Several highly anticipated tabletop role-playing games that have been in development for years are set to be released in 2025, offering players and game masters a plethora of choices. Wizards of the Coast is concluding its 50th-anniversary rules update with the launch of a new Monster Manual, facing competition from former partners like Critical Role’s Darrington Press, Paizo, and MCDM, amidst the aftermath of Hasbro’s failed Open Gaming License revisions.
While Wizards of the Coast’s release schedule for 2025 is relatively light, third-party publishers are continually reimagining the 5th edition system. This year will introduce players to kaiju hunts and folk horror adventures, as well as new narratives in the worlds of beloved fantasy authors. One notable upcoming release is Trevor Devall’s The Broken Empires RPG, offering a flexible character creation system with a focus on exploration and intrigue.
Brandon Sanderson fans can also look forward to the Cosmere RPG, a system developed in collaboration with Brotherwise Games that will start with adventures on Roshar and expand to include other settings like Mistborn. Additionally, MCDM is launching Draw Steel, a new system emphasizing dynamic action and swift combat resolution.
Furthermore, Wizards of the Coast is finalizing the revision of the D&D 5e core rulebooks with a comprehensive Monster Manual release, featuring redesigned monsters and improved organization for Dungeon Masters. Other exciting releases in 2025 include Pathfinder Lost Omens: Rival Academies from Paizo and Ryoko’s Guide to the Yokai Realms from Loot Tavern, both promising unique adventures and engaging gameplay experiences.
Starfinder 2nd Edition is undergoing playtesting to gather feedback for its official release at Gen Con, with updated rules fully compatible with Pathfinder 2e. Lastly, Modiphius Entertainment is bringing Terry Pratchett’s Discworld to life with a new RPG, Adventures in Ankh-Morpork, featuring a custom Narrativium system for a whimsical gaming experience.
Vocabulary List:
- Anticipated /ænˈtɪsɪpeɪtɪd/ (adjective): Regarded as probable or likely to happen.
- Reimagining /ˌriːɪˈmædʒɪnɪŋ/ (verb): Creating a new version or interpretation of something.
- Intrigue /ɪnˈtriːg/ (noun): The quality of being fascinating or interesting often involving mysterious elements.
- Comprehensive /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv/ (adjective): Including all or nearly all elements or aspects; thorough.
- Emphasizing /ˈemfəsaɪzɪŋ/ (verb): Giving special importance or prominence to something.
- Whimsical /ˈwɪm.zɪ.kəl/ (adjective): Playfully quaint or fanciful especially in an appealing and amusing way.
