Are you getting a bit overwhelmed with the number of options there are when it comes to choosing your next tabletop campaign? Between the different systems and the hundreds of titles for each, picking the perfect game is a bit of a needle-in-the-haystack situation.
Don’t fear. Here at DriveThruRPG, we’ve got one of the largest online compendia of tabletop RPG titles – from the originals that have stood the test of time to newer options that have just been released. And if you’re trying to adventure on a budget, we’ve got options there as well!
Let’s dig into the archives and look at five must-have RPG titles you can grab for under $5 right now on DriveThruRPG.
Warning: You may find the adventure of a lifetime only costs you $3.99.
1. Maze Rats by Questing Beast Games ($4.99)
Don’t let its slim 13-page count fool you! Maze Rats is a top favorite in the community when it comes to efficient and fun game design.
Originally created by Ben Milton, Maze Rats is an OSR (Old School Revival) toolkit that has earned its bestseller status for good reason. It’s fast, fun, and a great way to introduce new players to tabletop RPGs.
Maze Rats drops you right into a lightning-fast 2d6 system that’s easy to pick up and play. The game’s character creation is quick, making it perfect for convention games or introducing new players to the hobby.
In this sub-$5 game, you’ll find eight pages packed with 36-item tables that cover everything from spell generation to NPCs, treasures, cities, and dungeons.
The Maze Rats magic system also deserves special mention: each night, magic-users’ heads fill with new, randomly-generated spells. As you can imagine, this brings a bit of chaos and creativity to how you play!
Check out Maze Rats on DriveThruRPG, and jump into an OSR classic!
2. The No-Prep Gamemaster by dicegeeks ($2.99-$4.99)
The expanded second edition of Matt Davids’ platinum bestseller addresses one of the most common pain points that many game masters and players feel in tabletop gaming: prep burnout.
At 176 pages, The No-Prep Gamemaster does offer plenty to work with, but is also approachable enough that you can learn the ropes of session running with little to no preparation (hence the name!)
We love this title because it focuses more on mindset than just game mechanics. It’s not just a title of tools, it helps to train your logical and creative thinking to better generate stories and improvise on the spot.
Inside, you’ll find practical sections on using random tables, as well as reflexive exercises that will help you engage players as the game progresses.
Whether you’re a brand-new GM feeling or just a veteran looking to grow your skills, The No-Prep Gamemaster is a great pickup for cheap (and is often on sale!)
Find The No-Prep Gamemaster on DriveThruRPG today.
3. Solo RPG GME – Fantasy by Wilona’s Cave Games ($2.99)
Are you more of a solo gamer? Solo RPG titles have exploded in recent years as players discover they don’t have to work around everyone’s schedules to have an adventure. Many solo titles give you the same thrill of full party campaigns, and there are plenty to choose from as interest expands.
The Solo RPG Game Master Emulator – Fantasy is one of the best entry points for newcomers while still giving veteran players plenty to work with. With around 49 pages of content, this guide gives you everything you need to set up and embark on a solo adventure. You’ll find:
- Oracle system for decision-making
- NPC Conversation Generator for dynamic dialogue
- Mystical Tarot Card System
- Extensive random event generators
- Clue Dice System
The guide even includes instructions for converting prewritten adventures for solo play.
When you look at the online reviews, you’ll find a common theme: players love how accessible this title is. And for under $5, it’s a great way to start building your own solo adventures at a pretty approachable price!
Find the Solo RPG GME and other solo RPG titles on DriveThruRPG.
4. The One Ring™ Strider™ Mode by Free League Publishing ($3.74-$4.99)
Looking to delve into a familiar story? Legendary tabletop creator Shawn Tomkin (of Ironsworn fame) brings his solo gaming experience to Middle-earth with The One Ring™ Strider™ Mode.
This title is a 28-page supplement that takes The One Ring title into a solo experience that integrates with the original title’s existing mechanics. It’s a smooth gameplay experience that feels more like a standalone title than a bolted-on afterthought.
The title includes modified character creation rules, Fortune and Ill-Fortune tables tied to the Feat die, a Telling Table oracle, and the thematic Revelation table for when “the Eye of Sauron is fixed on you.”
A top favorite of players is the seven Journey Event tables, which take the base game’s journey system and expand it for solo adventures. If you’re a LOTR fan (or just love a good Middle-earth adventure), pick up this under-$5 title today!
Check out The One Ring™ Strider™ Mode and other LOTR games on DriveThruRPG.
5. Brightborne by Candlenaut ($4.99, normally $9.99)
One of the top $5 and under titles right now is Brightborne by Candlenaut.
Created by the team from ENTITY and KUROI, this GM-less, diceless dungeon crawler uses a standard deck of playing cards. This one’s fun as it shows you don’t always need a complex rule set or dice to create and play an engaging adventure.
This roguelike RPG for 1-4 players is built around grid-based tactical combat. The rules are fairly straightforward, and players can pick them up quickly. The title’s Monster Builder system is nice, making sure that each hunt is unique, and the structural loop (which is borrowed from the ENTITY system) keeps stories focused and fast.
Set in a richly detailed grimdark world, Brightborne manages to pack surprising depth into its 25 pages. Plus, you’ll love how unique the gameplay is – using the deck of cards is refreshingly different while still giving you an excellent gameplay experience.
Try Brightborne on DriveThruRPG
Find These & Other $5 Titles on DriveThruRPG
These are just a few of the many titles you can find on DriveThruRPG for $5 or less. And with many titles going on sale all the time, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the library to see what new games you can pick up for cheap!
At a combined total of less than $20, you could grab all five of these titles and still spend less than the traditional hardcover guide (and have a ton of new gameplay options to explore!)
No matter what you’re looking for, DriveThruRPG has the games you want at the prices you’ll love. Hop online today and check out our growing library – and let us know what you pick up!
