Best Tabletop RPGs in 2025

Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) is the most popular tabletop RPG, appealing to both newcomers and veteran players. Its combination of accessible rules, a rich fantasy setting, and robust community support makes it a great choice for beginners, while its flexible mechanics allow for complex character builds and intricate storylines. The rules emphasize storytelling and player agency. The system provides a wide range of pre-made adventures as well as tools for GMs to craft their own tales. Its broad appeal leads to a huge online and in-person community meaning one will always be able to find players interested in playing. The game receives frequent updates and expansions. The game’s popularity means there's a wealth of readily available resources, including character creation tools, maps, and adventure modules. The focus on collaborative storytelling and player freedom enables a highly memorable experience.

GURPS (Generic Universal RolePlaying System) is a versatile system adaptable to nearly any genre or setting, providing a wide range of character customization options. This system places a strong emphasis on realism and detailed simulation. This requires players and GMs to familiarize themselves with a wide variety of skills, traits, and advantages. The system excels in offering players and GMs enormous flexibility in creating characters, worlds, and campaigns that truly reflect their preferences. GURPS utilizes a points-based character creation system that allows players to make unique characters. It is known for its extensive rulebooks and expansions covering numerous genres, from fantasy and science fiction to historical settings. The depth allows for simulating complex scenarios if willing to invest the learning time.

Call of Cthulhu, based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, lets players experience the horror of the unknown. The game focuses on investigation, mystery-solving, and sanity as players face cosmic entities and terrifying situations. Players take on the roles of investigators in the 1920s, uncovering occult secrets and battling ancient evils. The game's design is focused on narrative, placing less emphasis on combat and more on the psychological impact of the horror. The system's unique Sanity mechanic adds layers of tension and drama. Though the rules are relatively simple, the system provides a unique experience, creating a highly flavorful experience.

Fate Core is a flexible, narrative-focused RPG system that emphasizes player input and collaborative storytelling. Rather than extensive rules and dice rolls, Fate Core uses narrative elements -- Aspects -- that allow players to shape the scene, influence events, and create opportunities for success. The Fate system offers exceptional flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of settings, from fantasy and science fiction to modern-day scenarios. Its streamlined rules mean less time is spent on mechanics and more time on the story. It puts the narrative first, and the players directly influence the unfolding events.

Pathfinder combines strategic combat with a richly detailed fantasy setting. The game, a spin-off of D&D 3.5, offers a vast array of character options, magic systems, and options for tactical combat. Its high level of customization extends to character builds, combat, and even the world's underlying mechanics. The game places importance on tactical combat, with complex rules and character options. This grants players more control in battles, and provides them with strategic ways to overcome their foes. The game is notable for its high volume of supporting material including multiple rulebooks, adventure paths, and character options.