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

Summary

Finding tabletop RPG video games that are not based onDungeons & Dragons' system is a bit of a challenge. But TTRPG video games with non-D&Dsystems and lore introduce gamers to great new worlds and characters. Moreover, they introduce new gameplay elements and unique takes on old mechanics.

Video games based on non-D&D systems also allow fans of these franchises to play their favorite systems without needing to set up. This is great for TTRPGs that require a lot of set up, require regular playing schedules with multiple players, or have modules too expensive to buy in full. There’s no need for the complex preparation — players can jump right in.

Glorantha (basis of RuneQuest & HeroQuest)

Multiplayer Mode

None; single-player only

Six Ages 2: Lights Going Outgenerates its story based on the player’s choices and management of their small clan. Players must make choices that affect their clan’s health and resources, or standing with spirits and gods that have not died, and even foreign clans.

Much ofSix Ages’ charm lies in its strong worldbuilding within the world of Glorantha.RuneQuest, HeroQuest, andKing of Dragon Passalso take place in this fantasy world. Unfortunately, of the three, onlyKing of Dragon Passhas a video game version.

One to four player cooperative

Gloomhavenadapts the tabletop co-op into a card-driven, turn-based tactical strategy role-playing game. Players pick a group of mercenaries with unique, character-based sets of cards that determine their class, abilities, and attacks. Cards have their own initiative values that determine their turn in combat, where they can choose one of two actions.

Combat propels players through scenarios that take them through the campaign mode’s 95 missions and guildmaster mode’s 160 missions. Aside from these modes’ scenarios, cards, and assets, most fans feel theturn-based, dark fantasy RPGaccurately represents the board game, down to its high replayability.

Iron Harvestsatisfies RTS, alternate history, and tabletop RPG fans with its unique and cool take ondieselpunk World War I. As a commander for either Polania, Rusviet, or Saxony, players need to build mechs, weapon systems, and efficient bases to satisfy mission conditions. Players are highly recommended to start with the Polania campaign, since it’s designed to teach them basic controls.

Like its source game,Scythe,Iron Harvestis brisk despite its strategic nature. The UI bears some similarities with the tabletop’s cards, maps, and markers, and faithfully translates gameplay mechanics. Building mechs is still the best part of the game, and so is maneuvering them for survivability.

By nature of its structure,Call of Cthulhumostly shares its lore with its tabletop version. But it retains the premise of being a paranormal investigator out to discover ancient horrors, and how to foil cultists who want to unleash them.

Protagonist Edward Pierce, like tabletop players, has to fight to stay sane as he discovers the evil surrounding Darkwater Island. He has stats to level up, including stealth and combat, which can help him uncover clues and fight for survival. Depending on the player’s actions, Pierce can end up with one of four endings.

(None; single-player only)

PlanescapeandNumenaraare legendary tabletop games with amazing adaptations.Planescape: Tormentin particular is highly regarded to this day for effectively translating the TTRPG’s setting into an incredibly written game.Torment: Tides of Numeneratakes the essence ofPlanescapeto deliver anew story-driven gamethat brings the 90s game to modern audiences.

Menus govern story decisions, whileNumenararules dictate stats, and turn-based gameplay decides combat. Because the player character is a blank slate, players can shape their character’s allegiances, temperament, and fate. With seven endings and multiple companion fates,Tides of Numenerahas a lot of replay value for RPG fans.

Vampire: The Masqueradefans have the sequelto look forward toin 2025. In the interim, they still have the firstBloodlinesgame to play, with or without quality-of-life and miscellaneous mods made for it since its release in 2004.

Thanks to fan mods and fixes, experiencing what madeBloodlinesbeloved is easier now. Its world, characters, and lore made Troika Games’ take on the tabletop RPG compelling.Bloodlinesalso translated vampire clan traits into fun abilities that help players find new ways to play the game 10 years later.

Crossing some of the best franchises in genres made for each other,Total War: Warhammer IIIis the last entry to theWarhammer Fantasytrilogy. Players can enjoy the scale that real-lifeWarhammerbattles have through a challenging campaign that will take them through the Realm of Chaos, Altar of Battles, and the Dark Lands.

To do so, players need toestablish their economy, balance it to sustain their coffers, clean up their enemies, and expand their lands sustainably. Diplomacy will determine how many enemies players need to worry about, while efficient building can make it easier to raise armies. With a great strategy, campaigns can go from impossible to challenging, with or without other players helping out.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that theShadowruntrilogy is a lot of gamers’ first exposure to the tabletop RPG.Shadowrun Returns,Shadowrun Dragonfall, andShadowrun Hong Kongfeature the cyberpunk-fantasy TRPG and set it in an almost neo-noir story.

Through all threeShadowrungames, players are embroiled in espionage and crime that inevitably lead to fantastical and astral threats. Exploring cities where cyberpunk, magic, and world mythologies mix is made fun by the game’s point-based, isometric turn-based combat and substantial writing.

Translating theWarhammeruniverse into an isometric TRPG seems like a slam dunk, butWarhammer 40,000: Rogue Tradertook it a step further. Instead of being a stereotypical space marine or hero of the Imperium, players are a privileged Rogue Trader, meant to explore new galaxies to financially benefit the Imperium of Man.

As such,Rogue Traderdives deeply intoWarhammerlore through its main story and character allegiances. Aggression and combat are viable solutions to problems, butRogue Traderencourages players to investigate mysteries and find economically beneficent solutions to problems.

BeforeRogue Trader, there werePathfinder: KingmakerandPathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. Owlcat Games’ adaptation ofPathfindernarrowed its scope to the effects of the player’s actions on the Worldwound, and tightened its beginner-friendly combat and exploration.

And likeRogue Trader, this CRPG isn’t for the faint of heart. Players who have mostly played JRPGs or RPGs likeDragon Age: Originsmay have difficulty graspingWrath of the Righteous. It takes its systems seriously, and combat will require morethan mashing a button. Once players find a balance between gameplay and story, they’ll find a deep, immersive RPG worth investing in.