7 Popular Tabletop Games to Explore Beyond Dungeons & Dragons
Tabletop gaming offers a universe of adventures waiting to be discovered. While Dungeons & Dragons is the most famous name in role-playing games, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Players who enjoy the thrill of dice rolls, imaginative storytelling, and group challenges will find that the tabletop landscape is filled with variety. From quick party games to deeply immersive role-playing experiences, there is something for everyone.
If you love D&D but want to branch out, here are seven popular tabletop games worth exploring.
QUICK AND EASY THRILLS: GATEWAY GAMES
Sometimes you just want to sit down with friends, laugh, and enjoy a fast-paced game without hours of preparation. Gateway games are designed to be easy to learn and fun to replay. They are also great for introducing people who might be new to tabletop gaming.
This quirky card game is essentially a cartoonish version of Russian roulette. Players take turns drawing cards while trying to avoid the dreaded exploding kitten card. To survive, you’ll use cards that allow you to skip turns, peek at the deck, or force opponents to draw more cards. The rules are simple, the artwork is hilarious, and the tension builds quickly. It is lighthearted fun that can turn any evening into laughter-filled chaos.
Codenames is a clever word association game that pits teams against each other as rival spymasters. One player provides single-word clues to help their teammates guess the right words on the board. The challenge lies in being both specific and creative, since one wrong guess could lead your team straight to the opposing spy or even the assassin card. The game encourages communication and teamwork, making it a favorite for families and friend groups alike.
Ticket to Ride is a modern classic in board gaming. Players compete to build train routes across maps of different countries, connecting cities and earning points for completing their destination tickets. The rules are straightforward, but the strategy of blocking opponents or racing to complete a long route keeps everyone engaged. It is a fantastic introduction to board games for anyone who has only played traditional titles like Monopoly or Risk.
DICE-ROLLING FUN FOR EVERYONE
For players who enjoy the tactile feel of rolling dice, these games provide plenty of opportunities to shake and roll. They are also a great excuse to break out your favorite DND dice sets or try themed resin and gemstone dice that match the game’s vibe. Â
King of Tokyo is a fast, chaotic dice game where players take on the roles of giant monsters battling for control of the city. Each turn, you roll dice to attack other monsters, gain energy, or heal yourself. The colorful artwork, oversized dice, and straightforward mechanics make this game exciting for kids and adults alike. If you already own bright or oversized dice, this is the perfect chance to show them off.
Betrayal at House on the Hill begins as a cooperative exploration game. Players move through a haunted mansion, uncovering rooms and strange events. Eventually, one player turns traitor, triggering one of dozens of unique haunt scenarios that change the game into a tense battle of survival. The dice rolls add suspense, and the changing storylines make it highly replayable. Horror-themed dice, such as black and red resin sets or dice engraved with eerie designs, can enhance the creepy atmosphere.
Pandemic is a cooperative board game where players work together to stop the spread of four deadly diseases. Each person takes on a specialized role, such as medic or scientist, and the group must coordinate to prevent outbreaks while racing to find cures. The tension comes from the ticking clock as the game grows more difficult with each round. For groups used to competing against each other, Pandemic offers a refreshing challenge of collaboration.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: ALTERNATIVE RPGS
If you love the immersive storytelling and character-driven drama of D&D, there are many other role-playing games that offer unique systems and settings. These games allow you to explore new mechanics, darker stories, or fresh roleplay challenges while still keeping the spirit of collaborative storytelling alive.
Inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Call of Cthulhu is the quintessential horror RPG. Instead of warriors and wizards, players take on the roles of investigators uncovering terrifying mysteries. The game emphasizes atmosphere and storytelling, with sanity being as fragile as health. Rolling dice to resist madness can create unforgettable moments of suspense. Playing this game with dark, smoky gemstone dice or ominous resin sets can add to the tension and mood. Â
Blades in the Dark transports players to a haunted industrial city where they form a crew of daring criminals. The system is unique, focusing on heists, flashbacks, and risky gambits rather than long travel or dungeon crawls. The rules encourage creativity and clever thinking, rewarding players for daring choices. Dice featuring skulls, gears, or shadowy designs fit this world perfectly, making every roll feel like part of a gritty story.
One of the most enduring alternative RPGs, Vampire: The Masquerade immerses players in a world of gothic intrigue. As vampires navigating politics, power struggles, and personal morality, characters must balance their hunger for blood with the need to hide their existence from humanity. The themes of secrecy, betrayal, and survival make it a game unlike any other. A set of blood-red gemstone dice or gothic-styled metal dice can heighten the mood. Â
WHY EXPLORE BEYOND D&D?
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantastic game, but exploring other tabletop titles has benefits:
- Variety: Different games keep your group from feeling burned out on long campaigns.
- Accessibility: Some games take only 15 minutes to learn, making them easier for casual players.
- Themes: Whether you prefer horror, strategy, or cooperative gameplay, there is a tabletop game for every taste.
- Dice Fun: Many of these games still use dice heavily, giving you another excuse to expand your collection of resin, metal, or gemstone dice.
MAKE EVERY GAME MEMORABLE WITH RUNIC DICE
At Runic Dice, we believe every tabletop experience should feel magical. Whether you are exploring haunted mansions, battling giant monsters, or unraveling a cosmic mystery, the dice you use shape the story. Our handcrafted DND dice sets include shimmering resin designs, elegant gemstone dice, and bold metal dice that add weight and style to every roll.
If you are ready to expand your tabletop adventures, why not pair your new game with dice that capture the spirit of the story? A gothic gemstone set for Call of Cthulhu, a fiery resin set for King of Tokyo, or a sleek metal set for Blades in the Dark can make every roll unforgettable.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The world of tabletop gaming stretches far beyond Dungeons & Dragons. Whether you want a quick laugh with friends, a tense cooperative challenge, or a new role-playing universe, there are countless games waiting for you. Exploring these options can introduce you to new mechanics, fresh settings, and different styles of storytelling that keep your game nights exciting.
So gather your friends, pick a game, and don’t forget your dice bag. Adventure comes in many forms, and the right game paired with the perfect set of dice can turn an ordinary evening into a legendary memory.
