D&D Isn't the Only RPG In Town: Five Alternatives to Try
While Dungeons & Dragons holds a special place in our hearts, it's important to remember that the world of tabletop RPGs extends far beyond it. With a vast array of captivating and diverse options available, there are countless other RPGs waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
Discover an incredible selection of top-notch RPG starter sets, catering to both newcomers and experienced Games Masters/players alike. We've curated a list of the five titles that are sure to captivate your imagination and ignite your tabletop adventures.
1. CRITICAL SANCTUARY
Looking for a quick and easy tabletop RPG experience?
Welcome to the world of Critical Sanctuary, an enthralling fantasy role-playing game that utilizes the same simple and streamlined rules as the critically acclaimed and award-winning game, Critical Foundation. Immerse yourself in a realm of magic, adventure, and peril, where your choices shape the destiny of both heroes and villains.
Designed for convenience and accessibility, much like your favourite Netflix shows, each session of Critical Sanctuary is crafted to last just 30 to 45 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for a quick lunch break escape or a relaxed and enjoyable game night with friends. No matter how much time you have, you can dive into an exciting adventure without the need for lengthy commitments.
When you buy the Critical Sanctuary box set, you'll find everything you need to embark on your thrilling quest. Inside, you'll discover a set of custom dice to aid you in resolving challenges and determining outcomes. Alongside the dice, you'll find a variety of pre-generated characters, each with their own unique abilities and backgrounds, ready to be brought to life by you and your fellow players.
To help bring the immersive world of Critical Sanctuary to life, the box set also includes beautifully illustrated cards, allowing you to visualize your surroundings and navigate through the perils that lie ahead.
Furthermore, the scenarios provided in the box set offer engaging storylines and thrilling encounters, ensuring that every game session is packed with excitement and adventure.
If you prefer a sci-fi setting, look no further than Critical Foundation. In this award-winning game, you'll find yourself encountering advanced technology, and and you’ll need to do some investigating to find the answers to some unknown questions. Critical Foundation offers a similar experience to Critical Sanctuary, with streamlined rules and exciting gameplay, tailored to the science fiction genre.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or are looking for an RPG with shorter sessions to play with friends, get ready to create unforgettable memories and embark on epic quests in these immersive and captivating RPGs.
2. CALL OF CTHULHU RPG
Are you looking for a truly terrifying tabletop RPG experience?
Prepare yourself for a tabletop RPG experience like no other, one that will send shivers down your spine and test the limits of your courage. Welcome to Call of Cthulhu, a horror game that delves deep into the chilling works of H.P. Lovecraft, immersing you in a world of eldritch horrors and cosmic dread.
The Call of Cthulhu Starter Set is your entry into this bone-chilling adventure. Inside, you'll find everything you need to start playing and immerse yourself in the terrifying world inspired by Lovecraft's dark imagination. The set includes a set of dice to assist you in resolving the unknown and determining your fate in the face of unimaginable horrors.
To help you ease into the game and familiarise yourself with the gameplay mechanics, the Starter Set provides pre-generated characters. These characters are already crafted with unique abilities, backgrounds, and traits, ready for you to step into their shoes and face the lurking terrors that await. Each character brings a different perspective and skill set to the table, adding depth and variety to your group's dynamics. Of course, you can create your own character from scratch too!
For those who wish to venture into the abyss alone, the starter set also includes a solo scenario. This allows you to get used to the rules and mechanics of the game in a solitary setting, giving you the opportunity to acclimate to the horrors that lie ahead before joining a group of fellow investigators or leading the horrors for your friends.
To further enhance the horror-filled atmosphere, the starter set provides three short scenarios. These scenarios are designed to be completed in just a few sessions, offering intense and condensed experiences that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Each scenario presents unique challenges, mysteries to unravel, and encounters with otherworldly entities that defy comprehension. Brace yourself for the unexpected as you navigate through the twisted labyrinth of Lovecraftian horror.
So, are you ready to confront the chaos and madness of the Elder Gods? Only the brave dare to venture into the depths of Call of Cthulhu, where sanity is a fragile concept and every decision carries weighty consequences. Gather your resolve, rally your fellow investigators, and prepare to face the unimaginable.
Are you brave enough to face the chaos of the Elder Gods? Embrace the challenge, explore the mysteries, and discover if you possess the strength of character to survive in a world where ancient evils lurk in the shadows.
3. BLADE RUNNER RPG
More human than human.
Step into the futuristic and dystopian world of Blade Runner, where the line between human and machine blurs, and moral choices are shrouded in shades of grey. With the Blade Runner RPG Starter Set, you can now immerse yourself in the iconic sci-fi universe and experience the thrill of being a Blade Runner detective firsthand.
As well as being amazing value for money, the Blade Runner RPG Starter Set is your key to unlocking this classic sci-fi experience. Inside the box, you'll find everything you need to embark on your journey through the dark and gritty streets of Los Angeles in 2037. The set includes a condensed 80-page rule book, providing you with the essential mechanics and guidelines to navigate the game effectively.
To jumpstart your adventure, the starter set includes a full-length case file, Electric Dreams. This intricately designed scenario plunges you into a web of intrigue, crime, and deception. As a Blade Runner, it's your duty to track down rogue replicants, investigate crimes, and uncover the truth. The case file presents a rich narrative, filled with twists and turns, allowing you to test your investigative skills and make tough choices that shape the outcome of the story.
The Starter Set also offers four pre-generated characters, ready to be taken on your journey through the neon-lit streets of future Los Angeles. These characters come with their own backgrounds, skills, and motivations, allowing you to step into their shoes and face the challenges that lie ahead. Each character brings a unique perspective and set of abilities to the table, creating a dynamic and engaging group dynamic. If you don’t like any of the character, just create one of your own!
To help you visualise the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, the starter set includes a large 864mm x 558mm detailed map of the city in 2037. Explore its towering skyscrapers, gritty alleyways, and hidden corners as you unravel the mysteries that await you. The atmospheric setting captures the essence of the Blade Runner universe, immersing you in a world where technology and humanity collide.
In addition, you’ll also get 26 full-colour evidence handouts, 70 high quality custom cards for NPC characters, as well as 8 custom dice.
In the Blade Runner RPG, tough choices and moral ambiguity are at the heart of the experience. As you navigate the complexities of the game, you'll face dilemmas that challenge your sense of right and wrong. Every decision you make has consequences, and the fate of the characters you encounter hangs in the balance. The choices you make will shape the world around you, and the line between hero and villain may blur as you grapple with the nature of identity and humanity.
So don't wait any longer. Start your Blade Runner adventure today and delve into a classic sci-fi world filled with intrigue, danger, and philosophical questions. Prepare to confront the future, track down replicants, solve crimes, and face the tough choices that lie ahead. The world of Blade Runner awaits you.
4. ALIEN RPG
“I can't lie to you about your chances, but... you have my sympathies.”
Prepare to venture into the heart-pounding and spine-chilling universe of Alien with the official Alien RPG Starter Set. This comprehensive boxed set immerses you in a world of body horror, corporate machinations, and terror-inducing encounters. Get ready to face the ultimate test of survival as synthetic beings navigate the perils of space trucking and marines confront unimaginable creatures.
The Alien RPG Starter Set is jam-packed with everything you need to start exploring the Alien universe. Inside the box, you'll find a condensed 104-page rule book that provides you with the essential mechanics and guidelines to navigate the unforgiving expanse of space. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to tabletop RPGs, the rules are designed to be accessible and immersive, capturing the essence of the Alien universe.
To kickstart your spine-chilling adventure, the Starter Set includes a thrilling cinematic scenario, Chariot of the Gods. This meticulously crafted 48-page scenario places you and your fellow players in the midst of an intense and harrowing narrative, filled with suspense, danger, and unexpected twists. As you face the horrors lurking in the shadows, your survival instincts will be put to the ultimate test.
To get you started on your journey, the Starter Set provides pre-generated characters. These ready-to-play characters come with their own unique backgrounds, skills, and motivations, ensuring a diverse and engaging group dynamic. Step into the shoes of these individuals and confront the challenges that await, making life-or-death decisions as you fight for survival against the relentless onslaught of the alien menace.
The large full-colour, double-sided map included in the set allows you to visualize the treacherous environments you'll encounter. From the cramped confines of derelict spaceships to the eerie expanse of distant planets, each location is brought to life in stunning detail. Navigate through the cold darkness of space, where every shadow could harbour unspeakable horrors.
To enhance your gameplay experience, the starter set also features 84 game markers, 55 custom cards, and 20 custom engraved dice. These components add a tactile element to your encounters, immersing you further into the heart-pounding tension of the Alien universe. Each element is designed to enhance the atmosphere and immerse you in the game's world of cosmic terror.
In the cold darkness of space, survival is paramount. The Alien RPG Starter Set thrusts you into a world where the odds are stacked against you, and the relentless pursuit of survival is your only objective. Brace yourself for an unforgiving experience where every decision matters, and the consequences of failure are dire.
So, gather your courage, rally your fellow players, and prepare to face the horrors of the unknown. Step into the chilling universe of Alien, where body horror and corporate brinkmanship reign supreme. Embark on a spine-chilling adventure and discover if you have what it takes to survive in the cold darkness of space.
5. THE ONE RING RPG
“…only a small part is played in great deeds by any hero.”
Delve into the enchanting realm of Tolkien’s Middle Earth and embark on an unforgettable adventure with The One Ring RPG starter set. This comprehensive package is designed to provide everything you need to immerse yourself in the magic of J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic world. Packed with streamlined rules, pre-generated characters, intricate maps, and essential game components, the Middle Earth Starter Set allows you to swiftly gather your friends and embark on an epic tabletop gaming experience.
Within the starter set, you'll find a set of streamlined rules that capture the essence of Middle Earth, allowing for smooth gameplay and easy understanding. The rules are crafted to be accessible and engaging, ensuring that you can quickly dive into the rich tapestry of Middle Earth's adventures.
To get you playing quickly, the starter set includes 8 ready-made characters. These pre-generated characters are thoughtfully crafted with unique backgrounds, skills, and personalities, ready to be brought to life by you and your friends. With a diverse array of characters at your disposal, you can unleash your inner Hobbit, Dwarf, Elf, or any other iconic Middle Earth race as you embark on thrilling quests across the Shire and beyond.
Immerse yourself in Middle Earth's stunning landscapes with the large, detailed, double-sided map provided in the starter set. This intricately designed map transports you to the picturesque beauty of the Shire and guides you through the perilous realms beyond. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, navigating dense forests, or traversing treacherous mountain passes, the maps serve as your visual guide, enriching your tabletop experience and enhancing the immersion.
The Middle Earth Starter Set is carefully curated to ensure that all essential game components are included. The set has been thoughtfully designed to minimise setup time, allowing you to quickly gather your friends, open the box, and commence your immersive journey into Tolkien's extraordinary creation.
Prepare to unlock the secrets of Middle Earth and embark on thrilling adventures that test your bravery, wisdom, and fellowship. Whether you're facing the perils of Mirkwood, solving riddles in the Mines of Moria, or joining the Battle of Five Armies, the Middle Earth Starter Set invites you to become a hero in your own epic tale.
So, gather your companions, ready your weapons, and prepare to be transported to a world of magic and wonder. Unleash your imagination and embark on an immersive tabletop gaming experience with The One Ring RPG starter set. Middle Earth awaits your heroic deeds and the untold stories that will shape the fate of the world.
Discover an incredible selection of top-notch RPG starter sets, catering to both newcomers and experienced Games Masters/players alike. We've curated a list of the five titles that are sure to captivate your imagination and ignite your tabletop adventures.
1. CRITICAL SANCTUARY
Looking for a quick and easy tabletop RPG experience?
Welcome to the world of Critical Sanctuary, an enthralling fantasy role-playing game that utilizes the same simple and streamlined rules as the critically acclaimed and award-winning game, Critical Foundation. Immerse yourself in a realm of magic, adventure, and peril, where your choices shape the destiny of both heroes and villains.
Designed for convenience and accessibility, much like your favourite Netflix shows, each session of Critical Sanctuary is crafted to last just 30 to 45 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for a quick lunch break escape or a relaxed and enjoyable game night with friends. No matter how much time you have, you can dive into an exciting adventure without the need for lengthy commitments.
When you buy the Critical Sanctuary box set, you'll find everything you need to embark on your thrilling quest. Inside, you'll discover a set of custom dice to aid you in resolving challenges and determining outcomes. Alongside the dice, you'll find a variety of pre-generated characters, each with their own unique abilities and backgrounds, ready to be brought to life by you and your fellow players.
To help bring the immersive world of Critical Sanctuary to life, the box set also includes beautifully illustrated cards, allowing you to visualize your surroundings and navigate through the perils that lie ahead.
Furthermore, the scenarios provided in the box set offer engaging storylines and thrilling encounters, ensuring that every game session is packed with excitement and adventure.
If you prefer a sci-fi setting, look no further than Critical Foundation. In this award-winning game, you'll find yourself encountering advanced technology, and and you’ll need to do some investigating to find the answers to some unknown questions. Critical Foundation offers a similar experience to Critical Sanctuary, with streamlined rules and exciting gameplay, tailored to the science fiction genre.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or are looking for an RPG with shorter sessions to play with friends, get ready to create unforgettable memories and embark on epic quests in these immersive and captivating RPGs.
2. CALL OF CTHULHU RPG
Are you looking for a truly terrifying tabletop RPG experience?
Prepare yourself for a tabletop RPG experience like no other, one that will send shivers down your spine and test the limits of your courage. Welcome to Call of Cthulhu, a horror game that delves deep into the chilling works of H.P. Lovecraft, immersing you in a world of eldritch horrors and cosmic dread.
The Call of Cthulhu Starter Set is your entry into this bone-chilling adventure. Inside, you'll find everything you need to start playing and immerse yourself in the terrifying world inspired by Lovecraft's dark imagination. The set includes a set of dice to assist you in resolving the unknown and determining your fate in the face of unimaginable horrors.
To help you ease into the game and familiarise yourself with the gameplay mechanics, the Starter Set provides pre-generated characters. These characters are already crafted with unique abilities, backgrounds, and traits, ready for you to step into their shoes and face the lurking terrors that await. Each character brings a different perspective and skill set to the table, adding depth and variety to your group's dynamics. Of course, you can create your own character from scratch too!
For those who wish to venture into the abyss alone, the starter set also includes a solo scenario. This allows you to get used to the rules and mechanics of the game in a solitary setting, giving you the opportunity to acclimate to the horrors that lie ahead before joining a group of fellow investigators or leading the horrors for your friends.
To further enhance the horror-filled atmosphere, the starter set provides three short scenarios. These scenarios are designed to be completed in just a few sessions, offering intense and condensed experiences that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Each scenario presents unique challenges, mysteries to unravel, and encounters with otherworldly entities that defy comprehension. Brace yourself for the unexpected as you navigate through the twisted labyrinth of Lovecraftian horror.
So, are you ready to confront the chaos and madness of the Elder Gods? Only the brave dare to venture into the depths of Call of Cthulhu, where sanity is a fragile concept and every decision carries weighty consequences. Gather your resolve, rally your fellow investigators, and prepare to face the unimaginable.
Are you brave enough to face the chaos of the Elder Gods? Embrace the challenge, explore the mysteries, and discover if you possess the strength of character to survive in a world where ancient evils lurk in the shadows.
3. BLADE RUNNER RPG
More human than human.
Step into the futuristic and dystopian world of Blade Runner, where the line between human and machine blurs, and moral choices are shrouded in shades of grey. With the Blade Runner RPG Starter Set, you can now immerse yourself in the iconic sci-fi universe and experience the thrill of being a Blade Runner detective firsthand.
As well as being amazing value for money, the Blade Runner RPG Starter Set is your key to unlocking this classic sci-fi experience. Inside the box, you'll find everything you need to embark on your journey through the dark and gritty streets of Los Angeles in 2037. The set includes a condensed 80-page rule book, providing you with the essential mechanics and guidelines to navigate the game effectively.
To jumpstart your adventure, the starter set includes a full-length case file, Electric Dreams. This intricately designed scenario plunges you into a web of intrigue, crime, and deception. As a Blade Runner, it's your duty to track down rogue replicants, investigate crimes, and uncover the truth. The case file presents a rich narrative, filled with twists and turns, allowing you to test your investigative skills and make tough choices that shape the outcome of the story.
The Starter Set also offers four pre-generated characters, ready to be taken on your journey through the neon-lit streets of future Los Angeles. These characters come with their own backgrounds, skills, and motivations, allowing you to step into their shoes and face the challenges that lie ahead. Each character brings a unique perspective and set of abilities to the table, creating a dynamic and engaging group dynamic. If you don’t like any of the character, just create one of your own!
To help you visualise the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, the starter set includes a large 864mm x 558mm detailed map of the city in 2037. Explore its towering skyscrapers, gritty alleyways, and hidden corners as you unravel the mysteries that await you. The atmospheric setting captures the essence of the Blade Runner universe, immersing you in a world where technology and humanity collide.
In addition, you’ll also get 26 full-colour evidence handouts, 70 high quality custom cards for NPC characters, as well as 8 custom dice.
In the Blade Runner RPG, tough choices and moral ambiguity are at the heart of the experience. As you navigate the complexities of the game, you'll face dilemmas that challenge your sense of right and wrong. Every decision you make has consequences, and the fate of the characters you encounter hangs in the balance. The choices you make will shape the world around you, and the line between hero and villain may blur as you grapple with the nature of identity and humanity.
So don't wait any longer. Start your Blade Runner adventure today and delve into a classic sci-fi world filled with intrigue, danger, and philosophical questions. Prepare to confront the future, track down replicants, solve crimes, and face the tough choices that lie ahead. The world of Blade Runner awaits you.
4. ALIEN RPG
“I can't lie to you about your chances, but... you have my sympathies.”
Prepare to venture into the heart-pounding and spine-chilling universe of Alien with the official Alien RPG Starter Set. This comprehensive boxed set immerses you in a world of body horror, corporate machinations, and terror-inducing encounters. Get ready to face the ultimate test of survival as synthetic beings navigate the perils of space trucking and marines confront unimaginable creatures.
The Alien RPG Starter Set is jam-packed with everything you need to start exploring the Alien universe. Inside the box, you'll find a condensed 104-page rule book that provides you with the essential mechanics and guidelines to navigate the unforgiving expanse of space. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to tabletop RPGs, the rules are designed to be accessible and immersive, capturing the essence of the Alien universe.
To kickstart your spine-chilling adventure, the Starter Set includes a thrilling cinematic scenario, Chariot of the Gods. This meticulously crafted 48-page scenario places you and your fellow players in the midst of an intense and harrowing narrative, filled with suspense, danger, and unexpected twists. As you face the horrors lurking in the shadows, your survival instincts will be put to the ultimate test.
To get you started on your journey, the Starter Set provides pre-generated characters. These ready-to-play characters come with their own unique backgrounds, skills, and motivations, ensuring a diverse and engaging group dynamic. Step into the shoes of these individuals and confront the challenges that await, making life-or-death decisions as you fight for survival against the relentless onslaught of the alien menace.
The large full-colour, double-sided map included in the set allows you to visualize the treacherous environments you'll encounter. From the cramped confines of derelict spaceships to the eerie expanse of distant planets, each location is brought to life in stunning detail. Navigate through the cold darkness of space, where every shadow could harbour unspeakable horrors.
To enhance your gameplay experience, the starter set also features 84 game markers, 55 custom cards, and 20 custom engraved dice. These components add a tactile element to your encounters, immersing you further into the heart-pounding tension of the Alien universe. Each element is designed to enhance the atmosphere and immerse you in the game's world of cosmic terror.
In the cold darkness of space, survival is paramount. The Alien RPG Starter Set thrusts you into a world where the odds are stacked against you, and the relentless pursuit of survival is your only objective. Brace yourself for an unforgiving experience where every decision matters, and the consequences of failure are dire.
So, gather your courage, rally your fellow players, and prepare to face the horrors of the unknown. Step into the chilling universe of Alien, where body horror and corporate brinkmanship reign supreme. Embark on a spine-chilling adventure and discover if you have what it takes to survive in the cold darkness of space.
5. THE ONE RING RPG
“…only a small part is played in great deeds by any hero.”
Delve into the enchanting realm of Tolkien’s Middle Earth and embark on an unforgettable adventure with The One Ring RPG starter set. This comprehensive package is designed to provide everything you need to immerse yourself in the magic of J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic world. Packed with streamlined rules, pre-generated characters, intricate maps, and essential game components, the Middle Earth Starter Set allows you to swiftly gather your friends and embark on an epic tabletop gaming experience.
Within the starter set, you'll find a set of streamlined rules that capture the essence of Middle Earth, allowing for smooth gameplay and easy understanding. The rules are crafted to be accessible and engaging, ensuring that you can quickly dive into the rich tapestry of Middle Earth's adventures.
To get you playing quickly, the starter set includes 8 ready-made characters. These pre-generated characters are thoughtfully crafted with unique backgrounds, skills, and personalities, ready to be brought to life by you and your friends. With a diverse array of characters at your disposal, you can unleash your inner Hobbit, Dwarf, Elf, or any other iconic Middle Earth race as you embark on thrilling quests across the Shire and beyond.
Immerse yourself in Middle Earth's stunning landscapes with the large, detailed, double-sided map provided in the starter set. This intricately designed map transports you to the picturesque beauty of the Shire and guides you through the perilous realms beyond. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, navigating dense forests, or traversing treacherous mountain passes, the maps serve as your visual guide, enriching your tabletop experience and enhancing the immersion.
The Middle Earth Starter Set is carefully curated to ensure that all essential game components are included. The set has been thoughtfully designed to minimise setup time, allowing you to quickly gather your friends, open the box, and commence your immersive journey into Tolkien's extraordinary creation.
Prepare to unlock the secrets of Middle Earth and embark on thrilling adventures that test your bravery, wisdom, and fellowship. Whether you're facing the perils of Mirkwood, solving riddles in the Mines of Moria, or joining the Battle of Five Armies, the Middle Earth Starter Set invites you to become a hero in your own epic tale.
So, gather your companions, ready your weapons, and prepare to be transported to a world of magic and wonder. Unleash your imagination and embark on an immersive tabletop gaming experience with The One Ring RPG starter set. Middle Earth awaits your heroic deeds and the untold stories that will shape the fate of the world.