The beloved actual play series makes its boldest creative leap yet with an expanded cast, new world, and revolutionary format.
Critical Role is about to make history. On October 2, 2025, the world’s most popular tabletop role-playing show launches its most ambitious project yet: Campaign 4, featuring a completely new world, an unprecedented 13-player cast, and a revolutionary West Marches format that will forever change how actual play content is created.
After a decade of adventures in the beloved world of Exandria, Critical Role is taking its biggest creative risk by stepping into uncharted territory—literally and figuratively.
What Makes Campaign 4 Different?
A New Game Master Takes the Throne
For the first time in Critical Role’s history, Matthew Mercer steps down as Dungeon Master to become a full-time player. Taking his place behind the screen is Brennan Lee Mulligan, the acclaimed storyteller behind Dimension 20’s most memorable campaigns.
This transition represents a shift in Critical Role’s DNA. Mercer, who has guided every major campaign since 2015, will finally experience the other side of the table, while Mulligan brings his signature blend of emotional depth, quick wit, and masterful improvisation to the world’s biggest actual play stage.
“After 10 years, I’m incredibly excited to sit on the other side of the screen,” Mercer shared during the campaign announcement. Mulligan, equally enthusiastic, called joining Critical Role “an honor beyond words.”
Welcome to Aramán: A World Without Gods
Exandria is abandoned for Aramán, a fractured world still reeling from revolution. Seventy years ago, mortals achieved the impossible: they overthrew and killed their seven god-like rulers, known as the Shapers. Now, in a land where magic runs wild and souls wander lost without divine guidance, the question haunts every corner of society: “Without the Gods, what great deeds now fall to us?”
This post-divine setting explores themes of power, responsibility, and hope in ways Critical Role has never attempted. The absence of traditional gods means magic behaves unpredictably, the afterlife remains uncertain, and mortals must forge their own meaning in a world that has rejected its creators.
The Largest Cast in Actual Play History
Critical Role’s Campaign 4 features an unprecedented 13 players—the eight founding members of Critical Role plus five new permanent additions:
Founding Members
- Laura Bailey
- Taliesin Jaffe
- Ashley Johnson
- Liam O’Brien
- Marisha Ray
- Sam Riegel
- Travis Willingham
- Matthew Mercer (now as a player)
New Additions
- Luis Carazo
- Robbie Daymond
- Aabria Iyengar
- Whitney Moore
- Alex Ward
This expanded ensemble represents the largest regular cast in actual play history, bringing together voice acting veterans, experienced TTRPG performers, and fresh perspectives to create something entirely new.
The Revolutionary West Marches Format
Perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of Campaign 4 is its West Marches structure—a sandbox-style format that divides the massive cast into three thematic groups:
- Soldiers: Combat-focused adventures featuring high-stakes action and warfare.
- Seekers: Exploration and lore-driven stories uncovering Aramán’s mysteries.
- Schemers: Political intrigue and social maneuvering in the world’s power centers.
How It Works
The campaign begins with a four-episode “Overture” introducing all characters and establishing the world. After that, episodes rotate between the three tables, with players able to move between groups as the story demands. Actions taken by one group directly impact the others, creating a living, interconnected narrative where every decision matters.
This format allows for:
- More focused character development with smaller groups
- Diverse storytelling genres within the same campaign
- Flexible scheduling for the large cast
- Emergent crossovers and narrative intersections
The Central Mystery: Thjazi Fang
At the heart of the campaign lies the story of Thjazi Fang, a controversial figure marked for execution who serves as “hero to many, enemy to some.” As word of his grim fate spreads across Aramán, various characters from his past converge to uncover the truth behind his situation.
This central narrative thread promises to weave together the diverse cast while exploring deeper questions about justice, truth, and redemption in a world struggling to define itself after divine abandonment.
What This Means for New and Returning Fans
This is the ideal jumping-on point for new Critical Role viewers. With a completely fresh world and no required knowledge of previous campaigns, newcomers can experience the magic of Critical Role without feeling overwhelmed by hundreds of hours of backstory.
Long-time fans will witness Critical Role’s most dramatic evolution yet. While the core elements that make the show special—emotional storytelling, collaborative worldbuilding, and incredible character work—remain intact, the new format and setting promise fresh surprises even for those who’ve followed every episode.
How to Watch Campaign 4
- Critical Role continues to offer multiple viewing options:
- Live Streaming: Thursdays at 7 PM Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
- Beacon Subscription: Ad-free viewing, same-day VODs, and exclusive content for $5.99/month
- Free YouTube: Episodes available one week after live broadcast
- Podcasts: Available across all major platforms with slight delays
For the full experience, Beacon membership includes access to post-show content, community Discord, and behind-the-scenes material that enhances the viewing experience.
What’s Next for Critical Role
This next campaign also showcases Critical Role’s continued production evolution. The new set design incorporates technology including LCD windows, projection mapping, and professional lighting. This sophistication supports the ambitious storytelling while maintaining the intimate, collaborative atmosphere that defines the show.
The production of Critical Role continues to push the boundaries of actual play content. The West Marches format could influence how other creators approach ensemble storytelling, while the expanded cast demonstrates the potential for inclusive, collaborative entertainment.
The Bottom Line
Critical Role Campaign 4 launches October 2, 2025, promising to redefine actual play entertainment through innovative format, masterful storytelling, and the largest ensemble cast in the medium’s history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or curious newcomer, this campaign offers the perfect opportunity to witness the next evolution of collaborative storytelling.
With Brennan Lee Mulligan’s acclaimed storytelling mastery, an all-star cast of 13 players, and a completely fresh world to explore, Campaign 4 isn’t just another season—it’s a bold reimagining of what Critical Role can be.
Ready to join the adventure? Tune in Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7 PM Pacific as Critical Role begins its most ambitious chapter yet.
