If you want to learn how to play a Tabletop RRG (ttrpg) and are already familiar with a game already, it isn’t hard to learn a new one. This is a quick way to think about how to approach learning a new game. It just takes a little bit of time. Breaking a game down to the most fundamental rules is the best place to start. I will be using the 3 Pillars of Gameplay. The concept of the 3 Pillars of Gameplay can be found in the Dungeons and Dragons 5e 2014 Players Handbook. Most fantasy games follow this structure.

The idea is for you to be able to quickly learn a game’s mechanics by breaking them down to the most simple parts. The 3 Pillars of Gameplay are:

• Combat
• Exploration
• Roleplaying

First research various RPG/Game Systems that look interesting that seem interesting to you or your group. This can be YouTube, blogs, and other resources. Once you have picked a system. Get a starter set for the game. A good starter set will have the minimal you need to get the intended experience of the game. This also means there shouldn’t be too much information at once.

Combat

Combat is usually the most time consuming part of a TTRPG. It is also usually where most of the the rules are for a game. Generally speaking, assessing turn order, various modifiers, and conditions take the most time. Turn order for the players and adversaries can vary from game to game. In some games, the gamemaster and the players roll for turn order. Turn order can change turn by turn for other games. Rolling dice for damage, assessing modifiers, and conditions usually show the complexity of the game. More complexity means more time in a single combat and more rules to learn. Some players like more complex games for the strategy aspect of playing. Look for what the perfect balance of complexity is for your playgroup. When looking at a new game system, combat is usually a pretty good place to start when learning new rules.

Exploration

Exploration involves any just that. Exploration. This is how the characters interact with the environment. This can be survival, jumping between buildings, or gathering information from an ancient text. Solving puzzles can add exploration depending on the group. Usually rules for exploration are rather straight forward and should be very easy to learn.

Roleplaying

Roleplaying can be the center focus for some TTRPGS. Most RPGS don’t have a ton of rules in regards to roleplaying. Players are generally in control of their decisions and having too many rules for roleplaying takes away player agency. However, there are still some games more focused on the role playing aspect in tabletop games. Look for systems that have more stats that can be applied to social situations if that is what your group wants. The World of Darkness games such as Vampire the Masquerade are an excellent example for games centered on roleplaying. Many of the stats for the World of Darkness games include character income, more skills that involve social situations, and heritage.

Make It Your Own

When your group first plays a game, try to start with he minimal. Modify the rules help you learn the system at the beginning. Then add other rules as the group becomes more comfortable. Afterward, modify rules if they are getting in the way of players fun. Many tables don’t play these games rules as written.

Last Thoughts

Perhaps the most important thing should be obvious. Having fun with your group. Trying new game systems can be fun and allow you to find a system that best fits your group’s playing experience.

Suggested RPGs

Pathfinder 1E and 2E – https://paizo.com

Shadowdark – https://www.thearcanelibrary.com

Swords and Wizardry – https://www.mythmeregames.com

Dungeons and Dragons 5E 2014 and 2024 – https://www.dndbeyond.com/

Other TTRPGS can be found at Drive Thru RPG – https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/