Dungeons & Dragons is wildly popular, but it’s not the only option. While there are literally hundreds of tabletop RPGs available, only a small number are appropriate for:
A relatively new or inexperienced gamemaster
Who wants to run a full campaign (not a one shot)
In a homebrew setting of their own creation.
If that’s you, then we’ve done the work for you! We’ve narrowed it down to a handful of great choices. The first 6 options are "rules light" systems, which often emphasize roleplay over mechanics. The last 7 are more robust "crunchier" games that reward players who enjoy that more structured form of play. Both are great! We're just here to help you find the right system for your world, your gamemaster style, and your players.

These games are for you if you’re looking for a tabletop RPG that is fast to learn as the gamemaster, easy to teach your players, and robust enough to support a long-term campaign. That’s a tall order! But there are several games that strike a good balance.
We’ve ruled out all of the ‘one page RPGs’ typically listed as “simple roleplaying games.” While things like “Risus,” “Honey Heist,” or “Lasers and Feelings” can be fun party games, they’re not designed to take a party through a satisfying, multi-session campaign.
The following systems offer a good mix of simplicity in rules and robustness in gameplay, making them suitable for beginners looking for long-term campaign potential.
If your players are looking for a classic dungeon-crawl experience, but with fewer rules and a more simplified play style, then this is a great choice.
Dungeon World is best suited for traditional fantasy settings reminiscent of classic Dungeons & Dragons. It thrives in worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, epic quests, and heroic adventurers.
Dungeon World uses the Powered by the Apocalypse system, where players roll 2d6 to resolve actions. Results of 10+ are complete successes, 7-9 are partial successes with complications, and 6 or less results in a failure with consequences.
Moves, which are specific actions characters can take, drive the gameplay, and character development is guided by bonds and the fulfillment of character goals. The game emphasizes collaborative storytelling, with players and the GM working together to shape the narrative.
Players select a class, each of which has unique abilities and moves. Players then choose a race and assign values to their basic stats (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma), typically using a set array or a point-buy system.
Each class provides specific starting moves and options for customization. Players define bonds with other characters, establishing relationships and backstory elements. Equipment choices and starting gear are influenced by class and character concept. The process is quick and emphasizes narrative and roleplay elements.
This is a solid choice if simplicity and flexibility are your top priorities. In addition to the “Core” edition, there are also “Accelerated” and “Condense” versions that streamline the rules even further.
Highly versatile and can be adapted to any genre or setting, from high fantasy and sci-fi to modern-day dramas and historical adventures. Its flexibility makes it ideal for narrative-driven campaigns where story and character development are paramount.
Fate points and aspects drive the narrative. Aspects are descriptive phrases that define important traits, skills, or story elements. Players roll four Fate dice (d6 with two sides each of +, -, and blank) and add skill ratings to determine success.
Fate points allow players to invoke aspects for bonuses or rerolls. The game emphasizes flexible storytelling and character-driven plots, adaptable to any setting or genre.
Players define a high concept and a trouble, which are aspects that encapsulate the character's core identity and primary challenge. Players then choose additional aspects to flesh out their background and personality.
Skills are selected and ranked in a pyramid structure, with more proficient skills having fewer slots. Stunts, which are special abilities or advantages, are chosen to provide mechanical benefits.
The game uses a collaborative process where players also define their connections to each other, creating a web of relationships and shared history that enriches the story.
This is a great pick if your players want classic action and adventure stories, and a fast-paced, cinematic play style.
Designed for pulp-action, high-adventure settings, making it ideal for genres like fantasy, westerns, superheroes, and sci-fi. Its fast-paced mechanics support dynamic and cinematic gameplay across various settings.
Characters have attributes and skills rated by different dice types (d4, d6, d8, etc.). Players roll these and aim to meet or exceed a target number (usually 4) to succeed. Wild Cards (important characters) get to roll a Wild Die (a d6) alongside their regular roll, taking the higher result.
The game features a fast-paced, action-oriented mechanic, with Bennies (tokens) that can be spent for rerolls or to soak damage. It’s designed for versatility and quick resolution of actions, suitable for various genres.
Players select a race and hindrances, which provide additional points for customizing attributes and skills. Players then allocate points to five primary attributes (Agility, Smarts, Spirit, Strength, Vigor) and choose skills, with higher dice representing greater proficiency.
Edges, which are special abilities or advantages, can be selected based on the character's concept and background. Equipment is chosen to suit the character's role and setting.
This is a good pick if you want to create a campaign in a non-traditional setting, like sci-fi or superheroes. The “cypher” (artifact) mechanic allows you to offer unique and powerful one-time use abilities without breaking the game.
Adaptable to virtually any genre, but it excels in settings that mix exploration, mystery, and adventure, such as sci-fi, fantasy, and modern supernatural. Its narrative focus is well-suited for creating immersive and story-rich campaigns.
Players roll a d20 against a target number determined by the GM, who sets the difficulty on a scale from 1 to 10. Players can use Effort to lower the difficulty, spending points from their character’s pools (Might, Speed, Intellect). The system is narrative-driven, emphasizing flexibility and simplicity, with the GM focusing on storytelling rather than rolling dice.
Players choose a type (warrior, adept, explorer, speaker), a descriptor (e.g., clever, strong), and a focus (e.g., carries a quiver, wields two weapons). These choices combine to form a phrase that describes the character’s core identity and abilities.
Each element provides specific benefits, abilities, and starting stats. Players allocate points to their Might, Speed, and Intellect pools and select equipment appropriate to their character.
This is a great pick if your players want to focus on character advancement and shared worldbuilding. The rules are presented in simple language that doesn’t presume you’re already familiar with roleplaying game conventions.
Best suited for fantasy settings where storytelling, character development, and cooperative play are central. Its simplicity and narrative focus make it perfect for creating immersive worlds with rich lore and engaging plots.
Employs a single d20 for action resolution, with players rolling against a target number determined by the difficulty of the action. The game focuses on narrative and cooperative play, with simple rules that encourage creativity and story development. Characters have roles with specific abilities and powers that grow as they advance. The gameplay is straightforward, emphasizing storytelling, character interaction, and collaborative world-building.
Players select a role such as Fighter, Wizard, Doctor, etc., each with a unique set of abilities and skills. Players choose their character's background, personality traits, and starting abilities from a list provided by their role.
There are no complex stats to manage; instead, the focus is on how the character fits into the story. Equipment is chosen based on the character’s role and the setting of the campaign.
This is the best option if you want to run a modern urban fantasy style game, with players taking on the role of archetypes from their favorite TV shows. If Vampire the Masquerade seems too complicated, or your players don’t want to be the “bad guys/monsters” this is a great choice.
Designed for modern supernatural and horror settings, inspired by TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, and The X-Files. It excels in episodic adventures involving monster hunting, mystery-solving, and urban fantasy elements.
Focuses on episodic monster-hunting adventures, using the same mechanics as Dungeon World (Powered by the Apocalypse). Players roll 2d6 for their actions, with results of 10+ being successes, 7-9 being partial successes with complications, and 6 or less resulting in failures with consequences. Characters have playbooks that define their roles and abilities, contributing to the narrative-driven gameplay. The system is designed to mimic the structure of supernatural TV shows, with an emphasis on investigation, action, and character development.
Players select a playbook, each representing a different archetype (e.g., the Chosen, the Expert, the Monstrous). Playbooks provide a template with specific moves, abilities, and options for customization. Players then assign ratings to their basic stats (Charm, Cool, Sharp, Tough, Weird) based on their playbook's guidelines.
They choose moves that define their character's special abilities and role in the team. Players also establish their character's history and relationships with other team members
All six of these systems are supported on World Anvil! You can choose any of them when creating a new Campaign. You can also add any stat blocks or character sheets from the Community Stat Block library. We'll include more details about creating your homebrew setting at the end of the article.
(And if you’re not looking for a game that prioritizes simplicity, but still want to look beyond the world’s most popular TTRPG to other games like Dungeons & Dragons, we’ve also got that covered in the next section).
While many people enjoy rules-light games, the TTRPG landscape is vast, offering a multitude of alternatives that cater to different tastes and playstyles. Some of these games have extremely robust character customization, or are built for a non-fantasy genre (like Cyberpunk, Scifi, or Horror). If you're looking to expand your horizons beyond D&D, here are seven fantastic games to explore.
Pathfinder by Paizo Publishing is one of the most popular alternatives to D&D. Known for its detailed rules and expansive world, Pathfinder offers a deep and rich gameplay experience. The game's extensive character customization options and comprehensive sourcebooks make it a favorite among veteran players who enjoy complex mechanics and intricate storytelling.
Dice Needed: A full set of polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20).
Genre and Settings: High fantasy; settings range from traditional medieval fantasy worlds to more exotic realms with complex societies and ancient magic.
Tales of the Valiant is a modern TTRPG that combines classic fantasy elements with innovative mechanics. This game emphasizes narrative-driven gameplay and character development, allowing players to create compelling stories and memorable adventures. With its streamlined rules and focus on story over mechanics, Tales of the Valiant is perfect for those who prefer a more narrative-focused experience.
Dice Needed: Primarily uses d6, but a full set of polyhedral dice can be useful.
Genre and Settings: Fantasy; settings emphasize heroism, epic quests, and character-driven stories.
For those interested in a cyberpunk setting, Shadowrun offers a unique blend of fantasy and science fiction. Set in a dystopian future where magic and technology coexist, Shadowrun allows players to take on roles such as street samurai, hackers, and magic users. Its rich lore and diverse character options provide endless possibilities for thrilling and gritty adventures.
Dice Needed: Multiple six-sided dice (d6).
Genre and Settings: Cyberpunk; dystopian future where magic and technology coexist.
Call of Cthulhu is a horror-themed TTRPG based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Players investigate supernatural mysteries and face eldritch horrors in a game where survival and sanity are never guaranteed. The game's emphasis on atmosphere, suspense, and investigative gameplay makes it a standout choice for fans of horror and mystery.
Dice Needed: A full set of polyhedral dice, primarily d100 (percentile dice).
Genre and Settings: Horror; 1920s America, modern-day settings, or other periods where players investigate supernatural mysteries.
Blades in the Dark is a game of crime and intrigue set in a dark, industrial fantasy city. Players take on the roles of members of a criminal gang, engaging in heists, turf wars, and other illicit activities. The game’s unique mechanics, such as the stress system and flashbacks, allow for dynamic and cinematic storytelling.
Dice Needed: Six-sided dice (d6).
Genre and Settings: Dark fantasy; industrial, Victorian-esque city teeming with criminal enterprises and supernatural elements.
Vampire: The Masquerade is part of the World of Darkness series and focuses on political intrigue and personal horror. Players assume the roles of vampires navigating the complex social hierarchies of the undead. The game’s deep lore, moral dilemmas, and emphasis on character-driven stories make it a compelling choice for mature audiences.
Dice Needed: Ten-sided dice (d10).
Genre and Settings: Gothic horror; urban settings where vampires navigate complex social hierarchies and personal dilemmas.
From the creators of Pathfinder, Starfinder takes the adventure to the stars. This science-fantasy TTRPG combines futuristic technology with magical elements, offering a universe full of alien species, starships, and interstellar adventures. Starfinder's blend of genres provides a fresh and exciting experience for players looking to explore new worlds.
Dice Needed: A full set of polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20).
Genre and Settings: Science fantasy; futuristic settings combining advanced technology with magical elements.
Creating your own world for any of these games can be a deeply rewarding experience. World Anvil is an excellent platform for building and managing your homebrew settings. Here's a quick guide to get you started:
Ready to create your own epic world? Register for a free account on World Anvil today and start bringing your imagination to life!
These TTRPGs offer a wealth of new experiences, whether you're a seasoned player looking for a fresh challenge or a newcomer eager to explore different worlds. Dive in and discover the endless possibilities that await!

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