When it comes to RPGs table-top versions continue to have an enormous impact on the gaming community. TheDungeons & Dragonscommunity alone has only grown since it was first released in 1974. Spanning across five editions the game has seen thousands of community-created mechanics and creatures, in addition to the official source materials.
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Developers continue to explore new avenues while showing that when it comes totable-top role-play games anything is possible. There are dozens of new variants on existing franchises and new mechanics and worlds to explore. Spanning across every genre from cyberpunk to high fantasy. There are even systems that can be played solo or without a guide. The genre is rapidly growing and the next few years of gameplay have a lot in store.
Updated June 08, 2025 by Camisha Pisenti:There are always plenty of options for fans of table-top RPGs to choose from. WhileDungeons & Dragonsis a well-known system, it’s far from the only option available. Video game and television franchises are beginning to create table-top versions of the worlds fans love. In addition, there are many independent developers in the table-top space that are creating their own systems. This article has been updated with several upcoming TTRPGs set to release in 2022.
12So You’re in a Tavern
So You’re in a Tavernis a table-top RPG about telling outrageous stories that may not always be true. The game operates using a deck of playing cards and a few tokens, to help tell the tales and determine the final winner.
Once a player begins telling their own outrageous story, the other players make wagers to change the contents of the story. The storyteller can choose to accept and incorporate the change or deny it wagering their own token.So You’re in a Taverncan be played as a standalone game or used as a rumor mill for an ongoing campaign in other systems. The game is available on itch.io.
11Trials of Melodosia
Trials of Melodosiais a table-top RPG for two to six people, based around the concept of “Oops! All Warlocks,” Music Divas, and singing competitions. Players will participate in a cooperative competition to become the next Divas.
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Players who enjoy the musical works of Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, Beyonce, Selena, and more will find that these singers are patrons in the world. In fact, there are fifteen patrons, each with their own unique ways to offer assistance. Rather than combat,Trails of Melodosiauses musical elements such as range, soul, power, and rhythm, which the characters must master.
10Auroboros: Coils of the Serpent
Auroboros: Coils of the Serpentis a campaign settingthat uses theDungeons and Dragons5th editionruleset developed by Chris Metzen and Warchief Gaming. Players will explore the world of Lawbrand, which hosts eight cities, plenty of enemies, and the power of the Auroboros. Lawbrand is based around the roleplaying campaign that Metzen ran during the 1980s and 90s, before working on titles such asWarcraftandStarCraft.
The world of Lawbrand features over 100 pages of lore, five new races, four subclasses, and plenty of new spells. Players who take on the mark of the serpent will be able to wield unimaginable power, which comes at a cost. The Mark is a game system that offers a unique experience for a TTRPG setting, the more its power is used to more dangerous the side effects become. Players looking to up the stakes of their campaigns while exploring a unique world will want to check outAuroboros: Coils of the Serpenton Kickstarter.
9Necrobiotic
In a world where birth rates continue to sink, death is spiraling out of control, and humanity’s survival relies solely on the use of the animated bodies of their loved ones, players become survivors inNecrobiotic.This title is being developed by the Penny for a Tale team including Mitchell Wallace, Samantha Davis, Mr. Smith, Valerio Amadei, and Andrea Marmugi.
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This dystopian table-top RPG takes players through a world of emotions. The system is based on deck-building mechanics using standard playing cards, with the option to use tarot cards. The gameplay mechanics push players to roleplay and highlight each other’s specialties. Players can choose between multiple backgrounds, from architect to technosophist.
8DARK SOULS: The Roleplaying Game
Fans of theDark Soulsfranchise will want to keep an eye out for the table-top version of the game.Dark Souls: The Roleplaying Game, uses the 5th EditionDungeons & Dragonssystem. The roleplaying game also introduces uniqueDark Soulsmechanics, such as position which allows characters and creatures to spend HP on incredible feats. These feats come with their own drawbacks, as they put players closer to death’s door.
Much like the video game,death will be a common factor in the RPG; however, players will have the chance to rise again and again.Dark Souls: The Roleplaying Gamerewards willpower and perseverance.
7Coyote and Crow
Coyote and Crowis a sci-fi and fantasy tabletop role-playing game. The game takes place in a First Nations alternate future, where colonialism never came to the Americas. This shift in the timeline allowed the Indigenous peoples of the Americas to forge their own paths.
InCoyote and Crow,technology and spirituality co-exist with one another. Humans have also been given a gift that enables them to use superhuman abilities.Coyote and Crowlets players explore a world where old treaties may be tested, grudges can be renewed, and distant continents have yet to be explored.
6Once More Into The Void
Table-top players who are fans of franchises such asMass EffectandStar Trek: Picardwill enjoyOnce More Into The Void. In this science fiction RPG, players will bring their team back together for one final job. The game is made up of a collection of mini-games, that guide players through a scene or multiple scenes. Each mini-game gives players a chance to roleplay their characters and explore the emotions and drives of the characters.
A campaign can be run completely on the fly, even without a game moderator. Players can complete the story in one to four sessions, depending on their preferences. The team behindOnce More Into The Voidincludes Jamila Nedjadi, Jason Pitre, Adrien(ne) Valdes, Camille Chua, Christopher Rothwell, and Avery Alder.
5Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game
Fans ofAvatar: The Last AirbenderandThe Legend of Korraand table-top RPGs have a lot to be excited about.Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Gamewill allow players to return to the world of the Avatar franchise and become the heroes of the story.
There are a variety of things to do in the world, from protecting merchants from the Triple Threat Triad in Republic City to rescuing a child from the Spirit World.Avatar Legends: The RPGalso includes playbooks that represent each character archetype from the television shows.
4Hoplomachus: Victorum
Players looking for a Table-top RPG experience that offers a single-player option will want to look intoHoplomachus: Victorum.Victorumoffers an easy-to-learn but complex-to-master set of gameplay mechanics. Players begin by selecting a hero to take on the role of while navigating a world full of gladiatorial arenas. Taking place in the year 79 AD, after mankind’s desperate attempt to keep Mt. Vesuvius from erupting, heroes must now defeat Pluto’s greatest champions.
Over the next four play sessions, players will build their heroes' stats and skills while also improving their team of gladiators' stats. As they travel around eight regions players will encounter multiple event types, to test their skills.Hoplomachus: Victorumis being developed by Chip Theory Games, and has a page onKickstarter.
3Ironsworn: Starforged
A standalone follow-up to theIronsworntable-top RPG,Ironsworn: Starforgedbuilds on the award-winning innovations of the original. The game offers three types of play from solo, cooperative, and guided. Players will journey through their new home, the Forge, and traverse opportunity and peril.
Conflicts between individuals and factions have just as much impact as environmental conflicts. In addition to the core rulebook, the game will include a deck of asset cards that become vital for character development. Assets represent a character’s background, skills, traits, resources, and companions.
Starforgedis developed by Shawn Tomkin, the original creator ofIronswornin collaboration with Absolute table-top and a team of artists, writers, and consultants. Upon the completion of theKickstarter campaign, all backers will immediately receive the digital preview version of the game.
