Choosing a system is just the first step.
The real magic begins when you step into the story.
If you’re wondering “Whatâs the best adventure to actually start playing?”, youâre not alone. Great starter modules teach the system, set the tone, and get players invested without overwhelming them.
Today at RPGInquisitor, weâre matching each major TTRPG system with an adventure thatâs proven, accessible, and funâperfect for your first foray into a new world.
đ§ââď¸ For Dungeons & Dragons 5E / 2025 Update:
Lost Mine of Phandelver
đ Available in: D&D Starter Set (2014, updated versions expected in 2025)
Why It’s Perfect:
- Designed for absolute beginners
- Gentle onboarding into combat, exploration, and social play
- Classic fantasy tropes (goblins, dragons, ancient ruins)
- Balanced for 4â5 players starting at Level 1
đ˛ RPGInquisitor Tip: Donât worry if you get rules wrong. Phandelver is built for learning-by-doing.
đ For Pathfinder 2E:
Menace Under Otari
đ Available in: Pathfinder Beginner Box (2E)
Why It’s Perfect:
- Walks players step-by-step through Pathfinder 2Eâs robust mechanics
- Rich town and dungeon setting
- Includes physical maps, standees, and character sheets
- Designed for solo GMs or co-op learning
đĄď¸ RPGInquisitor Tip: Let the players explore downtime in Otariâitâs a great sandbox for side quests!
đĽ For Blades in the Dark:
The War in Crowâs Foot (Built into Core Rules)
Why It’s Perfect:
- Embedded “default” starting conflict in the book
- Throws players immediately into faction warfare in Duskwall
- Quick âCrew Creationâ process leads directly into action
- Supports heists, sabotage, assassinationâyour choice
đĄď¸ RPGInquisitor Tip: Always ask players which factions they love…and which they hate.
đ For Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition):
The Haunting (Included in Starter Set & Quick-Start Rules)
Why It’s Perfect:
- A compact, haunted-house mystery
- Introduces key investigative mechanics (Library Use, Psychology, Spot Hidden)
- High chance of survival if players are cautious
- Doesnât require deep mythos knowledge
đť RPGInquisitor Tip: Emphasize atmosphere over jump scares. Build tension slowly!
đĄď¸ For Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition):
The Wild Hunt (Included in Savage Worlds Adventure Edition â SWADE)
Why It’s Perfect:
- Quick-start action with supernatural horror flavor
- Demonstrates how “Fast, Furious, Fun” plays at the table
- Modularâeasy to expand or continue
- Great intro to Edges, Bennies, and exploding dice mechanics
⥠RPGInquisitor Tip: Remind players they can attempt crazy, cinematic stuntsâthatâs the Savage way!
đŻ Honorable Mentions for Other Systems:
| System | Starter Adventure |
|---|---|
| FATE Core | Tower of the Serpents (free online) |
| MĂRK BORG | Rotblack Sludge (Core Book adventure) |
| Dungeon World | The Perilous Wilds (sandbox tools) |
| Cyberpunk RED | The Apartment (easy one-shot) |
đ§ Final Thought: Start Small, Dream Big
A good first adventure does two crucial things:
- Teaches you the rhythm of the system
- Hooks your players into the world
It doesnât have to be perfect.
It just has to start the story.
Weâll be reviewing many of these starter adventures in more detail over the coming weeksâso whether youâre stepping into a goblin cave or investigating forbidden tomes, youâll have the tools you need to lead the way.
đ˛ Until then: pick a module, gather your party, and roll initiative on your next great adventure.
