4 Upcoming TTRPGs That Could Rival Dungeons & Dragons

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Tabletop role-playing games are becoming incredibly popular again. Thanks to shows where people actually play the games, independent game creators, and a growing desire for imaginative storytelling, the hobby has expanded beyond its traditional limits. While Dungeons & Dragons remains the most well-known game, shows like Critical Role have introduced many new players, who are now seeking games with compelling stories, exciting battles, diverse characters, and detailed settings. This is leading people to explore different game systems, including older, less mainstream options.

Over the next few years, many exciting new tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are expected to be released, each offering something different from Dungeons & Dragons. Some focus on giving players more control over the story, while others feature striking artwork or innovative approaches to battles and character development. We’re already seeing a growing number of new TTRPGs, like Daggerheart, and these four upcoming games could significantly change the landscape of tabletop gaming – whether you’re an experienced game master or just starting out.

4) SHIFT

A key part of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) is the teamwork between the game master and players. The new TTRPG, SHIFT, really emphasizes this collaborative experience and uses a simple rules system that’s easy for anyone to learn. Players can create detailed and unique characters, and play them however they imagine. Game masters have plenty of tools to build immersive worlds, including locations, vehicles, and characters. If you’d rather start playing immediately, SHIFT comes with pre-made adventures set in diverse worlds, allowing you to jump right in.

I’m so hyped for SHIFT! It’s already blown past its Kickstarter goals and is aiming for a 2027 release. From what I’ve seen, it’s going to be a real contender to Dungeons & Dragons, and it seems like it’ll be great for both people who are really into TTRPGs and those who are just starting out. What’s really cool is how it lets players collaborate on worldbuilding with the GM, kind of like what they do in Critical Role’s Daggerheart. Even with the pre-made settings – like a sci-fi western or a post-apocalyptic fantasy world – you can actually shape the world through your character’s history and choices. It’s a really exciting concept!

One of the interesting things about the game SHIFT is its dice mechanic. Instead of wanting high numbers, success is achieved by rolling a 1, 2, or 3 on dice that range from a D4 to a D12 – so lower rolls are better. Rolling the highest number on a die isn’t good either; it forces you to move to a larger, more difficult die. For example, rolling an 8 on an 8-sided die means you now roll a 10-sided die, making failure more likely. SHIFT has many unique features, and you can learn more by downloading the basic character options through its Kickstarter page.

3) Temeraire RPG 

Popular book series are increasingly being adapted for tabletop role-playing games. Following the success of adaptations like Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere, Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series is the next to make the jump. Magpie Games has secured a multi-year license to create the tabletop RPG, promising fans not just a playable version of the beloved novels, but also the potential for future expansions and content. While details are still forthcoming, Magpie Games has confirmed the game will be set within the Temeraire universe, allowing players to experience the world as both humans and dragons.

The Temeraire series reimagines the Napoleonic Wars with dragons. It centers around Captain William Laurence and his dragon, Temeraire, as they serve in England’s Aerial Corps. The popular and award-winning series, spanning multiple novels, offers rich material for a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) adaptation. Players could enjoy political maneuvering, exciting aerial battles, and much more. A Temeraire TTRPG is planned for release in 2027, with a Kickstarter campaign scheduled for Spring 2026.

Magpie Games announced that the Temeraire RPG will run on the Ædana System, a popular system from an award-winning team that successfully funded over $1 million on Kickstarter. Ædana uses a dice pool mechanic for quick, detailed gameplay and offers various ways to approach challenges, giving both players and Game Masters creative options. Magpie Games intends to showcase Temeraire: The Roleplaying Game at conventions, offering fans a chance to play it in early 2026.

2) Twilight Sword

Tabletop role-playing games are becoming more popular, and the projects that are really gaining attention aren’t trying to copy Dungeons & Dragons, but to offer something new and better. Twilight Sword is quickly becoming a major competitor. Its successful launch on Backerkit shows it’s poised to challenge D&D by delivering a strong combination of compelling stories, beautiful artwork, and a focus on player choice – something many popular RPGs struggle with. With a style inspired by Studio Ghibli and the adventure of The Legend of Zelda, it’s becoming a favorite system for fans of anime and players who enjoy story-driven games.

The core idea behind Twilight Sword is instantly appealing: you play as a Champion brought back to life by ancient Spirits, with the mission of bringing hope back to Radia, a stunning but damaged world. What truly makes the game special is its incredible worldbuilding. Radia doesn’t just feel like a location; it feels like a living, breathing place, full of emotion. Its charming forests, mysterious ruins, and landscapes inspired by Studio Ghibli evoke the same sense of wonder as Breath of the Wild. However, this beauty hides a deep despair, caused by the emergence of terrifying creatures called the Vardas. Unlike typical action games, saving Radia isn’t just about fighting monsters. Every act of compassion, every hidden truth you discover, and every personal story you resolve will help push back the darkness.

Despite drawing inspiration from games like Zelda, Studio Ghibli films, and classic Japanese role-playing games, Twilight Sword feels fresh and original. It combines familiar elements into a unique system, featuring a distinct character progression path and a D12 dice system where rolling a ‘1’ is exciting. If you enjoy anime, story-focused games, or are looking for a tabletop RPG that offers a great mix of emotion, adventure, and visual appeal, Twilight Sword has the potential to be a serious competitor to Dungeons & Dragons.

1) Sword World

As a longtime RPG fan, I’ve heard a lot about Sword World – it’s huge in Japan, often called their version of Dungeons & Dragons. And honestly, I’m super excited it’s finally getting an official English release! This feels like a really big deal for the tabletop RPG world. It’s got tons of history, a dedicated fanbase over there, and a style that feels inspired by classic Japanese RPGs and anime. I think Sword World could seriously shake things up and become a major competitor to D&D here in the West.

Sword World stands out because it fully leans into the style of Japanese role-playing games. Rather than copying Western tabletop RPGs, it focuses on character growth similar to JRPGs, stories inspired by anime, and quick, team-based adventures. It’s designed for groups who enjoy epic stories, meaningful character development, and a system that celebrates both bravery and smart tactics. With growing international interest, Sword World is poised to become a very popular tabletop RPG in the coming years.

Sword World is a role-playing game with a simple, fast-paced system using two six-sided dice. It features established character classes and magic that feels like classic Final Fantasy games. Characters level up easily along clear paths, unlike systems with many complicated choices. The game is easy to learn for beginners but still offers strategic challenges for experienced players. What really sets Sword World apart is how it captures the feel of anime and JRPG fantasy, not just the look.

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2025-11-25 23:17