Choosing a system is just the first step.
The real magic begins when you step into the story.
If you’re wondering “What’s the best adventure to actually start playing?”, you’re not alone. Great starter modules teach the system, set the tone, and get players invested without overwhelming them.
Today at RPGInquisitor, we’re matching each major TTRPG system with an adventure that’s proven, accessible, and fun—perfect for your first foray into a new world.
🧙‍♂️ For Dungeons & Dragons 5E / 2025 Update:
Lost Mine of Phandelver
đź“– 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 4–5 players starting at Level 1
🎲 RPGInquisitor Tip: Don’t worry if you get rules wrong. Phandelver is built for learning-by-doing.
đź“ś For Pathfinder 2E:
Menace Under Otari
đź“– Available in: Pathfinder Beginner Box (2E)
Why It’s Perfect:
- Walks players step-by-step through Pathfinder 2E’s robust mechanics
- Rich town and dungeon setting
- Includes physical maps, standees, and character sheets
- Designed for solo GMs or co-op learning
🛡️ RPGInquisitor Tip: Let the players explore downtime in Otari—it’s a great sandbox for side quests!
🔥 For Blades in the Dark:
The War in Crow’s 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 “Crew Creation” process leads directly into action
- Supports heists, sabotage, assassination—your choice
🗡️ RPGInquisitor Tip: Always ask players which factions they love…and which they hate.
đź‘‘ 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
- Doesn’t require deep mythos knowledge
đź‘» RPGInquisitor Tip: Emphasize atmosphere over jump scares. Build tension slowly!
🛡️ For Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition):
The Wild Hunt (Included in Savage Worlds Adventure Edition – SWADE)
Why It’s Perfect:
- Quick-start action with supernatural horror flavor
- Demonstrates how “Fast, Furious, Fun” plays at the table
- Modular—easy to expand or continue
- Great intro to Edges, Bennies, and exploding dice mechanics
⚡ RPGInquisitor Tip: Remind players they can attempt crazy, cinematic stunts—that’s the Savage way!
🎯 Honorable Mentions for Other Systems:
| System | Starter Adventure |
|---|---|
| FATE Core | Tower of the Serpents (free online) |
| MĂ–RK BORG | Rotblack Sludge (Core Book adventure) |
| Dungeon World | The Perilous Wilds (sandbox tools) |
| Cyberpunk RED | The Apartment (easy one-shot) |
🧠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 doesn’t have to be perfect.
It just has to start the story.
We’ll be reviewing many of these starter adventures in more detail over the coming weeks—so whether you’re stepping into a goblin cave or investigating forbidden tomes, you’ll have the tools you need to lead the way.
🎲 Until then: pick a module, gather your party, and roll initiative on your next great adventure.
