If you ever tried to get into tabletop role-playing games - the kind where you sit around with character sheets, describing your actions and rolling dice - it was probably through Dungeons & Dragons. And if you're sick of medieval fantasy, or you don't care about fighting monsters, or you hate looking up stats on different charts, you might have walked away thinking "I guess I don't like RPGs." Which is a shame, because there are thousands of other RPGs out there.
Not every game is about winning. Amidst the rise in tabletop gaming, dozens of storytelling games have emerged that challenge you or your teammates to create entertaining stories instead of beating each other. If you want to hone your skills as a creative writer, these are an excellent way to start.
Playing tabletop RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons or Pathfinder thankfully doesn't carry the same stigma it once did. That's great because as this TEDx talk explains, the game can do a lot to help you in real life.
When it comes to roleplaying games, there are two titans that dominate: Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition and the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. They have a lot of similarities, but both games bring something very different to the table. Whether you're an experienced gamer, or never touched a d20 before, here's everything you need to know to make the right choice for you.
Sitting around a table with good friends is the best way to play tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, but that's not always an option. If your friends have moved away, live overseas or don't want to brave the traffic, there's plenty of ways to make game night happen no matter where your group is located.
