Tabletop roleplaying games have been around for decades now. Whether you were turned on to them by an older family member or friend or stumbled upon them yourself, they're a great way to kill some time with like-minded people.
However you came about them, there are more yet you may not have discovered. Some are classics that transcend the ages. Those games are so classic that they still have die-hard fans, making it hard to keep copies on the shelf. Here are the best classic games that made TTRPGs what they are today.
10 Cyberpunk
A commonly known genre now due to the video game and subsequent TV series, the Cyberpunk genre got its start early in the world of TTRPGs.
If you are a fan of the aforementioned game or show, this is probably right up your alley. Body enhancements, futuristic guns, and a world of hacking are here for you to play out however you want. It may not be the easiest to dive into, with being so far into a genre that isn't often discussed, but you'll have a lot of fun doing so.
9 Runequest
An old contender, for sure. While this game has fallen out of play in many circles for more modern fantasy options like D&D, Runequest is where many older tabletop players started. A fantasy world set in the equivalent of our own Bronze Age, in Runequest, you'll find a lot of the building blocks of what made so many modern fantasy games what they are today.
It's definitely one of those games that's a classic for a reason. Maybe it will come back around into popularity at some point.
8 Paranoia
A unique TTRPG for its tone and style. Paranoia is set in the future, where technology has run rampant, and now a sentient machine controls society. A grim world for sure, but the developers took their time to make sure the game was actually pretty humorous.
It's nice to see a game that doesn't take itself too seriously. Beneath that even, the game has a solid set of rules and ends up pitting players against each other, which makes for some pretty entertaining adventures, if short-lived.
7 Deadlands
The sole western entry on this list, and for good reason. Deadlands stands out above the rest in almost all facets. While heavily western, there are also elements that add a bit of horror and even steampunk attributes to the game, making it a great option for many different kinds of TTRPG players.
There is a good amount of pre-made content and short adventures available, as well as the freedom to make your own as historically accurate or inaccurate as you want. You can play nearly any wild west archetype or create your own as you go about with a six-shooter on your hip.
6 Traveller
A science fiction game from the 70s, Traveller did a lot to cement the genre in the tabletop fandom, evidenced by how much it has grown since then. Traveller isn't a game you'll have to scrounge around to find an ancient copy of; it's still very much available, and new stuff is still being added to the game.
There's plenty of opportunity in the realm of what you can do in this game system. There are just enough guidelines to keep the GM from getting stumped, but not so much as to find yourself bogged down by rules; it's the best of both worlds. As you figure out what you want to play, plenty of additional books cover player classes, weapons, adventures, and even vehicles to modify your game further.
5 Shadowrun
A tech-heavy science fiction game rife with genre elements of cyberpunk, Shadowrun may have been more popular in previous decades, but it still has its die-hards. It shouldn't be overlooked for more flashy modern games, either.
There's a reason it keeps sparking video game spinoffs. It is just such a compelling world to dive into. A great mix of fantasy races with science fiction classes and settings makes a name for itself for fun and multi-faceted experiences.
4 Vampire: The Masquerade
Everyone has wanted to be a vampire at some point in their life, right? Well, in Vampire: The Masquerade, you can do that and more. Find what clan you want to run with, and then build your very own bloodthirsty monster from there. It's not too often you get to play as the bad guy from the get-go, but Vampire does it oh so well.
Whether you're fighting off vampire hunters, rival houses of your own kind, or just trying to survive the sunlight, there is a wealth of tension and excitement in this dark and brooding game.
3 Warhammer
Whether it be the old-world fantasy setting or the grimdark future of 40k, Warhammer has a lot to bring players in from any age group.
There's a lot of background lore, no matter what setting you choose to run with, which allows for creative expression and freedom. In addition, there are a lot of pre-made adventures and rules if you want a more guided experience. Either way, Warhammer is a great game to explore a more combat-heavy TTRPG system.
2 Call Of Cthulhu
The pinnacle of cosmic horror TTRPGs. Fight off cultists, encounter dark gods, and try to come out with your sanity intact. But your character will be forever changed either way.
With many spinoffs and games running on similar premises, there's a reason CoC hasn't been overtaken by its competitors. It refines the genre to its basic points and lets you make your own world full of horrors and trials that you just can't find anywhere else. Character creation, skill sets, and an open world to horrify said characters are all strong points for this classic horror game.
1 Dungeons & Dragons
A household name in fantasy and TTRPGs, and for good reason. Taking the best of the fantasy genre and cutting the worst out over the years. D&D has had generations of players either running pre-built scenarios or making up their own campaigns. The diversity of your skills and abilities, paired with the extensive degrees of potential progress solidifies its place as the most famous TTRPG system out there.
The best part is you can make it mostly your own with its easy-to-use home brew mechanics. It's all there for you to go as rules-heavy or rules-light as you want.