Depends on how they're planning on solving problems. If they insist on attacking everything, they will die to bandits, hobgoblins, or undead much sooner rather than later. If they're able to be creative and the GM is ok with them taking their time, they can probably track down the important NPCs and manage to come across relevant information stealthily, and make it all the way to face the main bad guy.
So in your opinion would a 5th level ranger of any subclass be able to solo phandelver without changing the campaign?
Depends on how they're planning on solving problems. If they insist on attacking everything, they will die to bandits, hobgoblins, or undead much sooner rather than later. If they're able to be creative and the GM is ok with them taking their time, they can probably track down the important NPCs and manage to come across relevant information stealthily, and make it all the way to face the main bad guy.
I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.
well, I'm the GM and they are a new player