4 New Tabletop RPGs That Don't Need a GM

Assembling a group of people to play an RPG with you can be difficult as it is! Let alone trying to convince someone (or even yourself) to be the GM... But that's okay, where we're going we don't need a GM. Here's wheels with 4 recommendations for games that do away with games masters altogether.
This time we're focusing on games that are brand new or have just been re-released in the last year but if you've got a favourite GMless RPG let us know in the comments!
They Came To Play Ball - adira.itch.io/they-came-to-pl...
Fiasco 2nd Edition - bullypulpitgames.com/games/fi...
Beak, Feather and Bone - tyler-crumrine.itch.io/bfb
English Eerie 2nd Edition - trollish-delver-games.itch.io...
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[@ragedrako]

A fantastic addition to this list could be Ironsworn. An RPG designed to be played with 1-4 players and no GM (yes, even designed for solo play). It's inspired by Nordic mythology and culture, like Vikings, oaths, and fey-like trolls, combined with exodus stories. The Old World has died and your people now inhabit the New World which is hard and dangerous. It can be played with a GM, but the game definitely wants you not to.

[@ragedrako]

@@dziooooo yes, given that the entire base game, which is a 270 pages rulebook, plus all the references and accessory card are completely free off the official website, it is definitely a game worth picking up.

[@ragedrako]

@@dziooooo yes, I am practically shivering with excitement over Ironsworn: Starforged. I like fantasy, but sci-fi is definitely my favourite, and the prospect of having a fully functioning sci-fi game I can play with both friends and also just on my own is gonna be absolutely fantastic :D

[@nickdejager8873]

Beak, Feather, & Bone sounds like a great set-up/session 0 for a FATE game. Build the city so everyone is familiar with it and its factions, then build your characters and dive into the adventure... OF course you'll need a GM for FATE...

[@Droid15243Z]

Add Mythic GME, problem solved! ;D

[@rosslemaitre7390]

“Spent even a moment on this channel” ... way ahead of you there, Wheels. Many, many hours spent here

[@ryand5509]

I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about various indie RPGs, but I’m always pleasantly surprised that I always find at least one new game I was completely unaware of while watching these videos!

[@RoyBlumenthal]

Thanks so much! Bought BEAK, FEATHER, & BONE thanks to you. Looks exquisite! Such cool mechanics. Also wasn't aware that FIASCO had a second edition. Heading there next.

[@SkullDixon]

Thanks for putting this list up. I already own "Bone, Beak, and Feather' but had as of yet to read through the rules so it was nice to get a good break down.

[@ca7582]

Also IRONSWORN, that game (and its expansion) is AMAZING

[@Chadzzs1]

What's it about?

[@Chadzzs1]

For anyone else interested, Ragedrako made a comment explaining the game a little further down in the comments. I'll be copying his post here for anyone unable to find it: "A fantastic addition to this list could be Ironsworn. An RPG designed to be played with 1-4 players and no GM (yes, even designed for solo play). It's inspired by Nordic mythology and culture, like Vikings, oaths, and fey-like trolls, combined with exodus stories. The Old World has died and your people now inhabit the New World which is hard and dangerous. It can be played with a GM, but the game definitely wants you not to." -Ragedrako

[@ragedrako]

@@Chadzzs1 thanks, man :)

[@TheAmishJedi]

I really want to see Luke from OX guest for a game of English Eerie.

[@TheOneTheyCallJack]

SEIZE THE MEANS OF ROLEPLAY

[@axeldornelles5292]

Gamers of the world, UNITE! YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT between 60 and120 minutes and a whole bunch of snacks.

[@oliverworley5162]

We promise you dice and mini's

[@willburton6622]

Euros are the opiate of the masses!

[@rootsandbonesart]

English Eerie sounds amazing, must remember to check it out.

[@PebloNemo]

Polaris is a great GM-less game as well. Not only the aesthetic and setting is great, but the conversational resolution machanic is really neat.

[@talahar123]

Always love your enthusiasm, Wheels. You bring 100%, because 110% is not physiologically possible.

[@hannaaxelsson3687]

Yes, been waiting for this video!

[@Rimorine]

Would love a list on narrative-based rpgs (but with less mechanics than monsterhearts)! I am dreaming of trying Good Society, but would love to hear about more of those unknown rpgs. My favourite so far is a mix of larp and rpg, it is called ”Arsenic and Lies” and is absolutely fantastic.

[@You-kd4qq]

Fiasco is definitely my stuff. Love it so much!

[@randomfang]

This is the last place I expected a reference to Mischief Theatre, but that's awesome!

[@circletheory3796]

I have a super soft spot for Gloomhaven. It isn't super heavy on RP, but it allowed me to play while running the game. I found that it really helped me work out some of my GM muscles.

[@dragonjaw95]

Can i demand a Fiasco play with the whole Dicebreaker team?

[@kendoyle]

I too would like to see this :)

[@Vagenlitefoot]

yes please!

[@usr_rusty]

That would be excellent

[@angrytheclown801]

They'd probably do the character creation behind the scenes.

[@gjkf]

I started GMing a Blades in the Dark game and I love it, but I kind of "miss" playing a character and not GMing the game. GM-less RPGs might be a great idea I didin't think of, so thanks for these suggestions!

[@roberthaight1198]

Davide, you might be able to use the Blades in the Dark solo system, Alone in the Dark, to play a GMless Blades game with your group.

[@glowingturtle9673]

Interesting list! Be sure to check out The Drifter for a unique Wild West story every time you play.

[@Uthislith]

I just want to say how awesome it is that Dicebreaker gives great spotlights to indie creators in videos like this

[@eternallyblue8102]

Are a lot of these games not available besides digital downloads? Ironsworn and English Eerie both sound cool but I wasn't able to find physical copies which is kind of a deal breaker for me.

[@nunyobidniz]

Note to self: look into buying Fiasco

[@mickaelsflow6774]

Go. For. It. :)

[@charliethemagpie523]

Fiasco is SO much fun, you should definitely check it out!

[@ghostwood9174]

I loved it. The Cohen Brothers reference is on point; you truly do create a circus of tragedies during a playthrough.

[@calebvandenburg1400]

A few years ago, Will Wheaton had an episode of Tabletop playing Fiasco. Definitely check it out if you're interested.

[@nunyobidniz]

Thanks guys😀

[@ladyicondraco]

Does The Quiet Year count for this? If so, I highly recommend it. Similar to Beak, Feather and Bone.

[@persephoneunderground845]

Omg the music at the end was perfect for the creepy English one. It brought up a vivid memory of the old Secret Garden movie (Hallmark, PBS, or DreamWorks I think), where the main character doesn't know what the screaming is she hears in the night at an old estate on the moors (her "crippled" cousin who is being hidden away from everyone). I swear they used Fur Elise in that movie for atmosphere the same way.

[@nosoros]

Ironswoooooooooorn

[@roberthaight1198]

I highly recommend Ironsworn- this award winning game can be played solo or with a small group either GMless or with a GM. With no change in the rules. And it’s absolutely free!

[@TheTomphson]

Check out The WitchBorn! It’s a skirmish style RPG that doesn’t require a GM. Tons of fun

[@ClickClackMathRocks]

The other good thing about Fiasco! is that they have a Roll20 module, so you can play it with your friends even in quarantine...

[@angrytheclown801]

It shouldn't need a module. Just notes in the sidebar and keeping score on dice.

[@MrRourk]

You should check out the old Spacegamer Magazine Issues from 1992. Back when they included a game in every issue. the Notables Issue #1 Battle Born Issue #2 Rogue Swords (only 1 not released on drivethrurpg by Better Games so it commands a bit of a price) Issue #3 Good Guys Finish Last Issue #4 Stuff O' Legends are some of the best of them. These are notable because in most instances they require very little effort from a Game Master / Referee.

[@simiccombinefanatic331]

You should totally check out sleepaway. It’s a dm-less rpg with an emphasis on role play

[@tobe2854]

Alice is Missing is another good one. A silent RPG done via text to unearth clues.

[@dicebreaker]

I love love love Alice is Missing but it was written by a friend of mine so can't recommend in an official capacity! - Wheels

[@tobe2854]

Give em a hearty thank you from me. 😆👍🏻

[@jessebbaker3]

What is the name of the song playing during the English Eerie review?

[@_myfavouriteaxe]

Moonlight Sonata

[@julyol119]

Sounds very interesting!

[@Lemonz-418]

I am actually holding onto a horror rpg that I am going to release in October. It's about trying to hide from a monster(s) as long as you can, hoping that you will be saved. It comes with a setting generator and some goals for the players. You also can backstab other players by leading the monster to them so you can get away.

[@travisj8091]

Did you ever release this?

[@travisj8091]

Link please

[@kevinkirby1737]

Just want to point out here that the closed captioning at 1:06 recommends, "Whilst I think everyone should at least give Jimmy a go..."

[@LJW1912]

I think the first one would be soo sick, I love sports and always wanted to run one like Dungeon Bowl from Blood Bowl, I think it would be hilarious

[@themagus517]

Witch by Kevin Bartaud and Richard Lacey - £3.13 on DrivethruRPG (best GM-less one-shot going) Love in the Time of Seið by Matthijs Holter and Jason Morningstar - £4.58 on DrivethruRPG

[@RobCleverPig]

9:42 I feel so seen with my failure in every school art exam

[@awyrlas]

Another really good one is Icarus! Perfect world building rpg!

[@juliemichellerobinson1841]

Only watching this in November... but had to post kudos to Wheels for the use of the word 'liminal'.

[@Mothman1992]

Die Laughing is a great gmless game. It's comedy horror based on schlock horror movies. Every scenes the role of Director passes to the next person

[@TheGamingWard]

Cthulhu soccer? I'm down!

[@Zottie]

Anyone know where you can get a physical copy of English eerie? I can only find the PDF :(

[@dicebreaker]

I believe there were some printer issues so might just be a case of waiting!

[@krootmen]

not sure we needed the humble brag at the start of this, a simple, some people have issues with x problem and here are some games and mechanics which seek to solve it.

[@WardNightstone]

can i also suggest Mall Kids it's run like you are playing out an episode of Saved by the bell

[@dicebreaker]

you have my attention

[@talahar123]

I've watched this right after Wheels and Zoe from Eurogamer released their own solo journaling game "Would you search through the lonely Earth for me?". The passion is definitely there! :D

[@WarrickRanger]

I have owned Fiasco for awhile, but I have never been able to convince anyone else to play with me.

[@jakesgenuineanarchy5955]

Bet, I’d be down.

[@euansmith3699]

The Tyranny of the Playeroletariat! Smash the GMocracy! We have nothing to lose but our roles! They Came To Play Ball sounds interesting; and sounds like it could maybe be hacked to play downtime in a D&D campaign.

[@axeldornelles5292]

🚩🏴🚩🏴🚩🏴🚩🏴

[@shawnheatherly]

Well, all four of these sound great but Fiasco stands above the rest to me.

[@sodcactus]

Another GM-less game that also can be used as "building a world" for a campaign is Microscope where you play out the history of your chosen topic. World, land, city etc. You decide.

[@davyjones5056]

gloomhaven jaws of the lion is in this vein and its also geared towards new players. closest a board game could get to dnd imo

[@matthewconstantine5015]

Have you checked out A Cool and Lonely Courage? It's about women working for the SOE during WWII.

[@hariszark7396]

I'm not gonna lie. First game looks like a board game with out a board. Doesn’t feel like an RPG. Fiasco may be good for story telling and RP but it is very one sided if everything is a "fiasco" at the end. Third game feels like a world building game than an RPG. Or that's what I get from the video.... English Eerie looks interesting......I would like to be set in a fictional country and not be so "English" but I can live with that I guess. I may give it a try.

[@Dracopol]

I liked HOLLOWPOINT better than FIASCO. It has a rather abstract dice-comparison mechanic, but it explains crimes and scams and capers better. Like Fiasco, it adapts to different settings like SF or an angel/demon war. www.vsca.ca/Hollowpoint/

[@BishopVogue]

If you like solo rpgs, you might want to check out the Tale of the Manticore podcast.

[@CosmoShidan]

Gaming anarchy baby!

[@csudab]

Of course, but where in England? South west?

[@vazak11]

Cool

[@mikekazz5353]

Does warhammer count or is that one that needs a referee or something like that?

[@chaoticmidnight1783]

Okay we'll save the quote

[@RookBytes]

Aren't you Robert O. Cop? =D

[@abeingofpureenergy]

They Came to Play Ball has big Blaseball energy

[@MichaelWarman]

Speaking as a lawyer, I can confirm it's not illegal if you don't get caught (not really, please don't break laws, kids)

[@eirikhaakonson1961]

Is it just me or does Wheels look like a...like a buff, bearded baby?

[@FonzietheCapybara]

Win/lose state for traditional RPGS? I might win a fight, but I've never considered that "winning" the RPG. Even the conclusion of an adventure is not a win/lose, it's just the end of a story.

[@dicebreaker]

After we recommended games like 10 candles and Icarus a few watchers were against the idea of a story that, by design, always ends in tragedy/player death. So that was more of a call out to them :)

[@deathgripskaraoke9351]

1:18 BASED?!???!?

[@dicebreaker]

noided

[@brentage5000]

Waiting for the video where Johnny or Meehan or Lolies reviews Wheels' game

[@scottmefford6917]

Poe was a Virginian.

[@charliearblaster]

Hihi

[@stevevondoom4140]

bugbears will murk you in the woods at night, in countrysides both english and beyond... ;)

[@DrHavocMD]

The music in the intro is very busy. Makes it hard to understand.

[@davidbell7491]

::Squints eyes:: ... that's blaseball...

[@dontnormally]

I feel like these descriptions a just a little overly verbose, that they use more words than necessary, that they repeat themselves to a degree, and that they could be a bit shorter, but I appreciate the content and suggestions!

[@Mike-os3pt]

Content starts at 1:38

[@diesirye]

Why is the logo of dicebreaker a butt?

[@F4R207]

So they're not actually RPGs then (given that RPGs are what they are on account of the one and only rule being the power and trust dynamic between the participants and their chosen game master)? More like "GM-less storytelling games" like Fiasco titled itself in its marketing, or narrative-building games? Never the less, it's great to see the RPG-related hobby expand and experiment more, like they have for the last decades in the Nordic RPG and LARPing community.

[@TheGamingWard]

Socialism YEAAAAH lmao

[@A6by]

Heck yeah for socialism ☺️

[@kalebrosenberg8294]

Socialism Baby!

[@shannonparkhill5557]

Socialism BABY! YeeeAAAH! haha

[@jacekkomeda7087]

Sorry man...thumbs down for "socialism o yeah!". I like your content but that was instant reaction.

[@usr_rusty]

The bit fit with what he was explaining didn’t it?

[@seansanders5959]

Is it really an rpg if there is no gm?

[@khashoggiship]

You talked too long to get to it. I decided to look them up myself. Would hate to have you as DM.

[@brucer2152]

if you don't have a GM, then it's just a board game...