Summary
- Classic TTRPG elements like branching narrative were crucial in shaping popular video game franchises.
- Games like Solasta, Mutant Year Zero, and Warhammer 40k showcase faithful adaptations of TTRPG dynamics.
- Baldur's Gate 3 excels as the best game by seamlessly blending D&D inspired mechanics into a rich, immersive fantasy world.
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.
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In addition, these inspirations also created franchises that video game players still love today. Beyond titles inspired by Dungeons & 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.
10 Solasta Crown Of The Magister
RPG Is Perfect For Fans Of Dungeons & Dragons Rules
Solasta: Crown of the Magister
- Released
- May 27, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen // Violence, Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Language
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Tactical
- Inspired by which Tabletop RPG: Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Unlike many other games inspired by tabletop RPG, Solasta: Crown of the Magister takes 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 conservative Dungeons & Dragons fans, Solasta’s combat works better than that of Baldur’s Gate 3, which borrows some concepts from Divinity: Original Sin 2, another Larian Studios title.
9 Mutant Year Zero Road To Eden
Title Brings A Mix Of Mutants Seeking Salvation
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
- Released
- December 4, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
- Inspired by which Tabletop RPG: Mutant: Year Zero
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden is an excellent example of how to adapt tabletop RPG to video 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 of XCOM or 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.
8 Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader
Title Was The First CRPG In The Warhammer Series
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
- Released
- December 7, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs and Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
- Inspired by which Tabletop RPG: Rogue Trader (2009)
Although the franchise is well known for its many games, years passed before a traditional RPG appeared, a gap filled by Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader from 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 space while 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.
7 Shadowrun Dragonfall
Tabletop RPG Blends Futuristic Settings With Fantasy
Shadowrun Dragonfall: Director's Cut
- Released
- September 18, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature // Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Tactical RPG
- Inspired by which Tabletop RPG: Shadowrun
Whether on the table or on screen, the Shadowrun tabletop 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.
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In Shadowrun: 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.
6 Vampire The Masquerade – Bloodlines
Many Concepts From White Wolf’s System Come To Life In This RPG
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
- Released
- November 16, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Inspired by which Tabletop RPG: Vampire: The Masquerade
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, in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, players can choose one of the different clans available to create their own character and experience this story through the nights of Los Angeles.
The clans from the RPG are the main highlight of Bloodlines, 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.
5 Pathfinder Wrath Of The Righteous
Game Adapts Pathfinder First Edition Rules To Video Games
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
- Released
- September 2, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Inspired by which Tabletop RPG: Pathfinder First Edition
Emerging as a counterpart to Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder took some time before making its way into the video game world, but when it did, the result was impressive. In Wrath 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 and complete experience for fans of the genre.
4 Cyberpunk 2077
Night City Came To Life In This Action RPG
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Inspired by which Tabletop RPG: Cyberpunk 2020
Although it differs from other tabletop RPG‑inspired games, Cyberpunk 2077 set 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 from Cyberpunk 2020 were not used in CD Projekt Red’s game, the setting of Night City stands out as one of Cyberpunk 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.
3 Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic
This Game Uses A Variation Of Dungeons & Dragons Ruleset
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Released
- July 15, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Inspired by which Tabletop RPG: Star Wars Roleplaying Game (based on Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic precisely adapts classic tabletop RPG rules to video games. Players familiar with Dungeons & Dragons, especially older editions, will recognize clear similarities in combat and progression. This happens because the game is built on the Star 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.
2 Planescape Torment
This Title Shows That Being Based On D&D Does Not Require A Focus On Combat
Planescape: Torment
- Released
- December 12, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Inspired by which Tabletop RPG: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition
While most video games inspired by Dungeons & Dragons give attention to combat, a common element for players, Planescape: Torment moved 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: Torment is a highly philosophical experience that inspired several other notable titles, the most famous being Disco 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.
1 Baldur's Gate 3
The Best Game Inspired By A Tabletop RPG
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Inspired by which Tabletop RPG: Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Since its full release in 2023, Baldur’s Gate 3 has 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 of Forgotten Realms to 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, as Baldur’s Gate 3 left behind real-time combat in favor of turn-based battles, aligning more closely with the core of Dungeons & 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.
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