Dungeons & Dragons are one of the most popular tabletop RPGs in the world, but it's not the only option. There are many other great alternatives that offer unique experiences and provide hours of entertainment for gamers. From classic fantasy to sci-fi adventures, here are six great alternatives to Dungeons & Dragons that will satisfy any fan of tabletop RPGs.
Pathfinder
This game is based on an older version of D&D and has been around since 2009. It features a more detailed character creation system in which players can customize their characters' abilities in more detail than ever before. The world of Golarion offers many different types of adventure, including political intrigue and the exploration of mysterious dungeons and ruins. With an extensive bestiary filled with monsters, both traditional and new, Pathfinder is an exciting alternative to Dungeons & Dragons while providing a familiar experience for players who have already played D&D.
Call Of Cthulhu
For horror fans who like to explore stories steeped in mystery and cosmic horror, Call Of Cthulhu is worth checking out! The action of this Lovecraftian-inspired RPG takes place in 1920s America. You will play as investigators trying to uncover the dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface of the earth, ready to unleash unspeakable horrors on mankind if they are awakened! This game draws inspiration from the famous works of H.P. Lovecraft, featuring mysterious creatures ready to drive hapless investigators mad if they get the chance! With its unique combination of puzzle-solving and psychological horror elements, this game stands apart from standard dungeons like D&D, making it the perfect choice for gamers looking for something truly original when it comes to the story to be had during tabletop gaming sessions!
Shadowrun
If you prefer science fiction over fantasy, Shadowrun might be your perfect choice! This cyberpunk-style role-playing game allows players to create characters of different species, such as humans, elves, or trolls, who can use technology just like magic spells! Players can explore this futuristic world full of advanced technology, such as augmented reality implants, while completing missions for corporations and other organizations in the game's dystopian setting. With an intriguing cyberpunk setting with interesting locations and NPCs, Shadowrun offers something completely different from traditional RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons but provides an incredibly engaging experience for those looking for something new in terms of narrative mechanics and play style.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is another excellent option when searching for video games similar to Dungeons & Dragons. This top-down single-player RPG lets you explore Rivellon – a magical world filled with powerful forces both good and bad – as either a pre-made protagonist or create your own unique adventurer from scratch using dozens of customizable options ranging from race selection to crafting abilities such as alchemy or blacksmithing. Along with detailed turn-based combat reminiscent of classic pen-and-paper gaming sessions and an engaging narrative full of surprises around every corner, Divinity: Original Sin 2 will keep you hooked until long after its conclusion thanks to its extensive modding community which continues to add new content regularly so no two playthroughs ever feel alike!
Elder Scrolls
Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is another highly acclaimed MMORPG set within Bethesda's Elder Scrolls franchise featuring iconic locations like Morrowind’s Vvardenfell Island or Skyrim’s Whiterun Hold, among many others! ESO allows you to choose from four classes – Dragonknight Templar Sorcerer Nightblade – each having distinct skill trees that determine your character’s playstyle choices during combat encounters as well as outside them when engaging with NPCs or completing quests either alone or alongside friends. Additionally, there are also base-building options so players can establish their own strongholds throughout Tamriel, adding more depth to this already captivating adventure!
13th Age
13th Age places great emphasis on storytelling, encouraging creative collaboration between the GM and the player through features such as iconic relationships, unique items, and backgrounds, all of which give players the opportunity to express their creativity while ensuring that characters' personalities remain individualized even after several campaigns spanning months, perhaps even years of play sessions, making 13th Age the perfect choice for those seeking a deep immersion in the game without fear of getting lost in a sea of overly complex systems rules.
These few amazing alternatives offer a very different experience from what you might expect from classic games like Dungeons & Dragons but still retain some familiarity with the mechanics of each individual product. So if you're looking to add something fresh to your group's current repertoire or just try something designed specifically to meet a specific need, be sure to check out these offerings.