A staycation is the perfect opportunity to dive into new worlds without leaving the comfort of your home. While classic board games have their place, tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) offer an unparalleled escape, allowing you to craft stories, explore fantastical realms, and step into the shoes of heroes, monsters, or everyday people. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or looking for a solo experience, here are seven tabletop RPGs to try during your next staycation.
1. Dungeons & Dragons 5th EditionIt is impossible to discuss TTRPGs without starting with the giant of the industry. Dungeons & Dragons is the quintessential fantasy experience, perfect for a group looking for epic quests, high-stakes combat, and deep character customization. The 5th edition is particularly welcoming to beginners, with streamlined rules that focus on storytelling rather than complex mechanics. A staycation provides the perfect block of time to run a dedicated, multi-session adventure, allowing a Dungeon Master to build a world while players explore dungeons and battle dragons, making it the ultimate collaborative fantasy experience.
2. Call of CthulhuIf you prefer suspense, horror, and investigation over heroic fantasy, Call of Cthulhu is an exceptional choice. Based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, players take on the roles of investigators uncovering cosmic horrors far beyond human comprehension. Unlike many RPGs where the goal is to defeat the monster, the goal here is often simply to survive, keep your character sane, and uncover the truth. It’s a tense, atmospheric game that plays wonderfully over a few intense evenings, focusing on atmosphere and investigation over combat.
3. Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) SystemsRather than a single game, “Powered by the Apocalypse” refers to a game engine used by many different titles, most notably Apocalypse World. These systems are fantastic for staycations because they are narrative-driven, focusing on fast-paced action and story development rather than complex math or miniatures. Games like Monster of the Week (think Buffy the Vampire Slayer) or Dungeon World (classic fantasy with modern rules) are easy to learn, requiring very little prep time for the game master, making them ideal for a spontaneous weekend gaming session.
4. Thousand Year Old VampireFor those looking for a solo tabletop experience, Thousand Year Old Vampire is a masterpiece of design. This is a journaling game where you play a vampire living through centuries of history, recording your character’s memories, losses, and struggles against the fading of their humanity. Through a structured system of prompts, you create a personal, often tragic story. It is a deeply personal, contemplative game that requires only a pencil, paper, and a few dice, perfect for a cozy, quiet afternoon alone.
5. FATE Core SystemFATE is a generic, highly flexible system designed to tell stories in any setting, from space opera to gritty noir. Its primary strength lies in its “Aspects” system, which allows players to describe their characters in simple sentences rather than long lists of attributes. This narrative freedom makes it easy to jump into any genre, and it’s a great choice for a group that wants to build their own world from scratch. FATE encourages creative roleplaying and fast, cinematic action, ensuring your staycation story is never boring.
6. Blades in the DarkSet in a haunted, industrial city, Blades in the Dark puts players in control of a group of scoundrels attempting to make a name for themselves in the criminal underworld. The game is known for its “score” system, which encourages planning, high-stakes heists, and managing the consequences of your actions. It’s a tense, exciting game that focuses heavily on group collaboration, making it a fantastic option for a group of friends looking to plan, execute, and survive a high-stakes adventure.
7. Mörk BorgIf your staycation needs a dose of heavy metal, apocalyptic fantasy, Mörk Borg is the answer. This art-heavy, brutal game is designed for quick, lethal adventures in a world that is actively ending. The rules are minimalist and easy to learn, allowing players to focus on the terrifying atmosphere and creative descriptions of carnage. It’s a high-energy, darkly humorous experience that is perfect for a one-shot or a short, chaotic campaign, offering a stylish break from traditional fantasy RPGs.
Whether you find yourself exploring deep dungeons, investigating cosmic mysteries, or trying to survive the end of the world, these seven games offer a perfect escape for any staycation. Taking the time to immerse yourself in a new story allows for a refreshing mental break, creating memorable experiences that linger long after the adventure has ended. Gathering friends for a virtual session or dedicating a solo afternoon to a journal game is a rewarding way to spend your time off, proving that the best adventures are often the ones we create ourselves.
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