October 2025 launch of Campaign 4 marks the beginning of what promises to be another major chapter in Critical Role’s ongoing evolution as a content creator in the tabletop RPG space.