Hello and welcome back to Wyrmwood Studios, a blog dedicated to TTRPG Design. A space designers, GMs and players to discover tools, guides and other resources (More on wyrmwoodstudios.com). What’s often coming across my workbench is the TTRPG trends in the foreseeable future. In this article, I wanted to share my viewpoint on what I think it’s The Best TTRPG Genres to Design in 2025. Before we dive in, if you missed my last post on how to create homebrew spells, you can check it out here.
Let’s go.
Looking Ahead: What’s Going to be the Best TTRPG Genres
You and I both know that TTRPG design is an evolving landscape. What worked yesterday might not hit as hard tomorrow, so it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. 2025 is shaping up to be a year where certain genres—especially those that emphasize storytelling, innovation, and fresh experiences—will really take off. I’ve been digging into trends and here’s what I think will be the best TTRPG genres to design in the next few years.
1. Narrative-Driven Games: Let’s Make the Story the Heart of the Experience
So, you and I both know that players have changed. While there will always be a place for tactical combat systems, the truth is, the games people are raving about these days aren’t about who rolls the highest damage. They’re about who’s going to break your heart or take the plot in a direction you never saw coming.
Narrative-driven games will continue to dominate in 2025. Think about it: games like Blades in the Dark or Monster of the Week have already shown that focusing on collaborative storytelling and character growth can lead to some seriously successful games. Players want to be invested in the world, in each other, and in the decisions they make. If you’re a designer who’s passionate about creating immersive narratives, this genre’s definitely where you should plant your flag.
I’ve played a ton of story-first games, and the ones that stand out are the ones that trust the players to co-create the story with the GM. That’s the magic. If you can find a way to make the mechanics serve the narrative (not the other way around), you’ll have a solid foundation for a game that resonates with people.
2. Solo & GM-Less: The Future of Solo Play Is Here
Now, this one is interesting. For years, the standard TTRPG setup has been a group of people sitting around a table, right? But solo play and GM-less games have been booming in recent years, and I’m betting that by 2025, this trend is going to explode. Players want the flexibility to jump into a game without needing a GM or a full group, and you can’t ignore that demand.
I’ve worked on a couple of solo RPGs myself, and what I’ve learned is that simplicity is key. There’s a real art to crafting a game that gives players the tools to create an engaging experience solo, without feeling like they’re missing out on the collaborative magic. Games like Ironsworn have set a high bar, and the potential for solo RPGs in 2025 is huge. People want to play whenever they want, without worrying about coordinating schedules. It’s a more intimate, personal experience that’s really resonating right now.
If you’re thinking about designing in this space, think about how you can give players a self-contained world that they can explore and develop on their own terms. You’re not just designing a game—you’re giving them a tool to create an adventure.
3. Hybrid Genres: Push the Boundaries and See What Sticks
Look, you know I’m all about breaking the mold. And that’s why hybrid genres are going to be big in 2025. It’s no longer just about “fantasy,” “sci-fi,” or “horror.” Now, people want to see those genres fuse in ways that feel fresh.
I’ve seen some really cool hybrid games—like Mothership, which mixes sci-fi and horror in ways that make my skin crawl. Or Blades in the Dark, which blends heists with dark fantasy in ways I didn’t think would work, but damn, it does. By 2025, players will expect to see more of these mashups—games that combine the genres they love in unexpected ways. Sci-fi noir? Sure. Fantasy post-apocalypse? Absolutely. Superheroes and horror? Let’s see it.
This is where I see a lot of room for innovation. You can get as wild as you want here, and players will eat it up if you give them something they haven’t seen before. The challenge is in finding the right balance—make sure your game still feels cohesive, even if it’s pulling from completely different genres.
4. Horror TTRPGs: More Than Just Jump Scares
You and I both know that horror in TTRPGs isn’t just about monsters. It’s about creating a mood—suspense, fear, tension. And let me tell you, horror is only going to keep growing in 2025. Games like Mothership have shown how a well-designed horror RPG can hit hard with players, especially if you know how to build that sense of impending doom.
In 2025, the focus will be on psychological horror—games that really dig into the minds of the players, making them question not just the monsters, but their own choices. Think about it—when you can make the players feel the dread, when every choice feels dangerous, that’s when you’ve got a true horror RPG. I’ve found that players love the tension that comes from limited resources, sanity mechanics, and unpredictable narratives.
If you’re a designer with a love for all things creepy, this genre is your playground. You can craft deeply atmospheric experiences that keep players on the edge of their seats.
5. Eco-Conscious & Dystopian RPGs: Exploring Our Future
Now, this one’s personal. I’m all for a good eco-conscious or dystopian setting. The world is changing rapidly, and I think 2025 is going to see a massive rise in TTRPGs that focus on our future—specifically, a future that’s struggling to survive.
Dystopian games like Apocalypse World really highlight the survival aspect, and there’s something about that theme of “how do we keep going when everything’s falling apart?” that feels so relevant right now. If you want to dive into a genre that’s going to mean something to your players, this is it. People want to confront real-world issues—whether it’s about the environment, societal collapse, or just surviving in a harsh world.
Designing these games means you’re creating something that’s not only fun but also makes players reflect. It’s a challenge, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences as a designer.
6. Space Fantasy and Sci-Fi RPGs: The Final Frontier
Lastly, space-fantasy and sci-fi are classics, but they’re not going anywhere. I mean, look at The Expanse or Star Wars—these settings are still as popular as ever. In 2025, I see these genres pushing boundaries, mixing high-tech with mysticism, and exploring even more complex moral dilemmas.
When designing in this space, think about what you can add that hasn’t been explored before. How can you marry technology with magic? What about the psychological implications of deep-space travel, or the struggle of exploring alien worlds that feel just as alien to the players as the characters?
Designing in the space-fantasy or sci-fi realm means tapping into that huge sense of wonder and possibility. You’re offering players a chance to explore the unknown—and that’s something people will always want.
So, What’s Next for You as a Designer?
The Best TTRPG Genres that will thrive in all center around innovation and the player experience. Whether it’s narrative-driven games, hybrid genres, or horror, there’s a lot of room for you to experiment and carve out something meaningful.
So, what’s your take? Are you leaning towards designing a hybrid genre or do you see yourself diving deep into narrative-first or solo RPGs? Drop a comment and let’s keep the conversation going!
