Dungeons & Dragons is arguably the most popular tabletop roleplaying game out there. But while D&D deserves its status as a classic, there are so many other amazing tabletop games to discover beyond the world of dungeon delving and dragon slaying. Here are some of my favorites that don’t involve multi-sided dice or elven rangers.
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
If you like the theme and lore of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos but want something a bit more structured than a roleplaying game, Arkham Horror: The Card Game is a great option. 1-4 players build decks representing investigators exploring the mystery of Arkham while fighting back cosmic evil and Elder Gods. With a campaign structure and ever-increasing difficulty, this complex and challenging co-op game will keep you on the edge of madness.
Lords of Waterdeep
A worker placement game set in the Forgotten Realms city of Waterdeep, Lords of Waterdeep sees 2-5 players taking on the role of power brokers completing quests and gaining influence. With a great theme and simple but deep mechanics, it’s an excellent introductory Euro-style board game. The expansion Scoundrels of Skullport adds more quests, intrigue cards, more complexity, and even a sixth player.
Munchkin
Munchkin is a silly card game that satirizes tabletop RPGs by having players start at level 1 and fight their way to level 10… by any means necessary, like stealing equipment from others or stabbing them in the back! With tons of themed expansions adding classes, races, and more tropes to skewer, Munchkin never gets old. Just don’t take the backstabbing too personally.
Fluxx
The card game with ever changing rules, Fluxx starts out simple but becomes chaotic fun. Draw a card, play a card is the only initial rule, but New Rule cards get added that alter everything from hand limits to victory conditions. With different themed decks like Zombie Fluxx, Star Trek Fluxx, and Monty Python Fluxx, this flexible game adapts to any group.
Forbidden Island
A cooperative game where players try to collect ancient artifacts from a sinking island before it’s too late, Forbidden Island is a great gateway game – and one that works for the whole family. With unique roles like explorer, navigator, and more, everyone works together moving around tiles and avoiding hazards like waters rising and land flooding. Easy to learn but tense right until the end, Forbidden Island is family fun with a refreshingly positive teamwork theme.
Whether you’re an experienced tabletop gamer looking for something new or a parent wanting to get kids engaged and away from screens, there are so many wonderful games out there with engaging themes and fun social gameplay. Leave the world of goblins and gelatinous cubes behind for an evening and give one of these entertaining alternatives a try!
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