Moving on... How to find a new TTRPG (Script)

So, it’s time to find a new system and new adventures. But how? Do you just slip into the closest replica of what you already know? Or do you go for something completely new?

Hello there, my name is Bonus, and whether it’s you branching out alone, or helping your group switch to a new system, I’ve got the perfect video for you.

We’re going to work out exactly what you want from a new game, how you look for the right fit, and the best ways to make the transition as smooth as possible.

What do you want from a game?

If you’ve been gaming for a while with the same system, it’s easy to think we just want the same thing with a few changes, but stop! What do you really want?

Do you want crunchy mechanics? How deep should the narrative be? What kind of behaviour and feel do you want around the table whilst you play?

To do this, I VIBE check myself. I focus on Victory, Intensity, Brevity, and Ease. When Vibe checking what you want, do the following:
Victory - What do we want from the meat of the session. Are we trying to laugh lots? Do we want immersion above all else? Maybe it’s just about killing monsters and getting loot.

Once you know the victory condition - it’s easy to work out the rest.

Intensity - If it’s all about the narrative, how invested in our characters do we want to be? If it's about kicking ass, how complicated are the mechanics? If it’s all about the jokes, how silly or niche are we going?

Brevity - How long do we want each session to be? What about each story arc? Do we want to play this system forever or for a limited time? Are roleplay moments quick? Does combat take minutes, or hours? That sort of thing.

Ease - How easy is the bar for entry? Do we want to get a PHD to learn this system, or can we only be bothered with one page? More importantly, do we want to teach others, or all learn together?

By asking yourself these kinds of questions -  you’re shaking up the status quo - which might feel like a risk. It’s a hard and scary thing to do! But in doing so, you give yourself the best chance to find a system that works for you - and find out things about yourself and your group that you might not have considered otherwise.

Alright, I’ve VIBE-checked what I want -  but how do we find the right system?

There’s so many systems out there that it may seem extra daunting at first. But it doesn’t have to be. A good place to start is by going on the different TTRPG forums, or looking up certain hashtags, and reading reviews or articles from other players. Look on youtube for actual plays, scan twitch for any current streams, or ask friends their experience. Or better yet, join my discord and chat with the folks there! We talk about TTRPGs all the time and would love to have you. Feel free to join using the link in the description below!

As a quick hack when looking for a new system; check out the number of pages in that system’s rulebook. The thicker the rulebook, the deeper the narrative, crunchier the mechanics, and longer the sessions might be. The fewer pages there are, the quicker and more light the system is likely to be. Be warned, though, there are definitely some systems out there that break this mould.

Don’t fancy doing this alone? Many TTRPG systems offer free or low-cost starter kits or quick start guides that can give you a taste of what the game is like. You can also find online communities of players who are happy to help new players learn the system.

OK, research done - play time.

Yes! But before you run off, remember - it’s okay if it doesn’t work out. Trying something out and not enjoying it puts you one-step closer to finding something you DO like. In fact, there are so many systems out there, I suggest trying out multiple to begin with, and learning from each of them.

Outro

Trying different systems, settings, and rules, will only ever make you a better, more well-rounded roleplayer.

So, what are you waiting for, go play games! Or, check out this video on the 3 ways you’re going to thrive as a roleplayer by playing something new!

Thanks for watching folks, be kind to one another, and I’ll see you in the next video.