Best 5e Compatible TTRPGs

Games that are compatible with or based on Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition mechanics. These systems use the d20 core, similar class structures, and can often use 5e modules and supplements with minimal conversion.

13th Age

13th Age is a fantasy role-playing game that synthesizes the tactical depth of traditional d20 systems with narrative-driven elements, enhancing character and story development. The game is known for its "Icon Relationships" and "One Unique Things," which provide each character with a distinct narrative hook and personal story within the game world. It encourages creativity and flexibility in gameplay, allowing for both combat and story to receive equal attention and innovation.

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Old-School Essentials

Old-School Essentials is a role-playing game that revitalizes the classic Basic/Expert rules from the 1980s, offering a meticulously organized and easy-to-use system that's both new player-friendly and deeply satisfying for veterans. It features a modular design that is fully compatible with decades of old-school content, supporting a wide array of adventures and settings. The game focuses on simplicity and flexibility, encouraging creative storytelling and exploration.

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Pathfinder

Pathfinder is a richly detailed tabletop RPG that builds on traditional fantasy elements to offer a deeply customizable and strategic gaming experience. Known for its complex rules and extensive character customization options, Pathfinder allows players to craft unique heroes and engage in elaborate adventures within a meticulously crafted world.

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Dungeon Crawl Classics

Dungeon Crawl Classics is a throwback to old-school dungeon-crawling adventures, where players plunge into deadly dungeons filled with traps, monsters, and untold treasures. With its emphasis on unpredictability, brutal challenges, and a chaotic, unpredictable magic system, the game offers a challenging and retro-inspired experience that harkens back to the early days of tabletop roleplaying.

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Castles & Crusades

Castles & Crusades immerses players in a nostalgic world of high adventure, monsters, and magic inspired by classic fantasy literature. With its streamlined rules, emphasis on player creativity, and adaptable gameplay, this game offers a flexible and engaging roleplaying experience that harkens back to the roots of the tabletop RPG genre.

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Five Torches Deep

Five Torches Deep is a rules‑lite dungeon‑adventure game that marries 5e familiarity with OSR grit. Encumbrance, light, and supply pressure matter; classes stay simple; combat is quick and decisive. It favors rulings over build math and rewards clever logistics and cautious exploration for fast, low‑prep sessions.

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Basic Fantasy RPG

Basic Fantasy RPG is a rules‑lite, B/X‑inspired fantasy game with ascending AC and race‑class separation. Classless-feeling flexibility and low prep make it easy to teach and run. Ideal for quick delves and sandbox campaigns where rulings and resource pressure matter more than build complexity.

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Swords & Wizardry

Swords & Wizardry is a rules-lite OSR retro-clone recreating the Original D&D experience from 1974-1978. Built on d20 mechanics with ascending AC, it balances faithful old-school feel with streamlined presentation. Features all original classes, spells, and monsters plus compatibility with decades of OSR adventures.

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Beyond the Wall

A zero-prep OSR fantasy RPG inspired by Earthsea and The Prydain Chronicles. Character playbooks generate complete backstories, relationships, and bonds in minutes through lifepath tables. Scenario packs enable GM-less preparation for one-shots or short campaigns with thematic magic and village-based adventure.

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Errant

Errant is a rules-light, procedure-heavy OSR fantasy RPG by Ava Islam. Featuring a roll high under core mechanic, it provides extensive procedures for downtime activities, chases, commerce, and more. Freely compatible with Knave, Into the Odd, and The Black Hack, with conversion guides for 5e included.

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Labyrinth Lord

Labyrinth Lord is a faithful retroclone of 1981 Moldvay Basic/Cook Expert D&D, preserving the classic B/X experience. Seven classic classes include clerics casting at first level, with progression extended to 20th level. THAC0 combat and race-class combinations ensure compatibility with decades of OSR modules for nostalgic dungeon crawls.

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OSRIC

OSRIC (Old School Reference and Index Compilation) is the pioneering AD&D 1e retroclone that launched the OSR movement. It faithfully reproduces the underlying rules of late 1970s fantasy gaming using the Open Gaming License, providing a complete 400+ page rulebook with character classes, spells, monsters, and treasure. Free PDFs and print editions available.

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The Hero's Journey

The Hero's Journey is a rules-lite OSR fantasy RPG built on Swords & Wizardry White Box. Class-based and designed for new players, it blends classic D&D sensibilities with modern clarity. Emphasizing heroic low-fantasy inspired by fairy tales and timeless fantasy literature, it offers accessible character creation and straightforward mechanics ideal for introducing beginners to old-school play.

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Blueholme

Blueholme is a rules-lite OSR retroclone of Holmes Basic D&D (1977), extending the beloved blue book from levels 1-20. With unified d6 damage, simple species-as-class flexibility, and streamlined dominion rules, it captures early D&D's exploratory spirit while remaining accessible to newcomers. Perfect for groups seeking lightweight fantasy with classic pedigree.

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Delving Deeper

Delving Deeper is a faithful OD&D retroclone that recreates the original 1974 D&D experience with three core classes: Fighting Man, Magic-User, and Cleric. Uses d6-based mechanics, Chainmail-inspired combat options, and emphasizes dungeon exploration. Free PDF rules make it accessible for experiencing RPG history.

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Shadow of the Demon Lord

Dark fantasy RPG by Robert Schwalb. Apocalyptic setting, brutal combat, and evolving path-based classes. The original before Shadow of the Weird Wizard. Grim sword and sorcery.

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