Why D&D Players Should Explore Other TTRPGs: A Chance Worth Taking

As an avid fan of Dungeons & Dragons, my experience with tabletop RPGs has evolved significantly over the past decade. Having facilitated a weekly TTRPG group for nearly five years, I have delved into a variety of published modules such as Tomb of Annihilation and The Rise of Tiamat, alongside crafting my own homebrew adventures. Initially, I believed that D&D would fully satisfy my roleplaying requirements, and I approached the idea of exploring new game systems with trepidation.

However, as time progressed, I began to uncover several limitations within D&D, despite its extensive scope. I discovered that even when the game could address certain aspects, those methods were not always the most effective for my needs as a Game Master (GM). While I still appreciate D&D, I’ve come to value the exploration of diverse gaming systems, and I encourage every TTRPG group to embrace this concept.

D&D: A Jack of All Genres, Master of One

D&D Excels at Epic Fantasy, but Struggles with Other Genres

Dungeons & Dragons presents a plethora of storytelling possibilities, ranging from high-fantasy adventures in the Forgotten Realms to arcane-punk scenarios in Eberron, and even science fantasy elements in Spelljammer. However, the game often doesn’t provide the best framework for narratives outside of action and adventure.

Take, for instance, the Curse of Strahd campaign, which attempts to embrace elements of gothic horror. The inherent gameplay mechanics of D&D hinder its ability to generate genuine suspense; players rarely feel authentic fear when their characters possess near-superhuman abilities and can easily return from death. As a result, Strahd comes across more like a reskinned dragon or beholder than a true horror antagonist.

This limitation is not a failing of D&D as a whole; after all, no game can excel in every genre. D&D effectively delivers epic narratives laden with exhilarating combat. Nevertheless, it falls short when attempting to accommodate varied genres. My quest to stretch its mechanics beyond their intended uses prompted me to explore other TTRPG systems, and the discoveries were pleasantly surprising.

Other TTRPGs: Better Tones for Genre-Specific Gameplay

Integrating Theme and Mechanics Yields Stronger World-Building

The cover artwork for Call of Cthulhu's Berlin: The Wicked City sourcebook. A woman in early 20th-century fashion is surrounded by tentacles in Weimar Berlin at night.

The tone of a tabletop RPG is significantly shaped not only by its story but also by its mechanics. In the case of a horror-themed game like Curse of Strahd, the presence of monstrous creatures does little to enhance the terror when players are forced to conquer those foes. D&D’s mechanics often cultivate a sense of power rather than vulnerability, undermining the tension essential for horror.

Rather than attempting to adjust D&D’s rules to accommodate other genres, I advocate for researching alternative TTRPG systems that align more naturally with your narrative desires.

For settings involving science fiction or science fantasy, faster-paced combat mechanics are essential. D&D’s drawn-out combat rounds can feel cumbersome for narratives seeking rapid, high-stakes encounters. Games like Only War effectively offer quick and lethal combat rounds that are much better suited for fast-paced science fiction scenarios.

When it comes to adapting specific fictional settings, instead of using D&D to simulate a Star Wars atmosphere, consider alternatives like Edge of the Empire or West End Games’ Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game.

D&D’s Simpler Rules: Both a Blessing and a Curse

D&D: Accessible for New Players, Tiresome for Veterans

A Dungeons & Dragons adventuring party standing on the steps of a dungeon, illustrated in the 2024 Player's Handbook.

D&D’s reputation as one of the most recognizable TTRPGs owes much to its user-friendly rules. My playgroup first embraced D&D during the launch of the Fifth Edition (5E), which featured streamlined rules and an excellent introductory adventure that eased new players into gameplay.

While these simplified mechanics make D&D appealing for newcomers, they can lead to boredom among veteran players. Although the game theoretically offers endless narrative avenues, the core mechanics and class structures eventually become predictable and stale. Transitioning to a new system can reawaken the excitement and creativity for seasoned players.

For example, our group shifted to Cyberpunk Red, which, though initially daunting due to its plethora of weapons, vehicles, and cyberware, proved to be worth the investment. Learning the intricacies of firearms, including fire rate and diverse ammunition types, introduced dynamic complexity into combat scenarios.

Unlike D&D, where characters are heavily shaped by predefined classes, Cyberpunk’s flexible character customization empowers players to create uniquely individual characters that resonate more with their personalities. After a few sessions, I found that players leaned into their character choices driven by the mechanics rather than sticking rigidly to class-based options.

Rotating Through RPGs: A Vital Strategy for Engagement

Keeping Players Engaged Through Game Variety

Cyberpunk Red cover art showing a bustling Night City street.

Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, two groups of friends initiated separate D&D sessions. Although both groups have persisted, a notable disparity exists in their enthusiasm. The group that diversifies its game systems has maintained higher excitement levels compared to the one solely committed to D&D.

In our D&D-exclusive group, roleplay has diminished, and combat encounters become repetitive. Having faced most enemies before leads to a lack of novelty, and players expertly execute spells and abilities, reducing combat to mere optimization devoid of tension. Conversely, a recent Halloween one-shot of Call of Cthulhu provided an exhilarating shift—an almost total party kill invigorated the session with unexpected thrills.

That being said, I still enjoy playing D&D. Returning to the game after engaging with Cyberpunk or the Fallout RPG revitalizes the experience, infusing it with freshness and excitement. Dungeons & Dragons delivers a sense of familiarity and comfort, which is advantageous at times. However, I firmly advise against confining your TTRPG experience to just D&D, as exploring varied systems can greatly enhance enjoyment and engagement.

Source & Images