Top 7 TTRPGs Perfect for Large Groups You Must Try Now

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Summary

  • Fate offers freedom for larger groups due to its open gameplay and equal footing for all players.
  • Forsooth is a DM-less game perfect for large groups, challenging players to improvise Shakespearean works.
  • Ryuutama’s focus on exploration and role-play makes it ideal for bigger groups, with combat taking a back seat.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I absolutely adore tabletop games! They offer an enchanting escape, where you can spend countless hours immersed in a world of camaraderie with your friends, despite our hectic schedules. One individual serves as the Game Master (GM), weaving tales that will live on in our memories for years to come. Together, we forge unbreakable bonds, confront challenges, and traverse fantastical realms brimming with mystery and adventure.

Some systems perform optimally for closely-knit circles, but they may not suit every friendship group since it wouldn’t be equitable to exclude friends in order to maintain a compact group. However, an ingenious Game Master can adapt most games to accommodate larger numbers of players. Nevertheless, there are game systems specifically designed for larger groups already in existence.

7. Fate

The Amount of Freedom Opens the Doors for Larger Groups

  • Original Release Year: 2003
  • Publisher: Evil Hat Productions
  • Designers: Leonard Balsera, Fred Hicks, Rob Donoghue

A multitude of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) can be found on the market today, yet some get overshadowed by more popular systems like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), Pathfinder, and World of Darkness. Nevertheless, games that aren’t as well-known still warrant consideration from enthusiastic role-players, particularly those searching for a fresh environment to accommodate their large gaming groups.

Fate could be an intriguing gaming system for these groups, as it eliminates standard core characteristics like strength and minimizes dice rolls, offering a more flexible gameplay experience. In essence, Fate is not confined by strict regulations. Instead, it introduces a more adaptable style of play, enabling anyone facilitating the game to tailor this system according to the group’s dynamics. Every player begins with an equal starting point without relying on dice rolls for traits, making luck less of a factor.

6. Forsooth

A GM-Less Game Perfect for Improv and Shakespeare Fans

  • Original Release Year: 2012
  • Publisher: Spoiled Flush Games
  • Designers: Kevin Spak, Sam Liberty

Uncommon are the game systems that function independently without a Game Master, but indeed, some do exist and can even cater to large groups. One such game is Forsooth, an innovative platform that encourages all participants to spontaneously create their interpretations of missing Shakespearean works. This game offers ample room for creativity, allowing players to explore various genres, be it drama, tragedy, or comedy, and serve as their own muse in the process.

Here’s where the joy takes center stage! The more enthusiastic and dramatic the players, the more delightful the experience becomes. These productions often feature a sizable group of actors, making it an ideal opportunity to bring together a crowd for an entertaining evening. For those yearning to perform without the rigors of a stage, Forsooth could be just the game they’ve been searching for.

5. Ryuutama

Combat Takes a Back Seat

  • Original Release Year: 2015
  • Publisher: Kotohi
  • Designer: Atsuhiro Okada

Have you ever dreamt of entering a magical realm reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s enchanting tales? While we may not physically step into such a world, the closest experience would be through the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) called Ryuuamata. This captivating game takes cues from the imaginative universe of Miyazaki’s oeuvre, offering players a delightful, vibrant, and singularly fantastical journey within the realm of tabletop games. Originally a Japanese creation by Atsuhiro Okada, the game has since been translated into English, making it accessible to a wider audience eager for an enchanting escapade.

In the game called Ryuutama, fighting is not the main focus; instead, aspects like exploration and character development are emphasized. This means that larger groups can easily participate without the game being bogged down by numerous player interactions in combat scenarios.

4. Blades in the Dark

A Focus on Cooperative Play

  • Original Release Year: 2017
  • Publisher: Evil Hat Productions
  • Designer: John Harper

Have you ever dreamed about embodying misfits, rogues, and reprobates? If so, Blades in the Dark could be an ideal fit for you. Instead of assuming the roles of heroes embarking on grand, epic journeys filled with strength and sorcery, Blades in the Dark offers a grittier, more dystopian experience. Set in a fictional universe where the sun has ceased to shine, and the deceased refuse to rest, arising as vampires or spirits, this game presents an entirely different perspective.

In Blades in the Dark, participants select a character class or “playbook,” becoming one of the team members, and the group as a whole has its own playbook, too, known as the crew. The crew is central to this game, and it receives its own character sheet because working together as a team is crucial. The more players involved, the stronger their crew becomes, prepared to tackle any obstacles the game master presents.

3. Pathfinder

A Fantasy Game Series Similar to Dungeons and Dragons

Originally, Pathfinder was designed as a game that aligned with the 3.5e version of Dungeons & Dragons, aiming to be compatible with earlier editions. However, it evolved into a distinct game, offering unique realms while maintaining the character creation rules and d20 system reminiscent of its predecessor.

Despite not reaching the same level of fame as D&D, Pathfinder remains a strong competitor for a robust role-playing game system. It could be an excellent choice for a group seeking something somewhat similar yet offering innovative prospects for narratives and expeditions. Offering a blend of battle, exploration, and camaraderie, it presents a perfect opportunity to embark on an adventure with a larger party.

2. Elemental

Provides the Tools to Play Any Type of Game

  • Original Release Year: 2018
  • Publisher: Gildor Games
  • Designer: Gildor Games

Most gaming systems tend to be tied to particular themes, genres, and environments. For instance, “Dungeons and Dragons” is deeply ingrained in high fantasy, with even realms like Ravenloft showing traces of this system’s influence. On the other hand, “World of Darkness” is based on our own world, using actual Earth locations. But what sets “Elemental” apart is its promise of unrestricted creative liberty for players, equipping them with the necessary tools to craft a game that fits any genre, setting, or narrative they desire.

In other words, the Game Master (GM) has the flexibility to create custom scenarios tailored for their group, or choose from existing prepared adventures. For instance, a psychological horror module like “Jailbreak” is specifically designed for larger groups, featuring nine pre-set characters to be played.

1. Dungeons and Dragons

Combat and Role-Play Flourish with More Numbers

Dungeons & Dragons stands as one of the most extensive and remarkable tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), ruling the realm with an abundance of worlds, campaigns, and character customization options that guarantee each campaign remains unique. In pre-written scenarios too, every group playing will have a distinct experience due to the numerous playstyles people prefer and the diverse ways Dungeon Masters (DMs) manage their games.

In essence, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) shines brightest when more individuals participate in the adventure. This way, DMs can fine-tune their party’s makeup to handle any challenge effectively and minimize awkward pauses between players. With a larger group, there’s usually someone engaged in roleplaying, either among themselves or with the DM, which enriches the overall experience.

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2025-05-17 09:34