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The best tabletop RPGs have something for everyone, whether you want to try pen-and-paper experiences for the first time or you want to try something new. They are also easier to get into than ever before. New, simplified versions of old favorites make it easy for both newbies and fans to get started on their quest.
But where do you even start? Don’t worry if the best board RPGs make you feel scared. Our experts have been doing this for a long time, so whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro looking for something new, this guide has suggestions for you. We’re living in a golden age of TTRPGs, so you can find a game for almost any interest. Magic and swords? No problem. Sci-fi star-trekking? You bet. Action with heroes? Absolutely.
We’ve used our software that finds deals to find discounts on the best board RPGs so you can save as much money as possible along the way. Since these prices are changed automatically on a regular basis, you can be sure that you’re getting the best deals right now. To see if there are discounts, just click on the buttons below each item.
Curious about how we chose the items on this list? Only things that our writers, freelancers, and coworkers have spent a lot of time with will be featured. This means that we really like the tabletop RPGs below. What I mean is? We won’t ever recommend a game that we wouldn’t play ourselves.
Best Tabletop RPGs Comparison Table
| RPG | Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition) | Index Card RPG | Kids on Bikes | Blades in the Dark | FATE Core: Character-Driven With Unlimited Possibilities | Vampire: The Masquerade – 5th Edition | Call of Cthulhu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy | Fantasy | Horror | Dark Fantasy | Multi-Genre | Horror | Horror |
| System | D&D 5th Edition | Custom System | Custom System | Custom System | FATE Core | Custom System | Basic Roleplaying |
| Setting | Forgotten Realms | N/A | 1980s America | Industrial Fantasy | N/A | World of Darkness | Cthulhu Mythos |
| Number of Players | 2-8 | 2+ | 2+ | 2+ | 3+ | 3+ | 2+ |
| Complexity | Moderate | Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Dice | Polyhedral | D20 | D6 | Custom | Fudge Dice | Custom | Polyhedral |
| Character Creation | In-Depth | Simple | Simple | Streamlined | Freeform | In-Depth | Streamlined |
| Combat System | Turn-Based | Turn-Based | Turn-Based | Narrative | Narrative | Turn-Based | Turn-Based |
| Magic System | Spellcasting | N/A | N/A | Rituals | Aspect-Based | Vampire Powers | Spells |
| Game Master (GM) Role | Essential | Optional | Optional | Essential | Optional | Essential | Essential |
| Recommended Age | 12+ | 8+ | 10+ | 13+ | 12+ | 18+ | 14+ |
| Price (Core Book) | $49.95 | $24.99 | $29.99 | $29.99 | $25.00 | $54.99 | $54.95 |
Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7+ / MacOS X 10.11+ / Ubuntu 16.04+ | OS: Windows 10 / MacOS X 10.13+ / Ubuntu 18.04+ |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 / AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ | Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: Intel HD 4000 / NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT / ATI Radeon HD 4850 or better | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 / AMD Radeon R9 380 |
| Network: Broadband Internet connection | Network: Broadband Internet connection |
Tabletop RPGs and D&D are often used interchangeably by gamers. And that shouldn’t be a surprise. It’s not only the oldest business in the area, but also by far the most famous. Especially now, when shows like Stranger Things and Critical Role have made people interested again. Basically? If you want a classic pen-and-paper experience, this should be your first stop. You can’t say enough about how much the Dungeons and Dragons books have changed the industry, even though they have their flaws.
It’s the gold standard for classic fantasy roleplay, world building, and rules. Plus, the series has a lot of content to discover, and there are a lot of ways to play. Want to go into old, dusty caves and fight scary monsters? No problem. Want to go on a space trip like the ones written by Jules Verne? You can also do that. Yes, there are other TTRPGs that are better at certain things, like roleplaying or fighting, but few are as well-rounded as D&D.
The Good
- System that has been around for a long time and is very popular, with lots of resources and help available.
- Both players and game masters can learn it quickly.
- Has a world and history that are deep and interesting.
The Bad
- Starting out can cost a lot, especially if you buy official modules or rulebooks.
- Can depend a lot on how creative and well-prepared the game master is.
Index Card RPG
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7+ / MacOS X 10.9+ / Ubuntu 14.04+ | OS: Windows 10 / MacOS X 10.13+ / Ubuntu 16.04+ |
| Processor: Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon 64 | Processor: Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 |
| Memory: 1 GB RAM | Memory: 2 GB RAM |
| Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible card | Graphics: DirectX 10 compatible card |
| Network: Broadband Internet connection | Network: Broadband Internet connection |
If you’re new to the best tabletop RPGs and don’t know how to use a d20, Runehammer’s clever method is a great place to start. Index Card RPG was made so that anyone can play it. The goal is to get into the action as quickly as possible. You don’t need to be good at math to play, either. The game’s rules are simple and designed to be easy to use. This is because the book makes acts easier by putting them into groups that always use the same kind of dice.
This makes it so players don’t have to stop the game to look up how much damage an attack should do (we can never remember which dice are used for which weapons in D&D, so not having to look at charts is a blessing in our eyes). When you take into account how easy it is to make a character and how the life system is based on video game “hearts,” you can start playing Index Card RPG in a very short amount of time.
The Good
- Simple, easy-to-learn system that puts a lot of focus on storytelling and improv.
- It’s great for one-shot sessions or short campaigns because the rules are simple and making characters doesn’t take long.
- The focus on index cards and improvising gives players a lot of freedom and room to be creative.
The Bad
- Some players might not like how little they can change their characters.
- Players who like more tactical or “crunchier” systems might not like this one as much.
Kids on Bikes
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7+ / MacOS X 10.9+ / Ubuntu 14.04+ | OS: Windows 10 / MacOS X 10.13+ / Ubuntu 16.04+ |
| Processor: Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon 64 | Processor: Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 |
| Memory: 1 GB RAM | Memory: 2 GB RAM |
| Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible card | Graphics: DirectX 10 compatible card |
| Network: Broadband Internet connection | Network: Broadband Internet connection |
Since love for the 1980s is still a big part of pop culture today, people are definitely looking for roleplaying games that hit this particular spot. Kids on Bikes is a simple sci-fi role-playing game that seems to be influenced by movies and TV shows like ET and IT by Stephen King, as well as shows like Stranger Things.
In the game Kids on Bikes, players take on the roles of young people who live in a small town that seems to be very quiet. As characters whose days are usually planned by school, parents, and chores, the players suddenly find out that their backyards are hiding something much scarier than bullies or teachers.
The Good
- A new way to look at tabletop RPGs that mixes elements of sci-fi/horror like in Stranger Things with coming-of-age stories.
- The system is easy to learn and puts an emphasis on working together to tell stories and build characters.
- The system is very flexible and allows for a lot of improvisation, which makes it great for players who like to “go off-script.”
The Bad
- Players who like more tactical or “crunchier” systems might not like this one as much.
Blades in the Dark
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7+ / MacOS X 10.11+ / Ubuntu 16.04+ | OS: Windows 10 / MacOS X 10.13+ / Ubuntu 18.04+ |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 / AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ | Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: Intel HD 4000 / NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT / ATI Radeon HD 4850 or better | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 / AMD Radeon R9 380 |
| Network: Broadband Internet connection | Network: Broadband Internet connection |
Duskvol is a dangerous place to live. There are gangs, guards, and even ghosts on its streets. Blades in the Dark, a steampunk fantasy adventure game, is also set there. Blades in the Dark is a role-playing game (RPG) made by John Harper. It’s about using your brain, your relationships, and your instincts to get out of the worst parts of society.
Players in Blades in the Dark are part of a crew that wants to make a regular living by stealing, which is not a very steady job. Duskvol is a city with both a lot of wealth and a lot of poverty. Rich royal families live in luxury while the poor live in sewers and hovels. There’s nothing wrong with you and your crewmates taking some of that luxury for yourselves.
The Good
- Unique and creative mechanics that put an emphasis on working as a team and planning ahead.
- The setting is a dark, gritty, industrial fantasy world that is very well-made and draws you in.
- The system gives players a lot of freedom and room for creativity, but there is still a clear sense of structure and direction.
The Bad
- Some RPGs may be easier to learn and understand than this one.
- The game’s focus on teamwork and planning might not appeal to players who like to play alone or on their own terms.
FATE Core: Character-Driven With Unlimited Possibilities
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7+ / MacOS X 10.9+ / Ubuntu 14.04+ | OS: Windows 10 / MacOS X 10.13+ / Ubuntu 16.04+ |
| Processor: Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon 64 | Processor: Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 |
| Memory: 1 GB RAM | Memory: 2 GB RAM |
| Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible card | Graphics: DirectX 10 compatible card |
| Network: Broadband Internet connection | Network: Broadband Internet connection |
The best thing about the FATE Core method is that it can be used in almost any environment. The base system is based on “Aspects,” which are statements about the people or the world they live in. The Game Master can use FATE Points to force players to follow their features. Players can also use FATE Points to improve their rolls if they need to.
FATE’s gameplay is based on parts of the characters’ personalities. Other games, on the other hand, are based on fighting. Players can use the settings and modules that have already been made and released for FATE, or they can make their own worlds to set FATE games in.
The Good
- A system that can be changed in many ways and can be used for a wide range of character ideas and settings.
- The focus on story and character growth makes it great for people who like roleplaying and telling stories.
- The system is easy to learn and change, so both new and experienced players can enjoy it.
The Bad
- The focus on story and roleplaying may not be as satisfying for players who like systems that are more about tactics or fighting.
Vampire: The Masquerade – 5th Edition
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7+ / MacOS X 10.11+ / Ubuntu 16.04+ | OS: Windows 10 / MacOS X 10.13+ / Ubuntu 18.04+ |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 / AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ | Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: Intel HD 4000 / NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT / ATI Radeon HD 4850 or better | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 / AMD Radeon R9 380 |
| Network: Broadband Internet connection | Network: Broadband Internet connection |
Vampire: The Masquerade is an easy-to-learn thriller experience that is amazing for anybody wishing to plunge into the supernatural with their tabletop RPG game, while still remaining within society’s morality and politics. Vampire: The Masquerade is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a game that is fantastic for anyone looking for a game that is fantastic for everyone.
This is an excellent turn-based role-playing game for players who prefer not to rush into combat before at least attempting to converse with their foes. However, when you do get into a fight as a Vampire, you’ll have some highly helpful powers based on your “clan” or your class. These abilities will vary depending on the type of Vampire you are.
The Good
- This is a classic and well-known role-playing game with a deep and immersive world that has been improved and updated over many editions.
- The system is flexible and can be changed, so there are many different character ideas and ways to play.
- The game is different and interesting because it focuses on political intrigue, social manipulation, and personal horror.
The Bad
- New players may find the game’s story and history hard to understand or intimidating.
- The system can have a lot of rules and require a lot of math, which can be hard or boring for some players.
Call of Cthulhu
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7+ / MacOS X 10.11+ / Ubuntu 16.04+ | OS: Windows 10 / MacOS X 10.13+ / Ubuntu 18.04+ |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 / AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ | Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| Memory: 4 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible card | Graphics: DirectX 11 compatible card |
| Network: Broadband Internet connection | Network: Broadband Internet connection |
The vast majority of really good tabletop role-playing games place a primary emphasis on the supernatural, steering players toward magic, monsters, and mystery. Despite the fact that it follows the same magical path, Call of Cthulhu has an almost practical feel to it. Rather than doing this, the game should put the players in the middle of historical events and force them into an evil (or rather fully godly) setting in which terror is the primary emotion.
In the end, the horror tabletop role-playing game Call of Cthulhu, which was inspired by the great writings of H.P. Lovecraft, is an excellent game that is full with fear, vulnerability, and smarts. It is without a doubt a more roleplay-heavy experience, with most battles putting you in significant peril, but it is also without a doubt a game you will never forget, especially with the amazing tabletop role-playing game expansions that are available for purchase.
The Good
- Based on H.P. Lovecraft’s famous horror stories, this makes for a unique and scary experience.
- The system is simple and easy to learn, with an emphasis on investigating, finding things out, and not going crazy.
- Since the game focuses on atmosphere and suspense, it’s a great choice for people who like immersive stories.
The Bad
- The game’s main focus is on investigating and finding things, which may not appeal to players who like games with more action.
- The system can be deadly and punishing, and characters’ actions or mistakes often have terrible results.
FAQs
A: A tabletop RPG, or role-playing game, is a game where players create their own characters and act out various adventures and quests within a shared narrative. The game is typically played with a group of people around a table, with one person acting as the game master who guides the story and sets the rules.
A: To play a tabletop RPG, each player creates a character by choosing various traits and abilities. The game master then sets up a story and sets the scene for the adventure. Players take turns describing their character’s actions, and the game master responds by narrating the consequences and events that happen in the game. The game typically involves rolling dice to determine the success or failure of actions and combat.
A: Yes, you can create your own tabletop RPG. Many game designers have created their own games and published them for others to play. However, creating your own game requires a lot of time and effort to design the rules, characters, and story, and playtesting is important to ensure the game is balanced and fun to play.