Hey everyone! My current Dungeons & Dragons campaign is wrapping up soon, and while I’m planning to jump into a Starfinder or Pathfinder campaign next, I want to find a fun, light game to play in the meantime. I’m looking for something that serves as a palate cleanser, if you will, to help shake off the D&D vibes. Here are a few requirements I’m hoping to meet:
1. **Easy to pick up and drop** – I want something that can be run over about 3 sessions. It should be simple to learn so it feels like enough time to enjoy it without overextending.
2. **Not fantasy** – Especially not in the same vein as D&D. I want to pull the group out of that mindset, so the further removed, the better!
3. **Affordable** – Ideally, I don’t want to spend a ton on a book that may not get used again. If there’s a cheap or free intro version available, that would be awesome.
So far, I’ve considered Mausritter and Mothership, but I’m looking for at least one more game to pitch to my group. Any suggestions?
5 Answers
If you’re after something light and different, try *Pirate Borg*. It’s a super easy-to-learn game where you can create some chaotic pirate adventures. The rulebook has everything you need, and it’s a fun setting that’s a total departure from D&D.
Lastly, how about *Call of Cthulhu*? It has a free quickstart scenario that’s easy to learn and does a great job of immersing players in a completely different setting. Perfect for a short burst of gameplay!
Call of Cthulhu is an excellent option! It’s a classic and definitely shifts the tone away from fantasy.
Another game to consider is *Microscope*. It’s a unique game about building a fictional history together without much prep needed. Plus, there’s a free playtest for new rules on their website right now. It can be a fun way to create a world for future games too!
Using Microscope to help build a new game sounds awesome! I love how chill and engaging it is.
I’d recommend *Mothership*. It fits your criteria perfectly—quick to learn, easy to pick up and play. Plus, it’s got that sci-fi horror vibe that’s a nice change from fantasy!
Totally agree! Mothership has been a blast for us, and it’s well-suited for short campaigns.
Have you checked out *Monster of the Week*? It’s not a fantasy game at all and super easy to learn. Plus, its structure is perfect for short sessions—it really shines with mystery episodes. The PDF is only $20, so it won’t break the bank either!
Yep, I second that! The concept is straightforward, and you can get into it really quickly.
I was thinking the same thing! The character generation is random and hilarious, making every session different!