Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

A fridgid experience with some great action, and a very fun boss fight.

Rime of the Frostmaiden is an overall solid module. Given that it is meant to guide players from Levels 1-12, it has a real solid variety of quests in it that should provide something that each player at the table will enjoy.

You're on a site full of professional GMs--find someone who will make a bespoke, original campaign for you, not run one out of a box. ...that being said, if you *want* one run out-of-the-box, Rime of the Frostmaiden is one the best of them. Most published D&D campaigns are railroads: you move from place to place doing what the writers want you to do (rather than what *you* want to do) until you reach the predetermined conclusion. Rime, at least in its first half, lets you explore the ice-choked setting in the way you see fit, engaging with whatever interests you, building your own goals and connections. The adventure downshifts into a bog-standard dungeon crawl in it's second half, but maybe by then you care enough about the people of Icewind Dale that it doesn't feel totally arbitrary.

Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden is an adventure with a very interesting premise that, if well executed, delivers a constant feeling of claustrophobia, isolation, and struggle for survival. Unfortunately, the module itself is not well organized, and I would not advise it for beginner DMs who have not had experience running other modules. For this module to truly shine, it requires a very hands-on approach from the DM, which means a lot more prepping required and creative leeway, such as homebrew story-lines, NPCs, new story threads the players can pull from. All in all, I would say that this module is like an unpolished gem, that with some work and dedication can become something truly splendid.

Here’s a structured review you can share with other players and Game Masters about Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden, based on my understanding of the adventure. Feel free to adjust based on your own experiences: --- Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden – Review Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Game Style: Horror, Survival, Mystery, Exploration Session Duration: Medium to Long-Term Campaign (Levels 1-12) Pros: ✅ Atmospheric and Immersive Setting – The adventure does a fantastic job of capturing the isolation, mystery, and harsh survival aspects of Icewind Dale. The frozen wastelands feel alive with danger, superstition, and secrets. ✅ Nonlinear Structure – Unlike many D&D campaigns that follow a strict path, Rime of the Frostmaiden allows for a lot of freeform exploration. Towns, wilderness, and dungeons can be tackled in different orders, making it a flexible experience for both players and DMs. ✅ Horror and Mystery Elements – This adventure leans into the horror and paranoia themes, making it stand out from standard high-fantasy campaigns. The sense of something lurking beneath the ice, the unnatural darkness, and the creeping cold all contribute to a unique atmosphere. ✅ Memorable NPCs and Encounters – From the Ten-Towns to the lost city of Ythryn, the adventure introduces a variety of interesting NPCs, terrifying monsters, and thrilling moments. The duergar threat, the Frostmaiden herself, and the ancient Netherese magic provide a great mix of foes and challenges. Cons: ❄️ Uneven Pacing – The first half of the campaign, which focuses on the Ten-Towns and their troubles, feels different from the second half, which becomes more of a high-fantasy dungeon crawl with Netherese ruins. Some players love this shift, while others feel it changes the tone too much. ❄️ Survival Mechanics Could Be More Robust – While the book introduces cold-weather survival rules, they don’t feel as impactful as they could be. Many groups house-rule additional survival mechanics to make the cold feel like a more persistent threat. ❄️ The Frostmaiden Feels Distant – Auril is presented as the major villain, but her presence is somewhat inconsistent. She’s terrifying when she shows up, but DMs may need to adjust her involvement to keep her relevant throughout the adventure. ❄️ Some Locations Need More Work – The final chapter in Ythryn is visually striking but can feel like a traditional dungeon crawl rather than a climatic, otherworldly ruin. DMs might need to add some tension and stakes to make it feel like a true conclusion to the adventure. DM Tips: Lean Into Horror and Isolation – Use sound effects, descriptions, and time pressure to make players feel the harshness of Icewind Dale. Adjust the Pacing – Some sections may need trimming or expanding based on your table’s preferences. Make Auril an Active Villain – Adding more direct encounters or cultist activity can make her presence feel more impactful. Enhance Survival Challenges – Consider adding more consequences for lack of preparation, like frostbite, blizzards, or resource scarcity. Final Thoughts: Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden is a fantastic campaign for groups that enjoy survival horror, mystery, and nonlinear exploration. While it has some pacing and narrative gaps, a creative DM can make it an unforgettable experience. Would recommend for DMs who enjoy tweaking adventures to fit their table’s playstyle!

The eternal night in Icewind Dale is more than just cold—it’s isolation, paranoia, and creeping dread. Every session feels like a desperate fight for survival. The sandboxy game structure lets players shape their own story. The final act delivers something truly otherworldly. Few 5E campaigns capture bleak survival this effectively!