With the hype surrounding the Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves movie, tabletop games are having a resurgence in popularity. The tabletop version of the game is sure to see a new wave of fans once the movie is released in 2023.

But for those who have never played role-playing games can seem intimidating and complex. While some games require years of experience and vast amounts of materials, some games on the market need little to no experience and only rely on household objects to get a game started. Even though the gameplay is easy to grasp, even the most experienced players find pleasure in these games.

Fiasco

Fiasco takes all the elements of the best heist movies, mixes in inevitable human error, and makes a wild game that is great for anyone who loves tabletop games but doesn't want to endure a long setup and complicated rules.

The game's storylines can be tailored to any group of players, whether experienced in RPGs or just learning the basics. Fiasco allows all ages to play, making it great for family game night or an adult party. The story changes every time a new game is started, so players can keep advancing their skills and developing their characters each round.

Roll For Shoes

Roll For Shoes is incredibly simple and teaches RPG beginners how to build a character and slowly learn the basics of being a master role play gamer. Initially, the game seems black and white, but as players get more invested in the game, their character grows and becomes more complex, which makes the game more intense.

The original concept takes all the elements that D&D has in terms of development but also none of the complex rule books that drive away players who have never touched a 20-sided die.

Mouse Guard

Mouse Guard started as a book series but has evolved into an RPG that has captivated both new and old players. The game includes a level of realism for its players, making it easier for them to develop their characters and learn the basic skills needed to play an RPG.

Without too many complex features, the game keeps beginners engaged and doesn't intimidate them to the point that they no longer want to play. The art is also compelling and draws in new players with cute but fantastical visuals that make people want to play.

Golden Sky Stories

Golden Sky Stories is excellent for people who don't want to play violent games and enjoy anime-style art. The game is more relaxing than other games but relies on magic as the driving force behind the adventure.

This game is great for beginners because there are moments when players have to team up, which leads to an opportunity for expert players to help new players get to the next phase of the game. While there is no game master, a narrator is required to play.

Honey Heist

Honey Heist turns players into bears with one goal, which is to get as much honey as possible. The game has simple rules and outlines for characters that allow players to be creative but have a guideline that will enable them to learn how to build an engaging personality.

Like the best video RPG for beginners, the rules are accessible for all levels of players, so no one feels left out at the game table. Honey Heist is a one-shot, so new players can be added each round which is even better for new players, so they don't have to remember what happened the game before the last.

The Quiet Year

For gamers who love surviving and rebuilding life after the end of the world, there is The Quiet Year. The game centers around a time limit of 365 days unless the players' communities crumble before that.

The Quiet Year forces players to carefully weigh their decisions and decide if other people are sabotaging them or genuinely trying to help them thrive. Beyond the relatively simple gameplay, the materials only rely on a deck of cards to get things started. The game does take longer than other starter games but keeps players engaged with the week-to-week time frames.

Alice Is Missing

Alice is Missing is a unique card-based RPG that relies on players being silent for the entire game duration. Fans of season 1 of Pretty Little Liars will enjoy this game, as mysterious texts help players solve the mystery of what happened to Alice.

With no game master required, this game is perfect for groups of beginners who want to hone their skills before diving into more complex and lengthy matches. Since the game relies on phones and text for gameplay, not every player has to be in the same place to play.

Dread

For fans of games that send shivers down their spine and make them fear the things that go bump in the night, there is Dread. This game turns players into characters akin to the best reluctant heroes in horror movies with its storytelling elements and character creation.

Dread is controlled by a host who helps players get into character, which makes the game easy to tailor for players of all levels. With numerous outcomes for each player, beginners can replay and learn more each time they play until they become a master.

Goblin Quest

Goblin Quest is a one-shot game that relies on players letting go of the notion that tabletop RPGs have to be serious and go on for hours on end. The game's silly nature throws players into new scenarios that range from mundane everyday tasks to intense battles that may end in peril.

There aren't many materials that players need to set up this game, making it even easier for new players, and better yet, there is no game master required. Even though the game is meant to be played in a few hours, new players can pick up RPG skills that they can apply to other more complex games.

Quest

Quest has all the fantasy elements of Dungeons & Dragons that experienced players love but is simple enough that new players can get into the game without feeling overwhelmed by lots of rules and setup.

The game allows players to get creative with their characters but also provides an outline to build from so no one feels like they have to start from the ground level to get into the game. The art style is also unique and engaging and keeps players impressed through their journey.