02/14/2025
While Dungeons & Dragons is the most well-known tabletop RPG, it’s far from the only option. Many other games offer unique mechanics, settings, and playstyles that can bring fresh experiences to your table. Whether you’re looking for gritty realism, narrative-driven storytelling, or genre-specific adventures, there’s a game for you. Let’s explore some fantastic TTRPGs outside of D&D that might be your next favorite!
1. Call of Cthulhu (Cosmic Horror and Investigation)
System: d100 percentile-based
Setting: A Lovecraftian horror world where knowledge can drive you mad
Playstyle: Players take on the role of investigators uncovering dark secrets. Unlike D&D, combat is often the last resort, as the horrors they face are far beyond human understanding.
Why Play It? Call of Cthulhu is a must-try if you enjoy atmospheric horror, mystery-solving, and the thrill of trying to survive an uncaring universe.
More Info: Check out the Chaosium YouTube channel and “How to Play Call of Cthulhu” by Seth Skorkowsky. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL25p5gPY6qKWQgHm7vGbIoeuuLdKtlVBj
2. Cyberpunk RED (Dystopian Future and Cybernetic Upgrades)
System: Interlock system (d10-based)
Setting: A neon-lit cyberpunk future filled with megacorporations, cybernetics, and hacking
Playstyle: Focuses on street-level characters fighting against oppressive systems while using high-tech gear, hacking, and stylish combat.
Why Play It? This is your game if you love high-tech gadgets, corporate espionage, and fast-paced action in a cyberpunk setting.
More Info: Watch “Cyberpunk RED: Easy Mode” by R. Talsorian Games on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8IGf7nGbhThQ6nnof3AnEXg_JS2Xno5t
3. Monster of the Week (Supernatural Hunters and Mystery Solving)
System: Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA)
Setting: Modern-day urban fantasy, akin to Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The X-Files
Playstyle: Players take on archetypal monster hunters like the Chosen One, the Expert, or the Mundane. The game emphasizes storytelling and episodic mysteries.
Why Play It? If you enjoy TV-style supernatural investigation with a rules-light, story-driven approach, Monster of the Week is a great pick.
More Info: Watch “Monster of the Week RPG” by Roll With Me. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXkLP6Oklow1PaGL6objxGwLfYD8sd7SE
4. Mörk Borg (Dark Fantasy and Brutal Combat)
System: OSR-inspired, rules-light
Setting: A grimdark, heavy-metal-inspired dying world
Playstyle: Emphasizes deadly combat, nihilistic storytelling, and unpredictable events. It’s fast, brutal, and incredibly thematic.
Why Play It? If you want a game where every roll could be your last, filled with grim prophecies and a punk-rock aesthetic, Mörk Borg delivers.
More Info: Check out “How to Play: Mörk Borg” by World of Game Design. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9CgTtTrjBM
5. Fate Core (Narrative-Driven and Genre-Agnostic)
System: Fate point economy (uses Fate dice)
Setting: Any—Fate Core is a universal system adaptable to any world or genre.
Playstyle: Focuses on narrative-driven storytelling where aspects (character traits) drive the story as much as dice rolls.
Why Play It? If you prefer story-first gameplay with player-driven character development, Fate Core is incredibly versatile.
More Info: Watch “Fate Core System” by David Herring. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3nBtjSvN_3aoZX6bqMfkkl6RiHwA93y
6. EZ6D (Tactical Combat and Miniatures-Based Play)
System: Custom d6-based system
Setting: Modular, with a focus on tactical encounters in fantasy and sci-fi settings
Playstyle: Players utilize 3D-printed miniatures and modular terrain to create strategic battle scenarios.
Why Play It? If you love tactical combat with a strong emphasis on miniatures and customization, EZ6D provides an engaging, hands-on experience.
More Info: Watch “EZd6 — The Rolls of Play” by DM Tales. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23K6sFveeZs
7. Neon Skies (Sci-Fi Adventure and Exploration)
System: Custom dice pool system
Setting: A vibrant, retro-futuristic universe filled with alien cultures and interstellar intrigue
Playstyle: Blends high-action spacefaring adventure with deep character storytelling and political drama.
Why Play It? If you enjoy colorful, cinematic sci-fi with rich lore and dynamic character choices, Neon Skies is a fantastic choice.
More Info: Watch the Neon Skies Playlist from Wyloch, the creator. https://www.youtube.com/@WylochsArmory
8. Shadowdark (Grim and Gritty Dungeon Crawling)
System: OSR-inspired, fast-paced
Setting: A dark, dangerous fantasy world with torches burning out and time always pressing
Playstyle: Features real-time torch tracking, deadly combat, and a strong emphasis on old-school dungeon crawling.
Why Play It? If you crave an intense, survival-focused dungeon experience that blends OSR feel with modern mechanics, Shadowdark is a must-play.
More Info: Watch “How to Play Shadowdark” by The Ultimate Effort Show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eG4d7QciyA
10. Twilight 2000 (Post-Apocalyptic Military Survival)
System: d10-based, tactical and realistic
Setting: A gritty, post-apocalyptic world where society has collapsed due to war
Playstyle: Heavy on resource management, survival, and military tactics. Players take on the roles of survivors trying to rebuild in a war-torn world.
Why Play It? If you love realistic survival mechanics, military strategy, and post-apocalyptic storytelling, Twilight 2000 is the game for you.
More Info: Watch “Twilight 2000 RPG Explained” by Free League Publishing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0JCA7TfUvs
Conclusion: Step Beyond D&D
D&D is a fantastic game, but exploring new systems can open up fresh storytelling opportunities and introduce new mechanics that better suit different playstyles. Whether you crave dark horror, cyberpunk action, cinematic monster hunting, or tactical combat, there’s a game for every kind of tabletop RPG player.
What non-D&D RPGs have you tried? Share your favorites in the comments!
Keep on gaming!
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