Summary
The popularity of TTRPGs is skyrocketing, making it one of the best times to try a TTRPG system. While one of the most popular TTRPGs isDungeons & Dragons, the TTRPG landscape is a vast well of excitement. TTRPGs are an excellent resource that provide access to vast worlds, creativity, and loads of fun.
There are dozens of TTRPGs aside fromDungeons & Dragonsthat fans can enjoy whether they are looking for a classic fantasy setting or something more unique. TTRPGs are perfect for individuals who are searching to scratch the itch of a specific genre, whether it’s futuristic, universal, ormultiversal. There are even some TTRPGs based on some of the most popular franchises in fiction. Here are some of the best TTRPGs to try that aren’tDungeons & Dragons.
1Starfinder
An Intergalactic Thrill Ride
Some fantasy fans look past the dragons and orcs and point their eyes toward the stars, where endless worlds await to be explored, and interstellar threats must be stopped.
StarfinderisPaizo’s alternate TTRPGs that focuses on Science Fiction, allowing players to traverse the stars, create characters with alien races, and utilize highly advanced technology and unique mechanics.Paizois a great TTRPG for fans ofStar Wars,Dune, orEvent Horizon, and it is filled with a smorgasbord of material and resources to craft the perfect sci-fi campaign.
2Warhammer 40K
Take Hold Of The Grim Dark Universe With A Group of Friends
The Warhammer 40,000universe originated as a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) and has undergone a long series of editions that have stood the test of time. Players interested in experiencing the harsh and cruel setting of a constant war that crosses multiple worlds, galaxies, and dimensions can dive straight in and become one of the Emperor’s chosen.
Fans of the recently releasedWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2will find one of the many available Editions ofWarhammer 40,000to be a perfect fit to dive deeper into the expansive lore of this nightmarish universe.
3Mutants And Masterminds
Live Out Superhero Dreams Or Villainous Nightmare
Tabletop fans who wish to soar through the skies or use cars as frisbees will be right at home inMutants and Masterminds, with a perfectly crafted system that sets up a level of play that allows for a number of play styles, from street-level threats to cosmic entities.
Players can group up to become the world’s mightiest heroes or most dastardly villains with a wide variety of powers, skills enhancements, and gadgets. The game’s system features a unique point-based character creation system that raises the world level based on the amount of points players have, ensuring balance throughout.
4Shadowrun
Have The Best Of Multiple Worlds
Shadowrunis a TTRPG from Catalyst Game Labs that offers a highly unique combination of Fantasy, futurism, and Noir in one perfect package. The setting of this TTRPG places players in a world where magic has reemerged in a futuristic age where technology has advanced to the point where it can accomplish acts just as mystical as arcane spells.
While having so many genres may be too much for some players, for fans who love to fight cybernetic werewolves or wield laser swords as wizards,Shadowrunis the perfect choice.
5Pathfinder
Take A Shot At A Different Type Of Fantasy TTRPG
Pathfinderis theoriginal TTRPGfromPaizo, serving as direct competition toDungeons & Dragons.Paizowas founded by formerWizards of the Coastemployee Lisa Stevens and received widespread praise for its extensive system and vast expansion to characters, classes, and gameplay.
Pathfinderoffers a slew of abilities, actions, and play styles, dialing the fantasy aspect up to eleven and granting players more variety.Pathfinderholds the core ofDungeons and Dragonsat heart, but it adds a sprinkle of imagination to every class and monster.
6Cyberpunk Red
Dive Into The TTRPG And Become An Edgerunner
CD PROJEKT Red struck gold with the release ofCyberpunk 2077, but the origin of one of the greatest RPGs of the decade originates from a TTRPG by Mike Pondsmith calledCyberpunk. Since the game’s release and success, an updated edition of the TTRPG,Cyberpunk Red, has been released, updating the system and serving as a perfect jumping on point for fans of the game and its concept.
Cyberpunk Redis a cold, futuristic setting where humanity has become more machine than man, and corporations rule the world. Players searching to live out their rebel dreams or become a part of the system will enjoyCyberpunk Red.
Leap Into The Amazing Official Marvel Tabletop Game
There are not many TTRPGs that allow players to step into the role of a superhero. However,Marvel Entertainmenthas created and released the perfect system for players to engulf themselves in the vast Marvel multiverse and live out their fantasies.
Marvel Multiversecontains all the tools to become a part of the universe, from powers, races, and even the multiple world settings.Marvel Multiverseintroduces a special point system and a minimal dice system that makes gameplay easy to step into, while allowing a high threshold for build-crafting.
8Daggerheart
Try Out The Brand New TTRPG From The Wonderful People Behind Critical Role
Daggerheartis a new TTRPGsystem loosely based on the bones ofDungeons and Dragonsand curated by Darrington Press — and the creators ofCritical Roll. The system introduces a more narrative-focused style of play and features a range of new classes, monsters, and locations to explore.
Gameplay revolves around a two-dice system using D12s, where a role depends on the combination of Hope and Fear. Forfans ofCritical RollandThe Legend of Vox Machina,Daggerheartis a perfect TTRPG to try out.
