I find it great that FOR NO REASON WHAT SO EVER people are just having a casual look about and seeing what other TTRPG systems are out there. It's just so great.
Too bad they're avoiding some of the best games in the hobby. Instead going for something that is compatible with their medieval marvel hero simulator. So few of these videos are addressing the countless fantastic games in the OSR.
@@phaedruslive If you're trying to get someone to try something new, it makes sense to start with suggestions similar to the thing they already like. That being said, I've seen plenty of these types of videos recommending OSR books, especially Old School Essentials. This one is the exception for not doing so. Also, 5E and OSR aren't the only options. There are so many TTRPGs out there that aren't related to D&D at all and it's a shame they never get the same attention.
@@phaedruslive your complaint is they only showcased sword and sorcery ttrpgs when they said at the start of the video it as going to be about different systems to try out to get your sword and sorcery ttrpgs fix? I like many others want to play in sword and sorcery games, you can be disparaging all you want but when i want to draw a sword and throw a fire ball I am not wanting to be playing a game of high-school angst simulator. Don't be that guy telling someone to eat fruit when they've said they're looking for ice cream.
@@TheDragonOfWhi Sword and Sorcery? That would imply some kind of menace and atmosphere. In 5E and Pathfinder there's so little lethality I couldn't imagine putting those games in the same genre as literary sword and sorcery like Fritz Lieber or Howard stories. The big names in the hobby at this point seem to trying to simulate MMO progression more-so than the brutality of a sword fight.
I will forever be a champion of the Spire and Heart RPGs. Such an incredibly deep and detailed setting and a grimly-unique twist on stereotypical fantasy tropes. It is like a fever dream of Lovecraftian terror, unapologetic violence and the pyrrhic victories of people pushed to the point of desperation. It is the RPG embodiment of the expression, "It's better to burn out than fade away". I love it!
So glad to see Soulbound get some attention. Even if you know nothing about the Age of Sigmar as a Warhammer game (this was s me), it is a great high powered fantasy setting, rich with lore to riff on, and with a really nice rules system that can have you chucking healthy handfuls of dice. It deserves a look just for its ruleset. 😃👍🏼
Addendum to Pathfinder: there's a version of Pathfinder based on Savage Worlds. If you aren't so much into rolling D20s, and want a more open character generation that also includes flaws for roleplaying opportunities, but less gritty rules details, it might be worth a look. The adventure path Rise of the Runelords has been adapted to the system, so that might be a good start if creating your own adventures isn't your thing yet.
I wish more people would talk about Runequest Mythras. The combat is really engaging, cinematic, and brutal. If you aren't a huge fan of combat the way the XP works roleplay can be just as valuable as combat when it comes to XP.
0:30 It's probably a coincidence but the "9" here feels like a continuation of a long-running joke. The Stanley Parable's demo had the 8 Room, Supraland one-upped it with 9, Ultra Deluxe brought the 8 Room back and now I can't hear deadpan numbers without feeling like it's a reference.
There has been a number of the lists the last few weeks and this is the first one with multiple entries I had not heard of before. Picked some of them up to check out. Thanks for the recommendations.
2 other good TTRPG's to check out are... Monte Cook Games' "Cypher System" Originating from their flagship TTRPG, Numenera, this Setting Neutral system provides wide viability any many kinds of TTRPG genres; from Fantasy, to Post-Apocalyptic, to Superhero, to Scifi... everything can be done here. And because all Cypher System material is compatible with eachother, it allows for a current group of Dungeoneer's that fight Dragons to switch over, and still be able to play their races, classes, and even Spelljamm; with a system that focuses on the Narrative Adventure, but provides rules for all its mechanics. The best thing is, all those Polydie sets players and GM's have wont go to waste, because Cypher uses them... except, the GM never really has to roll (except maybe for loot). Green Ronin Publishing's "AGE System" First developed from their TTRPG adaptation of Dragon Age; the Age System has split off into 2 distinct settings, Fantasy AGE and Modern AGE. Fantasy AGE is your classic Sword & Sorcery gameplay, with Races, Classes, and weapons and magic; with all sorts of Fantasy creatures to battle and places to explore. Thanks to the system being very adaptable, you can used PAIZO gamemats and tiles for quick, simple exploration zones. Modern AGE is more modern and Cyberpunk focused, but has a touch of SciFi in its expansion into the "Modern" aspect. This system features more modern weapons, vehicles, and near-future tech. Because of the way the system works, its easy to adapt...say...vehicle mechanics for a spaceship and run a "Firefly"-esque game. Great mechanics, and its 3d6 die system lends itself really well to players being able to "Stunt" (a better form of crit), no matter what they're doing.
They've been doing this style of video since the channel was founded. See Johnny's video from three years ago featuring a full TEN alternatives to DnD.
@@CodaBlairLucarioEmperor That line seems facetious, but it's also pretty much true. The schedule may have felt pressure from outside influences, but sooner or later they were going to be making this video, anyway. And they will again, regardless of the actions of the IP owners.
Here are a few more examples from small publishers: Realms of Pugmire (Onyx Path Publishing) - using a D&D-adjacent rule system, use find yourself in a world where humans are long forgotten, and instead dogs, cats, rodents and other critters rule the world. The first edition is published under OGL 1.0, but they are moving away from D&D completely, and the second edition is going to have its own ruleset. A Kickstarter campaign for the second edition is currently in progress. Castle Falkenstein (R. Talsorian Games) - a game by Cody's dad, Mike Pondsmith, putting you in New Europa, a parallel steampunk universe in its 1870s. You also have fairies, dwarves, dragons and a number of other mythical creatures, as well as magic and crazy inventions. Also, some famous literary characters, like Sherlock Holmes, Captain Nemo or Professor Moriarty, exist in flesh in blood in that world. The rule system uses a standard deck of playing cards, rather than dice, which makes things interesting. CJ Carella's Witchcraft (Eden Studios) - if you want to try something closer to home, this is an urban fantasy setting, which puts you in a world where magic, angels, demons and all kinds of myths exist. It uses the Unisystem, which was used for some licenced IPs like Buffy: the Vampire Slayer or Angel. Witchcraft does come with a kind of end-of-times feel, and I suppose the shortest way to describe it is as if Supernatural, the TV series, was turned into a tabletop RPG.
Didn't mention BareBones Fantasy (DWD Studios). The d00lite game-system is a percentile system which has a limited list of skills, but can be divided into subskills. Critical successes or failures occur if you roll both digits in the percentile the same. It only has about 20 spells, but they are scalable for effect or range or duration.
NINE! 😂 While those short instrumental loops in the background usually drive me CRAZY after about thirty seconds, this one felt nice and soothing all the way through. Kind of reminded me of ages past, playing Baldur's Gate. Great choice and great work!
Into the Odd and its hacks like Mausritter is fantastic. Another fantasy game that is built to be a one shot (but could be used for a short campaign) is Mazes. Highly recommended for a game where you can jump right into the action.
Here is the list in the video: 1) Pathfinder 2) Romance of the Perilous Land 3) Heart: The City Beneath 4) Pendragon 5) Mörk Borg 6) The One Ring RPG 7) Warhammer:Age of Sigmar Soulbound 8) Mausritter 9) The Witcher Tabletop RPG. I would add to the list Dungeon Crawl Classics as a fantasy setting rpg that is worth your time and attention.
I doubt I'd ever touch any of these, for the same reason I was never really tempted to touch D&D - I'm just not a fan of low fantasy. My personal favorite is Exalted, created by White Wolf and currently on it's third edition.
Epic ass video (half of these sound so freaking cool idk why I never heard of them, like the generational playing and Mörk Borg?! That sounds beyond cool) Have you heard about Dragon Age's ttrpg? (I hear it's very good and that the combat is kinda meh... But ye)
Be weary. Mörk borg is not for the coddled masses of 5th ed. For the path of the cursed walker is pain and suffering. Only through mortification of the flesh you shall gain great glory.
Pathfinder 2E does not share a rule set with D&D. It is a whole new system that definitely shares similarities with other d20 based games, but it is not 5E in any shape or form so you cannot use your D&D books without a lot of work. There is a lot of misinformation in one minute here.
What's the "no reason whatsoever"? I feel like there's an obvious unspoken thing going on that I've somehow missed? Has D&D shit the bed in some way...? 😐
How did you overlook Palladium Fantasy? It's been around since the 1980s. It has been in print all this time. It is still readily available from the publisher as well as from DriveThruRPG, and _no one_ familiar with _any_ D&D edition fails to grasp how to play it (or any Palladium Books RPG). Loaded with easily-grasped lore, a setting that is wide open to user interpretation, and readily integrates with other Palladium games. You mention one psuedo-Arthurian game, but failed to mention _the_ Arthurian game: _Pendragon._ It and _Paladin_ (for the Matter of France) are _the_ RPGs of chivalric romance and adventure. Closely tied to them is _Runequest_ (same base system), and after than there's Modiphius' version of _Conan_ for the cornerstone of sword & sorcery in both gaming and literature. Want more historical leaning stuff? _Harn_ as well as _Lion & Dragon_ have you covered; Potter kids that don't known _Ars Magica_ are missing out. Then there's all that OSR stuff out there, as well as older D&D editions. This list reflects a shallow and ignorant perspective of a tourist speaking out of turn _at best_ and someone seeking to push an agenda at worst, not that of a knowledgeable hobbyist seeking in good faith to match the Revealed Preference of a buyer to what is available on the market.
I was thinking the same thing,how the hell did they overlook Palladium? That was the main non D&D fantasy role playing game when I was a kid,and Rifts was everyone’s favorite kitchen sink game. Odd omission.
@@miggypeso909 I never got into Palladium fantasy but played a fair amount of their Rifts, their superheroes one, and ninjas & super spies, and let me tell you in the cold light of 2023, the rules might play ok once you have characters, but the books are terribly laid out in terms of organization for the purposes of character creation. Also, can't speak for the others, but Rifts was a textbook example of supplement power creep. Each successive supplement could almost be guaranteed to have some character class that was more powerful than something similar in an earlier book.
Something to add about Heart, it very directly addressed a huge problem with RPGs, character stagnation. In Heart (and Spire) characters become stronger as they become more doomed, culminating in a super move that will kill / retire your character permanently. So as a player you always get a climax that gives you a reset, it's pretty dramatic
I will not be able to rest easy until I find out if there was a mysterious tenth rpg, stolen from this video at a crucial moment, raised by witchers and destined for greatness
Zweihander is another one to add to this list, that I don't think has been included in other videos (but I could be wrong) Dark fantasy with the ability to suffer fatalities from even an altercation with a swarm of rats. Its... hefty... to put mildly. But there is a starter box that slims it down considerably and includes a GM opening campaign, Screen, and plenty of things for players to use including pre built character sheets of 13 classes (out of the many)
Nice list - all [NINE] of those are worth a look. I'd also recommend checking out Pelgrane Press' "Swords of the Serpentine", which is their low-fantasy iteration of the GUMSHOE system and works quite well.
Interesting that you start your list with Pathfinder, considering it was originally conceived out of mass nerd-rage at Wizards of the Coast. Nice to see that it seems to have grown into it's own thing though. The One Ring and Mausritter sound interesting as well. Thanks for the new ideas.
If you’re going to try Mörk Borg I’d definitely suggest having a few extra characters stashed up your sleeve for when (rarely if) your first character dies horribly. You can definitely have a hilarious and very heavy metal adventure!
I love how you mostly alternated between optimistic and pessimistic worlds/games. Hadn't heard of #2 and #3 before, I think. Sound interesting; gotta check 'em out. Others are all fantastic suggestions. (Although I do much prefer Warhammer Fantasy over AoS Soulbound.) Some more fantasy RPGs: Dark Ages - World of Darkness (Vampire, Werewolf, etc.) d10 pools in the High Middle Ages HARP Fantasy - a highly simplified version of Rolemaster's d100 system; very much feels like D&D Fantasy HERO - the fantasy version of the classic HERO/Champions d6 pools universal system; lots of simple arithmetic during character creation, but quick and easy to play afterward Beyond the Wall and Other Adventures - rules-light OSR with an Earthsea/Prydain feel Through Sunken Lands and Other Adventures - rules-light OSR with a Conan/Elric feel Symbaroum - discover secrets hidden deep within a dark forest in a world that just narrowly defeated a great evil Dungeonslayers - free game; my choice for single-session dungeon-crawling; highly recommend the alternative magic rules The Dark Eye - Germany's most popular RPG set on a much more authentic feeling late medieval/early modern fantasy continent (aside from its official size being about a fourth of what it ought to be) than your average D&D world; the 5th edition has been getting steadily translated into English, and like Paizo's games, all its rules are available online for free; pretty crunchy
1. Pathfinder 2. Romance of the Perilous Land 3. Heart: The City Beneath 4. Pendragon 5. Mork Borg 6. The One Ring roleplaying game, 2E 7. Warhammer: Age of Sigmar Soulbound 8. Mausritter 9. The Witcher TTRPG ========================================= An interesting selection. Heart, Pendragon, Mork Borg, and Mausritter are the ones I favor (going to take a look at Romance, though, it's new to me). Would have liked to see RuneQuest on here -- yes, the creator already has Pendragon on here, but they're notably different games and both are a magnificent breath of fresh air compared to D&D. I've been trying to fit Mausritter into my group's rotation for the past year... I mean, there are a number of other things I keep doing instead, but it's one I really do want to play/run.
Earthdawn! People need to check out Earthdawn! It was the game that opened my eyes to what a fantasy rpg could be if it shrugged off the limp tentacles of D&D. An incredibly well fleshed-out, dark fantasy setting, different races that feel like coherent people rather than a grab bag of character abilities, a crunchy rules system that allows you to be powerful,whilst still maintaining a sense of threat and danger. People need to check it out.
Getting ready to start one myself. So many good games, where to put it in the queue? But definitely running the starter set I'm the next few weeks, then possibly something else amd come back to it. I'm trying to lay my hands on a core book that isn't my limited edition one. That goes nowhere near snacks and drinks!
My picks for titles not mentioned here (both have free editions) are Worlds without Number and Quest RPG. I'd link them but YT has a habit of eating comments with links.
You alude to Runequest but don't discuss it here. Also well worth a look, it now has taken some inspiration from Pendragon and the game really opens up a parties ability to really engage with the world of Glorantha in meaningful and impactful ways [again, much more than just a looter hacker]. But great list, nice and diverse.
Good list! It's nice to see content creators branching out. And nice to see more than just Pathfinder 2e. I worry that everyone is just going to put all their eggs in one basket again.
Quick note for the Witcher RPG. Have LABELLED book marks for where every table is. At least the first edition of the books, repeatedly goes "refer to Table 5-3 to resolve xyz" and never tells what page this is on and there is no index. It is really annoying, which is a shame because it's a pretty good system.
Here are 3 more: - Basic Fantasy RPG: this RPG seeks to recreate the feel of early RPGs with an updated take. Like Pathfinder, it uses the OGL, so it's very similar to D&D in terms of game mechanics, but with a more 70s & 80s style. - Palladium Fantasy: this uses Palladium Books "universal" gaming system, so it uses the Palladium ability, damage, and alignment systems, which can be an acquired taste for some, and while it exists within the often simultaneously dark and wacky Rifts multiverse, it can be played as a traditional fantasy RPG when taken on its own. TH-camr AJ Pickett is doing a series on Palladium if you want to find out more before actually looking at the rules. If it's up to the quality of his D&D stuff, it's definitely worth a look. - BESM Fantasy: similarly to Palladium, BESM is a multi-genre RPG system that can easily range from dark to silly, though it leans decidedly more toward the the lighthearted than Palladium or Basic Fantasy does. If you like fantasy anime, this is the RPG that's all about that sort of thing. Edit: added the part about AJ Picket's Palladium coverage.
Knowing your guys skills at RolePlaying and it fits with this video. Burning Wheel would be a look for something that is totally not being hinted at. It starts off easy but can get complicated in the rules. But you can be almost anything in medieval. And character creation is literally how did you live before we started. Including where were you born at
Ran across this awhile back and wanting to try it, but unfortunately DriveThruRPG seems to be the only place I can get it. They have a glitch with me right now where they can't process my payments. They say it's a PayPal issue. PayPal won't even contact me. Been trying to get it fixed with both of them since last April.
Great list! Just wanted to plug Wanderhome. It’s a pastoral fantasy RPG where you play a band of traveling animals. It uses a system called No Dice, No Masters; there’s no combat, but plenty of interpersonal and emotional conflict if you want it; and it’s wonderful for RPG veterans and newbies alike.
And you didn't even name RuneQuest, GURPS, The Fantasy Trip, Perils & Powers, Rolemaster, The Fifth Cycle, Hahlmabrae, Lone Wolf, Tekumel, Legendary Journey, or Iron Claw/Jade Claw.
Try Dragonbane (Sweden) and The Dark Eye (Germany) - they are both available in English. And recently Chaosium launched an edition of the Basic Roleplaying System, which Runequest, Call of Cthulhu and Pendragon are based on...
Another couple of often forgotten but fantastic Fantasy RPGs are: Exalted (exists in 3 different edition) great if you want to play a more Anime-like Fantasy game. Earthdawn a pearl of a rules-medium system that has the one the best but overlooked systems as well as an engaging world based on Earth's past with a guaranteed set of villains but simple and complex. Finally there is the mothership of rules crunch in the form of Rolemaster (which had its apex in its 2nd edition).
I find it great that FOR NO REASON WHAT SO EVER people are just having a casual look about and seeing what other TTRPG systems are out there. It's just so great.
Too bad they're avoiding some of the best games in the hobby. Instead going for something that is compatible with their medieval marvel hero simulator. So few of these videos are addressing the countless fantastic games in the OSR.
@@phaedruslive If you're trying to get someone to try something new, it makes sense to start with suggestions similar to the thing they already like. That being said, I've seen plenty of these types of videos recommending OSR books, especially Old School Essentials. This one is the exception for not doing so.
Also, 5E and OSR aren't the only options. There are so many TTRPGs out there that aren't related to D&D at all and it's a shame they never get the same attention.
I concur.
@@phaedruslive your complaint is they only showcased sword and sorcery ttrpgs when they said at the start of the video it as going to be about different systems to try out to get your sword and sorcery ttrpgs fix?
I like many others want to play in sword and sorcery games, you can be disparaging all you want but when i want to draw a sword and throw a fire ball I am not wanting to be playing a game of high-school angst simulator.
Don't be that guy telling someone to eat fruit when they've said they're looking for ice cream.
@@TheDragonOfWhi Sword and Sorcery? That would imply some kind of menace and atmosphere. In 5E and Pathfinder there's so little lethality I couldn't imagine putting those games in the same genre as literary sword and sorcery like Fritz Lieber or Howard stories. The big names in the hobby at this point seem to trying to simulate MMO progression more-so than the brutality of a sword fight.
I will forever be a champion of the Spire and Heart RPGs. Such an incredibly deep and detailed setting and a grimly-unique twist on stereotypical fantasy tropes. It is like a fever dream of Lovecraftian terror, unapologetic violence and the pyrrhic victories of people pushed to the point of desperation. It is the RPG embodiment of the expression, "It's better to burn out than fade away". I love it!
I absolutely love what they did with the Gnolls for the setting, and the Drows.
So glad to see Soulbound get some attention. Even if you know nothing about the Age of Sigmar as a Warhammer game (this was s me), it is a great high powered fantasy setting, rich with lore to riff on, and with a really nice rules system that can have you chucking healthy handfuls of dice. It deserves a look just for its ruleset. 😃👍🏼
Great open with the ominous hood and the "Hiya"
Addendum to Pathfinder: there's a version of Pathfinder based on Savage Worlds. If you aren't so much into rolling D20s, and want a more open character generation that also includes flaws for roleplaying opportunities, but less gritty rules details, it might be worth a look. The adventure path Rise of the Runelords has been adapted to the system, so that might be a good start if creating your own adventures isn't your thing yet.
I hope you cats try out Lancer RPG. Role play with giant robots, what’s not to love?
Lancer is *great*, but this video seems to be specifically focused on fantasy-genre games. (for no particular reason)
This video is for fantasy RPGs, so instead, maybe check out Icon, a game being made by the creator of Lancer that takes place in a fantasy setting!
@@thanatos5150 I didn’t see any harm making a suggestion for a future episode.
@@urbaneblobfish I agree, and I’m excited for a printed version of ICON! I’m simply making a suggestion for a future episode
The more, the merrier, but I just don't gel with Lancer. I'm sticking with Battletech and Mekton for giant robot RPGs.
I love that this is (mostly) not the same old things. Great list.
I wish more people would talk about Runequest Mythras. The combat is really engaging, cinematic, and brutal. If you aren't a huge fan of combat the way the XP works roleplay can be just as valuable as combat when it comes to XP.
0:30 It's probably a coincidence but the "9" here feels like a continuation of a long-running joke. The Stanley Parable's demo had the 8 Room, Supraland one-upped it with 9, Ultra Deluxe brought the 8 Room back and now I can't hear deadpan numbers without feeling like it's a reference.
Oh, methinks you need to look up The Beatles "Revolution #9"... th-cam.com/video/SNdcFPjGsm8/w-d-xo.html
@@finnulf Lol I've heard it before, but I completely forgot about it...
And of course there's a movie that's just called 9, too
They were going to do 8, but felt like that looked too much like they were just trying to one-up Outside xBox.
The Howardesque *_HYPERBOREA_* looks pretty cool too...
Troika! is worth a look too, definitely. Wacky, adventure book-style fun, yet still grounded in tone.
There has been a number of the lists the last few weeks and this is the first one with multiple entries I had not heard of before. Picked some of them up to check out. Thanks for the recommendations.
This is ✨extremely helpful✨ given recent events
2 other good TTRPG's to check out are...
Monte Cook Games' "Cypher System"
Originating from their flagship TTRPG, Numenera, this Setting Neutral system provides wide viability any many kinds of TTRPG genres; from Fantasy, to Post-Apocalyptic, to Superhero, to Scifi... everything can be done here. And because all Cypher System material is compatible with eachother, it allows for a current group of Dungeoneer's that fight Dragons to switch over, and still be able to play their races, classes, and even Spelljamm; with a system that focuses on the Narrative Adventure, but provides rules for all its mechanics. The best thing is, all those Polydie sets players and GM's have wont go to waste, because Cypher uses them... except, the GM never really has to roll (except maybe for loot).
Green Ronin Publishing's "AGE System"
First developed from their TTRPG adaptation of Dragon Age; the Age System has split off into 2 distinct settings, Fantasy AGE and Modern AGE. Fantasy AGE is your classic Sword & Sorcery gameplay, with Races, Classes, and weapons and magic; with all sorts of Fantasy creatures to battle and places to explore. Thanks to the system being very adaptable, you can used PAIZO gamemats and tiles for quick, simple exploration zones. Modern AGE is more modern and Cyberpunk focused, but has a touch of SciFi in its expansion into the "Modern" aspect. This system features more modern weapons, vehicles, and near-future tech. Because of the way the system works, its easy to adapt...say...vehicle mechanics for a spaceship and run a "Firefly"-esque game. Great mechanics, and its 3d6 die system lends itself really well to players being able to "Stunt" (a better form of crit), no matter what they're doing.
This video totally has nothing to do with all the current controversy regarding Wizards' decisions regarding content creators.
They didn't decide anything about streamers specifically.
@@colbyboucher6391 changed my comment to say content creators instead of just streamers.
They've been doing this style of video since the channel was founded. See Johnny's video from three years ago featuring a full TEN alternatives to DnD.
@@toymachine2328 I know. I was reffering to what the video is on, as well as referencing what Liv says early on in the video.
@@CodaBlairLucarioEmperor That line seems facetious, but it's also pretty much true. The schedule may have felt pressure from outside influences, but sooner or later they were going to be making this video, anyway. And they will again, regardless of the actions of the IP owners.
Good list overall. I would add Symbaroum to the mix. It's an amazing setting for dark fantasy adventures.
Here are a few more examples from small publishers:
Realms of Pugmire (Onyx Path Publishing) - using a D&D-adjacent rule system, use find yourself in a world where humans are long forgotten, and instead dogs, cats, rodents and other critters rule the world. The first edition is published under OGL 1.0, but they are moving away from D&D completely, and the second edition is going to have its own ruleset. A Kickstarter campaign for the second edition is currently in progress.
Castle Falkenstein (R. Talsorian Games) - a game by Cody's dad, Mike Pondsmith, putting you in New Europa, a parallel steampunk universe in its 1870s. You also have fairies, dwarves, dragons and a number of other mythical creatures, as well as magic and crazy inventions. Also, some famous literary characters, like Sherlock Holmes, Captain Nemo or Professor Moriarty, exist in flesh in blood in that world. The rule system uses a standard deck of playing cards, rather than dice, which makes things interesting.
CJ Carella's Witchcraft (Eden Studios) - if you want to try something closer to home, this is an urban fantasy setting, which puts you in a world where magic, angels, demons and all kinds of myths exist. It uses the Unisystem, which was used for some licenced IPs like Buffy: the Vampire Slayer or Angel. Witchcraft does come with a kind of end-of-times feel, and I suppose the shortest way to describe it is as if Supernatural, the TV series, was turned into a tabletop RPG.
Just here to throw The Dark Eye into the mix as well.
So why did Zweihander get cut? It’s still up on the website as #10 in the written version.
Maybe because it just got dumped by its publisher.
I liked the vid as soon as you said “hiyaaa!” Perfect intro ❤
Didn't mention BareBones Fantasy (DWD Studios). The d00lite game-system is a percentile system which has a limited list of skills, but can be divided into subskills. Critical successes or failures occur if you roll both digits in the percentile the same. It only has about 20 spells, but they are scalable for effect or range or duration.
NINE!
I'm personally itching to start a new campaign with Forbidden Lands.
Superb overview! Thank you so much.
NINE! 😂 While those short instrumental loops in the background usually drive me CRAZY after about thirty seconds, this one felt nice and soothing all the way through. Kind of reminded me of ages past, playing Baldur's Gate. Great choice and great work!
Into the Odd and its hacks like Mausritter is fantastic.
Another fantasy game that is built to be a one shot (but could be used for a short campaign) is Mazes. Highly recommended for a game where you can jump right into the action.
Here is the list in the video: 1) Pathfinder 2) Romance of the Perilous Land 3) Heart: The City Beneath 4) Pendragon 5) Mörk Borg 6) The One Ring RPG 7) Warhammer:Age of Sigmar Soulbound 8) Mausritter 9) The Witcher Tabletop RPG.
I would add to the list Dungeon Crawl Classics as a fantasy setting rpg that is worth your time and attention.
Romance of the Perilous Land is awesome!!!
NINE
Many of these sound very exciting!
How the hell did RuneQuest not make the list?!?! 😲
Was it in the previous video from 3 yrs ago? Edit- found it in the "Six more RPGs that aren't Dungeons and Dragons" video from 1 year ago.
I doubt I'd ever touch any of these, for the same reason I was never really tempted to touch D&D - I'm just not a fan of low fantasy. My personal favorite is Exalted, created by White Wolf and currently on it's third edition.
Thank you for this.
Awesome!
Epic ass video (half of these sound so freaking cool idk why I never heard of them, like the generational playing and Mörk Borg?! That sounds beyond cool)
Have you heard about Dragon Age's ttrpg? (I hear it's very good and that the combat is kinda meh... But ye)
Ummm….Palladium Fantasy? Seriously how did that not get mentioned?
Nice List
Be weary. Mörk borg is not for the coddled masses of 5th ed. For the path of the cursed walker is pain and suffering. Only through mortification of the flesh you shall gain great glory.
Links?
Why would I want to play myself in an RPG? The fun is in trying to think like someone else.
haiya! 9! 🤣
Im a snooty elf - but its never nasty 😊.
Merk Boray - Not Mork Borg
Pathfinder 2E does not share a rule set with D&D. It is a whole new system that definitely shares similarities with other d20 based games, but it is not 5E in any shape or form so you cannot use your D&D books without a lot of work. There is a lot of misinformation in one minute here.
I broke up with my partner so now I want to explore 9 different partners. Pick one of the 10 and move on.
i love thiw video...but current, modern dnd is not sword and sorcery.
What's the "no reason whatsoever"? I feel like there's an obvious unspoken thing going on that I've somehow missed? Has D&D shit the bed in some way...? 😐
Have you actually played these, or are you just reciting Wikipedia blurb?
How did you overlook Palladium Fantasy?
It's been around since the 1980s. It has been in print all this time. It is still readily available from the publisher as well as from DriveThruRPG, and _no one_ familiar with _any_ D&D edition fails to grasp how to play it (or any Palladium Books RPG). Loaded with easily-grasped lore, a setting that is wide open to user interpretation, and readily integrates with other Palladium games.
You mention one psuedo-Arthurian game, but failed to mention _the_ Arthurian game: _Pendragon._ It and _Paladin_ (for the Matter of France) are _the_ RPGs of chivalric romance and adventure.
Closely tied to them is _Runequest_ (same base system), and after than there's Modiphius' version of _Conan_ for the cornerstone of sword & sorcery in both gaming and literature.
Want more historical leaning stuff? _Harn_ as well as _Lion & Dragon_ have you covered; Potter kids that don't known _Ars Magica_ are missing out. Then there's all that OSR stuff out there, as well as older D&D editions.
This list reflects a shallow and ignorant perspective of a tourist speaking out of turn _at best_ and someone seeking to push an agenda at worst, not that of a knowledgeable hobbyist seeking in good faith to match the Revealed Preference of a buyer to what is available on the market.
Hi there, Pendragon is on the list :) Go ahead and watch the full video. Thanks!
You can find it at 6:12 in the video. ;)
I was thinking the same thing,how the hell did they overlook Palladium? That was the main non D&D fantasy role playing game when I was a kid,and Rifts was everyone’s favorite kitchen sink game. Odd omission.
@@miggypeso909 I never got into Palladium fantasy but played a fair amount of their Rifts, their superheroes one, and ninjas & super spies, and let me tell you in the cold light of 2023, the rules might play ok once you have characters, but the books are terribly laid out in terms of organization for the purposes of character creation. Also, can't speak for the others, but Rifts was a textbook example of supplement power creep. Each successive supplement could almost be guaranteed to have some character class that was more powerful than something similar in an earlier book.
Rolemaster is still the best. Not for a novice but the battles are always awesome and an Orc can always kill your super Character
Something to add about Heart, it very directly addressed a huge problem with RPGs, character stagnation. In Heart (and Spire) characters become stronger as they become more doomed, culminating in a super move that will kill / retire your character permanently. So as a player you always get a climax that gives you a reset, it's pretty dramatic
I ❤ Heart rpg
Currently running a game of Heart, it's great.
That sounds pretty cool
I like the sound of this. Will try out.
I will not be able to rest easy until I find out if there was a mysterious tenth rpg, stolen from this video at a crucial moment, raised by witchers and destined for greatness
Dungeon Fantasy. Or Quest Worlds.
Possibly Modern Age. Gives a ton more options for talents and simplifies character creation and rolling a fair bit, at least compared to D&D
Zweihander is another one to add to this list, that I don't think has been included in other videos (but I could be wrong)
Dark fantasy with the ability to suffer fatalities from even an altercation with a swarm of rats.
Its... hefty... to put mildly.
But there is a starter box that slims it down considerably and includes a GM opening campaign, Screen, and plenty of things for players to use including pre built character sheets of 13 classes (out of the many)
Band of blades might also have been another one, but they do have a video over that.
Nice list - all [NINE] of those are worth a look. I'd also recommend checking out Pelgrane Press' "Swords of the Serpentine", which is their low-fantasy iteration of the GUMSHOE system and works quite well.
N I N E!
Hell yes, always love seeing a Pendragon namedrop
Interesting that you start your list with Pathfinder, considering it was originally conceived out of mass nerd-rage at Wizards of the Coast. Nice to see that it seems to have grown into it's own thing though. The One Ring and Mausritter sound interesting as well. Thanks for the new ideas.
If you’re going to try Mörk Borg I’d definitely suggest having a few extra characters stashed up your sleeve for when (rarely if) your first character dies horribly. You can definitely have a hilarious and very heavy metal adventure!
I love hearing English speakers trying to pronounce "Mörk Borg" 😄
Liv was far from the worst I hasten to add.
I love how you mostly alternated between optimistic and pessimistic worlds/games.
Hadn't heard of #2 and #3 before, I think. Sound interesting; gotta check 'em out. Others are all fantastic suggestions. (Although I do much prefer Warhammer Fantasy over AoS Soulbound.)
Some more fantasy RPGs:
Dark Ages - World of Darkness (Vampire, Werewolf, etc.) d10 pools in the High Middle Ages
HARP Fantasy - a highly simplified version of Rolemaster's d100 system; very much feels like D&D
Fantasy HERO - the fantasy version of the classic HERO/Champions d6 pools universal system; lots of simple arithmetic during character creation, but quick and easy to play afterward
Beyond the Wall and Other Adventures - rules-light OSR with an Earthsea/Prydain feel
Through Sunken Lands and Other Adventures - rules-light OSR with a Conan/Elric feel
Symbaroum - discover secrets hidden deep within a dark forest in a world that just narrowly defeated a great evil
Dungeonslayers - free game; my choice for single-session dungeon-crawling; highly recommend the alternative magic rules
The Dark Eye - Germany's most popular RPG set on a much more authentic feeling late medieval/early modern fantasy continent (aside from its official size being about a fourth of what it ought to be) than your average D&D world; the 5th edition has been getting steadily translated into English, and like Paizo's games, all its rules are available online for free; pretty crunchy
+1 for Fantasy HERO mention. Changed the way I approached ttrpgs in general even though I haven't played or run it in a decade or more
1. Pathfinder
2. Romance of the Perilous Land
3. Heart: The City Beneath
4. Pendragon
5. Mork Borg
6. The One Ring roleplaying game, 2E
7. Warhammer: Age of Sigmar Soulbound
8. Mausritter
9. The Witcher TTRPG
=========================================
An interesting selection.
Heart, Pendragon, Mork Borg, and Mausritter are the ones I favor (going to take a look at Romance, though, it's new to me). Would have liked to see RuneQuest on here -- yes, the creator already has Pendragon on here, but they're notably different games and both are a magnificent breath of fresh air compared to D&D.
I've been trying to fit Mausritter into my group's rotation for the past year... I mean, there are a number of other things I keep doing instead, but it's one I really do want to play/run.
Pendragon also has a successor called Paladin where you play during the time of Charlamagne
I’d rate Soulbound at the top of this list. Definitely the best game to captivate new players and old alike
I liked "Rodents and Rurality". It made my language nerd smile.
Great video, too.
Earthdawn! People need to check out Earthdawn! It was the game that opened my eyes to what a fantasy rpg could be if it shrugged off the limp tentacles of D&D. An incredibly well fleshed-out, dark fantasy setting, different races that feel like coherent people rather than a grab bag of character abilities, a crunchy rules system that allows you to be powerful,whilst still maintaining a sense of threat and danger. People need to check it out.
Earthdawn was actually my first ttrpg
@@yuven437 an excellent beginning.
The One Ring is magnificent. I'm running a game at the moment, and all my players laud the rules system.
Getting ready to start one myself. So many good games, where to put it in the queue? But definitely running the starter set I'm the next few weeks, then possibly something else amd come back to it. I'm trying to lay my hands on a core book that isn't my limited edition one. That goes nowhere near snacks and drinks!
Dicebreakers supporting independent creators as always
mausritter sounds so cute and wholesome, i WANT
Might want to check out Mouse Guard as well, although Mausritter is Pay what you Want on Itch, so...
Pathfinder is my favorite 🤩!!!
I absolutely loved my experience with Mausritter - highly recommend, especially if Redwall is your jam
My picks for titles not mentioned here (both have free editions) are Worlds without Number and Quest RPG. I'd link them but YT has a habit of eating comments with links.
I freaking loved the opening of this video and then got to learn about a bunch of new games! Thanks Liv!
Anyone interested in Pendragon should take a peek at Eric Vulgaris' youtube channel and game that is running in its 2nd or 3rd year.
romance sounds pretty cool
You alude to Runequest but don't discuss it here. Also well worth a look, it now has taken some inspiration from Pendragon and the game really opens up a parties ability to really engage with the world of Glorantha in meaningful and impactful ways [again, much more than just a looter hacker]. But great list, nice and diverse.
Good list! It's nice to see content creators branching out. And nice to see more than just Pathfinder 2e. I worry that everyone is just going to put all their eggs in one basket again.
No love fore 'the exalted'? You play a demigod who got chosen by the sun, the moon, or the earth.
Quick note for the Witcher RPG. Have LABELLED book marks for where every table is. At least the first edition of the books, repeatedly goes "refer to Table 5-3 to resolve xyz" and never tells what page this is on and there is no index. It is really annoying, which is a shame because it's a pretty good system.
Thank you for this video! 😊
Here are 3 more:
- Basic Fantasy RPG: this RPG seeks to recreate the feel of early RPGs with an updated take. Like Pathfinder, it uses the OGL, so it's very similar to D&D in terms of game mechanics, but with a more 70s & 80s style.
- Palladium Fantasy: this uses Palladium Books "universal" gaming system, so it uses the Palladium ability, damage, and alignment systems, which can be an acquired taste for some, and while it exists within the often simultaneously dark and wacky Rifts multiverse, it can be played as a traditional fantasy RPG when taken on its own. TH-camr AJ Pickett is doing a series on Palladium if you want to find out more before actually looking at the rules. If it's up to the quality of his D&D stuff, it's definitely worth a look.
- BESM Fantasy: similarly to Palladium, BESM is a multi-genre RPG system that can easily range from dark to silly, though it leans decidedly more toward the the lighthearted than Palladium or Basic Fantasy does. If you like fantasy anime, this is the RPG that's all about that sort of thing.
Edit: added the part about AJ Picket's Palladium coverage.
Knowing your guys skills at RolePlaying and it fits with this video. Burning Wheel would be a look for something that is totally not being hinted at. It starts off easy but can get complicated in the rules. But you can be almost anything in medieval. And character creation is literally how did you live before we started. Including where were you born at
The alternitive to D&D I have and love playing is called
D100 Dungeon.
D100 Dungeon Mapping Game and homebrew rules makes for an awesome ttrpg.
Ran across this awhile back and wanting to try it, but unfortunately DriveThruRPG seems to be the only place I can get it. They have a glitch with me right now where they can't process my payments. They say it's a PayPal issue. PayPal won't even contact me. Been trying to get it fixed with both of them since last April.
@@nrais76 Found same glitch. I took it to the library and than got signed up with debit card there for DTRPG.
No Savage Worlds? You've invalidated your list right there... MAKE MINE SAVAGE!!!!!
Thank you for these recommendations!
Dungeon Fantasy. Quest Worlds.
Knave and Deathbringer are a couple of fun takes on the D20 style role-playing game.
Guys which one is the best to play Berserker? Pls tell me!
Great list! Just wanted to plug Wanderhome. It’s a pastoral fantasy RPG where you play a band of traveling animals. It uses a system called No Dice, No Masters; there’s no combat, but plenty of interpersonal and emotional conflict if you want it; and it’s wonderful for RPG veterans and newbies alike.
MORK BORG!!!! MORK BORGG!!! MOOORK BORGG!!!!!!!!
Great list
Fantastic!
lol how do you not include one of the oldest non- D&D fantasy RPGs like Tunnels & Trolls or Heck Palladium Fantasy. Sigh.
Soulbound sounds like a great setting!
And you didn't even name RuneQuest, GURPS, The Fantasy Trip, Perils & Powers, Rolemaster, The Fifth Cycle, Hahlmabrae, Lone Wolf, Tekumel, Legendary Journey, or Iron Claw/Jade Claw.
That "9" jumpscare
Try Dragonbane (Sweden) and The Dark Eye (Germany) - they are both available in English. And recently Chaosium launched an edition of the Basic Roleplaying System, which Runequest, Call of Cthulhu and Pendragon are based on...
Another couple of often forgotten but fantastic Fantasy RPGs are: Exalted (exists in 3 different edition) great if you want to play a more Anime-like Fantasy game. Earthdawn a pearl of a rules-medium system that has the one the best but overlooked systems as well as an engaging world based on Earth's past with a guaranteed set of villains but simple and complex. Finally there is the mothership of rules crunch in the form of Rolemaster (which had its apex in its 2nd edition).
Mythras, Ruin Masters, Against the Darkmaster, Runequest, Pendragon..... This list goes on and on.
Pathfinder 1 was not a spiritual successor to D&D 3.5, it was 100% D&D 3.75
Thanks for the video didn't know some of these
Pathfinder for me, was just all the math of 3.5, made even harder. But good video, I had not seen half the content previously.
Pendragon is superb. Very atmospheric.
Would you guys be able to recommend and Sci fi TTRPGs outside if cyberpunk? Would love to know what other ones are out there
Romance of the Perilous Land is amazing, Scott Malthouse is an extremely underrated game designer
Good suggestions... but Free League's games need to be on this list.
Mork Borg and Mausritter! Thank you for this.