# Best ENNIE-nominated RPGs to play in 2026 Published: 2026-03-20 Updated: 2026-05-07 A concise guide to five ENNIE-nominated tabletop RPGs—Dune, Blade Runner, Outgunned, Brancalonia, and Lankhmar—covering mechanics and ideal playstyles. ## Article The 2026 ENNIE nominations spotlight five standout RPGs, each offering unique mechanics and storytelling tailored to different playstyles. Here's a quick rundown: - Dune (Modiphius): Focuses on political intrigue and character-driven gameplay with its Drive-based system and House creation mechanics. - Blade Runner (Free League): Investigative gameplay with moral dilemmas, using a dual progression system balancing duty and empathy. - Outgunned (Two Little Mice): High-energy action inspired by Hollywood, featuring fast-paced dice mechanics and bold roleplay rewards. - Brancalonia (Acheron): A humorous twist on fantasy with gritty 5E rules, quirky mechanics like improvised weapons, and a focus on scoundrel life. - Lankhmar (Goodman Games): Sword-and-sorcery adventures in a detailed setting, with mechanics reflecting the unpredictable fortunes of antiheroes. Each game excels in blending mechanics with its narrative focus, catering to a variety of gaming preferences. Whether you enjoy tactical intrigue, noir investigations, cinematic action, playful fantasy, or gritty adventures, these RPGs promise engaging experiences. ### Quick Comparison RPG Key Focus Mechanics Highlights Ideal For Dune Political schemes, House play Drive-based system, Threat/Momentum Strategic, character-driven Blade Runner Noir investigations, morality Dual progression, shift-based cases Investigative, ethical dilemmas Outgunned Cinematic action Adrenaline mechanic, dice pools Action-packed, quick play Brancalonia Spaghetti fantasy, humor Improvised weapons, bounty system Lighthearted, quirky play Lankhmar Gritty sword-and-sorcery Fleeting Luck, detailed setting Immersive, complex worlds These games reflect the diversity and creativity in tabletop RPGs today, offering something for every kind of player. 2026 ENNIE-Nominated RPGs Quick Comparison Guide ## 1. Dune (Modiphius) Modiphius Entertainment's Dune: Adventures in the Imperium snagged the Gold 2022 ENNIE Award for Best Writing, and for good reason. The game doesn’t just borrow the philosophical depth of the Dune universe - it makes it a core part of gameplay. Instead of relying on the usual physical attributes, players navigate the world through Drives like Duty, Faith, Justice, Power, and Truth. As Richard Jansen-Parkes of Tabletop Gaming put it, “Want to try and game the system by always acting with your most powerful drive? Guess who just got tricked into roleplaying”. ### Mechanics Innovation The game’s mechanics, designed by James Kerr, offer a flexible system that can scale effortlessly from personal duels to massive planetary conflicts. One of its standout features is how it treats both physical and social tools as equally important Assets. A poison dagger and a juicy piece of gossip? Mechanically, they carry the same weight. This means a single roll could represent anything from a sword swing to the outcome of a full-scale military campaign. To keep the tension high, the game uses Threat and Momentum as meta-currencies. These give Gamemasters the ability to shape the narrative beyond what the dice dictate. As designer Andrew Peregrine explains, “The simplest task can quickly turn dangerous. Threat is your key to making that happen”. This ensures that even routine moments can spiral into something far more intense, keeping players engaged and on edge. ### Storytelling Depth Where Dune really shines is in its approach to storytelling. Instead of focusing solely on individual characters, the game emphasizes House creation. Players work together to design their Noble House, deciding its expertise, holdings, and rivals. This collaborative process captures the feudal intrigue that’s so central to Frank Herbert’s novels. For those who prefer a more strategic angle, the game offers Architect Play, where players step into the shoes of high-level leaders. Instead of handling every task themselves, they direct agents and manage resources across the Imperium. This mode solves a common RPG issue highlighted by Radio James Games: high-ranking leaders being forced to handle “dirty work” that doesn’t fit their station. By giving players the tools to act as puppet masters, the game stays true to the epic scale of the Dune universe. ###### sbb-itb-b8b00a5 ## 2. Blade Runner (Free League) Free League's Blade Runner RPG made a huge splash, hitting its Kickstarter goal in just three minutes and raising SEK 16,513,148. On top of that, it earned two Gold ENNIE Awards in 2023 for Best Layout and Design and Best Cartography. This early success highlights its fresh approach to RPG mechanics and storytelling. ### Mechanics Innovation The Blade Runner RPG stands out for its clever mechanics that seamlessly blend gameplay with narrative. Built on a modified version of the Year Zero Engine, it uses a dice step system where players roll two dice (ranging from D6 to D12) to beat a target number of six. This keeps the pace brisk and avoids the complexity of managing large dice pools. One of the game’s most intriguing features is its dual progression system. Players earn Promotion points by following LAPD orders, like retiring Replicants, which can be used for gear upgrades. At the same time, Humanity points are gained through empathetic choices, such as sparing a Replicant. This creates a constant tension between career success and moral choices. Instead of traditional equipment, the game introduces Key Memories and Key Relationships, which allow players to earn rerolls when tied to their investigation. Adding to the pressure, the game uses a shift-based structure where time is limited - if players run out of shifts, the case escalates, raising the stakes. ### Storytelling Depth Beyond its mechanics, the Blade Runner RPG excels in delivering deep, character-driven stories filled with moral dilemmas. As Samantha Nelson from Polygon put it: "The Blade Runner RPG nails Ridley Scott's vision, and adds pitch-perfect investigative mechanics." The game challenges players to navigate a world where the line between duty and humanity is constantly blurred. Players can choose to be Human or Replicant Blade Runners, each grappling with unique existential struggles and ethical conflicts. Looking ahead, the 2024 expansion, Replicant Rebellion, shifts the focus dramatically. This new content, which raised SEK 4,624,265 on Kickstarter, lets players join a movement fighting for Replicant freedom. It introduces a layer of political rebellion while maintaining the investigative core of the game. ## 3. Outgunned (Two Little Mice) Kickstarted into the spotlight, Outgunned pulled in an impressive $286,323 from 2,699 backers and snagged two Silver ENNIE Awards in 2024 for Best Game and Product of the Year. This French indie RPG brings the pulse-pounding, explosive energy of Hollywood action films straight to your tabletop. ### Fresh Mechanics for High-Octane Play At the heart of Outgunned is its Director's Cut System, which ditches the usual number-crunching of dice rolls. Instead, players roll small pools of d6s and match sets: - 2 dice = Basic success - 3 dice = Critical hit - 4 dice = Extreme success - 5 dice = Impossible feat - 6+ dice = Jackpot This visual, straightforward system keeps things moving at the breakneck speed of an action movie. The Adrenaline mechanic cranks up the excitement by rewarding bold roleplay with extra dice, giving players the chance to amplify their "action hero" moments. For seasoned players, the "up the ante" feature offers a thrilling gamble: rerolling dice to aim for better results but risking everything they've already achieved. The result? A system that’s as fast and thrilling as the genre it emulates. ### Instant Appeal for Action Fans Creating a character is lightning-fast. Players pick a Role (like The Ace or The Pointman) and pair it with a Trope (like The Maverick or The Lone Wolf). These archetypes, inspired by iconic action films like John Wick and Die Hard, make the game instantly relatable - even for those new to RPGs. True to its action-movie roots, Outgunned embraces a "failure isn't final" approach. Missing a roll doesn’t halt the story; instead, it raises the stakes, making the situation messier or more costly. The action never stops - it just gets more intense. ### Keeping Players Hooked While the mechanics are fast and approachable, the game offers depth through tactical resource management. Players juggle Adrenaline and Spotlights, adding layers of strategy for veterans. The Death Roulette mechanic - a nerve-wracking revolver chamber roll - decides whether a character survives a lethal blow or walks away with scars. This balance of simplicity and strategy has earned Outgunned glowing reviews. It scored a perfect 10/10 from The Gaming Gang and 4.8/5 stars on DriveThruRPG from 62 reviews. Jeff McAleer, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Gaming Gang, praised the system: "The mechanics are easily grasped by both RPG newcomers and veterans while also making complete sense". The excitement doesn’t stop there. The Outgunned Superheroes expansion raised $502,684 in June 2025, with physical rewards set to ship by June 1, 2026. This expansion promises to take the adrenaline-fueled system into even more explosive genres. ## 4. Brancalonia (Acheron) Picture this: Pinocchio, Sergio Leone, and Bud Spencer sitting in a tavern playing Dungeons & Dragons. That’s the vibe Brancalonia brings to the table. This Italian indie RPG introduces "Spaghetti Fantasy", a world where players step into the shoes of clever rogues rather than noble heroes. The game has earned its share of accolades, including a Gold ENNIE for Best Electronic Book in 2021, along with Silver ENNIEs for Best Setting, Best Writing, and Product of the Year. ### Mechanics Innovation Brancalonia takes the familiar 5th Edition ruleset and gives it a gritty twist. Characters max out at level 6, keeping the gameplay grounded and the stakes more personal. One standout feature is the "Moves and Whacks" system, which turns tavern brawls into chaotic fun. Forget swords - players use bottles, stools, or even other characters as improvised weapons. Resting follows the Gritty Realism rules, meaning a short rest takes 8 hours, while a long rest demands a full 7 days spent in a tavern or "Den". Equipment mechanics also reflect the scrappy, scoundrel lifestyle. Players rely on "Poor Equipment" or "Stolen Equipment", which might fail them at the worst possible moment. The game also tracks notoriety through a Bounty System, while the Company Management feature lets players form and maintain their own mercenary bands. These mechanics aren’t just clever - they create a perfect backdrop for the game’s unique storytelling. ### Storytelling Depth Brancalonia’s setting blends elements of Italian fantasy, from Dante’s Divine Comedy to the gritty humor of Spaghetti Westerns. As one RPGnet review put it: "The ugly, the dirty, the bad ones. That's you, in short. You're the dregs of the adventuring world, the cannon fodder of all battles, the scum that emerges when you scrape the bottom of the barrel". Players take on shady "Jobs" (called Chores) to earn money, only to blow their hard-earned cash on Revels - wild parties that could either grant benefits or lead to disaster. The game’s Kickstarter campaign was a huge success, hitting its funding goal in just 30 minutes and raising over €190,000 from nearly 3,300 backers. ### Genre Accessibility Brancalonia strikes a balance between fresh ideas and familiar mechanics, making it easy for 5E veterans to dive in. While the game draws on Italian folklore, its core mechanics remain accessible to a global audience. Players can choose from five folklore-inspired races, like Marionettes (living puppets) or Morgants (giants), and explore 12 thematic subclasses, including the Miraculist and the Friar. The Spaghetti Fantasy Bestiary adds over 100 monsters, complete with "Monsterchef Box" recipes for cooking their meat. For those interested, physical books are priced at $39, while PDFs are available for $17. ## 5. Lankhmar (Goodman Games) Fritz Leiber's sword-and-sorcery world comes alive in Goodman Games' officially licensed Lankhmar boxed set. Built on the Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC) system, this adaptation transports players to Nehwon's infamous "City of Sevenscore Thousand Smokes" - a labyrinth of corruption and intrigue. What sets this game apart is how it blends its unique mechanics with the unpredictable nature of its antiheroes. ### Mechanics Innovation One of the game's standout features is the Fleeting Luck mechanic, perfectly capturing the volatile fortunes of Leiber's characters. As DMDave Publishing puts it: "good fortune blesses your characters one minute, only to dash their hopes the next". The system also adds setting-specific spells, monsters, and magical items that avoid the usual high-fantasy clichés, aligning perfectly with Nehwon's gritty, sword-and-sorcery vibe. To play, you'll need the Dungeon Crawl Classics rulebook. The boxed set is priced at $59.99 (or $53.99 if you're a VIP member). Beyond the mechanics, the game offers a narrative as complex and layered as the city itself. ### Storytelling Depth Lankhmar's narrative draws inspiration from the picaresque tales of 16th-century Seville's criminal underworld, offering a richly textured storytelling experience. The city's streets are alive with intrigue: the Thieves' Guild rules the shadows, cursed relics circulate in the Plaza of Dark Delights, and rival cults vie for supremacy on the Street of the Gods. Adding to the chaos is a network of sentient rats, injecting a quirky element into the urban fantasy. Supernatural patrons like Ningauble of the Seven Eyes and Sheelba of the Eyeless Face further enrich the narrative, providing cryptic quests and guidance to adventurers. ### Genre Accessibility The boxed set caters to both seasoned players and newcomers by including all the essentials to explore Lankhmar's world. Inside, you'll find: - A 104-page Judge's Guide to Nehwon - A Compendium of Secret Knowledge - A 44-page city guide To bring the setting to life, the set also includes two detailed maps: a 33″ x 17″ poster map of Lankhmar and a 17″ x 22″ map of Nehwon. For those eager to jump right in, the introductory adventure, No Small Crimes in Lankhmar, provides an immediate starting point for campaigns. This combination of innovative mechanics, immersive storytelling, and comprehensive resources ensures that players can fully dive into the chaotic and captivating world of Lankhmar. ## Pros and Cons When considering which game to dive into, it's helpful to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each option. Each game brings its own flavor, catering to different playstyles and group dynamics. A standout feature to keep in mind is how well a game integrates its mechanics with its worldbuilding. Games that seamlessly tie these elements together often resonate more with players and judges than those relying on generic systems with surface-level tweaks. Dune shines with its 2d20 system, offering a balance between grand political schemes and personal, character-driven exploits. Players can seamlessly switch between strategic "Architect" gameplay and more action-oriented "Agent" scenarios, making it versatile for different playstyles. Blade Runner leans heavily into its noir atmosphere, using the Year Zero Engine to deliver an immersive experience. Its mechanics are tailored for investigative gameplay, making it a hit for groups that prefer solving mysteries over engaging in combat-heavy sessions. Outgunned focuses on cinematic action and accessibility. Its fast-paced mechanics are perfect for quick, one-shot adventures or casual play. However, this speed comes at the expense of more detailed, simulation-style gameplay. Brancalonia offers a whimsical take on fantasy with its playful spaghetti-style setting, providing a lighthearted alternative to traditional fantasy games. Lankhmar, built on the Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC) system, immerses players in gritty sword-and-sorcery adventures inspired by Fritz Leiber's literary world. While the setting and mechanics are rich, it does require familiarity with the DCC rulebook, which might be a hurdle for newcomers. These observations highlight an interesting trend: genre-specific games often dominate adventure categories, supported by a strong tradition of blogging and critique. On the other hand, story-driven systems tend to perform well in writing awards due to their focus on narrative richness. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what matters most to your group - whether it's narrative flexibility, mechanical complexity, or staying true to a particular genre. ## Conclusion The 2026 ENNIE nominations highlight a fantastic range of tabletop RPGs, each catering to different styles and preferences. Dune brings epic sci-fi intrigue, Blade Runner dives into noir investigations, Outgunned delivers high-octane cinematic action, Brancalonia blends storytelling with clever mechanics, and Lankhmar immerses players in gritty fantasy. What sets these games apart is how they pull players into their distinct worlds. As one judge put it: "For me, a game deserves Best Game nomination if it nails two key things: engagement and tone. Every RPG tries to evoke a specific atmosphere... and the best games bake that tone right into their mechanics". This sentiment rings true across all five titles. Your ideal pick depends on what you value most in an RPG. If you’re after versatile gameplay, Dune is a great choice. For rich narrative experiences, Blade Runner and Brancalonia shine. Outgunned is perfect for quick, action-packed sessions, while Lankhmar offers an immersive dive into gritty fantasy. For more details on these titles, check out the TTRPG Games Directory. With over 1,000 submissions received for the 2026 ENNIE cycle, these five games truly represent the best of what tabletop gaming has to offer. Each one promises a memorable experience worth exploring. ## FAQs ### Which of these ENNIE-nominated RPGs is easiest for beginners? Games like Darkenhaven and Heroes of Cerulea are often recognized in the RPG community for their ease of use and broad appeal. Though the ENNIE-nominated RPGs aren't explicitly categorized as beginner-friendly, these titles stand out for their straightforward mechanics and ability to captivate both newcomers and seasoned players. They strike a balance between accessibility and meaningful gameplay, making them favorites among many enthusiasts. ### What kind of group playstyle fits each game best? Different games suit different playstyles when it comes to group dynamics. For instance, fantasy RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Pathfinder 2e work well for larger, more casual groups that prioritize storytelling and exploration. Meanwhile, tactical games such as Shadowdark RPG and various OSR (Old School Revival) titles are better suited for seasoned players who relish intricate mechanics and strategic challenges. ### What extra books or products do I need to start playing each RPG? When diving into a new RPG, the materials you'll need can vary depending on the game. At a minimum, you'll typically need the core rulebook, which lays out the game's rules and mechanics. Beyond that, some games might call for adventure modules to guide your campaigns, character sheets to track your progress, or even expansion books for added depth. Be sure to review the game's specific requirements and recommendations to make sure you're fully prepared to play. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Which of these ENNIE-nominated RPGs is easiest for beginners?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Games like Darkenhaven and Heroes of Cerulea are often recognized in the RPG community for their ease of use and broad appeal. Though the ENNIE-nominated RPGs aren't explicitly categorized as beginner-friendly, these titles stand out for their straightforward mechanics and ability to captivate both newcomers and seasoned players. They strike a balance between accessibility and meaningful gameplay, making them favorites among many enthusiasts. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What kind of group playstyle fits each game best?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Different games suit different playstyles when it comes to group dynamics. For instance, fantasy RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Pathfinder 2e work well for larger, more casual groups that prioritize storytelling and exploration. Meanwhile, tactical games such as Shadowdark RPG and various OSR (Old School Revival) titles are better suited for seasoned players who relish intricate mechanics and strategic challenges. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What extra books or products do I need to start playing each RPG?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" When diving into a new RPG, the materials you'll need can vary depending on the game. At a minimum, you'll typically need the core rulebook, which lays out the game's rules and mechanics. 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