Best ttrpg system on Reddit

258 reviews from r/rpg, r/TTRPG, r/TheNinthHouse and 17 more subreddits

258 reviews from

and

By Brand

By Product

GURPS

4.0

(21)

"It has a vast number of specialised source books and it's almost infinitely customisable."

"GURPS. The group I've been playing with since the late 80's runs all kinds of campaigns."

"Both Gurps and Fate will work fine for this sort of thing."

"GURPS was my go-to game for 20+ years."

"GURPS Is A Good System For This."

"Have you looked into GURPS? I don't have much experience with it."

"GURPS does historically accurate games well."

"GURPS Old West"

"Some generics like Scion works, and if you have time, use GURPS."

"Gurps."

Savage Worlds

4.1

(14)

"Savage Worlds with the Magic and Space 1889 supplements?"

"Savage Worlds fits all these things!"

"Savage Worlds is my go to for most RPG stuff nowadays."

"As others have said, savage worlds (swade is a good jumping in point)..."

"I'd go with a universal system like Savage Worlds or Cortex Prime."

"Savage worlds with the superhero companion and the latest version of necessary evil."

"I'll also throw out Savage Worlds for your consideration."

"If you want heroic characters, then Savage Worlds is a good bet."

"Savage worlds is great for cinematic feeling games."

"Pretty much any universal/generic system could handle this easily. Savage Worlds, Fate, Fudge."

Delta Green

4.6

(10)

"Look into Delta Green!!! It’s a modern day lovecraftian conspiracy horror."

"Delta Green is the go-to for a modern, gritty paranormal investigation type game."

"Delta Green"

"I'm shocked nobody has mentioned Delta Green."

"Delta Green was basically invented for this."

"**Delta Green**, with the community aspect mostly set by you the GM."

"Personally I would go with Delta Green for a more horror themed game."

"DG is already about a group of (non)-governmental agents attempting to contain eldritch monstrosities."

"My thought is either Delta Green if you all aren't going to have access to magic."

"If you want more realistic and grounded, Delta Green could work."

Cypher System

4.3

(9)

"Cypher Systems, super simple way to make your characters, you can make almost anything."

"I suggest Cypher System from Monte Cook Games."

"Cypher System, and then check out the Numenera setting for the most esoteric fantasy ideas ever."

"I feel like the Cypher System by Monte Cook Games would be a good fit."

"Cypher System is a good option as mentioned by others."

"Personally I think The Cypher System would do pretty decently here."

"The cypher system just released a nice post-apocalyptic supplement."

"It's really flexible and it's on the rules-light side."

"Cypher System."

Call of Cthulhu

4.3

(9)

"Call of Cthulhu is my favorite but Gumshoe is also a really good system for detective games."

"*Down Darker Trails* for*Call of Cthulhu* works well as a realistic historical game."

"Of the two I would suggest Call of Cthulhu."

"I'd say Call of Cthulhu is probably closest to what people expect from a ttrpg."

"I think it was a good beginning system/setting, as a d% system is immediately understandable."

"For horror focus, you could do something with Call of Cthulhu."

"I cannot decide between one, so I will go with call of Cthulu and DND5e."

"I'd go with Call Of Cthulhu, maybe replacing attributes by skills."

FATE

4.1

(9)

"Definitely Fate. I DM everything I want a rules light approach in Fate Condensed."

"You can try the Fate system for how customizable it is."

"FATE."

"I would think Fate, as the show is very fantastic, and that is a hard thing to do with a high crunch system."

"A few (many) years ago I ran a small game on Fate."

"Fate could be a good system for it."

"FATE on the game/drama side; there's a ton of 'quick intro to FATE' pamphlets."

"I like FATE, and there are 2 games I like: heavy metal Thunder Mouse and Rockalypse."

"I would suggest either FATE for a more narrative approach."

Stars Without Number

4.1

(8)

"Stars without number with Codex of the Black Sun"

"I personally would use the KTB bonds and maybe use Star Witthout Numbers for anything extra, especially Factions."

"Stars Without Number (sci-fi) with Worlds Without Number (fantasy)."

"I'd go with a Stars Without Number and it's magic system."

"Stars Without Number + Worlds Without Number (d20)"

"Stars Without Number, default setting have psionics as a scifi magic."

"My suggestion would be stars without number or Traveller as both are pretty good sci fi TTRPG."

"Stars Without Number, the paid version has mech rules that would cover what you are doing."

Quest

5.0

(5)

"If you have no experience at all, and no-one there to guide you, [Quest](https://adventure.game/) is a great option."

"[Quest](https://adventure.game/) is a great option designed for this purpose."

"The greatest 2 RPGs for kids are Quest and Land of Eem."

"As always I'm gonna recommend Quest and also Cypher System."

"I really love [Quest](https://www.adventure.game/). Free as a PDF, the physical books are cheap."

Genesys

4.0

(6)

"Something like the genesys system and its dice system would be cool."

"Not sure which is best though. The advantage of Genesys is that it's also great for the social aspects."

"I can only really speak for Genesys, but I’d say it would probably be good fit."

"Genesys is setting neutral, and has fantasy and sci Fi setting books."

"Genesys system might work. It has fun narrative dice that encourages sweeping action scenes."

"The group I joined up with will be using Genesys for a MiA game."

#10

The Strange

4.4

(5)

"The Strange is based around this premise."

"The Strange is specifically designed for this sort of thing."

"The Strange (Cypher)"

"The Strange from Monte Cook Games has rules for this sort of reality hopping."

"The Strange. Cypher system is easy to run."

#11

Heavy Gear

4.2

(5)

"Heavy gear is your best bet."

"Heavy Gear ticks all the boxes but isn’t exactly setting agnostic."

"Heavy Gear - probably what you want."

"I'd recommend Heavy Gear for all your points but one- it's not setting agnostic."

"Heavy Gear/Jovian Chronicles is the only other choice I can think of."

#12

GUMSHOE

3.8

(5)

"Gumshoe might be a good bet"

"Look into the GUMSHOE family. It is investigation oriented and just uses a d6."

"There is a system called 'Gumshoe' that I’ve heard people highly recommend."

"Some derivative of the Gumshoe system would be best for some kinds of school plots."

"GUMSHOE is a system with mechanics to solve for this but the combat is definitely lacking."

#13

Starfinder

3.8

(5)

"Take a look into Starfinder."

"Starfinder does it all for you already."

"Starfinder. It’s pathfinder, in space."

"Starfinder might have something you're looking for."

"Maybe starfinder system?"

#14

Monster of the Week

4.0

(4)

"Monster of the Week with Delta Green as inspiration?"

"I would look at Monster of the Week, Dresden Files Fate, and Delta Green."

"Monster of the week. Its cinematic (televisorial?) In that it simulates, really well, an episode of xfiles."

"Monster of the week is inspired by Buffy."

#15

Mothership

5.0

(3)

"If you want to lean into the horror aspects, Mothership is incredible."

"**Mothership**: few rules, lot of suspance, great fun!"

"Mothership is a quite simple d100 based scifi horror, very suitable for oneshots."

#16

Powered by the Apocalypse

3.5

(4)

"I'd wager that there's a good PtbA (or whatnot) game that'd make for a great starting point."

"It's a versatile system focused around story over combat."

"I'd say maybe Powered by the Apocalypse but I don't know about combat mechanics."

"I bet the Powered by the Apocalypse family could accommodate it."

#17

Amazing Tales

4.7

(3)

"It's very simple and open ended."

"[Amazing Tales] and [Amazing Heroes] are both great systems for kids."

"The rules are super simple and anyone can pick them up."

#18

Tiny D6

4.3

(3)

"Check out the Tiny d6 system, it is easy and fast to play."

"Tiny D6 would be another good option."

"Check out the Tiny d6 system, it is easy and fast to play."

#19

Mutants and Masterminds

4.0

(3)

"My go-to supers game is always Mutants and Masterminds 3E."

"The superpower d20 game of choice has been Mutants and Masterminds forever now."

"The one I’d choose for something like this would be *Mutants and Masterminds.*"

#20

Index Card RPG

4.0

(3)

"I would check our ICRPG."

"Consider this another vote for Index Card RPG."

"Index Card RPG is a lightweight generic system you could potentially run multiple one-shots in."

#21

Mekton Zeta

4.0

(3)

"You might want to check out Mekton Zeta, it's a setting-agnostic mecha RPG."

"Mekton Zeta - latest version, highly customizable."

"Mekton Zeta checks all of the boxes."

#22

Blades in the Dark

4.0

(3)

"Blades in the Dark is my top favorite TTRPG."

"Blades in the dark works really well."

"I think that adapting Blades in the Dark to a feudal japan setting could work well."

#23

Worlds Without Number

4.0

(3)

"Worlds without number and stars without number are in the same Crawfordverse and have similar mechanics."

"The fantasy in Worlds Without Number is not quite as high as in 5e, but were I you, I'd use Worlds Without Number."

"There's a game called Worlds Without Number that would probably work well for low magic fantasy."

#24

Cortex Prime

4.0

(3)

"Cortex Prime is FATE with crunch."

"Cortex Prime is a good choice here."

"Cortex Prime could do it very well."

#25

Everywhen

4.0

(3)

"You might want to look into Everywhen."

"I'd like to add Everywhen to the list."

"Everywhen is almost perfect for a SCP game."

#26

Mutants & Masterminds

3.7

(3)

"My suggestion is either Mutants & Masterminds (my current favorite supers game) or Savage Worlds."

"You might want to look into Mutants and Masterminds."

"Maybe you can use something like Mutants & Masterminds, but in reality there’s no system that can balance the game."

#27

Exalted

3.7

(3)

"The answer to any question about eastern fantasy RPGs is always gonna be Exalted."

"5e, Pathfinder, and Call of Cthulhu are all amazing systems, but my eyes were opened when I played 'Exalted'."

"Exalted is basically all about this but is the hottest mess ever to hot mess."

#28

Shadow of the Demon Lord

5.0

(2)

"I really like Shadow of the Demon Lord. It's a dead simple system that is easy to pick up."

"I have to say Shadow of the Demon Lord. It's dark and bleak, but also immensely satisfying to play."

#29

Mythras

4.5

(2)

"I can really recommend Mythras for a low fantasy heroic adventure."

"[Mythras] has a brutal combat system with dodges, parries, hit locations."

#30

FATE Core

4.5

(2)

"Look in to [FATE Core]. It's a simple system designed to put story front and center."

"Try genetic narrative-ish systems (such as Fate Core and Cortex Plus/Prime)."

#31

Masks: A New Generation

4.5

(2)

"Two games come to mind: Masks: A New Generation - a Powered by the Apocalypse game."

"If you're up for something more narrative, there's a Playset for Masks: A New Generation."

#32

Star Wars

4.5

(2)

"West End's Star Wars game is still terrific."

"Maybe the Star Wars RPG? You can take the system and leave the Star Wars out of it."

#33

Shadowdark

4.5

(2)

"Shadowdark was the first game I saw with carousing."

"Shadowdark has a fun carousing system!"

#34

Triangle Agency

4.5

(2)

"Triangle Agency or Liminal Horror."

"Triangle Agency seems to cover this perfectly."

#35

Thirsty Sword Lesbians

4.5

(2)

"(But also Thirsty Sword Lesbians)"

"Thirsty Sword Lesbians. Duh."

#36

Red Markets

4.0

(2)

"OP's description sounds like Red Markets to a T."

"*Red Markets* is very similar to what you are thinking of doing."

#37

Bloodstone

4.0

(2)

"There is a very minimal Bloodborne rpg that used FitD called Bloodstone."

"There is a very minimal Bloodborne rpg that used FitD called Bloodstone. I haven’t played it personally but it looks like a great one shot or short campaign."

#38

Lasers & Feelings

4.0

(2)

"Stuck to a really simple system. Lasers & Feelings or any one of its many hacks, or even just Roll for Shoe."

"Go lasers & feelings with its various hacks."

#39

Apocalypse World

4.0

(2)

"Apocalypse World sounds like a good set up for this."

"Apocalypse World comes to mind."

#40

Infected!

4.0

(2)

"Infected! is what I would suggest."

"I backed *Infected!* during the KS. I think they did a good job, but it feels very specific to the setting."

#41

Marvel Multiverse RPG

4.0

(2)

"The current Marvel TTRPG, Marvel Multiverse RPG has a Spiderverse book coming out this summer."

"It's like literally marvel rpg with marvel pregen characters."

#42

City of Mist

4.0

(2)

"City of Mist could work if you can get behind its specific flavor of urban fantasy."

"City of Mist could do it."

#43

Open Legend

4.0

(2)

"I'm partial to Open Legend, which is an open source ttrpg that focuses more on the role play and story elements."

"OpenLegend can do that pretty easily."

#44

External Containment Bureau

4.0

(2)

"[External Containment Bureau] is my recommendation. Very rules-light, SCP/Control are touchstones for it."

"It was just on Kickstarter, but External Containment Bureau is probably a good one."

#45

Pirate Borg

4.0

(2)

"Pirate Borg is pretty light and fun."

"Pirate Borg has a carousing table, does that count?"

#46

Risus

4.0

(2)

"Risus (dead simple D6 game) has a scenario written up by its creator."

"Risus. Skills are customizable, simple pass/fail mechanic."

#47

FIST

4.0

(2)

"FIST is also quite good addition for paranormal operatives with fast paced and cinematic play."

"Another one you might take a look at is FIST."

#48

Lancer

4.0

(2)

"I do think Lancer, Mekton, and Stars Without Number are all excellent options."

"LANCER could work if you rewamp the liscence system."

#49

In Extremis

4.0

(2)

"In Extremis was made specifically for it!"

"Literally lesbians necromancers in space."

#50

Riddle of Steel

4.0

(2)

"Seems like a good spot to recommend Riddle of Steel."

"I also suggest looking at Riddle of Steel and Song of Swords."

#51

Heroes and Heels

4.0

(2)

"If you want try before you buy and budget gaming, try Heroes and Heels."

"Take a look at this its a 5e superhero system."

#52

BRP

4.0

(2)

"I would also add BRP to the list, it served well in a bunch of games already."

"Could put something together with brp by chaosium."

#53

Fate Accelerated

4.0

(2)

"Fate Accelerated replaces all Skills with just six Approaches."

"You could use something lightweight like Fate Accelerated or GURPS Lite."

#54

Fabula Ultima

4.0

(2)

"**Fabula Ultima** is another good choice, as people have mentioned."

"Fabula Ultima comes to mind (you can download [the free Quickstart called **Press Start**](https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/17072/need-games/category/43538/fabula-ultima-ttjrpg))"

#55

TimeWatch

4.0

(2)

"You could maybe look at something like Timewatch (a GUMSHOE game) about Time-hopping police."

"TimeWatch."

#56

PbtA

4.0

(2)

"During the Pandemic a PbtA Locked Tomb system was written and playtested."

"A pbta system might work well."

#57

Rifts

3.5

(2)

"Rifts could be a good option, it has both high fantasy magic and Sci fi elements."

"I know it's an older game from Palladium but Rifts will allow you to do just what you're looking for."

#58

Cyberpunk Red

3.5

(2)

"Cyberpunk red, everyday heroes, any dnd5e modern setting."

"IDK about Cyberpunk RED but they probably came up with a better system, so maybe try to look into that."

#59

Fragments of Power

5.0

(1)

"Shit I've been working on something that's perfect for that."

#60

EZD6

5.0

(1)

"My kids loved EZD6. They're 5, 7, and 10."

#61

Windmill Games

5.0

(1)

"Kids of all ages love it, and even adults playing with their kids have a great time."

#62

Animon Story RPG

5.0

(1)

"It's a great system! We've got a small but supportive community over at /r/AnimonStoryRPG."

#63

Masks

5.0

(1)

"Masks. Because spiderverse movies are about kids dealing with the massive responsibility of being spider-teens."

#64

Kids on Brooms

5.0

(1)

"Kids on brooms."

#65

Fragged Empire

5.0

(1)

"There is a version of Fragged Empire called Fragged Aeternum which is explicitly inspired by Bloodborne, including the gothic horror setting and continuing after death."

#66

Tiny Wastelands

4.0

(1)

"Tiny Wastelands - Tiny D6 game engine."

#67

Mutant Year Zero

4.0

(1)

"HHave a look at Mutant Year Zero by Free League."

#68

Rust and Redemption

4.0

(1)

"Rust and Redemption (with the Cypher System) might be worth a look for you."

#69

Monsterhearts

4.0

(1)

"Monsterhearts on the sim/drama side; it's a PBTA game."

#70

D6 Fantasy

4.0

(1)

"You might try D6 Fantasy."

#71

Dungeons & Dragons 4E

4.0

(1)

"Now I know this isn't even related to the genre you want to run, and I'm not suggesting it to you as a system /to run/."

#72

White Star: Galaxy Edition

4.0

(1)

"White star galaxy edition."

#73

Demigods

4.0

(1)

"There's one called Demigods that is allegedly inspired by Percy Jackson."

#74

Deadlands

4.0

(1)

"If you want to do Deadlands the poker chips are just to track bennies."

#75

Classic Traveller

4.0

(1)

"Classic Traveller if I wanted to do a bit more spacefaring/planethopping."

#76

Ruby System

4.0

(1)

"The Ruby System is easy to pick up and the player's do most of the rolls."

#77

Cthulhu D20

4.0

(1)

"If you're used to d20, the Cthulhu D20 is an excellent template on which to build other things."

#78

Lamentations of the Flame Princess

4.0

(1)

"I'd run it in either Lamentations of the Flame Princess or Call of Cthulhu 2nd Edition."

#79

Kids on Bikes

4.0

(1)

"Either Kids on Bikes or Roll for Shoes, depending on the tone you're going for."

#80

Astonishing Superheroes

4.0

(1)

"There is a retroclone of the old Marvels Superhero game that is well regarded based on the facerip system called Astonishing Superheroes."

#81

Stalwart

4.0

(1)

"I will nominate my own game Stalwart, because it does sort of offbeat supers action pretty well."

#82

Shadows of Esteren

4.0

(1)

"D10 systems like the one used for Shadows of Esteren are incredibly simple without being unrealistic."

#83

Punkapocalyptic

4.0

(1)

"If you like Shadow of the Demon Lord than get Punkapocalyptic, which uses the same system and is a really fun read."

#84

Apocalypse the Risen

4.0

(1)

"My favorite is Apocalypse the Risen but the print book is a bit pricey."

#85

Named

4.0

(1)

"Have you ever looked at “Named”? It’s not a system in that sense, but more of a toolbox."

#86

Shadowrun: Anarchy

4.0

(1)

"From your description I'd use Shadowrun Anarchy."

#87

Tricube Tales

4.0

(1)

"If you're looking for dozens of different worlds with easy rules to follow, Tricube Tales is your go-to."

#88

Adventure Time RPG

4.0

(1)

"There is an official adventure time rpg launching on kickstarter later this year."

#89

Adventure Time TTRPG

4.0

(1)

"There is an unofficial Adventure Time TTRPG that might be worth checking out."

#90

SCP RPG

4.0

(1)

"There is an SCP rpg out there."

#91

RUNE

4.0

(1)

"I made a very Bloodborne inspired series of realms for RUNE, which is a solo tactical game."

#92

Apocalypse Frame

4.0

(1)

"Apocalypse Frame in my perspective is sorta like the proof of concept for Lancer."

#93

Vampire: The Masquerade

4.0

(1)

"If you want to try *V:tM* use the free rules-lite [*V:tM* d6 Quickstart]."

#94

Fate Accelerated Edition

4.0

(1)

"[Fate Accelerated Edition.] Let's see how it stacks up against your list."

#95

Flying Circus

4.0

(1)

"The play routine in Flying Circus is split into two core activities - Air combat missions, and indulging in your vices in town afterwards."

#96

Chuubo's Marvellous Wish-Granting Engine

4.0

(1)

"I unironically think that *Chuubo's Marvellous Wish-Granting Engine* would work fine."

#97

Dead Man's Hand

3.0

(1)

"Dead man's Hand."

#98

Cowpunchers

3.0

(1)

"Cowpunchers it’s not weird west just western."

#99

Dungeons & Dragons

2.0

(1)

"IMO, D&D and its derivatives are some of the worst systems to use in SciFi."

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