Beyond D&D: The Best Alternatives

For decades, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has been the flagship of tabletop roleplaying games. Its blend of fantasy storytelling, dice-driven mechanics, and collaborative play has introduced millions to the hobby. But D&D is far from the only option. In fact, the tabletop RPG landscape is thriving with diverse systems that cater to different genres, playstyles, and storytelling preferences.

If you’re curious about exploring D&D alternatives, this guide covers some of the most popular and enduring titles: Pathfinder, Deadlands, Call of Cthulhu, Shadowrun, Fate Core, and even local game designers. Each offers a unique flavor, so read on for where to learn more about your choices.

🛡 Pathfinder: Tactical Fantasy at Its Finest

  • Overview: Pathfinder was born as a spiritual successor to D&D 3.5, offering deep character customization and tactical combat. Set in the world of Golarion, it provides sprawling lore, epic campaigns, and countless expansion options.
  • Why Play: If you love the fantasy feel of D&D but crave more crunch, Pathfinder delivers. Its second edition streamlines rules while keeping the depth that fans adore.
  • Official Source: Paizo – Pathfinder
  • Starter Resources:

🤠 Deadlands: The Weird West

  • Overview: Deadlands blends the grit of the Old West with supernatural horror. Imagine gunslingers, haunted towns, and steampunk contraptions—all against a backdrop of ghostly threats and dark magic.
  • Why Play: Perfect for groups who love cinematic action and eerie storytelling. Deadlands uses the Savage Worlds system, making it fast-paced and flexible.
  • Official Source: Pinnacle Entertainment Group – Deadlands
  • Starter Resources:

👁 Call of Cthulhu: Horror and Sanity

  • Overview: Based on H.P. Lovecraft’s mythos, Call of Cthulhu is a horror RPG where players investigate mysteries, uncover forbidden knowledge, and face cosmic terrors. Victory often means survival, not triumph.
  • Why Play: Ideal for fans of investigative storytelling and psychological tension. The game emphasizes roleplay and atmosphere over combat.
  • Official Source: Chaosium – Call of Cthulhu
  • Starter Resources:

🌆 Shadowrun: Cyberpunk Meets Fantasy

  • Overview: Shadowrun is a unique fusion of cyberpunk dystopia and high fantasy. In its Sixth World setting, megacorporations rule, hackers (deckers) manipulate the Matrix, and elves, trolls, and dragons walk the neon-lit streets.
  • Why Play: Great for players who want gritty, futuristic intrigue with a magical twist. Shadowrun’s lore is vast, and its missions feel like high-stakes heists.
  • Official Source: Shadowrun Sixth World
  • Starter Resources:

🎲 Fate Core: Narrative Freedom

  • Overview: Fate Core is a genre-agnostic system designed for collaborative storytelling. Players build worlds and characters together, using aspects and fate points to drive the narrative.
  • Why Play: Perfect for creative groups who want flexibility. Fate can handle superheroes, noir mysteries, space operas, or anything you dream up.
  • Official Source: Evil Hat Productions – Fate Core
  • Starter Resources:
    • Fate SRD – free online rules
    • Fate Accelerated – streamlined version for quick play
    • Community-driven supplements on Itch.io

🪄 Local Creators: Gaming at Joe’s

While national publishers dominate the RPG scene, local creators are shaping the future of tabletop gaming from the ground up. One standout is Joseph Roche, a Kansas City-based designer and founder of Gaming At Joe’s. Since 2015, Roche has been crafting original board and RPG titles that blend humor, strategy, and accessible mechanics.

  • Notable Games: Hunter’s Island, Savage Fighters, Common Wealth, Magic Penguins, and Damn It Joe!!!
  • Design Style: Roche’s games often feature quirky themes, modular mechanics, and a strong emphasis on replayability. His work appeals to both casual players and seasoned strategists.
  • Where to Learn More:

Savage fighters is a select your own adventure battle book game. There are 20 different character books to choose from. Every page in every book interacts with each other. Each player will have their book to battle the other players in a free for all, last man standing brawl.

Joseph Roche

Joseph’s presence at regional conventions like KantCon and his contributions to the Role-Players Guild of Kansas City help foster a vibrant local gaming community. Supporting creators like him not only enriches your game shelf—it strengthens the Midwest’s creative ecosystem.

Expanding Your RPG Horizons

Dungeons & Dragons may be the gateway, but the tabletop RPG world is vast. Whether you want tactical fantasy (Pathfinder), supernatural Western horror (Deadlands), cosmic dread (Call of Cthulhu), cyberpunk intrigue (Shadowrun), or open-ended storytelling (Fate Core), there’s a game that fits your group’s style.

Exploring these systems not only broadens your gaming experience but also connects you with new communities and storytelling traditions. So grab some dice from our shop, gather your friends, and step into a new world of adventure!

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Jake (The Exiles)

Jake is a founding member of The Exiles and Exiles Gaming. He handles the technology side of Exiles Gaming.