Best Tabletop Systems

System Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Complexity
Dungeons & Dragons 5e
  • The game is incredibly flexible. Can be silly or serious.
  • Supports homebrew or custom scenarios and rules
  • Campaigns can require hours of preparation.
  • Helps to have accessories, which can be expensive.
Medium
GURPS
  • Is not confined to a genre. Can be used from high-fantasy to modern-day settings.
  • Emphasizes realism and strategy.
  • Simple rules for beginners, with a free version to start.
  • Requires players to balance attributes across their character.
  • Heavy reliance on math.
High
Cyberpunk Red
  • Set in futuristic dystopian world filled with cybernetic enhancements.
  • Basic core rules makes it easy to easy to pick up.
  • Games can be violent and filled with mature themes.
  • Can't be as creative as other systems.
Easy
Delta Green
  • Themes of paranoia, burnout and duty
  • Uses percentile system that's easy to learn
  • Game features mature themes such as mental illness.
  • Limited player agency.
Medium