10 Great Modern Horror Tabletop Roleplaying Games

Tabletop roleplaying games have been a source of excitement, intrigue, and terror for gamers for decades. Within this diverse gaming landscape, the horror genre has carved out its own niche, offering players the opportunity to immerse themselves in suspenseful, spine-tingling stories. In this article, we will explore ten of the greatest modern horror tabletop roleplaying games that will fill you with all of the misery and woe your heart could ever desire!

Call of Cthulhu

No list of horror tabletop RPGs would be complete without mentioning “Call of Cthulhu.” Set in the Lovecraftian mythos, players must confront cosmic horrors, ancient cults, and the impending return of the Great Old Ones. The game emphasizes investigation, mystery, and the fragility of human sanity.

Vampire: The Masquerade

“Vampire: The Masquerade” allows players to step into the dark and seductive world of vampires. This game blends elements of horror, politics, and personal drama, as players navigate the intrigues of the undead while struggling to maintain their humanity. With unique mechanics such as Hunger, Willpower, and more, it provides players with the thrilling experience of walking the path of night.

Delta Green

“Delta Green” is a modern take on Lovecraftian horror that explores the intersection of government conspiracies and eldritch abominations. Players are part of a secret organization tasked with containing supernatural threats, often at the cost of their own sanity.

Dread

“Dread” is a unique horror RPG that uses a Jenga tower instead of dice. As the tension builds, players must carefully remove blocks, leading to a terrifying climax. The game focuses on psychological horror and storytelling, making it a thrilling and suspenseful experience.

Kult: Divinity Lost

“Kult: Divinity Lost” is a game that delves into existential horror and the nature of reality. Players confront nightmarish visions and question their own existence as they uncover the secrets of a world controlled by malevolent cosmic entities.

Monster of the Week

Inspired by TV shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Supernatural,” “Monster of the Week” is a game that lets players take on the roles of hunters investigating supernatural mysteries and battling creatures that go bump in the night.

Kids on Bikes

Kids on Bikes is a rules-lite table top roleplaying game focused on small towns with big adventures! Similar to shows and movies like Stranger Things, Goonies, and IT. The system focuses on giving players enough rules to have structure but keeps the game freeform enough that brand new players can easily jump right in. There are also options to have a ‘powered’ character that has special abilities that can help or hinder the group.

Emerald Templars

Emerald Templars is a dark fantasy table top roleplaying game focused on a faction of warriors whose sole purpose is to defend the realm from abnormal threats. With unique mechanics like stress meters, vices, and randomized tables, players will find every session filled with drama and dread as they do their best to survive their missions into the unknown!

These ten modern horror tabletop roleplaying games offer a wide range of experiences, from cosmic horror to personal drama, and from supernatural investigations to existential dread. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of tabletop roleplaying, there’s a horror RPG out there waiting to send chills down your spine and engage your imagination. So gather your friends, prepare your characters, and step into the dark and terrifying worlds of these captivating games.