Tabletop RPG Video Games That Are Not Based On D&D’s System

Tabletop RPG Video Games That Are Not Based On D&D's System

Key Takeaways

  • Tabletop RPG video games beyond D&D offer new worlds, characters, and gameplay elements.
  • Non-D&D video games allow fans of other TTRPGs to play without extensive setup.
  • From Six Ages to Warhammer, each game faithfully captures the essence of its tabletop origins.

As someone who’s been rolling digital dice since the days of pen and paper, I can confidently say these three games are a dream come true for tabletop RPG enthusiasts like myself. The Shadowrun trilogy, with its blend of cyberpunk grit and fantastical elements, was my gateway into the world of video game RPGs.


It can be difficult to discover tabletop role-playing video games that don’t follow the Dungeons & Dragons system. However, these non-D&D TTRPG games open up exciting new realms and characters for players, offering fresh gameplay dynamics and creative spins on traditional mechanics.

Video games adhering to non-Dungeons & Dragons systems offer fans an opportunity to experience their preferred game worlds without the hassle of extensive setup. This is particularly beneficial for tabletop role-playing games with intricate setups, recurring play schedules among numerous participants, or costly modules that can’t be acquired in entirety. The complexity of preparation is eliminated, allowing players to dive straight into the gameplay.

10 Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out

Glorantha & RuneQuest Represented

Tabletop Sytem Glorantha (basis of RuneQuest & HeroQuest)
Consoles/Platforms
  • macOS
  • Microsoft Windows
  • iOS
Gameplay/Genre
  • Role Playing Game (RPG)
  • Strategy & Management
Multiplayer Mode None; single-player only

In the game “Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out,” the storyline evolves according to the decisions made by the player and their management of a small group, often referred to as a clan. As a player, you’ll encounter situations where your choices will influence the wellbeing, resources, and relationships with spirits, gods that still exist, and even other clans from foreign lands.

A significant part of the allure of “Six Ages” stems from its robust development of the fictional universe, Glorantha. Notably, other games like “RuneQuest“, “HeroQuest“, and “King of Dragon Pass” also inhabit this captivating fantasy realm. Regrettably, among these three, only “King of Dragon Pass” has been adapted into a video game.

9 Gloomhaven

TBSRPG On Hex Grid With Card-Driven Combat

Tabletop Sytem Gloomhaven
Consoles/Platforms
  • macOS
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PlayStation 4
  • PlayStation 5
Gameplay/Genre Tactical RPG
Multiplayer Mode One to four player cooperative

Gloomhaven converts the tabletop cooperative experience into a tactical strategy role-playing game driven by cards and turns. Players select a band of mercenaries, each with distinctive character traits defined by unique sets of cards representing their class, skills, and attacks. The cards themselves possess initiative scores that decide their place in combat, allowing them to choose between two actions during their turn.

In this game, players are propelled forward by engaging in various battles that lead them through the 95 missions of the campaign mode and the 160 missions of the guildmaster mode. Besides these scenarios, cards, and resources, many fans believe the turn-based, dark fantasy RPG effectively captures the essence of the board game, even reflecting its high level of replayability.

8 Iron Harvest

Alternate History RTS Version Of Scythe

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my enthusiasm for Iron Harvest, a strategy game that beautifully blends RTS, alternate history, and tabletop RPG elements in a dieselpunk World War I setting. Stepping into the role of a commander for Polania, Rusviet, or Saxony, you’ll be tasked with constructing mechs, designing weapon systems, and strategically building efficient bases to meet mission objectives. It’s advisable for newcomers to start with the Polania campaign, as it’s specifically designed to introduce players to the game’s fundamental controls.

Similar to its parent game, Scythe, Iron Harvest maintains a swift pace even with its strategic elements. Its user interface mirrors the tabletop’s cards, maps, and markers, effectively emulating the gameplay mechanics. Constructing mechs remains the most enjoyable aspect of the game, followed closely by strategizing their movements to ensure survivability.

7 Call of Cthulhu

Video Game Version Captures Lovecraft’s Horrific World

In the essence of its design, I find that my favorite game, Call of Cthulhu, often mirrors its tabletop counterpart in terms of lore. Yet, it maintains the core concept: I’m a detective on a thrilling quest to uncover eerie mysteries and stop those who seek to awaken ancient terrors lurking in the shadows.

Main character Edward Pierce, much like a tabletop gamer, must struggle to maintain his sanity as he uncovers the sinister secrets of Darkwater Island. He possesses attributes that can be improved, such as stealth and combat skills, which aid him in gathering evidence and defending himself. The choices made by the player will determine whether Pierce experiences one of four possible conclusions.

6 Torment: Tides of Numenera

Numenara & Planescape: Torment In Updated Format

Tabletop Sytem Numenera
Consoles/Platforms
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Microsoft Windows
  • PlayStation 4
  • Xbox One
Gameplay/Genre Role Playing Game (RPG)
Multiplayer Mode (None; single-player only)

Planescape and Numenara are iconic tabletop games, known for their outstanding adaptations. The game Planescape: Torment, in particular, continues to be widely admired due to its exceptional translation of the tabletop RPG’s atmosphere into a captivating video game. Similarly, Torment: Tides of Numenera distills the essence of Planescape and crafts a fresh, narrative-driven game that makes the 90s classic accessible for contemporary players.

Menus control the choices made within the story, while the rules of Numenera establish character attributes, and combat is determined through turn-based gameplay. Since the protagonist starts as a blank canvas, players can mold their character’s loyalties, personality, and destiny. With seven possible endings and various outcomes for companions, Tides of Numenera offers a high level of replayability to role-playing game enthusiasts.

5 Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

The Best World Of Darkness Video Game (So Far)

Tabletop Sytem
  • World of Darkness
  • Vampire: The Masquerade
Consoles/Platforms Microsoft Windows
Gameplay/Genre Action Role Playing Game (RPG)
Multiplayer Mode (None; single-player only)

Fans of “Vampire: The Masquerade” can anticipate a sequel scheduled for 2025. Until then, they can enjoy the original “Bloodlines” game or enhance their experience with various mods that have been developed since its launch in 2004.

As a devoted fan, I’m grateful for the mods and fixes that have made revisiting the captivating world of Bloodlines more accessible. Ten years on, Troika Games’ interpretation of the tabletop RPG continues to enthrall me with its rich characters and lore. What truly sets Bloodlines apart is how it transformed vampire clan traits into engaging gameplay mechanics, offering fresh strategies for players to explore.

4 Total War: Warhammer III

Total War x Warhammer Crossover With TBS/RTS Elements

Under the fusion of top-tier franchises perfectly matched, Total War: Warhammer III stands as the concluding chapter in the Warhammer Fantasy trilogy. Gamers can immerse themselves in the grandeur of authentic Warhammer battles on a strategic scale, navigating a demanding campaign that transports them across the Realm of Chaos, Altar of Battles, and the Dark Lands.

In order to succeed, players must develop their own economy, maintain its stability for long-term prosperity, eliminate threats, and grow their territories in a responsible manner. The level of adversaries they’ll face depends on their diplomatic skills, while constructing effectively can facilitate the creation of larger armies. A clever plan can transform what appears to be an insurmountable challenge into a manageable one, whether or not allies lend a hand.

3 Shadowrun Trilogy

Three-Pack of Shadowrun TTRPG Video Games

Tabletop Sytem Shadowrun
Consoles/Platforms
  • Microsoft Windows
  • OS X
  • Linux
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PlayStation 4
  • PlayStation 5
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X/S
Gameplay/Genre Tactical Role-playing Game (TRPG)
Multiplayer Mode (None; single-player only)

For many gamers, experiencing the thrill of tabletop role-playing games began with the Shadowrun trilogy. The games – Shadowrun Returns, Shadowrun Dragonfall, and Shadowrun Hong Kong – immerse players in a cyberpunk-fantasy world, weaving an almost neo-noir narrative throughout.

Across the three Shadowrun games, players find themselves entangled in a blend of espionage and crime that often escalates to supernatural and otherworldly perils. The excitement lies in navigating cities where cyberpunk, magic, and ancient mythologies intertwine, all while engaging in the game’s tactical, point-based, isometric turn-based combat system and immersing oneself in its rich narrative.

2 Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Immersive Warhammer TTRPG Has Players Calling For Abelard

Translating the Warhammer universe into an isometric tabletop role-playing game (TRPG) seems like a no-brainer, but Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader offers something more unique. Unlike the typical space marine or Imperium hero, players assume the role of a wealthy and privileged Rogue Trader, whose mission is to venture into uncharted galaxies not just for adventure, but to reap financial rewards for the Imperium of Man.

In the heat of the gaming world, I’ve found myself immersed in the rich tapestry of Warhammer lore with Rogue Trader. While brute force and combats can certainly solve problems, this game nudges me towards unraveling mysteries and seeking profitable solutions instead. It’s a strategic blend of action and intrigue that keeps me hooked!

1 Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Pathfinder Adapted Into Great Isometric RPG

Previously, games like Rogue Trader didn’t exist; instead, we had Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. Owlcat Games reimagined Pathfinder, focusing on how the player’s choices influence the Worldwound. Additionally, they streamlined the combat and exploration to make it more accessible for beginners.

Similar to the game “Rogue Trader”, this CRPG isn’t for those with a light heart. If you’re primarily accustomed to JRPGs or RPGs like “Dragon Age: Origins”, you might struggle with “Wrath of the Righteous”. It demands a deeper understanding of its mechanics, and combat isn’t just about button-mashing. When players manage to strike a balance between gameplay and narrative, they’ll discover a rich, engaging RPG that’s worth committing time to.

Read More

2024-09-06 05:35