Tabletop pen-and-paper role-playing games (RPGs) have been a popular hobby for decades, allowing players to embark on immersive adventures with their friends. With so many options available, it can be tough to determine which ones are the most popular of all time. This article will explore some of the most popular tabletop pen-and-paper RPG games.

 Dungeons & Dragons

“Dungeons & Dragons,” or D&D, is perhaps the most well-known tabletop RPG of all time. First published in 1974, the game has undergone numerous revisions and updates. In D&D, players create their own characters and work together to complete quests and battles. The game has many possible character options and scenarios, making it highly replayable. It has a dedicated player base and has had a significant cultural impact, inspiring numerous video games and other media.

Pathfinder

“Pathfinder” is a tabletop RPG published in 2009 and based on the 3.5 edition of D&D. It offers a similar gameplay experience to D&D. Still, with additional character options and a slightly different combat system. “Pathfinder” has a dedicated player base and has inspired numerous spin-off products, including a successful Kickstarter campaign for a tabletop miniatures game.

Call of Cthulhu

“Call of Cthulhu” is a horror-themed tabletop RPG published in 1981. Based on the stories of H.P. Lovecraft, the game has players taking on the role of investigators as they uncover cosmic horrors and ancient deities. “Call of Cthulhu” has a dedicated player base and has inspired numerous spin-off products, including video games and tabletop miniatures games.

Shadowrun

“Shadowrun” is a science fiction/fantasy hybrid tabletop RPG published in 1989. The game is set in a dystopian future where magic and technology coexist. Players create their own characters and complete quests in a world filled with corporate espionage and other dangers. “Shadowrun” has a dedicated player base and has inspired numerous spin-off products, including video games and a collectible card game.

 Vampire: The Masquerade

“Vampire: The Masquerade” is a tabletop RPG published in 1991 and set in the World of Darkness, a universe filled with supernatural beings and intrigue. The game has players taking on the role of vampires as they navigate the politics of the undead. “Vampire: The Masquerade” has a dedicated player base and has inspired numerous spin-off products, including video games and a collectible card game.

Star Wars: Edge of the Empire

“Star Wars: Edge of the Empire” is a tabletop RPG published in 2013 and set in the Star Wars universe. The game allows players to create their own characters and complete quests in the world of  the Star Wars films. “Star Wars: Edge of the Empire” is part of the “Star Wars” RPG system, which also includes the “Age of Rebellion” and “Force and Destiny” games.

GURPS

“GURPS, or Generic Universal Role-Playing System, is a tabletop RPG system published in 1986. It is known for its flexibility and versatility, allowing players to create characters and settings in various genres. “GURPS” has a dedicated player base and has inspired numerous spin-off products, including a collectible card game.