I was really into TTRPGs in college, but it’s been about ten years since I’ve had a stable group to play with. I’ve run a bunch of one-shots since then, mostly using systems I was already familiar with, and I’ve also played a D&D 5e campaign through Discord, but playing online just isn’t my jam.

Now my wife says a couple of people from her work would like to try the whole RPG thing. The safe bet would probably be a 5e one-shot, but I don’t like D&D or D&D-clones all that much. My usual go-to is Chronicles of Darkness, but I enjoy getting into new games, so I decided to ask what the new hot stuff is that everyone is talking about.

About ten years ago, people wouldn’t stop talking about Powered by the Apocalypse and Forged in the Dark, but that stuff didn’t really gel with my group at the time. Maybe I should give those games another try, though I’m not sure they’d work all that well with new players. I generally prefer urban fantasy or weirdo high-concept stuff.

Do you have any suggestions?

  • OpheliaAzure [fae/faer]@hexbear.netEnglish
    5·
    9 days ago

    I would’nt be able to speak to what is cool but I’ll share some newer titles that seem to capture the current trend.

    Shadowdark is the ultimate Old School Renascence game using the style and sensibilities of classic D&D while updating it to use modern mechanics that make it more approachable.

    In Mythic Bastionland you begin as a young knight errant, seeking the glory to lead warbands, earn a place in court, and rule your own domain. Glory is found in hunting the Myths of this world, manifesting them into reality while protecting the Realm from their strange influence.

    Mothership a sci-fi horror RPG where you and your crew try to survive in the most inhospitable environment in the universe: outer space!

    Urban Shadows is an urban fantasy tabletop roleplaying game in which mortals and monsters vie for control of a modern-day city in a political battleground layered just under the reality we think we know.

    I think its a pretty great time for smaller publishers so finding something that fits the genre your group is looking for.

    I know you said no DnD clones but Draw Steel and Daggerheart are pretty good alternatives, Draw Steel is very tactical where as Daggerheart has some meta aspects that help storytelling.