We are big fans of tabletop games here at Geek 10. However sometimes we want to sit at the table and play something other than a card or board game. For that, there is nothing better than the Role Playing Game (RPG). Since the 1970s, players have been gathering around a table to sling some dice, update their character sheets, and become immersed in a world created by their game master.

Today, players have a multitude of options when it comes to which RPG to play. For those new to the hobby, we’ve put together a list of 10 RPGs worth trying out. They each are unique and fun in their own right, so choose one that sounds interesting and get ready to sling some dice.

10 Tabletop Roleplaying Games to Try

1. Dungeons and Dragons

The one that started it all. Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) has had many editions over the years and is currently in its 5th edition. I’ve played this new edition quite a few times and considered it one of the best. The rules are some of the most streamlined they’ve ever been, and all the familiar fantasy classes are here. If you are looking for a fantasy RPG with some storied history behind it, then DnD 5e is definitely the way to go.

Dungeons and Dragons: 5th Edition – $30

2. Star Wars: Edge of the Empire

If you are looking to game in a galaxy, far, far away, then you have a few options to choose from right now. Personally, I prefer the theme of Star Wars: Edge of the Empire the best, so that’s the one we play. It’s set at a time after A New Hope, but at the fringes of the galaxy. Edge of the Empire is great if you want to be someone that skirts the law and has to work to survive. If you want to be more heroic, check out Star Wars: Force and Destiny, where you can play a force-sensitive characters living as outcasts during the Galactic Civil War. Finally, there is Star Wars: Age of Rebellion if you want to have your characters to actually take part in the Galactic Civil War.

Star Wars: Edge of the Empire – $50

3. Call of Cthulhu

I’ve always been a fan of the Lovecraftian Mythos, and the Call of Cthulhu RPG is the gold standard for this genre. Now in its 7th edition, players take on the role of investigators trying to root out evil cultists and examine strange happenings in the world. Don’t expect to be a bad ass fighter in this one. Players have to use their wits if they hope to survive in this dark world.

Call of Cthulhu: 7th Edition – $10

4. Gamma World

Based on the oft-maligned Dungeons and Dragons 4e system, Gamma World actually ended up being the perfect setting for this controversial system. In Gamma World, players are trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic waste land where the radiation has turned everyone into mutants. Players will gain unique powers from their mutations, and should be evolving as their campaign progresses. Gamma World even has a card system that helps to give the game its own unique feel.

GammaWorld – Out of Print

5. Dark Heresy

The Warhammer 40k universe has been around for a while and has spawned some incredibly popular books and miniatures games. With Dark Heresy, players get to take part in the Warhammer 40k universe during its dark period as players are a group of Acolytes working for an Inquisitor. Expect a lot of dark dealings, power struggles, and also a lot of big guns and scifi action.

Warhammer 40k: Dark Heresy – $25

6. Mutants and Masterminds

There are many superhero RPGs to choose from (DC, Marvel, ETC…), but Mutants and Masterminds has always been my favorite. Players get to form their own superhero group and make a unique hero of their choosing. I like the flexibly the Mutants and Masterminds system offers, and how it’s not tied to one of the universes from the Big 2 publishers. The system is fast, unique, and easy to learn as well.

Mutants and Masterminds – $30

7. Spycraft

If you ever wanted to be James Bond, then Spyycraft is your game. Players get to be a secret agent sent out on missions by their government. Players will get equipped with clever gadgets and weapons straight out of a spy movie. Expect to be taking part in firefights, hacking, social engineering, and even the all-to-familiar car chases.

Spycraft 2.0 – $20

8. Dread

One of the most unique systems I’ve ever played, Dread tosses aside the familiar polyhedral dice for a Jenga tower. Dread is a system about horror and tension. Whenever a player would have to roll a die, they must instead pull a block from the Jenga tower. If the tower ever falls over, your character dies. While Dread isn’t very good for long campaigns, for a one night session, it’s incredibly fun.

Dread – $30

9. Firefly

If you are a fan of the TV Show Firefly, then you’ll want to check out the Firefly RPG. Powered by the Cortex Plus system, Serenity is more geared towards role players than power gamers. Leveling is simple, with combat being deadly and quick. If you loved the tv show and were sad about it ending, this is your chance to spend some more time in the universe that you love.

Firefly – $50

10. Outbreak: Undead

Ever curious if you could survive in a zombie filled universe? The be sure to give Outbreak: Undead a look. In this RPG, you play a character that’s based on yourself, not some fictional hero. Outbreak: Undead is not for the feint of heart. The rules are fairly complex and the game can be quite deadly. Yet for those that decide to venture into this undead filled world, there can be quite a bit of enjoyment.