Introduction

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) have been captivating gamers for decades, offering immersive experiences and limitless possibilities. Combining the worlds of video games and TTRPGs opens up a whole new realm of adventure, allowing players to dive deeper into their favorite gaming universes. In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 TTRPGs inspired by beloved video game franchises. From fantasy epics to post-apocalyptic wastelands, these games bring the digital world to your tabletop.

1. Zelda

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The debut of an official Legend of Zelda tabletop RPG was introduced during a special one-shot episode of Critical Role. The episode, set in the world of Hyrule within The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom timeline, aired on Tuesday night. Nintendo of America sponsored the episode, and the renowned voice actor of Ganondorf, Matthew Mercer, led a group of players through an exciting adventure.

What made Critical Role's Legend of Zelda one-shot particularly surprising wasn't just the fact that the show had a video game tie-in, as they had done sponsored one-shots in the past. Rather, it was the use of a custom-made tabletop RPG specifically designed in collaboration between Critical Role and Nintendo of America.

The Legend of Zelda RPG employed an unusual approach, utilizing the Powered by the Apocalypse game engine as its base. Players were given three core stats, each representing a different Triforce virtue, along with additional features such as initiative rolls. Mercer highlighted that this game was the result of a joint effort between Critical Role and Nintendo of America. This collaboration not only involved Nintendo's approval of the system but also likely included active participation in developing the game rules to authentically capture the essence of the Legend of Zelda franchise.

In this game that captures the essence of Nintendo's iconic franchise, Players can embark on heroic quests, solve puzzles, and engage in epic battles against formidable foes. With a focus on exploration, discovery, and the power of courage, this TTRPG allows players to immerse themselves in the rich mythology and captivating world of The Legend of Zelda.

2. Elden Ring

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The highly anticipated collaboration between FromSoftware and George R.R. Martin is set to be transformed into a tabletop RPG that brings its unique blend of dark fantasy and mythos to the tabletop. This game offers a challenging and atmospheric experience, with a focus on exploration, epic battles, and a mysterious interconnected world.

The forthcoming tabletop RPG will delve into the intricacies of magic spells, sorceries, items, and adversaries discovered within The Lands Between. Additionally, it will encompass comprehensive guidelines for embarking on adventures in the vast world of Elden Ring. It remains uncertain whether the RPG will adopt an existing gameplay system or introduce an entirely new ruleset.

3. Final Fantasy XIV

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Eorzea RPG, an unofficial tabletop adaptation of the popular MMO Final Fantasy XIV, has been crafted by avid fan Arkana Grey. Named after the vast world of the video game, this adaptation takes a different approach, streamlining the intricate job system and combo-driven skill-based combat in favor of a rules-light ruleset that places a stronger emphasis on character roleplaying.

The intention behind this system, as stated by Grey in the rulebook, is to blend the structure of a tabletop RPG with the freedom and creativity found in storytelling roleplay. It aims to strike a balance between the intricate mechanics and limitations often associated with tabletop RPGs and the more flexible and unstructured format of storytelling roleplay. The goal is to provide players with a sense of adventure, growing power, and high-stakes storytelling within a simple yet engaging system.

Capturing the essence of the beloved JRPG series, the Final Fantasy TTRPG brings forth a world of epic storytelling, colorful characters, and captivating battles. With magical abilities, and iconic creatures, players can embark on grand quests, delve into ancient dungeons, and save the world from impending doom.

4. Pokemon

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The Poke RPG was initiated by Isaac Ostlund, an avid Pokemon enthusiast, who embarked on the task of fusing the rules of Pokemon with the mechanics of Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition. Set in a vibrant world filled with unique creatures, players can capture, train, and battle alongside their Pokemon companions. In this revamped version, your character possesses a familiar set of attributes, with some alterations: Dexterity is now referred to as Agility, Charisma becomes Spirit, Wisdom is renamed Awareness, and Constitution is now Vitality. Each of these attributes corresponds to specific Pokemon stats, namely ATK, Sp.ATK, DEF, Sp.DEF, SPD, and HP.

In this Pokemon RPG, the primary focus of combat lies with your Pokemon companions. Unlike the traditional video games, characters are now capable of having up to three Pokemon in their squad simultaneously. Each Pokemon retains its unique stat distribution and possesses a set of four moves that they can utilize as long as they have the required MP (Move Points) to execute them.

5. Elder Scrolls

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Developer Chip Theory Games has recently unveiled an exhilarating tabletop role-playing game based on the beloved Elder Scrolls franchise, titled "Betrayal of the Second Era." The Elder Scrolls series, renowned for its vast and diverse land of Tamriel, has captivated countless gamers throughout its extensive history. This game allows players to explore the continent of Tamriel, encounter diverse cultures and races, and embark on epic quests. The system captures the essence of the video game franchise, offering a rich lore, open-ended gameplay, and countless opportunities for adventure.

Since its inception with "The Elder Scrolls: Arena" in 1994, Bethesda's role-playing series has intricately crafted a sprawling fantasy realm with a rich history. The enchanting setting of Tamriel encompasses nine distinct provinces, each influenced by real-world cultures and inhabited by unique races. While most modern Elder Scrolls games concentrate on a single province, such as the eccentric land of Morrowind inhabited by the Dark Elves or the Norse-inspired icy mountains of Skyrim, the franchise has achieved its status as a gaming titan. Notably, the Elder Scrolls franchise draws inspiration from tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons and RuneQuest, among others.

6. Dragon Age

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Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed Dragon Age series, this TTRPG captures the essence of the dark fantasy world in Dragon Age. The game emphasizes rich storytelling, complex moral decisions, and deep character development. Published by Green Ronin on January 25, 2010, the Dragon Age tabletop role-playing game, created by Chris Pramas, offers an immersive experience. Ideal for 3-5 players aged 14 and above.

Within the game, participants have the opportunity to assume the roles of warriors, mages, and rogues within the captivating world of Thedas. Their objective is to establish their reputation by conquering formidable adversaries and facing treacherous trials. Whether confronting the abhorrent darkspawn in ancient dwarven ruins, engaging in intellectual battles with Orlesian nobles, or unraveling the enigmas of the Fade, players are bound to encounter enthralling adventures.

7. Fallout

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Modiphius has developed the Fallout tabletop RPG using their signature system, 2d20, which is utilized in most of their RPG products. The beauty of 2d20 lies in its simplicity, allowing for easy customization to create distinct experiences in games like Dune or Star Trek Adventures.

Delving into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Fallout series, this TTRPG provides a unique tabletop experience. Set in a retro-futuristic world ravaged by nuclear war, players can navigate through the ruins, encounter factions, and face the moral dilemmas of survival. The game emphasizes exploration, resource management, and the consequences of one's actions in a harsh and unforgiving world.

In this system, gameplay revolves around two attributes, whose values are combined to determine the target number for the 2d20 roll. For Fallout, these two attributes align with the familiar stats and skills commonly found in the game. There are 7 stats, known as SPECIAL stats (Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, Luck), and 17 skills (including the 13 skills from Fallout 3 along with Athletics, Survival, Throwing, and Pilot). While these lists may be longer compared to other 2d20 games, they are similar in size to those found in traditional RPGs. The close resemblance to the video games aids in reducing the cognitive load for players, making it easier to grasp and engage with the mechanics.

8. Fire Emblem

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The Fire Emblem RPG is an exciting fan-made tactical role-playing game that immerses players in a thrilling adventure. In this game, players unite to form a party and navigate through a series of carefully designed maps and scenarios. The key to success lies in teamwork, as all players take their turns simultaneously, necessitating cooperation and effective communication for survival. Similarly, the opponents also act collectively, creating a dynamic and challenging gameplay experience.The level of difficulty will be determined by the Game Master (GM) and the players themselves.

Fans of Fire Emblem will find themselves facing the familiar challenge of navigating unfamiliar maps, adding a sense of discovery and anticipation to the new RPG experience. The game offers deep character customization, intense battles, and intricate political intrigue. Players can form alliances, forge relationships, and guide their armies to victory, navigating a complex web of alliances and rivalries. Whether you seek a formidable challenge or prefer a more relaxed gameplay style, the Fire Emblem RPG caters to both preferences, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all participants.

9. Mass Effect

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Embark on an epic space adventure with the Mass Effect TTRPG, set in a universe teeming with diverse alien races, advanced technology, and galactic politics. Mass Effect 5e is an unofficial, fan-created project that brings the world of Mass Effect into the realm of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Players take on the role of space-faring adventurers, exploring uncharted worlds, engaging in intense combat, and making crucial decisions that shape the fate of the galaxy.

This homebrew adaptation originated in early 2016 and was primarily developed by Luke Aeschleman, with additional collaboration and editing by Hugh Thompson. The evolution of Mass Effect 5e has transformed it into a "living homebrew" experience. This means that the community plays a vital role by providing feedback and suggestions for improvement. The project now operates with a team of Discord moderators who carefully assess and implement changes as necessary, ensuring that the game remains dynamic and responsive to the needs and desires of the player community.

Concluding

The fusion of video games and tabletop role-playing games offers an exciting avenue for fans to delve deeper into their favorite gaming universes. From the dark fantasy world of Dragon Age to the epic space opera of Mass Effect, and from the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout to the strategic battles of Fire Emblem, these video game-inspired TTRPGs provide immersive experiences, captivating narratives, and limitless opportunities for adventure.

Whether you're a fan of fantasy epics, science fiction sagas, or exploring uncharted worlds, there is a TTRPG on this list to suit your tastes. The worlds of Dragon Age, Elden Ring, Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Final Fantasy, Fire Emblem, Mass Effect, Monster Hunter, Pokemon, and Zelda await your imagination and storytelling prowess.

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