Phandelver and Below

Tabletop RPGs can seem overwhelming at first, but “Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk” is designed to ease beginners into the hobby. This adventure combines a classic starter story with new twists, making it a solid choice for new players and Dungeon Masters (DMs). However, it’s not perfect for everyone, and understanding its strengths and challenges will help you decide if it’s right for your group.

Verdict: Play “Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk” if you’re a beginner looking for a structured D&D 5e adventure with a mix of combat and mystery — skip it if you prefer open-ended campaigns or dislike DM-heavy prep work.

At a Glance

System	Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Best for	Beginners learning D&D
GM required	Yes
Player count	4–6
Session count	20–50
Tone	Heroic adventure with mysterious undertones

The One-Sentence Verdict

“Phandelver and Below” is a great choice for beginners looking for a structured adventure with a mix of combat, exploration, and roleplaying, but it requires some effort from the DM to keep the story engaging.

Who This Adventure Is For

This adventure is ideal for beginners, both players and DMs, who want to learn the basics of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) in a guided way. The first half of the adventure is a revised version of “The Lost Mine of Phandelver,” which has been a popular starting point for new groups since its release in 2014. It introduces core mechanics like combat, skill checks, and roleplaying in a straightforward manner. The second half, “The Shattered Obelisk,” adds more complexity and mystery, giving players a taste of deeper storytelling and world-building.

If your group enjoys a mix of combat and exploration with some opportunities for roleplaying, this adventure will suit you well. The story is set in the Forgotten Realms, a classic D&D setting, and focuses on the town of Phandalin and its surrounding areas. This provides a familiar framework for players who may have heard of D&D but don’t know much about its lore. The adventure also includes pre-made characters, which can help new players get started without the stress of creating their own.

DMs who are new to running games will find this adventure helpful because it provides clear instructions and guidance. The book includes maps, NPC (non-player character) descriptions, and detailed encounter setups. However, it’s worth noting that the DM will need to read the entire adventure beforehand and be prepared to adapt to the group’s choices. While the structure is beginner-friendly, running any D&D game requires effort and improvisation.

Who Should Skip It

While “Phandelver and Below” is a good starting point for many groups, it’s not the best fit for everyone. Experienced players or DMs who have already played “The Lost Mine of Phandelver” may find the first half repetitive, as it’s largely the same story with minor updates. The second half introduces new elements, but the overall structure may feel too familiar for those who’ve already explored Phandalin.

Groups looking for a purely roleplaying-focused or combat-heavy experience might also want to skip this adventure. “Phandelver and Below” strikes a balance between combat, exploration, and roleplaying, but it doesn’t excel in any one area. If your group prefers intense tactical combat or intricate social interactions, there are other adventures that cater more specifically to those styles.

Additionally, DMs who dislike extensive preparation may struggle with this adventure. While it’s beginner-friendly, it still requires the DM to read and understand the entire story before running it. The book provides guidance, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for improvisation and adaptation. If you’re looking for a more streamlined or improvisation-heavy experience, this might not be the best choice.

Finally, groups with limited time might find the length of this adventure challenging. It’s designed to take characters from levels 1 to 12, which can span dozens of sessions depending on how often your group plays. If you’re looking for a shorter or more contained story, there are other options that might suit your needs better.

How Long Does Phandelver and Below Take?

“Phandelver and Below” is a lengthy adventure, designed to take characters from level 1 to level 12. This can translate to anywhere from 20 to 50 sessions, depending on how your group plays. Each session typically lasts 3–4 hours, but this can vary based on your group’s pace and playstyle.

The first half of the adventure, which is the updated version of “The Lost Mine of Phandelver,” usually takes about 10–15 sessions to complete. This section is more straightforward and focuses on introducing the basics of D&D. The second half, “The Shattered Obelisk,” introduces more complexity and mystery, and it can take another 15–30 sessions depending on how thoroughly your group explores the story.

The pacing of the adventure is largely up to the DM and the group. Some groups may move quickly through combat encounters and focus on the main story, while others may spend more time exploring side quests and interacting with NPCs. The book provides guidance on how to balance these elements, but ultimately, the length of the adventure will depend on your group’s preferences.

If your group meets weekly, this adventure could take several months to complete. This is something to consider if you’re looking for a shorter or more contained story. However, if your group enjoys long-term campaigns and gradual character development, “Phandelver and Below” offers plenty of content to keep you engaged.

What to Buy

To play “Phandelver and Below,” you’ll need a few essential items. First and foremost, you’ll need the adventure book itself: Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk. This book contains everything the DM needs to run the adventure, including maps, NPC descriptions, and encounter setups.

In addition to the adventure book, you’ll need the Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook. This book contains the core rules for playing D&D, including character creation, combat mechanics, and spell descriptions. While “Phandelver and Below” includes pre-made characters, the Player’s Handbook is essential if your group wants to create their own characters or dive deeper into the rules.

A set of polyhedral dice is also necessary for playing D&D. Dice are used to determine the outcomes of actions, such as attacking, casting spells, or making skill checks. Each player should have their own set, but you can also share if needed. Dice sets are widely available online or at gaming stores.

Finally, you’ll need a way to track character information. This can be done using character sheets, which are included in the Player’s Handbook or available for free online. Some groups prefer to use digital tools like D&D Beyond, which allows you to create and manage characters electronically.

Optional but helpful items include a DM screen, which provides quick access to rules and helps the DM keep certain information hidden from players, and miniatures or tokens to represent characters and enemies on a battle map. These can enhance the visual and tactical aspects of the game but are not required to enjoy “Phandelver and Below.”

Play This Next

If your group enjoys “Phandelver and Below” and wants to continue playing D&D, there are several options for your next adventure. One natural choice is “Storm King’s Thunder,” which also takes place in the Forgotten Realms and continues the theme of exploration and discovery. This adventure is more complex and requires a higher level of DM preparation, but it offers a rich and expansive story.

Another option is “Curse of Strahd,” a gothic horror-themed adventure set in the dark and mysterious land of Barovia. This adventure is known for its atmospheric storytelling and challenging encounters, making it a good choice for groups that enjoy roleplaying and tension-filled gameplay.

For groups that prefer shorter adventures, “Dragon of Icespire Peak” is a good follow-up. This adventure is designed for beginners and focuses on a series of quests centered around the town of Phandalin. It’s a more contained story compared to “Phandelver and Below” and can be completed in fewer sessions.

Finally, if your group wants to explore a completely different setting, “Tomb of Annihilation” offers a jungle-themed adventure filled with traps, puzzles, and dinosaurs. This adventure is more challenging and requires careful planning, but it’s a rewarding experience for groups that enjoy exploration and problem-solving.

No matter what you choose, the key is to find an adventure that matches your group’s interests and playstyle. “Phandelver and Below” is a great starting point, but there’s a wide range of options available to continue your D&D journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is “Phandelver and Below” suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a good choice for kids interested in learning D&D, though younger players may need some guidance from an experienced DM or adult.

Q: Can we skip the first half if we’ve already played “The Lost Mine of Phandelver”?

Yes, though you’ll need