Dungeons and Dragons is often the first tabletop RPG people learn, especially after its surge in popularity thanks to Stranger Things, but it does not have to be the only one they ever play. Many players who came to the hobby through that wave are branching out in search of systems that better match their group’s time, tone, and interests. Some want tighter rules or lighter prep. Others want different genres or stories that move beyond fantasy combat altogether.
These 10 tabletop RPGs offer clear, compelling alternatives to Dungeons and Dragons, each designed to do something specific and do it well.
Pathfinder Second Edition / Starfinder Second Edition
Pathfinder Second Edition and Starfinder Second Edition are the clearest alternatives for players who enjoy crunchy gameplay but want a system that feels more precise and intentional. Combat is tactical, character creation and building options are insanely deep, and the rules are built to support long-term play without constantly bending under their own weight.
Pathfinder Second Edition is ideal for groups that enjoy mastering systems and making meaningful mechanical choices, while Starfinder Second Edition takes that same design philosophy into science fantasy, mixing magic and technology. Your character from Pathfinder can even be converted into Starfinder’s system. If D&D isn’t hitting the same anymore, maybe give Pathfinder a try. It’s not as hard to make the switch as you’d think. The Adventure Path books also feature excellent writing, so GMing couldn’t be any easier if you want to jump right in.
Best for: Players who enjoy crunchy combat, character optimization, and long-form campaigns.
The One Ring
It’s a pretty well-known fact that Dungeons and Dragons takes a great deal of inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkein’s mythos. But what if you wanted to gather your own Fellowship and travel the lands of Middle-earth? The One Ring system is probably right for you.
The One Ring is a system that favors scene-to-scene storytelling not unlike that of a novel or movie. In this way, it is ideal for both long-form campaigns as well as short one-shots. Unlike D&D, a system that feels very combat-forward, The One Ring is heavy on narrative and gives players ample opportunity to shine beyond their ability to inflict damage. While combat is still a factor and can have a medium level of crunch to it due to the different proficiency mechanics available, The One Ring offers other challenging alternatives. The Council system allows for social interactions that can feel just as challenging as a boss battle, and everyone in the party has an active role in these situations as opposed to whichever character has the highest Charisma score. Additionally, the Hope and Shadow system effectively captures the mental strain of being an adventurer. Players can utilize their Hope points to boost their own success or that of their teammates. As characters face hardships or commit negative actions, they begin to gather Shadow. Hope is a finite resource in the game, however, and when it runs low and Shadow accumulates significantly, the character may experience episodes of madness, reminiscent of Boromir’s struggle against The Ring’s corruption in the novels.
Best for: Narrative-forward groups, fantasy lovers, cinematic storytelling
Mazes
Mazes is a deliberately lightweight fantasy RPG that strips the genre down to its essentials. Characters are simple, rules are easy to learn, and sessions move quickly without much bookkeeping.
This makes Mazes an excellent palette cleanser. It works well for one-shots, short arcs, or for bringing new players into tabletop roleplaying without overwhelming them. If your D&D group needs something low-prep and low-pressure between bigger campaigns, Mazes fits that role perfectly.
There are also plenty of modules that use the Mazes system, with new ones still being released. There are one-shot modules, campaign settings, and even an adaptation of the Return to Dark Tower board game.
Best for: Short sessions, new players, and groups looking for fast fantasy without heavy rules.
Kids on Bikes
Okay, let’s move away from fantasy now. Stranger Things helped bring Dungeons and Dragons into the mainstream, but what if you want to play Stranger Things at the table? Kids on Bikes is built for small-town mysteries, strange occurrences, and stories about ordinary kids (and sometimes adults) facing extraordinary situations. It replaces fantasy tropes with bikes, flashlights, and secrets lurking just out of sight.
The rules stay out of the way, allowing the group to focus on character relationships and unfolding mysteries. For those who want to explore modern settings or run something inspired by coming-of-age adventure stories, Kids on Bikes is approachable and effective. It even has a built-in feature that lets all players create one superpowered kid, each controlling an aspect of the character in addition to their own. Somehow it works!
Best for: Narrative-focused groups, modern settings, and mystery-driven play.
City of Mist
City of Mist blends noir detective fiction with modern myth. Players take on the roles of ordinary people empowered by legendary figures, balancing everyday lives with supernatural identities.
Instead of rigid classes and levels, City of Mist focuses on character themes and narrative tags. This creates flexible characters and stories that feel personal and dramatic. It is a great option for groups who want deep roleplay and character-driven stories without traditional fantasy stuff.
For players who aren’t interested in noir detective Shenangians, Otherscape uses the same Mist engine, but adapts it in a cyberpunk setting.
Best for: Players who enjoy investigative stories, character drama, and flexible narrative systems.
Vaesen
Vaesen is a folkloric horror RPG steeped in Scandinavian myth. Players investigate supernatural creatures tied to old traditions, forgotten places, and rural communities.
Combat is rare and dangerous, and solutions often involve understanding the creature rather than fighting it. Fans of the Witcher franchise will appreciate this bit, as the real monsters aren’t always the entities that look spooky. For D&D groups interested in horror or mystery with strong atmosphere and clear stakes, Vaesen offers a focused and elegant alternative.
Best for: Horror fans, investigation-heavy play, and slower, mood-driven sessions.
Alien – The Roleplaying Game
Alien – The Roleplaying Game brings cinematic sci-fi horror to the table. Whether you are dealing with corporate conspiracies or something far worse stalking the corridors, the game is designed to build tension and dread. Some of the best encounters in this game don’t actually involve Xenomorphs, but when they do show up, it’s downright scary.
The system involves risky decisions and emotional pressure, making it very different from D&D’s power fantasy. Alien is especially strong for short campaigns or cinematic scenarios. If those aren’t your thing, though, campaigns like Building Better Worlds has more sandbox-style gameplay. There is something for everyone here.
Best for: Horror-focused groups and players who enjoy tension over power.
Alice Is Missing
Alice Is Missing is unlike almost anything else on this list. Played entirely through text messages, the game focuses on the emotional experience of a missing person case unfolding in real time.
There is no GM and very little traditional roleplay. Instead, the tension comes from limited communication and shared discovery. It works best as a one-session experience and leaves a lasting impression long after the game ends. Everyone has a connection to Alice, and the game will reveal bits and pieces to players over the course of a two-hour game. The players themselves aren’t trying to solve a mystery; they are roleplaying characters and their reactions to what is unfolding.
Best for: One-shots, emotionally intense play, and groups willing to try something very different.
Pirate Borg
Pirate Borg takes the brutal, rules-light foundation of Mork Borg and applies it to a grimy pirate setting. The result is fast, lethal, and unapologetically chaotic.
Characters are fragile, the world is hostile, and failure is expected. Still, the pirates are being pirates, so what more could you want? Pirate Borg works well for short campaigns or wild one-shots where the goal is not balance, but tone and momentum. Just be prepared to roll multiple characters.
Best for: High-risk play and groups that enjoy dark humor and fast outcomes.
Kobolds Ate My Baby
Okay, so I said that players will need to roll multiple characters in Pirate Borg, but they will roll even more in the last game on our list. Kobolds Ate My Baby is chaotic comedy distilled into one session at the table. Players control cowardly kobolds with one goal: survive long enough to appease King Torg (ALL HAIL KING TORG) and not die horribly.
This is not a game about balance or heroism. It is loud, ridiculous, and designed to be played in short bursts. You will die in it, and that’s okay because it takes two minutes to make a new character and keep going. As a break from serious campaigns, it works wonderfully. It’s the ultimate beer-and-pretzels game.
Best for: Beer and pretzel nights, convention play, and groups that want fantasy without taking it seriously.
Dungeons and Dragons is not going anywhere, but it does not have to be the only tool in your group’s toolbox. Trying different systems can refresh your table, inspire new stories, and remind everyone why tabletop roleplaying is fun in the first place. Give something new a try. It’s not as hard as you think it is, and you won’t regret it.