Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a beloved and iconic tabletop role-playing game, but it’s not the only system out there. While D&D is a fantastic introduction to the world of tabletop RPGs, it may not always fit every group’s needs or preferences. There may come a point when switching to a different TRPG ruleset could enhance your gaming experience, whether due to playstyle changes, a shift in genre interests, or frustrations with the mechanics.
Here’s how to know when it’s time to explore a new ruleset and what to consider along the way.
1. If the Rules Feel Too Limiting
Dungeons & Dragons has a structured ruleset designed to balance combat, role-playing, and exploration. While these mechanics work well for many groups, some players might find the rules too restrictive for the types of actions they want to take or the stories they want to tell.
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Are you constantly house-ruling or homebrewing? If you find yourself frequently altering D&D’s rules to make room for more creative or unusual ideas, it might be a sign the system isn’t meeting your needs. You could benefit from a system that’s more freeform or narrative-driven, like FATE or Powered by the Apocalypse, where the mechanics are lighter and encourage improvisation.
- Do you feel restricted by character creation options? In D&D, character classes come with defined abilities and advancement paths. If you’re craving more flexibility in how you build your character’s skills, abilities, or background, systems like GURPS or Cypher System allow for more customisation without the confines of classes or levels.
2. Combat Feels Slow or Repetitive
Combat in D&D, especially at higher levels, can sometimes feel like it drags on. If you and your group are finding that battles are taking too long or the tactical aspects of combat are overshadowing the role-playing, it might be time to consider a system with faster or more streamlined combat mechanics.
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Is combat taking up too much session time? In D&D, combat can be intricate, with turns involving multiple actions, abilities, and dice rolls. If it’s bogging down your sessions and leaving players disengaged, you might want to try a system that resolves combat faster, like Dungeon World or Savage Worlds, which focus on quick action and narrative outcomes over tactical complexity.
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Is the combat too tactical for your tastes? D&D’s turn-based, grid combat can feel overly strategic for players who prefer a more narrative or free-flowing style. In this case, games like FATE or Blades in the Dark offer combat systems that prioritise storytelling and character interaction over rigid strategy.
3. You Want to Explore a Different Genre
D&D is deeply rooted in the fantasy genre, with its rules and mechanics tailored to sword-and-sorcery adventures. If your group wants to dive into different settings—like science fiction, horror, or cyberpunk—it might be time to switch to a new system that better supports those themes.
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Interested in sci-fi, cyberpunk, or space opera? While D&D has some supplemental settings that allow for different genres, systems like Starfinder or Cyberpunk RED are specifically designed for science fiction adventures. Such systems come with mechanics for space travel, futuristic technology, and alien species, giving you more thematic options than D&D.
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Looking to run horror or mystery-based games? If your group wants to focus on horror, suspense, or investigation, Call of Cthulhu is a popular choice, offering mechanics that emphasise tension, fear, and the gradual unravelling of a mystery. Systems like Monster of the Week also offer great narrative-driven frameworks for episodic horror games.
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Craving swashbuckling, superheroes, or historical settings? For pulp action, high-adventure, or superhero themes, Savage Worlds and Mutants & Masterminds are flexible systems that allow for dynamic, cinematic gameplay in various genres, from pirate adventures to superheroic feats.
4. Your Group Wants More Role-Playing and Less Crunch
D&D is a balanced system that integrates combat, exploration, and role-playing. However, its mechanics tend to emphasise tactical combat, spell slots, and hit points, which can sometimes overshadow pure role-playing.
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Do you prefer role-playing over combat? If your group is more interested in deep character development, moral dilemmas, and storytelling over tactical combat, a more narrative-focused system could be the way to go. Games like FATE or Powered by the Apocalypse put storytelling and character choices at the forefront, with mechanics that get out of the way to allow the narrative to shine.
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Tired of focusing on numbers and stats? If managing complex stat blocks, modifiers, and numbers feels like a chore, narrative-driven systems like Fiasco or The One Ring use simpler mechanics that encourage improvisation and storytelling, minimising the need for heavy rule referencing.
5. You Want a More Collaborative Storytelling Experience
D&D often follows a traditional model of the Dungeon Master controlling the world and players reacting to it. While this works well for many groups, some players may crave a more collaborative approach, where everyone contributes to the world-building and storytelling.
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Interested in shared world-building? Systems like FATE or Microscope allow the group to collectively create the game world, giving everyone a hand in shaping the setting, history, and even major plot points. This fosters a more collaborative environment where players feel like they have more agency.
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Looking for less DM pressure? Some systems like Fiasco or For the Queen are GM-less, meaning the story unfolds collaboratively without a designated Game Master. This can be refreshing for groups that want a more evenly distributed storytelling experience or for DMs who need a break from world-building.
6. You Want a Simpler, Quicker System for One-Shots or Short Campaigns
D&D is well-suited for long-term campaigns, but it can feel overwhelming or slow for quick one-shot games or short adventures. If your group is looking to experiment with short, focused stories, you might find D&D’s extensive rules and preparation requirements too cumbersome.
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Looking for quick-start systems? Systems like Lasers & Feelings or Honey Heist are perfect for one-shots. They have simple mechanics and quick character creation, allowing you to dive right into the story without a lot of prep work.
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Seeking shorter campaigns? Systems like Monster of the Week or The Quiet Year are built for shorter campaigns or episodic play, making them ideal for groups that want a more flexible, fast-paced experience without committing to long-term campaigns.
While Dungeons & Dragons remains a fantastic option for many players, it’s not a one-size-fits-all system. Whether you’re feeling limited by the mechanics, craving different genres, or looking for a more narrative-driven experience, switching to a different TRPG ruleset could breathe new life into your gaming sessions. Consider your group’s playstyle, preferences, and goals, and don’t hesitate to explore new systems that might better suit your collective needs. There’s a whole world of RPGs out there waiting to be discovered!
