Dungeons & Dragons is wildly popular, but it’s not the only option. While there are literally hundreds of tabletop RPGs available, only a small number are appropriate for:
A relatively new or inexperienced gamemaster
Who wants to run a full campaign (not a one shot)
In a homebrew setting of their own creation.
If that’s you, then we’ve done the work for you! We’ve narrowed it down to six great choices.
This article is for you if you’re looking for a tabletop RPG that is fast to learn as the gamemaster, easy to teach your players, and robust enough to support a long-term campaign. That’s a tall order! But there are several games that strike a good balance.
We’ve ruled out all of the ‘one page RPGs’ typically listed as “simple roleplaying games.” While things like “Risus,” “Honey Heist,” or “Lasers and Feelings” can be fun party games, they’re not designed to take a party through a satisfying, multi-session campaign.
The following systems offer a good mix of simplicity in rules and robustness in gameplay, making them suitable for beginners looking for long-term campaign potential.
1. Dungeon World
If your players are looking for a classic dungeon-crawl experience, but with fewer rules and a more simplified play style, then this is a great choice.
Best-Fit Settings & Genres
Dungeon World is best suited for traditional fantasy settings reminiscent of classic Dungeons & Dragons. It thrives in worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, epic quests, and heroic adventurers.
Basic Gameplay Mechanics
Dungeon World uses the Powered by the Apocalypse system, where players roll 2d6 to resolve actions. Results of 10+ are complete successes, 7-9 are partial successes with complications, and 6 or less results in a failure with consequences.
Moves, which are specific actions characters can take, drive the gameplay, and character development is guided by bonds and the fulfillment of character goals. The game emphasizes collaborative storytelling, with players and the GM working together to shape the narrative.
Character Creation Process
Players select a class, each of which has unique abilities and moves. Players then choose a race and assign values to their basic stats (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma), typically using a set array or a point-buy system.
Each class provides specific starting moves and options for customization. Players define bonds with other characters, establishing relationships and backstory elements. Equipment choices and starting gear are influenced by class and character concept. The process is quick and emphasizes narrative and roleplay elements.
2. Fate
This is a solid choice if simplicity and flexibility are your top priorities. In addition to the “Core” edition, there are also “Accelerated” and “Condense” versions that streamline the rules even further.
Best-Fit Settings & Genres
Highly versatile and can be adapted to any genre or setting, from high fantasy and sci-fi to modern-day dramas and historical adventures. Its flexibility makes it ideal for narrative-driven campaigns where story and character development are paramount.
Basic Gameplay Mechanics
Fate points and aspects drive the narrative. Aspects are descriptive phrases that define important traits, skills, or story elements. Players roll four Fate dice (d6 with two sides each of +, -, and blank) and add skill ratings to determine success.
Fate points allow players to invoke aspects for bonuses or rerolls. The game emphasizes flexible storytelling and character-driven plots, adaptable to any setting or genre.
Character Creation Process
Players define a high concept and a trouble, which are aspects that encapsulate the character's core identity and primary challenge. Players then choose additional aspects to flesh out their background and personality.
Skills are selected and ranked in a pyramid structure, with more proficient skills having fewer slots. Stunts, which are special abilities or advantages, are chosen to provide mechanical benefits.
The game uses a collaborative process where players also define their connections to each other, creating a web of relationships and shared history that enriches the story.
3. Savage Worlds
This is a great pick if your players want classic action and adventure stories, and a fast-paced, cinematic play style.
Best-Fit Settings & Genres
Designed for pulp-action, high-adventure settings, making it ideal for genres like fantasy, westerns, superheroes, and sci-fi. Its fast-paced mechanics support dynamic and cinematic gameplay across various settings.
Basic Gameplay Mechanics
Characters have attributes and skills rated by different dice types (d4, d6, d8, etc.). Players roll these and aim to meet or exceed a target number (usually 4) to succeed. Wild Cards (important characters) get to roll a Wild Die (a d6) alongside their regular roll, taking the higher result.
The game features a fast-paced, action-oriented mechanic, with Bennies (tokens) that can be spent for rerolls or to soak damage. It’s designed for versatility and quick resolution of actions, suitable for various genres.
Character Creation Process
Players select a race and hindrances, which provide additional points for customizing attributes and skills. Players then allocate points to five primary attributes (Agility, Smarts, Spirit, Strength, Vigor) and choose skills, with higher dice representing greater proficiency.
Edges, which are special abilities or advantages, can be selected based on the character's concept and background. Equipment is chosen to suit the character's role and setting.
4. Cypher System
This is a good pick if you want to create a campaign in a non-traditional setting, like sci-fi or superheroes. The “cypher” (artifact) mechanic allows you to offer unique and powerful one-time use abilities without breaking the game.
Best-Fit Settings & Genres
Adaptable to virtually any genre, but it excels in settings that mix exploration, mystery, and adventure, such as sci-fi, fantasy, and modern supernatural. Its narrative focus is well-suited for creating immersive and story-rich campaigns.
Basic Gameplay Mechanics
Players roll a d20 against a target number determined by the GM, who sets the difficulty on a scale from 1 to 10. Players can use Effort to lower the difficulty, spending points from their character’s pools (Might, Speed, Intellect). The system is narrative-driven, emphasizing flexibility and simplicity, with the GM focusing on storytelling rather than rolling dice.
Character Creation Process
Players choose a type (warrior, adept, explorer, speaker), a descriptor (e.g., clever, strong), and a focus (e.g., carries a quiver, wields two weapons). These choices combine to form a phrase that describes the character’s core identity and abilities.
Each element provides specific benefits, abilities, and starting stats. Players allocate points to their Might, Speed, and Intellect pools and select equipment appropriate to their character.
5. Quest
This is a great pick if your players want to focus on character advancement and shared worldbuilding. The rules are presented in simple language that doesn’t presume you’re already familiar with roleplaying game conventions.
Best-Fit Settings & Genres
Best suited for fantasy settings where storytelling, character development, and cooperative play are central. Its simplicity and narrative focus make it perfect for creating immersive worlds with rich lore and engaging plots.
Basic Gameplay Mechanics
Employs a single d20 for action resolution, with players rolling against a target number determined by the difficulty of the action. The game focuses on narrative and cooperative play, with simple rules that encourage creativity and story development. Characters have roles with specific abilities and powers that grow as they advance. The gameplay is straightforward, emphasizing storytelling, character interaction, and collaborative world-building.
Character Creation Process
Players select a role such as Fighter, Wizard, Doctor, etc., each with a unique set of abilities and skills. Players choose their character's background, personality traits, and starting abilities from a list provided by their role.
There are no complex stats to manage; instead, the focus is on how the character fits into the story. Equipment is chosen based on the character’s role and the setting of the campaign.
6. Monster of the Week
This is the best option if you want to run a modern urban fantasy style game, with players taking on the role of archetypes from their favorite TV shows. If Vampire the Masquerade seems too complicated, or your players don’t want to be the “bad guys/monsters” this is a great choice.
Best-Fit Settings & Genres
Designed for modern supernatural and horror settings, inspired by TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, and The X-Files. It excels in episodic adventures involving monster hunting, mystery-solving, and urban fantasy elements.
Basic Gameplay Mechanics
Focuses on episodic monster-hunting adventures, using the same mechanics as Dungeon World (Powered by the Apocalypse). Players roll 2d6 for their actions, with results of 10+ being successes, 7-9 being partial successes with complications, and 6 or less resulting in failures with consequences. Characters have playbooks that define their roles and abilities, contributing to the narrative-driven gameplay. The system is designed to mimic the structure of supernatural TV shows, with an emphasis on investigation, action, and character development.
Character Creation Process
Players select a playbook, each representing a different archetype (e.g., the Chosen, the Expert, the Monstrous). Playbooks provide a template with specific moves, abilities, and options for customization. Players then assign ratings to their basic stats (Charm, Cool, Sharp, Tough, Weird) based on their playbook's guidelines.
They choose moves that define their character's special abilities and role in the team. Players also establish their character's history and relationships with other team members
Playing Simple RPGs on World Anvil
All six of these systems are supported on World Anvil! You can choose any of them when creating a new Campaign. You can also add any stat blocks or character sheets from the Community Stat Block library.
(And if you’re not looking for a game that prioritizes simplicity, but still want to look beyond the world’s most popular TTRPG to other games like Dungeons & Dragons, we’ve also got that covered).
For Further Reading
