Summary
Tabletop RPG played a very important role in the evolution and development of the RPG genre in video games, since many concepts from this analog experience were adapted so they would work remarkably well in the transition to digital. Classic elements such as branching narrative, character creation, and the design of incredible universes to explore are just some of the influences of TTRPGs.
In addition, these inspirations also created franchises that video game players still love today.Beyond titles inspired byDungeons & Dragons,several licensed games based on tabletop RPG keep the genre’s essence alive, offering well‑crafted experiences that carry many elements from the books into the games, delivering a consistent adaptation with plenty of freedom.
Unlike many other games inspired by tabletop RPG,Solasta: Crown of the Magistertakes the opposite route, choosing to keep its mechanics as close as possible to Dungeons & Dragons 5e. As a result, this RPG manages to emulate an experience that is very faithful to the original material.
This attention to detail appears in several ways, such as initiative order, ability use, and even lighting, all reflecting the source. For more conservativeDungeons & Dragonsfans,Solasta’s combat works better than that ofBaldur’s Gate 3, which borrows some concepts fromDivinity: Original Sin 2, another Larian Studios title.
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Edenis an excellent example of how to adapt tabletop RPG tovideo games in a strategic yet accessible way. The game is based on the Mutant: Year Zero system from Free League Publishing and delivers a turn‑based tactical experience combined with stealth and exploration, recreating the original RPG dynamics in a modern, functional structure.
The post‑apocalyptic setting, mutant characters, and hard choices along the journey capture the tabletop essence. Every decision, whether made during tactical combat reminiscent ofXCOMor within the story, reinforces the game’s tabletop RPG roots, demanding planning and situational awareness while offering a unique experience for fans of the genre.
Although the franchise is well known for its many games, years passed before a traditional RPG appeared, a gap filled byWarhammer 40,000: Rogue Traderfrom Owlcat Games. Based on the tabletop RPG of the same name, this title serves as an excellent gateway for anyone wishing to learn more about the Warhammer universe.
Players assume the role of a new Rogue Trader who must navigate spacewhile dealing with heretics and xenos. One of the highlights that makes this game among the best tabletop‑inspired RPGs is the quality of the companions who join the protagonist, varied both in design and in the personalities they display.
Whether on the table or on screen, theShadowruntabletop RPG franchise offers one of the most distinctive experiences for genre fans, because its setting mixes futuristic backdrops with familiar medieval‑fantasy elements such as elves and dwarves. This blend arose after an event known as The Awakening, when magic returned to the world and altered human DNA, creating new variations of the species.
InShadowrun: Dragonfall, players explore Berlin, a region not ruled by mega‑corporations as is standard in both the setting and the cyberpunk genre, but instead controlled by diverse factions. During an early mission, the death of an NPC sends the characters on an investigation that uncovers a larger plot tied to the re‑emergence of FeuerSchwinge, one of the most feared dragons in recent history.
Vampire: The Masquerade is one of the most popular systems for tabletop RPG players who value roleplay over combat, something that the video game adaptation managed to capture very well. So, inVampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, players can choose one of the different clans available to create their own character and experience this storythrough the nights of Los Angeles.
The clans from the RPG are the main highlight ofBloodlines, because each of the seven available options is aligned with a different style of gameplay, so they clearly have strengths and weaknesses that affect how the player can interact with the environment and solve problems. On top of that, the setting is also very well crafted, bringing in several interesting characters for those who enjoy roleplaying.
Emerging as a counterpart toDungeons & Dragons,Pathfindertook some time before making its way into the video game world, but when it did, the result was impressive. InWrath of the Righteous, the second entry in the series, players experience an adaptation of the Adventure Path of the same name, leading a crusade against demons threatening to destroy the world of Golarion.
One of the game’s strongest aspects, and what makes it one of the best isometric RPGs based on TTRPG systems, is the level of freedom it offers. From deep character customization to branching storylines, choices play a significant role in shaping the journey. Depending on decisions made, new allies and narrative paths emerge, providing a challenging andcomplete experience for fans of the genre.
Although it differs from other tabletop RPG‑inspired games,Cyberpunk 2077set aside some traditional elements and delivered an experience closer to an action RPG. Thus, even though the book rules are rarely mentioned in its move to video games, the fast‑paced feel remains what players expect from a title set in this futuristic universe.
However, even though the tabletop rules fromCyberpunk 2020were not used in CD Projekt Red’s game, the setting ofNight City stands out as one ofCyberpunk 2077’s greatest strengths. The city is incredibly well-crafted and filled with content to explore and, additionally, the narrative shines, blending classic TTRPG references to deliver a well-developed adventure.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republicprecisely adapts classic tabletop RPG rules to video games. Players familiar withDungeons & Dragons, especially older editions, will recognize clear similarities in combat and progression. This happens because the game is built on theStar Wars Roleplaying Game, which uses a variation of D&D 3rd Edition as its structural base.
The progression system follows a level model that goes up to 20, with six main attributes influencing character performance. While faithful to the source, BioWare made key adjustments to fit video game pacing, ensuring smoother, more accessible play. The result balances strategy and action within the expanded Star Wars universe, pleasing fans of both RPGs and galactic lore.
While most video games inspired byDungeons & Dragonsgive attention to combat, a common element for players,Planescape: Tormentmoved away from that trend in its gameplay. Instead, the developers focused more on narrative and decisions that shape the entire story throughout the journey.
Because of this,Planescape: Tormentis a highly philosophical experience thatinspired several other notable titles, the most famous beingDisco Elysium. Although combat is not the focus, the game does not ignore the mechanic; it remains a secondary option, and for most of the time players should expect deep, well‑crafted dialogues.
Since its full release in 2023,Baldur’s Gate 3has become one of the greatest games ever made, standing out especially among RPGs inspired by tabletop mechanics. In this title, Larian managed to bring the world ofForgotten Realmsto life in a remarkable way, through a three-act narrative where the stakes rise with each chapter.
The gameplay mechanics also moved away from what the first two entries in the franchise established, asBaldur’s Gate 3left behind real-time combat in favor of turn-based battles, aligning more closely with the core ofDungeons & Dragons. The game also offers a high degree of freedom in its story, presenting dozens of choices and builds that lead to a unique experience for fans of the genre.
