# Best 5e Compatible TTRPGs 5e-compatible games are for groups that want D&D 5th Edition familiarity without being limited to one official line. This category covers games that keep 5e assumptions, math, or character language legible while changing genre, tone, scope, or procedure. ## Guide 5e-compatible games are for groups that want D&D 5th Edition familiarity without being limited to one official line. This category covers games that keep 5e assumptions, math, or character language legible while changing genre, tone, scope, or procedure. ## Games - [13th Age](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/13thage) - Rank #3. 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. - [Old-School Essentials](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/oldschoolessentials) - Rank #8. 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. - [Pathfinder 2e](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/pathfinder) - Rank #12. Pathfinder 2e is a tactical fantasy RPG built around class identity, rigorous encounter structure, and one of the strongest character-building ecosystems in the hobby. - [Basic Fantasy RPG](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/basic-fantasy) - 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. - [Beyond the Wall](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/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. - [Blueholme](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/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. - [Castles & Crusades](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/castlescrusades) - 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. - [Deathbringer](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/deathbringer) - Deathbringer is a grimdark fantasy RPG kit by Professor Dungeon Master that compresses character creation, combat, and spellcasting into a fast, lethal chassis compatible with 5e material and OSR adventures. It is built for harsh dungeons, quick rulings, and short arcs where every fight feels costly. - [Delving Deeper](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/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. - [Dungeon Crawl Classics](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/dungeoncrawlclassics) - 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. - [Errant](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/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. - [Five Torches Deep](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/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. - [Labyrinth Lord](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/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. - [OSRIC](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/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. - [Shadow of the Demon Lord](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/shadowofthedemonlord) - 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. - [Shadow of the Weird Wizard](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/shadow-of-the-weird-wizard) - A fantasy RPG by Robert J. Schwalb using an evolved Shadow of the Demon Lord system. Features d20 mechanics with boons/banes, three-path character progression, and heroic quests to protect refugees in the borderlands. Designed for 10-quest campaigns with scaling complexity from simple beginnings to epic finales. - [Swords & Wizardry](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/swords-and-wizardry) - Swords & Wizardry is Mythmere Games' retro-clone of Original D&D, rebuilt as a complete old-school fantasy RPG with modern usability. It keeps dungeon exploration, high-stakes combat, classic classes, Vancian magic, and broad compatibility with OSR adventures, while offering conveniences like ascending AC and a unified saving throw. - [The Hero's Journey](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/the-heros-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.