We took nominations. We held a massive poll, and nearly 5,000 people voted. And now we have the definitive list of the Top 10 most anticipated tabletop roleplaying games for 2017. For more information, click on the big pretty cover images below, and you'll be instantly transported by magic to the websites of each of the listed products. What are people awaiting with baited breath? Science fantasy? Swedish folklore? Swords & sorcery? Lovecraftian horror? All of these things and more!
[h=4]10: Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea 2E[/h]
Sword & Sorcery comes alive in this North Wind Adventures' new edition of the game inspired by Howard and Lovecraft, and rules based on the original D&D game rules from 1974. Dungeons, monsters, traps, and puzzles all challenge your characters, who choose from the traditional classes of fighter, magician, cleric, and thief.
"Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea™ (AS&SH™) is sword-and-sorcery role-playing at its pinnacle. This game's milieux are inspired by the fantastic literature of Robert Ervin Howard, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, and Clark Ashton Smith. Game rules and conventions are informed by the original 1974 fantasy wargame and miniatures campaign rules as conceived by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson."
[h=4]9: Delta Green Roleplaying Game[/h]
It was in the list last year, and it's in the list again this year! The Agent's Handbook (pictured above) may already be out, but it'd the main core rulebook - the Case Officer's Handbook - which takes the #9 spot in our list of most anticipated RPGs of the year. This Cthulhu Mythos game combines Lovecraft and the War on Terror.
"Delta Green: The Role-Playing Game is a tabletop role-playing game of conspiracy, suspense, and Lovecraftian terror. Players' characters are agents of Delta Green: federal agents and special forces operators; academics who’ve seen too much and physicians who study the aftermath of horror; scientists and other specialists; and sometimes just bystanders who get caught up in events beyond anyone’s control. Their first priority is to quarantine and stop unnatural horrors, because the unnatural is real and it kills."
[h=4]8: Coriolis[/h]
This Swedish sci-fi RPG lets you crew a starship and explore ancient mysteries in a "Firefly meets Arabian Nights" setting. Using the Mutant: Year Zero game engine, the game features political intrigue, exploration, and mystery.
"Coriolis is a science fiction role playing game set in a remote cluster of star systems called The Third Horizon. It is a place ravaged by conflicts and war, but also home to proud civilisations, both new and old. Here, the so called First Come colonists of old worship the Icons, while the newly arrived Zenithians pursue an aggressive imperialistic agenda through trade and military power.
In this game, you will crew a space ship and travel the Horizon. You will explore the ancient ruins of the Portal Builders, undertake missions for the powerful factions and partake in the game of political intrigue on Coriolis station - the centre of power in the Third Horizon. You might even encounter strange beings from the dark between the stars."
[h=4]7: Witcher[/h]
R. Talsorian Games is producing the tabletop RPG of Witcher, based on the Polish novels, video game (and more) of monster hunters with supernatural abilities.
"The Witcher Role-Playing Game will allow tabletop RPG fans to re-create an array of characters known from the Witcher universe and live out entirely new adventures set within the world of Geralt of Rivia. Powered by Fuzion, the same ruleset that made Cyberpunk 2020 gain worldwide player acclaim, The Witcher Role-Playing Game will feature a myriad of spells, rituals, and curses; favorite gear and items from the entire Witcher series including a bestiary of devilish monsters players can face during their adventures. The system will provide all the necessary tools to create and play out your own adventures and become everything from a battle-hardened monster slayer to a merchant kingpin controlling a vast network of contacts."
[h=4]6: Starfinder[/h]
From the publishers of the Pathfinder RPG comes this sci-fantasy RPG set far in the future. Elves and half-orcs pilot starships and fire ray guns in this tabletop RPG based on the Pathfinder rules. If you love the Pathfinder game system, and have a yearning for space opera, this one's for you.
"Take your favorite fantasy RPG to the stars! Set thousands of years in Pathfinder's future, Starfinder is a stand-alone roleplaying game evolved from the Pathfinder rules and designed to bring you a whole new universe of science fantasy adventures. Play alien races both new and familiar as you explore the mysteries of a weird galaxy. Will you be an android assassin fulfilling corporate contracts, or a plucky ratfolk mechanic? A spellhacking lashunta technomancer, or a rakish human pilot? Uncountable worlds are waiting for you and your intrepid crew!"
[h=4]5: Conan: Adventures in an Age Undreamed Of[/h]
Back for a third year in this list, this RPG from Modiphius is imminent. Using Modiphius' 2d20 system, this is a quintessential sword-and-sorcery setting which raised nearly half a million UK pounds on Kickstarter. Pulp adventure and ancient horrors await!
"The core rulebook for Robert E. Howard’s Conan: Adventures in an Age Undreamed Of is a 368 page full colour hardcover book containing everything you’ll need to adventure in the world of Robert E. Howard’s hero, Conan. It is based entirely on the canonical Conan stories, and uses the 2D20 system developed by Modiphius and used in Mutant Chronicles 3rd Edition, Infinity, John Carter Warlord of Mars and other fine games. This tome presents character generation, the game’s rules, and a wealth of source material, including cultures, geography, religions, magic, gods, monsters, gamemastering advice, adventure seeds, and much more. This work has been developed by an all-star writing team, with close involvement by respected Robert E. Howard authorities, and is illustrated by world-renowned Conan artists."
[h=4]4: Star Trek Adventures[/h]
A second appearance by Modiphius and its 2d20 system, Star Trek Adventures was announced in 2016 to great excitement. Game in the final frontier in the first official licensed Star Trek RPG in years.
"Fans of the legendary Star Trek television series’ and films will not only boldly go to the final frontier, but they will shape the voyages and missions through the Star Trek Adventures living campaign playtest. Each player will experience the game differently based on the ship they are assigned to and attendees of Gen Con will have the exclusive North American opportunity to choose their ship, as well as claim a free Captain Kirk or Captain Picard miniature, while supplies last, when they register for the playtest"
[h=4]3: Kult: Divinity Lost[/h]
25 years after this original RPG, Kult returns! A Swedish production, this game of contemporary horror where mankind is trapped in an illusion. But can the players uncover the secrets and determine the horrifying truth about our world?
"In KULT: DIVINITY LOST the world around us is a lie. Mankind is trapped in an illusion. We do not see the great citadels of Metropolis towering over our highest skyscrapers. We do not hear the screams coming from the cellar where hidden stairs lead us to Inferno. We do not smell the blood and burnt flesh from those sacrificed to gods long since forgotten. But, some of us see glimpses beyond the veil. We have this strange feeling that something is not right - the ramblings of a madman in the subway seems to carry a hidden message, and our reclusive neighbor does not appear to be completely human. By slowly discovering the truth about our prison, our captors and our hidden pasts, we can finally awaken from our induced sleep and take control of our destiny."
[h=4]2: Tales from the Loop[/h]
Another Swedish game (from the same company as Coriolis, above), fantastic machines and strange beasts populate 1980s suburbia. Play teenagers and solve mysteries in the 1980s, with campaign settings set both in Sweden and in the US.
"In 1954, the Swedish government ordered the construction of the world’s largest particle accelerator. The facility was complete in 1969, located deep below the pastoral countryside of Mälaröarna. The local population called this marvel of technology The Loop. Acclaimed scifi artist Simon Stålenhag’s paintings of Swedish 1980s suburbia, populated by fantastic machines and strange beasts, have spread like wildfire on the Internet. Stålenhag’s portrayal of a childhood against a backdrop of old Volvo cars and coveralls, combined with strange and mystical machines, creates a unique atmosphere that is both instantly recognizable and utterly alien. Now, for the first time, YOU will get the chance to step into the amazing world of the Loop."
[h=4]1: Trudvang Chronicles[/h]
This RPG from RiotMinds - another Swedish company - is a game based on Nordic and Celtic myth. Dark and mysterious, the creators steer clear of "dungeon crawl, pink fireballs and endless adventures about glimmering treasures" in their vast continent of Trudvang which is populated by Scandinavian creatures - many of which you may find familiar. A skill-based BRP clone, the game has gorgeous production values. Already available in Swedish, this release is the international version of the game.
"Trudvang Chronicles is an award-winning fantasy roleplaying game based on the mysterious and dark Nordic and Celtic sagas and myths. Enter a world of enchanted forests, trolls, dragons, spirits of nature, heroes and adventures. Trudvang is both grim and dark, epic and yet down to earth, with a melancholic tone of an ancient age when nature was a living creature and magic was wild and strong. Above all, Trudvang is a saga..."
And there we have it! Our 2017 Top Ten Most Anticipated RPGs! Four(!) Swedish games, two games from Modiphius, two sword-and-sorcery titles, and three set in outer space, it looks like some small trends are emerging. For completeness, here is the full list of Most Anticipated RPGs for previous years (we didn't do it in 2014):
ANNUAL EN WORLD MOST ANTICIPATED TABLETOP RPG OF THE YEAR
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[h=4]10: Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea 2E[/h]
Sword & Sorcery comes alive in this North Wind Adventures' new edition of the game inspired by Howard and Lovecraft, and rules based on the original D&D game rules from 1974. Dungeons, monsters, traps, and puzzles all challenge your characters, who choose from the traditional classes of fighter, magician, cleric, and thief.
"Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea™ (AS&SH™) is sword-and-sorcery role-playing at its pinnacle. This game's milieux are inspired by the fantastic literature of Robert Ervin Howard, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, and Clark Ashton Smith. Game rules and conventions are informed by the original 1974 fantasy wargame and miniatures campaign rules as conceived by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson."
[h=4]9: Delta Green Roleplaying Game[/h]
It was in the list last year, and it's in the list again this year! The Agent's Handbook (pictured above) may already be out, but it'd the main core rulebook - the Case Officer's Handbook - which takes the #9 spot in our list of most anticipated RPGs of the year. This Cthulhu Mythos game combines Lovecraft and the War on Terror.
"Delta Green: The Role-Playing Game is a tabletop role-playing game of conspiracy, suspense, and Lovecraftian terror. Players' characters are agents of Delta Green: federal agents and special forces operators; academics who’ve seen too much and physicians who study the aftermath of horror; scientists and other specialists; and sometimes just bystanders who get caught up in events beyond anyone’s control. Their first priority is to quarantine and stop unnatural horrors, because the unnatural is real and it kills."
[h=4]8: Coriolis[/h]
This Swedish sci-fi RPG lets you crew a starship and explore ancient mysteries in a "Firefly meets Arabian Nights" setting. Using the Mutant: Year Zero game engine, the game features political intrigue, exploration, and mystery.
"Coriolis is a science fiction role playing game set in a remote cluster of star systems called The Third Horizon. It is a place ravaged by conflicts and war, but also home to proud civilisations, both new and old. Here, the so called First Come colonists of old worship the Icons, while the newly arrived Zenithians pursue an aggressive imperialistic agenda through trade and military power.
In this game, you will crew a space ship and travel the Horizon. You will explore the ancient ruins of the Portal Builders, undertake missions for the powerful factions and partake in the game of political intrigue on Coriolis station - the centre of power in the Third Horizon. You might even encounter strange beings from the dark between the stars."
[h=4]7: Witcher[/h]
R. Talsorian Games is producing the tabletop RPG of Witcher, based on the Polish novels, video game (and more) of monster hunters with supernatural abilities.
"The Witcher Role-Playing Game will allow tabletop RPG fans to re-create an array of characters known from the Witcher universe and live out entirely new adventures set within the world of Geralt of Rivia. Powered by Fuzion, the same ruleset that made Cyberpunk 2020 gain worldwide player acclaim, The Witcher Role-Playing Game will feature a myriad of spells, rituals, and curses; favorite gear and items from the entire Witcher series including a bestiary of devilish monsters players can face during their adventures. The system will provide all the necessary tools to create and play out your own adventures and become everything from a battle-hardened monster slayer to a merchant kingpin controlling a vast network of contacts."
[h=4]6: Starfinder[/h]
From the publishers of the Pathfinder RPG comes this sci-fantasy RPG set far in the future. Elves and half-orcs pilot starships and fire ray guns in this tabletop RPG based on the Pathfinder rules. If you love the Pathfinder game system, and have a yearning for space opera, this one's for you.
"Take your favorite fantasy RPG to the stars! Set thousands of years in Pathfinder's future, Starfinder is a stand-alone roleplaying game evolved from the Pathfinder rules and designed to bring you a whole new universe of science fantasy adventures. Play alien races both new and familiar as you explore the mysteries of a weird galaxy. Will you be an android assassin fulfilling corporate contracts, or a plucky ratfolk mechanic? A spellhacking lashunta technomancer, or a rakish human pilot? Uncountable worlds are waiting for you and your intrepid crew!"
[h=4]5: Conan: Adventures in an Age Undreamed Of[/h]
Back for a third year in this list, this RPG from Modiphius is imminent. Using Modiphius' 2d20 system, this is a quintessential sword-and-sorcery setting which raised nearly half a million UK pounds on Kickstarter. Pulp adventure and ancient horrors await!
"The core rulebook for Robert E. Howard’s Conan: Adventures in an Age Undreamed Of is a 368 page full colour hardcover book containing everything you’ll need to adventure in the world of Robert E. Howard’s hero, Conan. It is based entirely on the canonical Conan stories, and uses the 2D20 system developed by Modiphius and used in Mutant Chronicles 3rd Edition, Infinity, John Carter Warlord of Mars and other fine games. This tome presents character generation, the game’s rules, and a wealth of source material, including cultures, geography, religions, magic, gods, monsters, gamemastering advice, adventure seeds, and much more. This work has been developed by an all-star writing team, with close involvement by respected Robert E. Howard authorities, and is illustrated by world-renowned Conan artists."
[h=4]4: Star Trek Adventures[/h]
A second appearance by Modiphius and its 2d20 system, Star Trek Adventures was announced in 2016 to great excitement. Game in the final frontier in the first official licensed Star Trek RPG in years.
"Fans of the legendary Star Trek television series’ and films will not only boldly go to the final frontier, but they will shape the voyages and missions through the Star Trek Adventures living campaign playtest. Each player will experience the game differently based on the ship they are assigned to and attendees of Gen Con will have the exclusive North American opportunity to choose their ship, as well as claim a free Captain Kirk or Captain Picard miniature, while supplies last, when they register for the playtest"
[h=4]3: Kult: Divinity Lost[/h]
25 years after this original RPG, Kult returns! A Swedish production, this game of contemporary horror where mankind is trapped in an illusion. But can the players uncover the secrets and determine the horrifying truth about our world?
"In KULT: DIVINITY LOST the world around us is a lie. Mankind is trapped in an illusion. We do not see the great citadels of Metropolis towering over our highest skyscrapers. We do not hear the screams coming from the cellar where hidden stairs lead us to Inferno. We do not smell the blood and burnt flesh from those sacrificed to gods long since forgotten. But, some of us see glimpses beyond the veil. We have this strange feeling that something is not right - the ramblings of a madman in the subway seems to carry a hidden message, and our reclusive neighbor does not appear to be completely human. By slowly discovering the truth about our prison, our captors and our hidden pasts, we can finally awaken from our induced sleep and take control of our destiny."
[h=4]2: Tales from the Loop[/h]
Another Swedish game (from the same company as Coriolis, above), fantastic machines and strange beasts populate 1980s suburbia. Play teenagers and solve mysteries in the 1980s, with campaign settings set both in Sweden and in the US.
"In 1954, the Swedish government ordered the construction of the world’s largest particle accelerator. The facility was complete in 1969, located deep below the pastoral countryside of Mälaröarna. The local population called this marvel of technology The Loop. Acclaimed scifi artist Simon Stålenhag’s paintings of Swedish 1980s suburbia, populated by fantastic machines and strange beasts, have spread like wildfire on the Internet. Stålenhag’s portrayal of a childhood against a backdrop of old Volvo cars and coveralls, combined with strange and mystical machines, creates a unique atmosphere that is both instantly recognizable and utterly alien. Now, for the first time, YOU will get the chance to step into the amazing world of the Loop."
[h=4]1: Trudvang Chronicles[/h]
This RPG from RiotMinds - another Swedish company - is a game based on Nordic and Celtic myth. Dark and mysterious, the creators steer clear of "dungeon crawl
"Trudvang Chronicles is an award-winning fantasy roleplaying game based on the mysterious and dark Nordic and Celtic sagas and myths. Enter a world of enchanted forests, trolls, dragons, spirits of nature, heroes and adventures. Trudvang is both grim and dark, epic and yet down to earth, with a melancholic tone of an ancient age when nature was a living creature and magic was wild and strong. Above all, Trudvang is a saga..."
And there we have it! Our 2017 Top Ten Most Anticipated RPGs! Four(!) Swedish games, two games from Modiphius, two sword-and-sorcery titles, and three set in outer space, it looks like some small trends are emerging. For completeness, here is the full list of Most Anticipated RPGs for previous years (we didn't do it in 2014):
ANNUAL EN WORLD MOST ANTICIPATED TABLETOP RPG OF THE YEAR
| # | 2013 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
| 1 | 13th Age | Star Wars Force & Destiny | Rifts for Savage Worlds | Trudvang Chronicles |
| 2 | Numenera | Deluxe Exalted 3rd Edition | Mutant Crawl Classics | Tales from the Loop |
| 3 | Star Wars Edge of the Empire | Unified Rolemaster | 7th Sea 2nd Edition | Kult: Divinity Lost |
| 4 | Shadowrun 5th Edition | Conan Adventures In An Age Undreamed Of | Conan Adventures In An Age Undreamed Of | Star Trek Adventures |
| 5 | Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition | Deluxe Tunnels & Trolls | DCC Lankhmar | Conan: Adventures in an Age Undreamed Of |
| 6 | Firefly | Barbarians of Lemuria: Mythic Edition | RuneQuest 4 | Starfinder |
| 7 | Fate Core | Feng Shui 2 | Torg: Eternity | Witcher |
| 8 | Hillfolk | Fantasy AGE | Blue Rose AGE | Coriolis |
| 9 | Torchbearer | Paranoia | Paranoia | Delta Green Roleplaying Game |
| 10 | - | Shadows of the Demon Lord | Delta Green | Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea 2E |
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