5 TTRPGs to Try Besides Dungeons & Dragons: From Cyberpunk to Horror

 


 

 

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is undoubtedly one of the most popular tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) out there, but it's not the only game in town. While D&D is a great entry point into the world of TTRPGs, there are many other games worth trying. In this article, we'll explore five TTRPGs to try besides D&D, from cyberpunk to horror.

  1. Cyberpunk Red

If you're a fan of cyberpunk fiction and dystopian futures, Cyberpunk is a TTRPG worth checking out. Set in a gritty, neon-lit world of corporate greed and cybernetic enhancements, Cyberpunk offers players the chance to take on the roles of hackers, mercenaries, and street samurai.

The game's mechanics are designed to be fast-paced and cinematic, with a focus on action and player creativity. Cyberpunk uses a simple and intuitive system of skill checks and combat rolls, making it easy for new players to learn.

  1. Call of Cthulhu

If horror is more your speed, Call of Cthulhu is a TTRPG that will have you on the edge of your seat. Based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Call of Cthulhu is a game of investigation and horror that takes place in a world of ancient, eldritch gods and unspeakable supernatural entities.

The game's mechanics are designed to be suspenseful and atmospheric, with a focus on investigation and clue-gathering. Players take on the roles of investigators, delving into the mysteries of the supernatural and trying to survive encounters with otherworldly beings.

  1. Blades in the Dark

Blades in the Dark is a TTRPG that combines elements of heist movies, urban fantasy, and noir fiction. Set in a haunted city of ghosts and demons, Blades in the Dark offers players the chance to take on the roles of daring thieves, cunning spies, and ruthless gangsters.

The game's mechanics are designed to be fast-paced and improvisational, with a focus on player creativity and teamwork. Blades in the Dark uses a unique system of "flashbacks" that allows players to plan and execute complex heists in real-time.

  1. Shadowrun

Shadowrun is a TTRPG that blends cyberpunk and fantasy elements into a unique and immersive world. Set in a future world of corporate espionage, magic, and high-tech gadgets, Shadowrun offers players the chance to take on the roles of shadowrunners, mercenaries who take on dangerous missions for the highest bidder.

The game's mechanics are designed to be flexible and adaptable, with a focus on player choice and customization. Players can choose from a wide variety of character archetypes, including hackers, mages, and street samurai, and customize their characters with cybernetic enhancements and magical spells.

  1. Star Wars: Edge of the Empire

If you're a fan of the Star Wars franchise, Star Wars: Edge of the Empire is a TTRPG that offers the chance to explore the galaxy far, far away in a whole new way. Set during the time of the original Star Wars trilogy, Edge of the Empire allows players to take on the roles of smugglers, bounty hunters, and other scoundrels.

The game's mechanics are designed to be immersive and cinematic, with a focus on player choice and character development. Edge of the Empire uses a unique system of "custom dice" that allow players to resolve actions in a fast-paced and dynamic way.

In conclusion, while Dungeons & Dragons is a great TTRPG, there are many other games worth trying. Cyberpunk 2020, Call of Cthulhu, Blades in the Dark, Shadowrun, and Star Wars: Edge of the Empire are just a few examples of the many TTRPGs available. Each game offers a unique and immersive world to explore, with mechanics that are designed to be fast-paced, suspenseful, and creative. So why not try something new and see what adventures await you in the world of TTRPGs?

 

Solo RPGs 

there are several TTRPGs that are designed specifically for solo play, allowing you to enjoy the experience of playing a tabletop game even when you're on your own. Here are a few examples:

  1. Ironsworn: Ironsworn is a narrative-focused TTRPG that's designed for both solo and cooperative play. The game's mechanics are designed to be simple and easy to learn, with a focus on player choice and character development. Ironsworn offers a variety of quests and adventures that can be completed solo, as well as rules for creating your own quests and campaigns.

  2. Thousand Year Old Vampire: Thousand Year Old Vampire is a solo TTRPG that places you in the role of a vampire struggling to survive through the ages. The game's mechanics are designed to be narrative-driven, with a focus on character development and immersion. Thousand Year Old Vampire uses a journaling system, where you record your character's experiences and decisions as you play.

  3. Four Against Darkness: Four Against Darkness is a dungeon-crawling TTRPG that's designed specifically for solo play. The game's mechanics are designed to be simple and intuitive, with a focus on exploration and combat. Four Against Darkness offers a variety of dungeons and adventures to explore, as well as rules for creating your own dungeons and campaigns.

  4. Scarlet Heroes: Scarlet Heroes is a TTRPG that's designed for solo play or play with a single player and a game master. The game's mechanics are designed to be simple and fast-paced, with a focus on combat and adventure. Scarlet Heroes offers a variety of adventures and campaigns to play, as well as rules for creating your own adventures.

  5. Mythic Game Master Emulator: Mythic Game Master Emulator is not a TTRPG itself, but rather a tool that can be used with any TTRPG to enable solo play. The emulator uses a series of tables and random generators to create a dynamic and unpredictable game world, allowing you to play any TTRPG as a solo game.

These are just a few examples of the many TTRPGs and tools available for solo play. Each game offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to enjoy the excitement and creativity of playing a tabletop game even when you're on your own.

 

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