Best ttrpg on Reddit
342 reviews from r/rpg, r/TTRPG, r/Solo_Roleplaying and 4 more subreddits
342 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Savage Worlds
4.4
(19)
"Savage Worlds = Bennies give all players Player Agency."
"Savage Worlds is an excellent antidote for D&D and - depending on the setting - can tick pretty much all your boxes."
"I think Savage Worlds is a great choice also."
"Savage Worlds perfectly meets all your criteria."
"Savage Worlds is a good medium crunch."
"I would suggest savage worlds."
"My go to with a balance of rules crunch and streamlining/speed."
"Really good and something to look into."
"If you want a pulpy action system, Savage Worlds."
"My preference is usually Savage Worlds."
#2
Pathfinder
4.4
(15)
"I left 5e and went to Pathfinder 2e and I love it."
"If you're looking for something that's similar to D&D, I'd say try Pathfinder 2e or Daggerheart."
"Your best bet."
"That systems IS.really great imo"
"Honestly, upgrading to PF2e is the logical step."
"I would suggest Pathfinder 2e for a couple of reasons."
"* Outlaws of Alkenstar (2E) might fit your requirement best."
"I'd recommend Pathfinder 2e."
"Pathfinder 1 with spheres of power 3rd party material might be a good way to go."
"Pathfinder 2e would be a solid option."
#3
Call of Cthulhu
4.6
(14)
"Call of Cthulhu: the best value for money starter set ever."
"CoC 7 edition starter is awesome."
"Call of Cthulhu includes a solo adventure that walks you through the mechanics."
"I’m another vote for the CoC 7e starter set."
"Call of Cthuhlu 7e Starter Set is beyond what most other companies even try."
"The Call of Cthulhu boxed set is excellent."
"A hard break in mechanics and tone, but still a crunchy trad game: Call of Cthulhu."
"Call of Cthulhu is about perfect for that purpose."
"If you want Eldritch horror detective, there call of chuthulu."
"For horror."
#4
Dragonbane
4.5
(13)
"Seconding dragonbane."
"Dragonbane could be perfect"
"I’m gonna shill for Dragonbane."
"If you still want a d20 experience I highly recommend Dragonbane."
"If you want an easier, smoother and more fun fantasy-game."
"A lighter system, and fairly well balanced."
"A lighter system, and fairly well balanced."
"Dragonbane (though it's less a starter and more the whole game)."
"Dragonbane Core Set is good because it contains *everything*."
"Dragonbane has been suggested a lot on these subs, so much so that I am thinking of getting it even though I really don't need another rules light(er) fantasy system to use as d&d 5e alternative."
#5
Ironsworn
4.5
(10)
"Ironsworn is the best option for a self-contained system for solo, co-op, and GM guided."
"Anything by Shawn Tomkin."
"Ironsworn is the way to go, as long as your group isn't too big."
"Checkout Ironsworn. It's free and a great gmless game."
"Generally [Ironsworn](https://shawn-tomkin.itch.io/ironsworn)'s considered the best example of blending story-driven scenarios."
"Try ironsworn, cairn or white box."
"There's a number of games like Ironsworn out there that support either GMed play or what's called Co-op play."
"It's part of the 'narrative' meta-family, based on Fate and PbtA."
"Have you considered games that are explicitly meant for co-op or duet play? Something like Ironsworn or Starforged?"
"I like Ironsworn, because it focuses on narrative."
#6
Free League
4.7
(9)
"I love the Alien starter box, as well as the Dragonbane one."
"Another vote for Free League."
"My favourite final products have always been almost anything by Free League."
"Anything Free League."
"Free League games are simply the best games on the market."
"I've taken a break from D&D and I have switched over to Vaesen."
"Pretty much any Free League or Chaosium starter set you care to name."
"Free League seem to do pretty good ones. Both Alien and Blade Runner."
"Free League's consistently run the smoothest."
#7
Dungeon World
4.1
(9)
"Dungeon World is great if you’re looking for a fantasy based setting."
"Dungeon World?"
"Would be my first dart thrown."
"Someone’s going to tell you it’s terrible, but try Dungeon World. It’s a fun game that will make you a better GM."
"Give you more story-driven mechanics while keeping the swords and sorcery setting."
"Is D&D except given a story-focused system."
"I like Dungeon World."
"I feel that it allows to a much more story based game play."
"I recommend at least trying out a few sessions of 'Dungeon World'."
#8
City of Mist
4.5
(8)
"City of Mist. You get one of the best pre generated character sheets with a picture and backstory."
"City of Mist is a modern day urban fantasy RPG with heavy vibes from noir, neon and cartoons."
"Maybe take a look at my favorite City of Mist!"
"1. City of Mist. Completely different style of game. It's a PBTA game, but so much fun."
"We feel it might be more appropriate"
"City of Mist could work for you."
"City of Mist."
"City of Mist / Otherscape / Legend in the Mist."
#9
13th Age
4.7
(7)
"13th Age is basically exactly this."
"I randomly heard about 13th Age, a D&Dish RPG."
"13th Age is my heroic fantasy game of choice."
"13th Age!!!! 😍😍😍"
"13th Age, MCDM RPG (When it comes out) and Daggerheart are my suggestions."
"13th age might fit what you need"
"If you want something in the D&D/Pathfinder realm I'd say try out 13th Age."
#10
Worlds Without Number
4.4
(7)
"I think the game you're looking for is Worlds Without Number."
"It's a great blend of the best elements of old school and modern D&D."
"A couple extra suggestions to look into that aren't D&D."
"Worlds Without Number is a good middle ground between 5e and osr, while having outstanding generation tools"
"[Worlds Without Number] hits pretty much all of these."
"Check out worlds without number."
"Worlds Without Numbers. It is pretty lightweight, with the combat rules fitting on two pages, while offering a good amount of complexity."
#11
GURPS
4.1
(7)
"Obligatory GURPS suggestion."
"It's the best system for running any setting"
"Nobody has said GURPS."
"You can dial back some of the crunchier mechanics to get a game play you like."
"At the time a couple of us were listening to The Film Reroll podcast which uses GURPS."
"Universal system that you can make any campaign genre you want."
"G.U.R.P.S. can be adapted to almost any idea."
#12
Blades in the Dark
4.7
(6)
"Piling on for both blades in the darkness and Swords of the serpentine for this."
"Blades in the Dark and City of Mist are my two favorite games."
"___Blades in the Dark___ is focused on building a criminal organization in a haunted pseudo-Victorian city."
"There are so many good choices."
"Blades in the Dark is a great fit if you're willing to do some flavour wiggling of the Whisper and the electricity/ghost/leviathan magical elements of the canon setting"
"Blades In The Dark is designed to be fairly easy to pick up and play."
#13
Mothership
4.5
(6)
"Gotta throw the Mothership Box set into the mix!"
"Mothership is my go to system for all things sci-fi related."
"Sci-fi horror."
"It's super lightweight at its core but has rules for atmosphere, oxygen, exhaustion, bleeding, cryosickness, radiation poisoning."
"Mothership has a Predator-like statblock in Unconfirmed Contact Reports and has the human element covered."
"Maybe an indie game like Mothership or Vast Grimm would work for this?"
#14
Fabula Ultima
4.3
(6)
"[Fabula Ultima - Press Start] is a great intro not just to Fabula Ultima but to RPGs in general."
"Simple and Easy, gives a lot to fully customize a character build."
"Fabula Ultima"
"You should check out Fabula Ultima!"
"Fabula Ultima."
"Fabula Ultima is another one to look at since all characters are multi-classed from the start."
#15
Swords of the Serpentine
4.3
(6)
"I would recommend **Swords of the Serpentine**."
"___Swords of the Serpentine___ is urban by default."
"Have you looked at Swords of the Serpentine?"
"Swords of the Serpentine is a GUMSHOE based swords and sorcery game."
"Maybe Swords of the Serpentine would work for you."
"The RPG Swords of the Serpentine is set entirely in a city."
#16
Pathfinder 2E
4.8
(5)
"The Pathfinder 2e Beginner Box is the gold standard for how such products should be created."
"The Pathfinder 2E Starter Set is great."
"It's complex but strong."
"It's absolutely worth trying."
"Pathfinder 2E is usually the gateway drug people use to leave 5E."
#17
Runequest
4.8
(5)
"RuneQuest Roleplaying in Glorantha is really good."
"RuneQuest Starter Set from Chaosium is superb."
"Only right answer is runequest."
"Tons of lore, classless d100 system."
"I'd recommend Runequest, Warhammer FRP, or Fate depending on your group preferences."
#18
ALIEN RPG
4.6
(5)
"Chariot of the Gods is a wonderful starter for the Alien RPG."
"Alien RPG is great. It models the 'monster is hunting the characters' feeling pretty well."
"The ALIEN RPG is great for horror and tension."
"Alien."
"One system I really like is ALIEN RPG."
#19
Delta Green
4.6
(5)
"My top favorites are in order: Delta Green, Blades in the Dark, Monster of the Week, Dragonbane, Forbidden Lands, and then Cairn and its many hacks for one shots."
"Delta green. It's such an eye opener after running things like DnD."
"Delta Green tbh."
"Delta Green Need to Know. Not a traditional starter box set, but it’s a free booklet that has pretty much all game rules."
"I thought Delta Green's starter set Need to Know was fantastic."
#20
Wanderhome
4.6
(5)
"Wanderhome sounds like a good fit!"
"Wanderhome for sure."
"Wanderhome for sure."
"Wanderhome."
"Wanderhome is worth checking out. It won't be exactly what you're looking for, but it's a cute and cozy GMless RPG at least."
#21
Forbidden Lands
4.4
(5)
"Forbidden Lands and Dragonbane from Free League are my favorite."
"Forbidden Lands plays in a way that is different from D&D. It’s focused on exploration and community building."
"Forbidden Lands. Mythras (can use Mythras Classic Fanasy for races). Shadow of the Weird Wizard."
"Looks fun."
"More streamlined and fun OSR-type."
#22
Mythras
4.0
(5)
"Mythras or BRP. d100 systems are pretty solid for longer campaigns."
"Mythras"
"Mythras! It's a BRP game, derived from Runequest 6e."
"Mythras?"
"I think Mythras is really cool."
#23
Genesys
4.0
(5)
"Genesys is a decent amount of crunch, and can definitely handle early modern."
"I'd love to suggest Genesys."
"It's the same system but made setting agnostic with suggestions on how to run fantasy to sci-fi."
"Genesys as a generic system, and the setting supplement Realms of Terrinoth."
"Genesys has some really good books on urban fantasy with Something Strange."
#24
Shadow of the Demon Lord
4.5
(4)
"I really like World's without Number and Shadow of the Demon Lord."
"Shadow of the Demon Lord, Shadow of the Weird Wizard are my recommendations."
"Shadow of the Demon Lord."
"I feel Shadow of the Demon Lord/Weird Wizard fit your requirements."
#25
Pathfinder 2
4.5
(4)
"The best of these are without a doubt: Pathfinder 2."
"For a D&D-like experience but better overall and decent companies, I'd suggest both Pathfinder 2 and 13th Age."
"Would suggest pathfinder 2 if not for point 3."
"D&D but crunchier: Pathfinder 2"
#26
Shadowrun
3.4
(5)
"If you want High tech + magic, dragons and elves go Shadowrun."
"If you want modern fantasy you should look at Shadowrun, Cities Without Number, Savage Worlds (SWADE) and Sprawlrunners."
"Shadowrun (I suggest 2e), Lowlife 2090, Chromatic Shadows."
"Also, you might look at Shadowrun or maybe something in the world of darkness."
"BE WARNED base shadowrun is a half finished shitshow without any expansions."
#27
Lancer
4.3
(4)
"It's an absolutely fantastic rpg that's well worth taking a look at."
"1, 3 and 4 are covered well by Lancer."
"The creator of Lancer is making a fantasy rpg btw."
"If you like mechs and crunchy combat, I recommend Lancer."
#28
Traveller
4.3
(4)
"The best pirate experience you could ever get."
"I wanted to mention Traveller but everyone else already did."
"A solid medium crunch game with a book of options to tweak the rules how you want them."
"Traveller is the obvious choice."
#29
ICONS
4.0
(4)
"FASERIP or Advanced FASERIP."
"Rule light and fun."
"Accessible and medium-to-low crunch, and a lot of fun!"
"Super rules light, funny hero/bad guy creation."
#30
D&D 5E
4.0
(4)
"I ran it in dnd5e and had a good time."
"If I don't know any of that I would say try D&D 5e."
"I recommend finding a 2 Hour One-Shot RPG, D&D 5E will likely be your best bet."
"Will likely be your best bet."
#31
Lady Blackbird
5.0
(3)
"[Lady Blackbird] hands down. Dead simple and incredibly fun."
"Lady Blackbird (free, award-winning, no-prep, one-page PC sheets."
"Try some beautiful indie games like Lady Blackbird (a premade adventure about sorcery, love, swashbuckling and steampunk airships)."
#32
World of Darkness
5.0
(3)
"Definitely something World Of Darkness, I think Hunter: The Reckoning is the best."
"World of Darkness games (Vampires, Werewolves...) are very appreciated for modern fantasy."
"For modern, maybe some World of Darkness stuff? Especially vampire stuff is centred around a city."
#33
Earthdawn
4.7
(3)
"I cannot recommend Earthdawn enough."
"Check out Earthdawn. It's an extremely high-magic setting."
"Earthdawn, honestly? It can have that vibe especially if you go urban."
#34
Starforged
4.7
(3)
"Ironsworn / Starforged (for sci-fi) is one of the best examples."
"*Starforged* by Shawn Tomkin."
"As Starforged, (mixed success like pbta) exp granted for quests, relationships and exploration."
#35
Ars Magica
4.7
(3)
"Ars Magica has rules for magi who know faerie secrets writing a poem about how much they hate someone."
"I think you'll like either ars magica, mage the ascension and/or fabula ultima."
"Ars. Magica."
#36
ICRPG
4.7
(3)
"ICRPG, EZD6, DCC"
"ICRPG."
"ICRPG for easiest and quickest to learn and dm."
#37
Heroes Unlimited
4.7
(3)
"For super hero play."
"Some of the most fun I’ve had making a super hero character."
"Heroes Unlimited. It's nifty because you can supplement it with any other book from the Palladium Universe."
#38
Cairn
4.3
(3)
"Cairn."
"If you like rules-light with a lot of room for rp and leaving a lot up to the gm, you could just hack Cairn."
"I've personally played Cairn and Lancer and found both to be very fun."
#39
Monster of the Week
4.3
(3)
"My current go-tos are Monster Of The Week."
"Monster of the Week has to be worth a look."
"Monster of the Week (MotW) actually has a supplemental set of rules."
#40
Tales from the Loop
4.3
(3)
"In Tales from the Loop you play kids investigating mysteries."
"Tales From the Loop very much fits this premise."
"I've had good experiences running Tales from the Loop (or Things from the Flood) for first-time players."
#41
Brindlewood Bay
4.3
(3)
"If you're looking for something funny you could play my game of Brindlewood Bay."
"Brindlewood Bay."
"Brindlewood Bay is my go-to for mysteries. Rules are easy."
#42
Shadowdark
4.3
(3)
"Shadowdark by a mile."
"Honestly, Shadowdark. Deliverables were clear."
"I also recommend Shadowdark if you like D&D but want something less super hero-y."
#43
Stars Without Number
4.0
(3)
"If your players are familiar with it, it's a great choice."
"Stars Without Number with inspiration from the Gatecrashing supplement for Eclipse Phase"
"I imagine Stars Without Number would work excellent for what you want to do."
#44
Fantasy AGE
4.0
(3)
"You might want to try Fantasy AGE/Blue Rose."
"I ran a short game of Fantasy Age and my players really liked it."
"If you want to stick to fantasy, one outlier is Fantasy AGE by Green Ronin."
#45
Old School Essentials
4.0
(3)
"*old* D&D. Play OSE."
"May I suggest Old School Essentials."
"I'm currently running Old School Essentials for my friends who mostly play D&D 5E."
#46
Daggerheart
4.0
(3)
"Daggerheart is a bit rough around the edges since it's in the playtest phase."
"I would totally recommend Daggerheart and Dragonbane."
"We’re really running Daggerheart, but it isn’t fully baked yet."
#47
Kevin Crawford
4.0
(3)
"As others have mentioned, Kevin Crawford runs his crowdfundings really well."
"Dude took the money and ran: But I agree with Kevin Crawford, Monte Cook."
"As others have said Fate Core and anything Kevin Crawford were solid and well run."
#48
Cypher System
4.0
(3)
"For me personally it's the Cypher System. Ruleslight, but so many diverse characters creation possibilities."
"Try Cypher System. Great for conventions."
"Cypher System (doesn't combat focus so may not be a good fit for combat intensive games)."
#49
DC20
5.0
(2)
"Have you seen DC20? It's the hot new thing and fits your requirements exactly."
"Having played it myself, I highly recommend DC20."
#50
The One Ring
5.0
(2)
"The One Ring and WHFRP 4th ed get my vote."
"The One Ring starter set with outstanding value for money."
#51
DCC Lankhmar
5.0
(2)
"The whole DCC Lankhmar line of adventures. Especially Masks of Lankhmar and Gang Lords of Lankhmar."
"DCC Lankhmar is loaded with tools for running a city campaign and has lots of modules too."
#52
Gloomhaven
5.0
(2)
"Gloomhaven, like you mentioned, is really what you want."
"Gloomhaven, like you mentioned, is really what you want."
#53
Vaesen
5.0
(2)
"My beloved Vaesen is delightfully rules light."
"Historical Nordic horror."
#54
Ptolus
5.0
(2)
"The first thing that comes to mind is Ptolus, which has three versions."
"Ptolus! You can get it for DnD 5e or the creator's system, Cypher System."
#55
Spectaculars
5.0
(2)
"Is awesome."
"Spectaculars by Scrathpad Publishing is absolutely brilliant."
#56
Into the Odd
4.5
(2)
"Try some rules-light OSR games like Into the Odd (treasure hunters in a weird industrial world) or Mythic Bastionland."
"Have a look ‘Into the Odd’ by Chris McDowall."
#57
Cyberpunk
4.5
(2)
"Cyberpunk is a game I’d recommend for that."
"I found the Cyberpunk Edgerunner Mission Kit to be a surprisingly good starter set."
#58
Escape from Dinosaur Island
4.5
(2)
"I highly recommend Escape from Dinosaur Island."
"I'd give Escape From Dino Island a shot."
#59
Kobolds Ate My Babies
4.5
(2)
"It's one book. You can learn it/teach it in like 5 minutes."
"You should check out 'Kobolds ate my babies' it's a fun quick game."
#60
Mausritter
4.5
(2)
"I’ve really enjoyed Mausritter’s Starter Set because it includes everything you need to start playing."
"If you want something more traditional mechanically, but still wants mice; Mausritter is good."
#61
Icon
4.0
(2)
"I would suggest icon. It's from people who made lancer."
"I suggest checking out something like Icon."
#62
Cyberpunk 2020
4.0
(2)
"Mechanical depth, brutal combat, and tactical gameplay."
"Cyberpunk 2020 and Cyberpunk RED. Nightcity really is a character all of itself and worth exploring."
#63
Fate
4.0
(2)
"Are worth looking into for you."
"Fate Core"
#64
Pirate Borg
4.0
(2)
"Pirate Borg, Honor & Intrigue and Iron Claw are your best bets."
"Pirates Borg, DnD OSR."
#65
Exalted
4.0
(2)
"Exalted sounds good for you."
"Exalted is setting-specific but I've played it in other settings without changing anything."
#66
Night's Black Agents
4.0
(2)
"Night’s Black Agents."
"Night's Black Agents is spies vs a conspiracy."
#67
Hackmaster
4.0
(2)
"Check out Hackmaster"
"If the game is Fantasy, then I'd recommend HackMaster."
#68
Arion Games
4.0
(2)
"Arion Games (*Advanced Fighting Fantasy*) are consistently good."
"Advanced Fighting Fantasy (AFF) is a British roleplaying game based on the Fighting Fantasy and Sorcery! gamebooks."
#69
Cypher
4.0
(2)
"Cypher I think would work well. Give each PC unique focus that fits their power"
"If you provide pregens, then Cypher is great."
#70
Notequest
4.0
(2)
"Notequest with dragonbane characters works amazing."
"I like to spread the word about my friends or just Brazilian game designers."
#71
Champions
4.0
(2)
"You can do anything with it."
"If mutants and masterminds isn't heavy enough for you, go with Champions."
#72
Dungeon Fantasy RPG
4.0
(2)
"If you like roll-under and skills, take a look at Dungeon Fantasy RPG."
"My recommendation is the Dungeon Fantasy RPG."
#73
Mutants and Masterminds
4.0
(2)
"Mutants and Masterminds might scratch that interest for you."
"Mutants and Masterminds isn't a bad choice."
#74
Dungeon Crawl Classics
3.5
(2)
"Try out dungeon crawl classics!"
"Dungeon crawl classic. Not sure the magic will be at your taste but it s worth a try"
#75
Mutants & Masterminds
3.0
(2)
"The system runs a bit too slow for my tastes."
"The game is good."
#76
Ribbon Drive
5.0
(1)
"Ribbon Drive. Holy hell. You make characters and the story based upon songs."
#77
Veil of the Void Reforged
5.0
(1)
"One that I enjoy sharing is Veil of the Void Reforged."
#78
Legends of Thaloranth
5.0
(1)
"Check out Legends of Thaloranth."
#79
Hasi, wir haben einen dungeon gekauft!
5.0
(1)
"My fav is "hasi, wir haben einen dungeon gekauft!" which is a german indie rpg."
#80
Whispering Vault
5.0
(1)
"Whispering Vault by Mike Nystul."
#81
Creative Card Chaos
5.0
(1)
"I always recommend using Creative Card Chaos."
#82
Alice is Missing
5.0
(1)
"Probably Alice is Missing. Nothing comes close to the way that game makes you feel."
#83
Twilight 2000
5.0
(1)
"I think my current favorite is the most recent Twilight 2000 edition."
#84
Reign
5.0
(1)
"Reign is my first suggestion"
#85
Dungeons and Dragons Essentials Kit
5.0
(1)
"I think the "Essentials Kit" is ridiculously fantastic."
#86
Star Wars RPG
5.0
(1)
"The best I've played have been the Star Wars RPG Beginner Boxes."
#87
Powered by the Apocalypse
5.0
(1)
"The slew of Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) is fantastic."
#88
Edge of the Empire
5.0
(1)
"To me, the Edge of the Empire starter is the absolute gold standard."
#89
Arkham Horror RPG
5.0
(1)
"1. Arkham Horror RPG Tokens, handouts, a decent sized adventure AND a GM screen."
#90
BECMI
5.0
(1)
"The BECMI Basic Red Box set is possibly the best intro to the hobby ever made."
#91
Rob Schwalb
5.0
(1)
"Punkapocalyptic, from Rob Schwalb. Great for gonzo post-apoc wasteland shenanigans."
#92
Warrior, Rogue & Mage
4.0
(1)
"Red Giant."
#93
Trophy Dark
4.0
(1)
"ICRPG, Mazes, Nova, Mutation."
#94
BASH! Ultimate Edition
4.0
(1)
"Very simple. Street Level heroes are built on 25 Character Points."
#95
Oracle RPG
4.0
(1)
"They have a lot of good info to get you started."
#96
Osprey Games
4.0
(1)
"Osprey Games makes RPGs that are criminally underrated."
#97
Destined
4.0
(1)
"I really like *Destined*, a superhero game for Mythras."
#98
Old School Hack
4.0
(1)
"Old School Hack and Legends of the Ancient World. OSH is (if you couldn't guess from the name) an OSR-adjacent system."
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