5 Best TTRPGs For D&D Players to Check Out Next

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Speaking about role-playing games on tabletops, it’s hard to beat the recognition of Dungeons & Dragons. From its pioneering status as the first widely sold tabletop RPG and its growing influence in popular media, even those outside the gaming community have heard of D&D. However, these modern times offer a wealth of exciting choices for tabletop RPG enthusiasts eager to explore their creative side and venture beyond the familiar.

Just like many others, “Dungeons & Dragons” was my introduction to tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Once I experienced the thrill of rolling dice and crafting tales with friends, I became captivated. I found myself yearning to explore other TTRPGs and convince my companions to join me in these new adventures. If you’re also seeking fresh gaming experiences, I wanted to share some outstanding recommendations that I’ve encountered.

These games are chosen based on the elements that many TTRPG enthusiasts, including myself, appreciate about “Dungeons & Dragons.” Each game brings a unique aspect to the table for players eager to try a new TTRPG at their next gaming session.

However, I’d like to give a brief shout-out to “Pathfinder,” which I won’t delve into here due to its striking resemblance to “Dungeons & Dragons.” Given that curious “D&D” fans may already be familiar with this closely related fantasy RPG system, it seems unnecessary to discuss it in detail.

5. Delta Green

In several aspects, Delta Green differs greatly from traditional games like Dungeons & Dragons. Its theme and structure bear a closer resemblance to the Call of Cthulhu, considering its origins as a spin-off from that universe. Unlike the D20 system, Delta Green employs percentile dice, where skill checks are made by rolling a number below your total for a specific skill.

Delta Green provides a modern, grounded narrative with a Lovecraftian edge, setting it apart from Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). In this role-playing game (RPG), players take on roles as agents whose mission is to conceal the existence of terrifying cosmic entities lurking among us. Despite the distinct concept, Delta Green retains the imagination and breadth that I appreciate in D&D. If you’re a D&D fan looking for something new, Delta Green should be next on your list, but remember that it includes encounters with cosmic horrors and potential sanity-testing challenges for your character. For an idea of what playing Delta Green is like, I suggest checking out The Glass Cannon Network’s engaging actual play podcast, “Get in the Trunk.

4. Vampire: The Masquerade

Initially, “Vampire: The Masquerade” was not a popular video game franchise but rather a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG). And let me tell you, it’s quite engaging if I may say so myself. Unlike traditional RPGs like D&D, Vampire: The Masquerade has its own distinct game mechanics that require some learning. Once you’ve moved on from D&D, giving this game a try would be an exciting venture.

The unique selling point of this RPG is its multi-dice system, which may take some time to get accustomed to. Instead of relying on a single die roll, your character sheet determines the number of dice you need to roll for each check.

As you progress through the game, it’s essential to uphold the Masquerade, which means keeping mortals unaware that they share their world with vampires. In essence, this game offers an immersive experience that invites players to navigate a world shrouded in mystery and secrecy.

Vampire: The Masquerade shares the immersive roleplaying experience that D&D fans appreciate, despite differing mechanics and character creation methods. With a rich lore to explore and a wide range of customizable characters, it’s an excellent choice for D&D enthusiasts who have or still harbor a fascination with vampires. To get a taste of the gameplay, listen to the Vampires of Pittsburgh podcast from Stream of Blood.

3. Marvel Multiverse RPG

Being an ardent enthusiast of Marvel comics, the revamped role-playing game titled “Marvel Multiverse RPG” piqued my curiosity right away. This fresh iteration of a Marvel tabletop role-playing game employs the d616 system, introducing another intricate dice rolling mechanic for players to grasp. However, if you appreciate a comprehensive character sheet brimming with abilities and a detailed rulebook like “Dungeons & Dragons” provides, it’s definitely worth investing time in mastering.

The primary attraction of the Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game lies in the opportunity to assume the role of a superhero. The rulebooks provide numerous opportunities for players to slip into the personas of their preferred Marvel characters or create unique ones of their own. Since its debut, this game has received varied responses from enthusiasts, but for those who appreciate Rules Lawyers and Marvel aficionados, it’s definitely worth exploring. To get a feel for the gaming experience, you can watch this actual play stream featuring Marvel and The Glass Cannon Network.

2. Avatar Legends

Are you the type of Dungeons & Dragons player who is constantly trying to transform your Way of Four Elements monk character into a character reminiscent of Avatar? If so, I’m right there with you! In that case, you might be interested in the Avatar: The Last Airbender tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) to immerse yourself in the Avatar universe and roll dice simultaneously. This game is called Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game, and it has been available since 2022.

The game titled “Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game” emphasizes storytelling rather than complex mechanics, utilizing a modified version of the Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) system. This means players who are already accustomed to PbtA will find it easier to pick up. However, those who prefer traditional tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons might find it less appealing due to its departure from detailed rule sets. Nonetheless, fans of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and tabletop RPG enthusiasts should give this a try. For a glimpse into the game’s dynamic playstyle, you can refer to “Ten Thousand Things,” an actual play by Improv Tabletop.

1. Daggerheart

For numerous enthusiasts of the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, the podcast named Critical Role holds significant popularity. Notably, the team responsible for those imaginative campaigns has introduced their own tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG), titled Daggerheart. As a fresh entrant to the scene, it necessitates purchasing new dice sets; however, the fundamental systems bear resemblance, albeit with some significant variations.

Fans who enjoy Dungeons & Dragers (D&D) for its storytelling will find appeal in Daggerheart, as it emphasizes narrative over rule-based combat. This initiative-free system might require some adjustment, but it fosters a more collaborative, story-centric gaming experience – just the kind I prefer in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPG). If you’re curious about Daggerheart, Darrington Press offers actual play videos and a comprehensive collection of tutorials to help you get started.

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2025-09-07 19:46