Beyond D&D: 10 Reasons You Should Ditch the Dragon and Embrace Rules-Lite Gaming

There’s never been a better time to ditch D&D and discover the glory of rules-lite table top gaming. Here are 10 reasons why you and your gaming group should make the switch:

1. Greater Simplicity. D&D has a lot of rules, and all of those rules mean complexity. While complexity might sound fun on paper, it rarely is at the table. Complexity often begets confusing and convoluted gaming sessions. Rules-lite RPGs like EZD6, Tricube Tales, or Lasers and Feelings are designed to be simple to learn and simple to play. A minimalist approach to rules and mechanics allows rules-lite games to bypass the complexity that many D&D players find frustrating and cumbersome. In addition, the simplicity of rules-lite RPGs means greater accessibility, especially for children and players who are new to the hobby.

2. Lower Cost. D&D (which is owned by Hasbro) is designed to incentivize the purchase of books, accessories, and even digital assets. It doesn’t take long before these begin to add up. Sure, you can technically play D&D for free, but the D&D ecosystem is built to encourage you towards a steady stream of ongoing purchases. In stark contrast, many rules-lite games are available as free or low-cost downloads, and often require little more than some six-sided dice. Even some of the “premium” rules-lite games like EZD6 or Tiny Dungeon 2e are under $25 for the complete game.

3. Narrative Focus. Rules-lite games tend to prioritize storytelling over combat mechanics and wargaming tactics. This means you are much more likely to walk away from a rules-lite gaming session recounting memorable tales of adventure instead of a sequence of calculated battle tactics. There’s nothing wrong with tactical combat in a table top roleplaying game. But if you want complex, tactical battles, aren’t video games the best option? Rules-lite RPGs offer a chance for GMs and players to jump off the pseudo-wargaming D&D bandwagon and discover a more immersive and emotionally resonant gaming experience.

4. Faster Play. D&D’s many rules means game sessions often get bogged down and can even slow to a crawl. Even simple combat encounters can take more than an hour to resolve! Seriously—do you really want to spend an hour taking out a group of four goblins? Trust me, you don’t. It’s a snore-fest after the first 10 minutes. Rules-lite RPGs, on the other hand, allow for quick decision-making and fast-paced action. This translates into game sessions that have flow and are much more engaging and entertaining for GMs and players alike.

5. Lower Prep. In order to run a successful D&D session, I would argue a GM must be willing to spend at least 1 hour of preparation for every hour they plan to actually run the game. Do you have time for that kind of time/energy investment? Me neither. I want and need a low/no-prep RPG option, and rules-lite games are clutch in this regard. Simple mechanics and fewer rules mean GMs can run a session with little to no prep. This is a huge boon, especially for those of us with many family and work commitments which leave them with a finite number of hours to both prep and play.

6. More Variety. There’s a heavy investment of time, energy, and money needed to get into D&D. Once a group commits to D&D, it can be difficult to try a new game or system due to the sunk cost fallacy. Rules-lite games don’t require nearly the same level of investment, so it’s easier to try multiple games over several months. This can be a fun way to explore different genres and have a variety of new experiences as a group.

7. Cooler Characters. The simplicity inherent to rules-lite systems allows for more flexibility and creativity when it comes to character creation. Without strict rules or parameters for character classes, most rules-lite systems liberate players to envision characters that are more unique and personalized than those made possible by D&D.

8. Better Stories. Running D&D games can sometimes feel like a push/pull between the story the GM wants to tell and the story the players want to tell. That isn’t inherent to D&D, but it’s a dynamic that often comes to the surface because of all of the prep GMs make as part of an ongoing campaign. Rules-lite RPGs are geared more to collaborative storytelling, and are often designed in a way that encourages the GM to work with the players to shape the story in a way that is meaningful to them. This in turn can facilitate a much richer, more memorable, and more personalized experience, because players feel more invested in the world and story they have helped create.

9. Ease of Online Play. Playing D&D online requires a lot of work to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Additional investments of time and money are also required if the group wants access to premium virtual table tops and their in-game benefits. Rules-lite games are infinitely easier to play online/remotely. I’ve played some incredible games of Tricube Tales and Tiny Dungeon 2e over Zoom and Discord chat effortlessly and at no cost.

10. More Fun. Many D&D players are surprised to discover that D&D can often feel more like a job than a hobby. Given a long enough timeline, D&D burnout is a real possibility! Who wants that level of stress?! Rules-lite systems are designed to facilitate a more relaxed and enjoyable gameplay experience—for both GMs and players.

Dungeons and Dragons is incredibly popular, and has a level of brand recognition that no rules-lite RPG will ever eclipse. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best RPG, nor does it mean you owe it your allegiance. Rules-lite systems offer both GMs and players freedom from the many constraints and burdens that come with rules heavy system. With little to no barriers of entry, you owe it to your D&D gaming group to try a few out.