Indie TTRPG and RPGs Beyond Dungeons & Dragons

Indie tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) vs Dungeons & Dragons (DnD). The indie often basks in the limelight. Its rich history and immense popularity have cemented it as a favorite among many gamers. However, the TTRPG genre has games that offer fresh perspectives, innovative mechanics, and rich storytelling opportunities.

Supporting these lesser-known TTRPGs not only enriches the gaming community but also fosters creativity in game design. Here’s why more TTRPGs need our support and how one can get involved.

The Importance of Supporting Indie TTRPGs

Encouraging Indie TTRPG Innovation

Indie TTRPGs frequently push the boundaries of traditional game design. These games are the avant-garde of the TTRPG world, experimenting with new mechanics, settings, and narrative structures. By supporting these innovators, a gaming environment is fostered where creativity and bold ideas flourish. The ingenuity found in games like “Invisible Sun” with its surreal, dreamlike setting or “Dialect” which explores the evolution of language within a community, exemplifies how smaller games can revolutionize our approach to storytelling and gameplay.

An open book with the title "Creating Characters" shows detailed text and illustrations. The left page features an intricate, red and black design resembling vines and roots, forming the quote: "We die. That may be the meaning of life, but we use language. That may be the measure of our lives." The right page contains text outlining steps for creating characters in the role-playing game indie TTRPG "Dialect," emphasizing the importance of language in defining the community's identity and story. — **“Dialect”** is a unique game centered around an isolated community and their language, exploring the profound implications of losing that language. Players will narrate the story of the Isolation by developing their language, with new words emerging from the community’s core elements: their identity, beliefs, and reactions to a changing world.

Two figures are sitting in a cozy, dimly lit room with bookshelves in the background. The figure on the left has leaves sprouting from their face and arm, wearing a white shirt with a red tie, holding a smoking cup in one hand and a pen in the other. The figure on the right has a snow globe for a head, depicting a snowy cabin scene, and is holding a leaf and a pen, wearing a green sweater with a red and white striped scarf. Magical symbols and glowing text float around them, adding an air of enchantment and mystery to the scene. — **“Dialect”** is a unique game centered around an isolated community and their language, exploring the profound implications of losing that language. Players will narrate the story of the Isolation by developing their language, with new words emerging from the community’s core elements: their identity, beliefs, and reactions to a changing world.

Unbiased Storytelling

Each TTRPG offers a world of storytelling. Games such as “Monster of the Week” focus on episodic, supernatural investigations, reminiscent of shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” while “Blades in the Dark” immerses players in the gritty, treacherous world of a criminal underworld.

Four characters, each with distinct appearances, are in a chaotic battle scene. The character on the left is a bearded figure in a wide-brimmed hat and trench coat, wielding a weapon. The character in the middle is a woman in Victorian attire, holding a gun and an open book. The character on the right is a modern-day punk with red hair, wearing a leather jacket and jeans, while another character beside them is holding a skateboard with a green, zombie-like face. Tentacled creatures and eerie shadows add to the chaotic, horror-filled atmosphere, with splashes of red indicating intense action. — Ever dreamt of joining the ranks of Buffy, the Winchesters, or the X-Files team to battle monsters and aliens? In **Monster of the Week**, players embody archetypal characters from classic ‘monster of the week’ shows, hunting down creatures in an action-horror RPG. One player takes on the role of the Keeper, orchestrating episodic sessions for the Hunters, each featuring a new terror inspired by the genre’s iconic trope.

Supporting a variety of TTRPGs ensures access to a wide array of stories and experiences, each providing a fresh narrative and thematic exploration.

A shadowy figure in a hooded cloak holds a dagger, emerging from the darkness with an ominous grin. The scene is filled with dark, swirling mist, emphasizing the mysterious and dangerous atmosphere of the industrial-fantasy setting of "Blades in the Dark." The figure's piercing eyes and the subtle glow from their cloak hint at the supernatural elements that haunt the streets of the city. — **Blades in the Dark**, created by John Harper, is a tabletop role-playing game that plunges players into the roles of daring scoundrels pursuing their fortunes amidst the haunted streets of an industrial-fantasy city.

Proper Representation in Indie TTRPGs

Indie TTRPGs are often created by many different voices, bringing fresh perspectives and highlighting stories that reflect a broader spectrum of experiences.

Two characters face each other intensely, swords drawn, with expressions of determination and passion. One character, adorned in intricate armor, sweats with effort, while the other, decorated in vibrant, patterned attire, smiles confidently. The background is a dreamy, purple-hued sky, adding to the surreal and magical atmosphere of "Thirsty Sword Lesbians." The scene suggests a blend of conflict and connection, highlighting the unique storytelling elements where battles can turn into moments of deep emotional bonds. — In **Thirsty Sword Lesbians**, players face off against the Lady of Chains as her enforcers descend from the frosty north. They journey through the cosmos to protect diplomats, bringing an end to a generations-old conflict. Even amidst sword fights, they strive for peace with their adversaries—and sometimes form unexpectedly deep connections.

A duel with swords might conclude with a kiss, a witch could draw power from aiding others in discovering love, and an entire campaign might revolve around itinerant matchmakers traversing from one star system to another.

Games like “Thirsty Sword Lesbians” celebrate LGBTQ+ narratives, while “” is a Native American-created game that delves into an alternate future shaped by indigenous cultures.

In a lush, green landscape, a group of diverse characters gathers in a moment of unity and tradition. They are dressed in vibrant, traditional attire, reflecting a blend of cultural heritage and futuristic elements. A large, insect-like vehicle hovers in the background, suggesting advanced technology harmoniously integrated into their world. This scene captures the essence of "Coyote and Crow," a role-playing game where science meets spirituality in an alternate future where colonization never occurred. The artwork conveys a sense of community, resilience, and the rich tapestry of a world built on indigenous narratives. — This acclaimed roleplaying game, the brainchild of Connor Alexander and a team of over three dozen Indigenous writers, artists, and creatives, marks a pivotal moment in gaming history. It envisions an alternate near future where colonization never occurred, blending science with spirituality and offering diverse options for conflict resolution.

Community Building

Smaller TTRPGs tend to foster tight-knit communities where creators and players interact closely. This intimacy can lead to meaningful connections and collaborations within the gaming community.

How to Support Lesser-Known TTRPGs

Buy and Play Indie Games

The most direct way to support indie TTRPGs is through purchasing them. Platforms like DriveThruRPG, itch.io, and Kickstarter offer a treasure trove of these hidden gems. Playing these games and introducing them to gaming groups helps spread the word and build support.

Join and Engage in TTRPG Communities

Indie TTRPGs often have dedicated online communities on platforms like Discord, Reddit, and various social media sites. Engaging in these communities, participating in discussions, and sharing gaming experiences can help foster a supportive environment for these games. Active participation in forums dedicated to games like “Tales from the Loop” or “Symbaroum” can also enhance one’s understanding and appreciation of the game.

A group of teenagers stands together in a misty field, their backs to the viewer, facing tall, enigmatic towers in the distance. They are dressed in warm, colorful jackets and backpacks, carrying tools and makeshift weapons, suggesting they are ready for an adventure. The scene is set in the late 1980s and captures the essence of "Tales from the Loop," a role-playing game where players solve mysteries connected to a massive underground particle accelerator. The fog and the towers give a sense of eerie mystery, while the teenagers’ stance conveys camaraderie and determination to uncover the secrets of the Loop. — Set in the late 1980s, this roleplaying game lets you play as teenagers solving Mysteries tied to The Loop. Choose from characters like the Bookworm, Troublemaker, Popular Kid, and Weirdo. Juggle life with parents, homework, and bullies while exploring secrets in Mälaren Islands or Boulder City, Nevada.

A dark, atmospheric scene from Symbaroum RPG, depicting two adventurers in a shadowy forest, standing before an ancient, mysterious stone structure adorned with eerie carvings. One character, cloaked and armed with a staff, raises a hand imbued with magical energy, while the other, a warrior clad in armor, wields a weapon and stands ready for battle. The forest is thick with mist and shadows, suggesting danger and secrets lurking in every corner, while a bird of prey soars above, adding to the ominous mood. — Set in the late 1980s, this roleplaying game lets you play as teenagers solving Mysteries tied to The Loop. Choose from characters like the Bookworm, Troublemaker, Popular Kid, and Weirdo. Juggle life with parents, homework, and bullies while exploring secrets in Mälaren Islands or Boulder City, Nevada.

Support TTRPG Crowdfunding Campaigns

Kickstarter and Indiegogo are platforms where many indie TTRPGs come to life. Backing these projects not only helps bring new games to market but also signals to creators that there is a demand for gaming experiences. Successful campaigns like “Mothership” and “Alice is Missing” demonstrate the community’s power to bring innovative projects to fruition.

A black-and-white illustration from the Mothership RPG, showcasing a diverse group of heavily armed and armored characters ready for survival in the harsh environment of outer space. The characters are equipped with various high-tech gear, including headlamps, air filters, oxygen supplies, short-range communications, and hydro reclamation systems, indicating their preparedness for toxic and dangerous conditions. Each character's equipment is detailed with labels, highlighting their specialized gear, while their determined expressions and varied attire convey the intensity and peril of their mission in the unforgiving cosmos. — The award-winning sci-fi horror RPG where you and your crew strive to survive in the universe’s most inhospitable environment: outer space! As members of a starship crew, you’ll face unimaginable horrors, from derelict spacecraft to hostile aliens and deadly cosmic anomalies. Make critical decisions, manage limited resources, and confront the unknown as you navigate the vast, unforgiving expanse. In Mothership, every choice could mean the difference between life and death. Are you ready to face the ultimate challenge?

A haunting illustration from indie TTRPG "Alice is Missing," featuring a character with long hair looking over a small, secluded town nestled in the woods at sunset. The art conveys a sense of isolation and mystery, with the town seemingly quiet and untouched. Birds fly overhead, and the atmosphere is tinged with a pinkish hue, enhancing the melancholic and eerie vibe of the game setting, emphasizing the game's focus on the silent disappearance of a high school junior named Alice Briarwood in the small town of Silent Falls. — The award-winning sci-fi horror RPG where you and your crew strive to survive in the universe’s most inhospitable environment: outer space! As members of a starship crew, you’ll face unimaginable horrors, from derelict spacecraft to hostile aliens and deadly cosmic anomalies. Make critical decisions, manage limited resources, and confront the unknown as you navigate the vast, unforgiving expanse. In Mothership, every choice could mean the difference between life and death. Are you ready to face the ultimate challenge?

Positive reviews and constructive feedback are invaluable to indie game creators. Leaving reviews on platforms where the games are sold or discussed can help other potential players discover and appreciate these games. Detailed reviews of games like “Spire: The City Must Fall” or “The Quiet Year” can significantly impact their visibility and success.

Stylized art from "Spire: The City Must Fall" depicting shadowy figures in an industrial, dystopian cityscape. The characters, likely dark elves known as drow, stand beneath a cryptic sign written in a mysterious script. The dark, moody tones of the image highlight the game's themes of rebellion and intrigue in a city occupied by oppressive high elves. The urban setting, with its towering buildings and ominous atmosphere, evokes a sense of danger and secrecy, perfectly capturing the essence of a struggle for freedom and justice within the game's narrative. — You are a dark elf living in the towering city of Spire, occupied by high elves for the past two hundred years. As a member of the Ministry, a secret paramilitary cult, your goal is to overthrow the cruel high elves and restore the drow as the rightful rulers of the city. What – or who – will you sacrifice to achieve your aims? Will you evade the authorities, or meet a fate like many before you?

A sepia-toned illustration from "The Quiet Year" RPG, depicting a weathered set of playing card suits—hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades—beside a detailed sketch of a lighthouse on a rocky outcrop. Below the lighthouse, a small boat with several figures rows through a misty, turbulent sea, symbolizing the struggles and journeys faced by a community in the aftermath of civilization’s collapse. The vintage style and rustic texture of the image evoke a sense of history and the passage of time, reflecting the game's themes of survival, rebuilding, and the ephemeral nature of peace in a post-apocalyptic world. — You are a dark elf living in the towering city of Spire, occupied by high elves for the past two hundred years. As a member of the Ministry, a secret paramilitary cult, your goal is to overthrow the cruel high elves and restore the drow as the rightful rulers of the city. What – or who – will you sacrifice to achieve your aims? Will you evade the authorities, or meet a fate like many before you?

Attend and Promote Indie TTRPG Events

Conventions, online gaming events, and local game stores often host sessions and showcases for indie TTRPGs. Attending these events, participating in games, and spreading the word about them can raise awareness and support for lesser-known titles.

An illustration from "Fiasco" indie TTRPG. The image features a minimalist, red background with a bold white title, "FIASCO," angled across the center. To the left, a black silhouette of a hand holding a gun points toward a figure on the right. The figure, also a black silhouette, has a broken heart icon on its chest. Dashed white lines add a sense of motion and tension, hinting at the chaotic, disastrous situations players will navigate in this GM-less role-playing game. — **Fiasco** is an award-winning, GM-less game for 3-5 players, designed for quick, no-prep play. Create and enact disastrous scenarios inspired by Coen brothers’ movies, focusing on greed, fear, and lust. Play as ordinary people with big ambitions and poor impulse control in tales of capers gone wrong, reminiscent of films like Fargo and Burn After Reading. The new edition is more accessible, replacing dice and index cards with intuitive playing cards for setup and outcomes, enhancing the overall experience.

Events focused on games like “Fiasco” or “Scum and Villainy” provide opportunities to engage directly with the creators and community.

A black-and-white illustration from "Scum and Villainy" indie TTRPG. The image depicts two characters, a man and a woman, taking cover behind a large, bullet-riddled block while engaged in a fierce firefight. Both are dressed in futuristic, tactical gear. The woman, with a determined expression, reaches out with one hand while the other holds a weapon. The man, similarly armed, looks back over his shoulder, ready to return fire. Around them, various futuristic soldiers and robotic figures are seen in action, adding to the high-stakes, sci-fi atmosphere of the scene. — **Scum and Villainy** is a Forged in the Dark game about a spaceship crew surviving under the Galactic Hegemony. Navigate unwise deals, blaster fights, and high adventure among the stars. Work together to thrive against criminal syndicates, noble families, aliens, and mystics. Explore ancient ruins for profit. Can your crew stay united long enough to strike it big and achieve fame?

For those who enjoy creating, consider making content about indie TTRPGs, such as blog posts, videos, podcasts, or actual play sessions. Sharing enthusiasm and experiences can inspire others to explore these games.

A haunting illustration from "Witch: Fated Souls" indie TTRPG. The image depicts a young woman with a determined expression sitting in the foreground. Behind her looms a tall, skeletal figure with a deer skull for a head, draped in tattered, shadowy robes. Its long, clawed fingers extend menacingly towards the girl, creating a chilling contrast between the human and the supernatural. The eerie, dark forest setting in the background enhances the mysterious and ominous atmosphere of the scene. — **Witch: Fated Souls** is a modern fantasy roleplaying game set in our contemporary world, where supernatural beings like witches, demons, vampires, and werewolves exist hidden from humanity. Similar to the World of Darkness, it offers its own unique elements. Players become the Fated, or witches, who gain magic through a demonic pact, selling their souls for power. The Fated are divided into seven Fates, each linked to a specific demon and type of magic they can wield.

Content related to unique games like “Witch: Fated Souls” or “Legacy: Life Among the Ruins” can attract new players and build a dedicated following.

A post-apocalyptic scene from indie TTRPG "Legacy: Life Among the Ruins" RPG. The image features a solitary figure standing amidst ruins, gazing towards a dramatic sunset. The character is equipped with a cybernetic arm, symbolizing the fusion of technology and survival in a devastated world. The remnants of a once-great civilization loom around them, casting shadows that hint at both the past's grandeur and its downfall. The warm, glowing horizon juxtaposed with the dark silhouettes creates a poignant atmosphere of hope and desolation. — Your ancestors survived through luck, preparation, or sheer determination. Now, it’s time to leave their shelters and rebuild the world. The wasteland is home to other families, secretive factions, and bizarre monsters. As generations pass and your family adapts, what stories will unfold?

In this roleplaying game, create a unique post-apocalyptic landscape inhabited by scattered survivor families. Control a family, play the heroes that define them, and guide them through the evolving history.

All Ages of Geek: A Champion for Indie TTRPGs

At All Ages of Geek, the mission to support indie TTRPGs is pursued with passion and dedication. Through a variety of initiatives, the platform amplifies the voices of indie creators, bringing their innovative games to the forefront of the gaming community.

Spotlighting Indie TTRPG Creators

All Ages of Geek regularly conducts interviews with indie TTRPG designers, offering them a platform to share their stories and creative journeys. These interviews not only celebrate the creators but also provide valuable insights into the indie game development process, inspiring both new and seasoned players.

In-Depth Game Reviews

With a commitment to thoroughness and honesty, All Ages of Geek reviews indie TTRPGs, exploring the unique mechanics and narratives that set them apart. These reviews serve as a guide for gamers looking to discover new and exciting TTRPG experiences beyond the mainstream offerings.

Building TTRPG Partnerships

Strategic partnerships with indie developers are a cornerstone of All Ages of Geek’s support strategy. By collaborating on exclusive content, promotions, and events, All Ages of Geek helps indie TTRPGs reach a wider audience, ensuring that these creative projects receive the recognition they deserve.

Engaging the TTRPG Community

Community is at the heart of All Ages of Geek’s efforts. Through active engagement on social media, forums, and at live events, the platform cultivates a vibrant and inclusive network of TTRPG enthusiasts. This engagement not only supports indie games but also strengthens the bonds within the gaming community.

Where to Find Indie TTRPGs

DriveThruRPG

One of the largest digital marketplaces for TTRPGs, DriveThruRPG offers a vast selection of indie games across all genres. It’s a reliable source for finding both well-known and obscure titles.

itch.io

Known for its indie video games, itch.io also hosts a thriving community of indie TTRPG creators. It’s an excellent platform for discovering experimental and innovative games.

Kickstarter

Many indie TTRPGs begin their journey on Kickstarter. Supporting campaigns here can provide early access to some of the most exciting new games.

Local Game Stores

Many local game stores stock indie TTRPGs or can order them upon request. Supporting local businesses and indie games simultaneously strengthens the gaming community.

Online Communities and Forums

Websites like Reddit (r/RPG), various TTRPG Discord servers, and specialized forums can be treasure troves of recommendations and information on where to find and support indie games.

How do you support Indie TTRPGs?

Where does your support go in the TTRPG Indie Space?

Supporting a diverse range of TTRPGs beyond Dungeons & Dragons enriches the gaming landscape for everyone. By purchasing games, joining communities, or promoting indie creators, every bit of support helps these unique games thrive.

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Bailey Harris

Bailey, born in 1988, is a passionate and analytical writer specializing in TTRPGs, MMORPGs, and Light Novels. Known for descriptive and meticulously detailed reviews, Bailey's work serves as a valuable resource for research. His love for geography shines through in vivid descriptions of maps and locations. Bailey's articles immerse readers in the intricate worlds of games and novels.