Why You Should Be Playing Spire: The City Must Fall RPG
In the mile-high ancient city of Spire, the cruel and beautiful high elves rule through bloody oppression – and the dark elves have had enough. In Spire: The City Must Fall, players take on the role of a rebel cell in service of a forbidden goddess of shadows and misdirection, and it is their mission to overthrow the government with a mixture of espionage, rabble-rousing, illegal magic and murder.
Our group recently started playing Spire: The City Must Fall RPG, and I can honestly say — I’m completely hooked. We’ve spent about 12 hours in this dark, dazzling world so far, and it’s already one of the most compelling RPG experiences I’ve ever had. It’s one of those rare games that makes you feel like you’re actually creating something every time you sit down to play — not just playing in someone else’s world, but building your own, together.
So why should you play Spire? Because it offers something rare in the world of roleplaying games — a truly fresh, fearless take on fantasy. If you’re craving a game that goes beyond the usual tropes, one that invites you to step into a world of rebellion, sacrifice, and transformation, then Spire is calling.
It’s not just a game — it’s a narrative experience that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go.
A Setting Like No Other
At its core, Spire is a game about dark elves (drow) living under the oppressive rule of high elves (the aelfir) in a towering, decaying city of shadow, secrets, and rebellion. You and your fellow players are part of a hidden underground resistance movement trying to topple the aelfir’s cruel regime from within.
But this isn’t just edgy-for-the-sake-of-it fantasy. Spire mixes political intrigue, urban decay, religious schisms, eldritch magic, and revolutionary hope into one deeply original, beautifully realised setting. It’s fantasy through a punk lens — weird, wild, and unlike anything I’ve played before.
Player-Driven Storytelling at Its Best
One of the things that really stands out to me is how collaborative the game feels. From the very first session, our group was encouraged to shape the world together. During character creation, we each had to state one thing we knew to be true about another character — and that became part of their story.
We walked into a tavern, and the GM asked us what we saw — a certain smell, a local legend, a name etched into a table. Whatever we said? That became canon. It’s a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. It’s immersive. It’s cinematic. It makes the city of Spire feel alive — because it’s ours.
Streamlined Mechanics that Keep Things Moving
The system is so easy to learn. It uses D10s, and rolls are intuitive and quick, meaning they don't stall the game. There’s none of the “wait, what’s my modifier?” or “hang on, I need to total this up” moments you sometimes get in crunchier systems. Instead, the mechanics support the story without ever getting in the way of it.
That smooth mechanical flow keeps the game feeling alive and energetic — it helps you stay immersed in the story rather than being pulled into the rulebook every five minutes.
But it’s not just ease of use that makes the system shine — it’s what it lets you do with it.
Spire runs on a streamlined set of rules known as the Resistance System — a mechanic that isn’t just about hit points or damage, but about what your character stands to lose. Sure, you might die in a street fight — but you could also be captured by the secret police, betrayed by someone you love, driven to madness, cursed by a god, or forced to make impossible choices. The beauty of the system is that all these outcomes, no matter how dramatic or personal, are handled using the same elegant, easy-to-learn mechanics.
A Gorgeous Rulebook, Accessible Campaigns
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how beautiful the Spire core rulebook is. Hardback, with a ribbon bookmark, and packed full of stunning art and dense lore. It’s the kind of book you’ll actually want to sit down and read, not just refer to.
And the campaign books? Slim, elegant, and packed with ideas — some of them cost less than a fancy coffee! That makes Spire one of the most accessible RPGs around, not just in terms of mechanics, but cost too.
A System That Welcomes New and Experienced Players
Whether you’re a seasoned GM or someone who’s never picked up an RPG before, Spire is incredibly welcoming. Our group has a very talented GM at the helm, and his ability to bring the world to life has been enhanced by a system that encourages creativity, improvisation, and character-driven storytelling.
But even if you’re new to the hobby, Spire gives you tools — not rules — to build with. It doesn’t gatekeep, it invites you in.
It’s Not D&D — and That’s a Good Thing
If you’re used to Dungeons & Dragons, stepping into Spire might feel like landing on another planet. And that’s exactly why I love it. Spire offers a refreshing change of pace. It leans more heavily into collaborative storytelling, character relationships, and narrative consequences rather than traditional dungeon crawling or tactical combat. It’s still very much a fantasy game — just with a different flavour, one that invites creativity and shared worldbuilding in every session. It’s about narrative, resistance, and meaningful choices. If you’re looking to try something that feels fresh and driven by story, Spire is a fantastic choice.
Final Thoughts: The City Must Fall… and You Should Help
If you’re looking for a new RPG to fall in love with — whether you’re a veteran player or a total newcomer — I can’t recommend Spire enough. It’s vibrant, emotional, creative, and completely unlike anything else I’ve played. Each session feels like storytelling magic.
It’s not just that the city must fall. It’s that you get to help write how it happens!
If you’re feeling inspired to dive into the world of Spire, we’ve got you covered — we stock the core rulebook, campaign books, and supplements right here in the shop. Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned GM, we’re always happy to help you find the right starting point. Come in and take a look — you might just find your next favourite RPG.
