A Beginner’s Guide to Tabletop RPGs Beyond Dungeons & Dragons

**A Beginner’s Guide to Tabletop RPGs Beyond Dungeons & Dragons**

Tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) have surged in popularity, thanks in large part to the enduring success of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). While many are familiar with the epic quests and fantasy landscapes of D&D, there’s a vast world of tabletop RPGs (TTRPGs) beyond this iconic game, offering a plethora of imaginative setting and gaming styles. This guide explores some alternative TTRPG systems that newcomers can explore to expand their gaming horizons.

**Why Look Beyond D&D?**
While D&D is a fantastic entry point into the world of tabletop RPGs, each system beyond it offers unique experiences and mechanics. Exploring various systems allows players to engage with different storytelling techniques, genres, and game mechanics.

**1. Call of Cthulhu**
– **Setting:** Inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, this game delves into horror and investigation, set in a world where cosmic horrors lurk in the shadows.
– **Mechanics:** The game uses a percentile dice system and emphasizes sanity as much as health, creating tension and suspense as characters confront unimaginable horrors.
– **Best For:** Players who enjoy mystery, horror, and psychological challenges.

**2. Pathfinder**
– **Setting:** A fantasy universe with a rich lore and detailed world, akin to D&D, but distinguished by more intricate rules and options.
– **Mechanics:** Similar to D&D, but offers more flexibility in character creation and development, appealing to players who love detailed customization.
– **Best For:** Fans of fantasy who want a rule-heavy game with plenty of character options.

**3. Apocalypse World**
– **Setting:** A post-apocalyptic world where players struggle to survive amidst scarcity, danger, and moral ambiguity.
– **Mechanics:** Powered by the Apocalypse engine, this system uses simple 2d6 rolls with a focus on narrative and improvisation.
– **Best For:** Story-focused players who value narrative drive and collaborative world-building.

**4. FATE**
– **Setting:** Versatile and adaptable to any genre, FATE allows players and GMs to create worlds from ground up, whether it’s fantasy, sci-fi, or modern.
– **Mechanics:** FATE points and a simple skill system emphasize storytelling and character aspects, fostering creativity.
– **Best For:** Groups looking for flexibility and narrative-oriented play with collaborative storytelling.

**5. Shadowrun**
– **Setting:** A cyberpunk world blending high-tech cybernetics and fantasy magic, where players take on roles often as outlaws or mercenaries.
– **Mechanics:** A mix of d6 dice pools and detailed, crunchy mechanics offering complex character development and intense strategy.
– **Best For:** Those who enjoy a combination of futuristic settings with fantasy elements, challenging tactical play, and rich lore.

**6. Monster of the Week**
– **Setting:** Characters are hunters of supernatural creatures, similar to shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” or “Supernatural.”
– **Mechanics:** Also based on the Apocalypse system, it focuses on episodic monster hunting and team dynamics.
– **Best For:** Players who want shorter, episodic adventures with a focus on teamwork and monster lore.

**7. Numenera**
– **Setting:** A billion years in the future, blending science fiction with fantasy and ancient technology, in the Ninth World.
– **Mechanics:** Uses the Cypher System, where the complexity is shifted from dice calculations to creative problem-solving.
– **Best For:** Those interested in exploration, discovery, and a mix of technology and mystical elements.

**Getting Started with New TTRPGs**
– **Read the Core Rulebook:** Familiarize yourself with the system’s basic rules, world, and character creation.
– **Watch or Listen to Actual Plays:** Platforms like YouTube or podcasts may have sessions showcasing new systems in action.
– **Join Online Communities:** Sites like Reddit, Discord, and specialized forums have communities for specific RPGs where you can ask questions and find games.
– **Start Your Own Group:** Gather friends interested in trying something fresh. You can experiment with one-shots or short campaigns in a new system.

Diving into the world of tabletop RPGs beyond Dungeons & Dragons can be an exhilarating journey. Each game provides unique tools to create compelling stories, unforgettable characters, and immersive worlds, broadening your RPG experience. Whether you’re into horror, sci-fi, narrative-driven stories, or detailed rules systems, there’s a game out there waiting for you to roll the dice and step into a new adventure.