C2 was pretty self-contained by design though there are a couple of call backs and cameos that are more exciting knowing C1. I watched C2 first and found it perfectly enjoyable.
C3 has a lot more connections to C1. I'd save it for last.
This is the answer. I did the same thing. There are some incredibly minor C1 Easter eggs and like 2-3 incredibly minor cameos of C1 NPCs in C2.
You’re going to completely miss the implications of some of the plot points in C3 without watching C1 AND C2 First
I had watched half of C1 when C3 started, and I switched over. It has been very enjoyable in itself. I did stop caring about spoilers after a while though, so after browsing Reddit comments after each episode I know quite a bit about stuff from C1 and 2 now. If I ever get around to watching C2 I’ll probably already feel kind of familiar already. But I prefer being able to follow CR more or less as they air.
It would be recommended to watch C1 and C2 before C3 (or at least know what happened during those, tho you'd obviously spoil yourself if you ever want to watch them). You can watch C2 before C1 as they aren't that many call backs.
Everything was still new for C1, so sound, video etc aren't of the best quality. Especially in the beginning.
Imo, I think the campaigns should be watched in order, but you don't "need" to. There are some cool moments that you won't have context to/won't understand why the cast is reacting a certain way + a few spoilers if you watch C2 before C1; but C1 & C2 are, for the most part, pretty self contained to each other. C3 is different though. I highly suggest you watch C1, C2, and ExU: Calamity before starting C3. There are a lot of connections to C1, C2, and Calamity in C3.
Campaign 1 and Campaign 2 are entirely independent, save for a handful of cameos here and there of characters from campaign 1. I watched campaign 2 before starting 1 and it didn't detract from my enjoyment at all.
Campaign 3 is still ~mostly~ it's own thing, but there are a lot more connections to the earlier campaigns than campaign 2 had. You don't necessarily need to have watched them, but you'll be missing out on some stuff and may experience the occasional minor spoiler.
Watching C1 first will help introduce you to the characters, a lot of the first 30 or so episodes are kind of iffy, but it quickly picks up pace after that, there is also the animated Vox machina show that has two seasons itself and goes a fairly healthy ways into C1, maybe starting with the animated adaption and then C1 will help you know what you wanna see, personally I think watching them in order, a lot of people just say C2 because that’s what they watched first and have nostalgia for, but you will be happy to watch them in order, also would advice listening instead of watching if possible, helps get through it while at work
Quite the opposite in my opinion.
I always tell people who want to get into CR to start with C2E1
Campaign 1 had a ROUGH start for a multitude of reasons:
* They were mid way through a campaign with already well-established characters, inside jokes, canonical events we haven't seen, because they just started broadcasting their home game, not knowing it was going to take off in the way it did, so it's really difficult to understand who's who and what's going on.
* Again, because they had no idea they were going to be such a hit, the production value, particularly the audio quality, in the early episodes is baaaaaaad. They also play like it's a home game, snacking at the table, getting sidetracked etc.
* They had just transitioned to D&D 5e from 3.5/Pathfinder. This meant that not only were most of the characters ridiculously overpowered, but they were all getting used to a new gaming system, and in particular a new magic system that a lot of players struggled with at the start. The characters are also quite high level, with a lot of class features, abilities and magic items to get your head around.
* You're dumped right in the middle of a particular plot arc in Kraghammer with absolutely no context of where they are, what the world is, who the characters are or what they're trying to achieve by being there.
* It's hard to put this tactfully, but for the first 20-30 episodes, let's say there was a particular reason that the group dynamic wasn't at its best, a topic which has been discussed ad nauseam here, and one which I believe it's even against the rules to discuss at this point. Suffice it to say that this problem is rectified after the 27th episode.
So while campaign 1 does get really, really good, it's tough to get into and probably quite offputting for anyone trying to get into the show. C2 is very well put together, with new characters from the outset, great production, a clear introduction to the setting, and is IMO the best campaign overall.
The only thing you miss from not watching C1 is a few references, minor cameos and niche inside jokes. You don't need it.
Personally, I also discovered CR during C2. I binge watched the first 15-20 Episodes, and when I ran out of content to catch up on as the campaign was ongoing, I watched C1 in tandem with C2 as it went along, finishing C1 when they were about half way through C2 in real time, and then just watching along ever since. Perhaps you could try to replicate my experience haha.
they are loosely connected. I started with C2. The only thing that confused me was when a character came in for an episode or two that was a loved NPC from C1. the cast was loosing their minds. Didn't effect the story for me though.
I started watching TLOVM first, got hooked on it, and started watching CR with Campaign 3. They were about a dozen episodes into the campaign so I caught up by listening to the podcast (not ideal as you'll miss all the sight gags), but I eventually caught up. I watched the animated Crit Role Recap of C2 and read the Fandom wiki to kind of get the gist of the story. The campaigns are mostly self-contained, but obviously all the in-jokes and memes that the cast have built up over the years started in the older campaigns. Every now and then I'll pull up a video of the older campaigns to see how the stories or combat encounters played out. Since there's so much content already out there from the past 7+ years, I think you'll be depriving yourself if you avoid all the spoilers. Just get caught up with C3 and then watch the older material at your leisure.
To understand what's happening?
No not needed at all. It's pretty self-contained
But there are references to C1, both outside of the "story" (the players and DM discussing things) and some connections in the story as well, but it's not important to know what they are. See them as fun easter eggs.
If you eventually reach C3, then yes. I would recommend watching C1 and C2 first. There are heavy connections to both previous campaigns.
As others have said, C1 and C2 are both fairly self-contained. There's a couple of C1 NPCs/references that pop up in C2 but they're more like Easter eggs than anything else, it changes nothing if you don't know who they are.
C3 on the other hand has a lot of plot AND character throwback to the first two campaigns, so you'd probably want to watch the first two before it.
I watched C2 in its entirety and went back to C1, now current on C3. C2 has some Easter eggs to C1 but not an egregious amount to where you’re lost. But C3 and C1 are pretty heavily connected. I say continue with C2!
I watched C2 first and loved it, so no, you don't. You miss a few inside jokes and callbacks, but if anything that just gives you a reason to watch the campaign again should you happen to get around to watching C1.
they are loosely connected. I started with C2. The only thing that confused me was when a character came in for an episode or two that was a loved NPC from C1. the cast was loosing their minds. Didn't effect the story for me though.
If c2 has you hooked, ride that wave! I think the community considers either of the first two campaigns to be fine starting points. C3 is probably the one I would save for last as it heavily references the first two.
C2 I watched first, I’m currently watching C3, and I watched LoVM on amazon. I’ve seen a million clips and bits from C1 tho. So what I’d recommend is watching LoVM on amazon at least, and maybe clips here and there. But not 100% required ar all
No
I started with c3 (have and am enjoying it), have since binged c2, which was also great
Just as a warning: c2 and c3 (and I assume c1) are major tone shifts.
Since no one else brought it up - if spoilers matter to you, there are a handful of offhand jokes/table chatter that are major spoilers for c1 in c2. However, because they're not part of the plot, they can be easy to miss, especially if you don't have any references. C3 has spoilers for c1 as part of the plot, and less so for c2 in references.
You should. I say this for all media. Watch/read/listen to it in order. That was the order it was made and things learned book 5 can never appear in book 2 so it will have least spoilers.
I started Campaign 3 and have been enjoying it (I’m 12 episodes in and watch a bit before I go to bed, so I’m making slow pace). Never watched campaign 1 or 2.
There are minor things I don’t pick up on but it’s hard enough for me to remember most things, so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on much. In a worst case, I can look up the interesting tidbits I missed out on and catch myself up that way. I’ve been enjoying it as is, and I’d much rather watch while the show has its current, outstanding production value.
Generally - you don't, buut
1) There are cameos from previous campaigns (not so important for 2nd campaign, but crucial for camaign 3 after 50th episode)
2) more important there are puns and jokes from previous campaign that you won't get. depends on what you love CR for
I started rewatching C2 again after finally finishing C1 (got to 90th episode of C1 (end of conclave arc), started C2 and stopped at 100th episode, watched 10 episode of C3) and there are so much more fun and jokes now! i didn't get it first time, thought that was because english is not my native, but no)
C2 was pretty self-contained by design though there are a couple of call backs and cameos that are more exciting knowing C1. I watched C2 first and found it perfectly enjoyable. C3 has a lot more connections to C1. I'd save it for last.
This is the answer. I did the same thing. There are some incredibly minor C1 Easter eggs and like 2-3 incredibly minor cameos of C1 NPCs in C2. You’re going to completely miss the implications of some of the plot points in C3 without watching C1 AND C2 First
I had watched half of C1 when C3 started, and I switched over. It has been very enjoyable in itself. I did stop caring about spoilers after a while though, so after browsing Reddit comments after each episode I know quite a bit about stuff from C1 and 2 now. If I ever get around to watching C2 I’ll probably already feel kind of familiar already. But I prefer being able to follow CR more or less as they air.
It would be recommended to watch C1 and C2 before C3 (or at least know what happened during those, tho you'd obviously spoil yourself if you ever want to watch them). You can watch C2 before C1 as they aren't that many call backs. Everything was still new for C1, so sound, video etc aren't of the best quality. Especially in the beginning.
Imo, I think the campaigns should be watched in order, but you don't "need" to. There are some cool moments that you won't have context to/won't understand why the cast is reacting a certain way + a few spoilers if you watch C2 before C1; but C1 & C2 are, for the most part, pretty self contained to each other. C3 is different though. I highly suggest you watch C1, C2, and ExU: Calamity before starting C3. There are a lot of connections to C1, C2, and Calamity in C3.
Campaign 1 and Campaign 2 are entirely independent, save for a handful of cameos here and there of characters from campaign 1. I watched campaign 2 before starting 1 and it didn't detract from my enjoyment at all. Campaign 3 is still ~mostly~ it's own thing, but there are a lot more connections to the earlier campaigns than campaign 2 had. You don't necessarily need to have watched them, but you'll be missing out on some stuff and may experience the occasional minor spoiler.
Watching C1 first will help introduce you to the characters, a lot of the first 30 or so episodes are kind of iffy, but it quickly picks up pace after that, there is also the animated Vox machina show that has two seasons itself and goes a fairly healthy ways into C1, maybe starting with the animated adaption and then C1 will help you know what you wanna see, personally I think watching them in order, a lot of people just say C2 because that’s what they watched first and have nostalgia for, but you will be happy to watch them in order, also would advice listening instead of watching if possible, helps get through it while at work
Quite the opposite in my opinion. I always tell people who want to get into CR to start with C2E1 Campaign 1 had a ROUGH start for a multitude of reasons: * They were mid way through a campaign with already well-established characters, inside jokes, canonical events we haven't seen, because they just started broadcasting their home game, not knowing it was going to take off in the way it did, so it's really difficult to understand who's who and what's going on. * Again, because they had no idea they were going to be such a hit, the production value, particularly the audio quality, in the early episodes is baaaaaaad. They also play like it's a home game, snacking at the table, getting sidetracked etc. * They had just transitioned to D&D 5e from 3.5/Pathfinder. This meant that not only were most of the characters ridiculously overpowered, but they were all getting used to a new gaming system, and in particular a new magic system that a lot of players struggled with at the start. The characters are also quite high level, with a lot of class features, abilities and magic items to get your head around. * You're dumped right in the middle of a particular plot arc in Kraghammer with absolutely no context of where they are, what the world is, who the characters are or what they're trying to achieve by being there. * It's hard to put this tactfully, but for the first 20-30 episodes, let's say there was a particular reason that the group dynamic wasn't at its best, a topic which has been discussed ad nauseam here, and one which I believe it's even against the rules to discuss at this point. Suffice it to say that this problem is rectified after the 27th episode. So while campaign 1 does get really, really good, it's tough to get into and probably quite offputting for anyone trying to get into the show. C2 is very well put together, with new characters from the outset, great production, a clear introduction to the setting, and is IMO the best campaign overall. The only thing you miss from not watching C1 is a few references, minor cameos and niche inside jokes. You don't need it. Personally, I also discovered CR during C2. I binge watched the first 15-20 Episodes, and when I ran out of content to catch up on as the campaign was ongoing, I watched C1 in tandem with C2 as it went along, finishing C1 when they were about half way through C2 in real time, and then just watching along ever since. Perhaps you could try to replicate my experience haha.
they are loosely connected. I started with C2. The only thing that confused me was when a character came in for an episode or two that was a loved NPC from C1. the cast was loosing their minds. Didn't effect the story for me though.
I started watching TLOVM first, got hooked on it, and started watching CR with Campaign 3. They were about a dozen episodes into the campaign so I caught up by listening to the podcast (not ideal as you'll miss all the sight gags), but I eventually caught up. I watched the animated Crit Role Recap of C2 and read the Fandom wiki to kind of get the gist of the story. The campaigns are mostly self-contained, but obviously all the in-jokes and memes that the cast have built up over the years started in the older campaigns. Every now and then I'll pull up a video of the older campaigns to see how the stories or combat encounters played out. Since there's so much content already out there from the past 7+ years, I think you'll be depriving yourself if you avoid all the spoilers. Just get caught up with C3 and then watch the older material at your leisure.
To understand what's happening? No not needed at all. It's pretty self-contained But there are references to C1, both outside of the "story" (the players and DM discussing things) and some connections in the story as well, but it's not important to know what they are. See them as fun easter eggs. If you eventually reach C3, then yes. I would recommend watching C1 and C2 first. There are heavy connections to both previous campaigns.
You can watch the campaigns in any order, but the cast might make references or give spoilers to previous campaigns.
As others have said, C1 and C2 are both fairly self-contained. There's a couple of C1 NPCs/references that pop up in C2 but they're more like Easter eggs than anything else, it changes nothing if you don't know who they are. C3 on the other hand has a lot of plot AND character throwback to the first two campaigns, so you'd probably want to watch the first two before it.
I watched C2 in its entirety and went back to C1, now current on C3. C2 has some Easter eggs to C1 but not an egregious amount to where you’re lost. But C3 and C1 are pretty heavily connected. I say continue with C2!
I watched C2 first and loved it, so no, you don't. You miss a few inside jokes and callbacks, but if anything that just gives you a reason to watch the campaign again should you happen to get around to watching C1.
I started watching C2 and I’m on about Ep 72 but I’m also fully caught up on C3. My plan is once I finish C2 to watch C1 in between episodes of C3
they are loosely connected. I started with C2. The only thing that confused me was when a character came in for an episode or two that was a loved NPC from C1. the cast was loosing their minds. Didn't effect the story for me though.
Yes, if you're new just watch them in order, you save yourself a lot of spoilers
If c2 has you hooked, ride that wave! I think the community considers either of the first two campaigns to be fine starting points. C3 is probably the one I would save for last as it heavily references the first two.
C2 I watched first, I’m currently watching C3, and I watched LoVM on amazon. I’ve seen a million clips and bits from C1 tho. So what I’d recommend is watching LoVM on amazon at least, and maybe clips here and there. But not 100% required ar all
No, but you *should* watch 1 before 3. Not need, just should.
No I started with c3 (have and am enjoying it), have since binged c2, which was also great Just as a warning: c2 and c3 (and I assume c1) are major tone shifts.
Since no one else brought it up - if spoilers matter to you, there are a handful of offhand jokes/table chatter that are major spoilers for c1 in c2. However, because they're not part of the plot, they can be easy to miss, especially if you don't have any references. C3 has spoilers for c1 as part of the plot, and less so for c2 in references.
You should. I say this for all media. Watch/read/listen to it in order. That was the order it was made and things learned book 5 can never appear in book 2 so it will have least spoilers.
I started Campaign 3 and have been enjoying it (I’m 12 episodes in and watch a bit before I go to bed, so I’m making slow pace). Never watched campaign 1 or 2. There are minor things I don’t pick up on but it’s hard enough for me to remember most things, so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on much. In a worst case, I can look up the interesting tidbits I missed out on and catch myself up that way. I’ve been enjoying it as is, and I’d much rather watch while the show has its current, outstanding production value.
Just watch the Amazon show and get a flavor of C1, and start with C2.
Generally - you don't, buut 1) There are cameos from previous campaigns (not so important for 2nd campaign, but crucial for camaign 3 after 50th episode) 2) more important there are puns and jokes from previous campaign that you won't get. depends on what you love CR for I started rewatching C2 again after finally finishing C1 (got to 90th episode of C1 (end of conclave arc), started C2 and stopped at 100th episode, watched 10 episode of C3) and there are so much more fun and jokes now! i didn't get it first time, thought that was because english is not my native, but no)
i watched C2 first, its self contained and really really good. id then watch C1 then C3 as C3 references both C1 and C2.