Six Runebound Alternatives

Runebound Alternatives - playlist
• Runebound Alternatives
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[@TheDungeonDive]

Playlist for games included on this list kzbin.info/aero/PLKewgRd8Eir_ZRIValYkObbDlQh48Alp_

[@wiktormonfilsgustafsson56]

Great list! I still remember my father telling me not to pick blueberries in the summer of 1986 as radioactive rain had travelled from Tjernobyl to Sweden.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Really? Wow! What a memory and experience. Thanks for sharing. :). Were you aware of the situation?

[@wiktormonfilsgustafsson56]

@@TheDungeonDive thanks for masking great stuff! Now theres a high risk Ill preorder Paupers ladder 2nd ed and back Fall of the Ancients. 😊

[@miked5394]

Your point on the "long tail" vs Kickstarter element is spot-on. So many of the games I've backed and received where it should have been years of content, but all delivered at once -- it's overwhelming. There's definitely something to be said for that planned 2+ year cycle of releases that was once so common. I wouldn't have guessed your #1 alternative - interesting! My own vote is for HEXplore It: The Forests of Adrimon.

[@Jump90]

Never even heard of Pauper's Ladder, thanks for bringing it to my attention!!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Make sure to to check out me extensive coverage of the game.

[@bluebotic2327]

Great video! I'm a fan of these comparative studies. Thanks for sharing.

[@therealdrayton]

I just picked up everything for Valley of the Dead King this past weekend. Read the manuals and rewatched your videos yesterday and can't wait to dive in.

[@Twineandribbon]

Great video! Thanks! I didn’t have a lot of money back when these games were in circulation, and with the money I did have I was exploring a lot of genres and finding out what I didn’t like more often than I was stumbling on something that clicked long term. Really enjoy seeing these perspective videos and the comparison to other games. Thanks for all the hard work you put in to share your passion for the hobby!

[@MelvLee]

A great list! Good to know Dungeon Degenerates provide a similar experience so I don't have to go out and get Runebound!

[@capnbob0618]

Awesome video thanks for the detailed explanation of each. Have Paupers Ladder and HexploreIT on my list to buy soon.

[@Valen-D]

Zerywia is fantastic adventure game once you get through the rules. The artwork and slavic lore really makes this standout.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Yeah - it really needs better documentation. Just organizing the cards is a total PITA.

[@mikemcgillonline]

Really enjoyed the video! I could see this format working well with other out-of-print classics 👍 I'm hoping to grab Valley of the Dead King when the Kickstarter launches at the end of the week!

[@GrungefolkBoy2010]

What a nice considerate youtuber you are😊 Paupers ladder looks really cool, I was literally looking online whilst watching to see what's available and this looks my likely candidate to get,thanks Daniel 👍😁

[@acornsoak8288]

Wow, I so loved this video - thank you. Really watchable and I was excited to see which pick was next, and to follow up exploring those didn't know about. Brilliant work!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mussar523]

Thank you this was very interesting. Paupers' Ladder is a very interesting revalation. I have been looking into this and it seems to be a not well know gem. I have contacted the creator to see about attaiining this. Thank you,

[@jean-sebastienh.8789]

First video about a top that start from number 1 ! Thank you for all those alternative! It made me want to go back Dungeon Degenerates and try Hexplore It!!

[@perplexingruins]

Fantastic video Daniel! These 6 games all look so fun, could make up the whole adventure shelf! Neat concept for video too

[@TheDungeonDive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Big_Sixer]

Great video. Thank you for putting this together!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KellyBC]

We love Runebound here, will have to look into some of these alternatives.

[@jeffwmoore]

Thanks for this. I am very interested in both Pauper's Ladder and Glory 2nd Edition. My favorite game in this category is: Chronicles of Frost. Not a long tail on it, but I think it scores well every where else. I keep meaning to create some homemade expansion content for it. Maybe one day.

[@SwordAgainstChaos]

Great video!

[@mejeg]

I really enjoy my RB2 I get why it can be hard to replace. I've not played any of the listed ones here, so I guess I have some searching to do in the games cafe's.

[@alamb1101]

Great video. I actually played Zona earlier today! Truly one of the most underrated games out there, I have no idea why there are still copies available…

[@remexroth8666]

Interesting alternatives ! I was kind of surprise to see ZONA in this list since it is mostly compared to Eldritch Horror. I wanted to acquired it but it seems limited in replayability. Anyway I'm glad to see that Awaken Realms is now working on a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. board game.

[@TheDungeonDive]

It’s really nothing like EH. It doesn’t have a threat management mechanism.

[@VindoViper]

It's been a long time since I played Runebound but ignoring the competitive requirement, the 2 games I've played most recently that reminded me of the feeling I got from Runebound are Lands of Galzyr and Skyrim.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I thought of Skyrim, but I am not a fan so I can't recommend it. I also thought of LoG, which was on my top 10 last year, and it is a masterpiece. It is, however, impossible to get right now.

[@paultice]

I really like Zona, the only problem being that it's a bit of a table hog with the unnecessary market board and inventory boards, but I'm also getting into Posthuman which has a nice small footprint. The main board in Posthuman is just a progress tracker and the real action takes place on the exploration tiles. I'm really enjoying it so far. Gloom of Kilforth is also one of my favourite overland adventure games, and I'm also quite fond of Of Dreams & Shadows. But you've really got me tempted by Paupers' Ladder 😄

[@TheDungeonDive]

Zona is a really good example of how an interesting setting can make something familiar feel unique.

[@cosmicdeb7576]

Great video. It's good to see Dungeon Degenerates alive and kicking, and you know my views on the Hexploreit universe . Readers of Tabletop Gaming should see my reviews of Mirza Noctis and Klik next issue and the Forest of Admiron book launches next week.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Oh nice! I didn't know you wrote reviews. Is that a print publication?

[@cosmicdeb7576]

@@TheDungeonDive well I've only done a few, and yes, it's a UK based magazine.

[@arcubal]

Really nice comparison/alternative video. I'm not huge on Runebound and similar game experiences, actually preferring "funnel story" myself but I can appreciate the sandbox overland exploration genre for sure. I do own everything of the HexploreIt series after all. Like you, I'm dreading learning Zerywia (not effortless fun after all). I will say that I've held on to my Runebound cards though in the hopes of one day integrating them into my Descent Journey/Legend games as sort of an appetizer event before heading down into the dungeon 😅

[@randothomas3733]

I like Hexplore it too. The one thing i dont like, thats it is completly up to the player when to up the difficulty.

[@sethpeterson8261]

Zerywia is such a badass game. Dripping with a primitive, heavy-metal feeling Sword & Sorcery flavor with some of the best art and presentation I've seen in a game, from the foam inserts to the etched wooden box for it, to the emetric shit ton of artwork. That theme and vibe really hits home while playing too. Really looking forward to the next expansions. Surprised you didn't get it on the re-rint/expansion campaign as that's where you ordered the 2.0 rulebook and update cards for the version you own

[@TheDungeonDive]

Didn’t feel like paying more for a better rule book. I’ll just wait for the PDF.

[@ewenneiertz8362]

I would really like to try Zerewia ! I almost back the reprint, but the Price was huge for the all in. At the time, it was hard to know exactly how it plays... And we already heard of the Bad roulebook.

[@BmlCom]

Have you heard of The Isofarian Guard? I'm so pumped as this Kickstarter is going to deliver in the next two months. I think this game is also a great suggestion as alternative to Runebound.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I have! It did not appeal to me, but I know people are really digging on it. The main reason I passed is that it’s story and campaign driven, with voice acting and music. It’s more about experiencing a pre-written story rather than making my own, and I typically prefer to make my own stories in games, or at least not be strictly tied to a pre-written campaign. I know most people will probably love it though!

[@cwkennedy13]

Another great video! It is odd to me to think of Runebound as the game it was originally designed to be, a competitive race game. To me it has became a wonderful solo adventure game. By Fantasy Flight allowing this game to breathe, it has allowed both it and the community to discover the real essence of the game.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Totally agree!

[@Zarii37]

Oh, wow! I really did not expect the ZONA in this contest. I absolutely love this-kinda underrated-title, as a fan of STALKER games and RPG-like tabletop games. I'm currently looking for the alternative to Runebound and I must admit, the choice is difficult. I'm meticulously consider getting Runebound 2ed, but still I'm not entirely sure. Thanks for these recommendations! :)

[@Rdkubala]

I actually like the format of it not being a countdown. You starting with the game most appropriate and me thinking, Ah, but I don't like the colours, looks hard to get into the world, what's the second most.. really works for how my brain concentrates. The tease it out means I lose interest as it's not straight to the point. I also kept watching as you started to move away from runebound, but games that are great but not as a direct alternative :) great video

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks!

[@chrisw942]

No matter how busy my day is, your enthusiasm for playing games--makes me want to play!! I've been bored of D&D lately, so am pleased with your list of competetive fantasy games and Runebound positives!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Do you play D&D solo most often?

[@chrisw942]

@@TheDungeonDive Beyond creating characters and backstories, I never did solo rpg with D&D. I had several of the board games which I played solo-they were easy quick battles, quick to put up/away. I sold all of my D&D stuff to purchase & trade for new games, a week ago!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Oh wow! I recently purchased the Wrath of Ashardalan.

[@Mind_of_MATT]

Dungeon Degenerates & Valley of the Dead King. I might have to look into those more.

[@davidwillems9904]

Shadows of Malice gives me some Runebound vibes as well for some reason.

[@kasparbaktat964]

I have never played Runebound and do not necessarily intend to do so, but the games you present here look very interesting. Paupers Ladder appears to be quite unique in that comparison and it looks very interesting. I am waiting for my copy of Zerywia, who knows when I will get it. And now I will watch your Zona review ;-)

[@kasparbaktat964]

btw here is the pronunciation of "Zerywia" from its creator: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5PHqYqPpK2gjas

[@artemkriachok9418]

Good Video! Darkest Doom is the Best Runebound’s soulmate!)

[@TheDungeonDive]

Haven’t hear if that. Looks like it hasn’t even been released?

[@artemkriachok9418]

@@TheDungeonDive You can preorder this game, it is very wonderfil game. Hope, I will see this game on your channel in the nearest future! :)

[@Genghis-Pawn]

It was a joy to see you not pulling punches in calling out viewer habits to explain why you led with #1. I lolled, and It felt like you were really having fun with it -- hope that's true.

[@Genghis-Pawn]

replying to myself -- one thought for future vids, I feel like people are digging the Concept/Feature Notecards, but it might be useful to have 2 more for a vid like this: 1 notecard with a big green check-mark, and one with a big red X. That way when you show, e.g, the "Competitive" card next to Zerywia, it can be paired with the red X to hammer home that this is a "miss" on that Feature -- etc. for green checks and "hits." Or you could make a 2nd and 3rd copy of the "Competitive" card containing checks and Xs, but that would maybe be overkill. I mean, this whole suggestion is overkill, feel free to ignore it, just feels like it might tie things together a bit and make the visual aspect of the video convey more aspect as you tick through each Concept/Feature.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I like that. :). More visual aids are good.

[@Genghis-Pawn]

And another reply to myself: It occurs to me that the pivot you've performed here on the Runebound videos could serve as a model for future videos and series. It would take more prep and would lead to longer videos, but here's the thought: in a series like Runebound Retrospective, you could put out videos that go box-by-box through the Runebound games/expansions, talking through how they work and why they're great, *AND* then hit on some games available now that check off some of the same boxes. That could potentially pull viewers in who would otherwise skip, and would connect historically important/out-of-print games with modern trends. "X as a Touchstone" would be the basic idea, eg., "Runebound as a Touchstone"

[@TheDungeonDive]

Great idea!

[@TheRASDEL83]

Truly appreciate your channel. I honestly love Dungeon Crawlers and I can see we have very similar tastes 🤘. Thanks to you I have found more than a couple new ones to try. Runebound is a game I missed, it is really hard getting these types of games in my country unfortunately shipping costs are crazy (even though lately I know that is everyone's reality 😅). Rogue Dungeon has become one of my favorites as of late so I just wanted to say thank you 🙏

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy the channel. Rogue Dungeon is really great!

[@DocHogan]

I would definitely have included Shadows of Malice in this list, and probably NOT (though it’s in my All Time Top 5) Dungeon Degenerates.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I thought of SoM, but to me it's more of a puzzle game, and less of an adventure game.

[@kaymarmagic7211]

Always great to see Dungeon Degenerates get some love! Do you have more content for it coming? I’ve watched the ‘Let’s Play’ videos about 20 times :D

[@TheDungeonDive]

I've been wanting to make some new videos. I'll probably do so when the next batch of stuff delivers.

[@kaymarmagic7211]

Bring it on! :D

[@marcnno6323]

Zerywia. Great addition to the list indeed. The update to the rules is comming soon. I enjoy the game a lot as it is now.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I hope they release the rules as a PDF for free for original backers.

[@artistpoet5253]

I have a few dungeon crawlers I haven't even read the rules for. I think I'm pretty good for games at this time. I am curious about Hexplore It, though, and Dungeon Degenerates tugs at my post punk 90's 2000's art phase. Options are good.

[@JevousGaming]

Just finished my 2nd play of Pauper’s Ladder. I really enjoy it and it’s totally an effortless fun game. My only complaint is, and why I wouldn’t put it close to Runebound, is that the map feels very small. You move from region to region as apposed to square to square. I wonder if during playtesting the game dragged on too long and if movement from region to another was a response to that.

[@fightingfortruth9806]

I really love HexploreIt, though Sands of Shurax was terrible. I like Adrimon the most. The theme and setting is so cool and unique. The idea of that the villain has already won, and you're just trying to fight back is an awesome concept.

[@randothomas3733]

I like Hexplore it too. The one thing i dont like, thats it is completly up to the player when to up the difficulty.

[@jonathanfranklin461]

I loved this video. It shows all your strengths. Encyclopedic knowledge, analytical approach, and helping people find other games they might like. Any thoughts on whether any VotDK add-ons are worth adding up front vs. later? I love the idea of expanding this series with funnel games, etc. Off to try find the two that start with Z.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks! I would definitely buy the expansions with the base game if you can.

[@jonathanfranklin461]

@@TheDungeonDive Do you think the new Skyrim adventure game or Euthia are Runeboundish? I have not played either one.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Skyrim yes. Don’t know enough about Euthia. It’s too big to fit on my table. I’ve also heard it more compared to Mage Knight in its complexity so probably out of my league.

[@gaetanomarzulli5463]

Very very interesting video, thanks a lot! Do you know EUTHIA: TORMENT OF RESURRECTION? I would like to know if you think it could be a Runebound alternative or if maybe it could be more similar to Mage Knight...

[@TheDungeonDive]

I do. It looks too complex for me, and won't fit on my table.

[@K_E_Robin]

I have become, the older I get, more into defending the high fantasy genre. Even though sword & sorcery is closer to my heart, I've started to become more and more interested high fantasy content. Especially the old Drakar och Demoner/Dragonbane campaign setting: Ereb Altor.

[@TheDungeonDive]

There’s good and bad examples of all the sub-genres. Funny thing, is even the old masters didn’t agree on definitions.

[@pedrowayne4675]

Nice video! …what do you think about Return of Heroes in this mix or Talisman?

[@TheDungeonDive]

Return of the Heroes is OOP and old, so not considered. I also don’t think it’s very good. :) Talisman is definitely a great choice.

[@Luchiop]

"Search for the Emperor's treasure"

[@TheDungeonDive]

Cool game! But I definitely would not recommend a super rare and expensive OOP game as an alternative to a rare, expensive and OOP game. :) "Hey, can't find or afford Runebound? Well track down this game that is even more expensive and hard to fine!" LOL! That would just be mean. ;)

[@Luchiop]

The files are on bgg.

[@TheDungeonDive]

They are! But I also wouldn't recommend a print and play as an alternative. The whole idea of the video was to make things easier for people who were frustrated that Runebound is OOP and can be hard to find. DIY / PnP is really a niche. And while it's one that I enjoy, I personally wouldn't recommend it. But hey, maybe someone will take your recommendation and discover it! That would be super cool. :) Mertwig'z Maze could also be an alternative, but that's also super rare and OOP and hard to find.

[@Luchiop]

@@TheDungeonDive agreed, also Barbarian Prince is around, free everywhere. Also "The mini quest" and the sequel are free...

[@TheDungeonDive]

BP is great! Love it. Covered that here on the channel as well.

[@rhubahb]

Would Lands of Galzyr also be a RB alternative? The app integration obviously makes it different, but the open adventuring...

[@TheDungeonDive]

Sure would! But totally unavailable right now, so not considered for this list.

[@rhubahb]

@@TheDungeonDive is it really? Man thats a bummer! Hopefully they’ll do a reprint.

[@danporter2453]

Hi Daniel, it seems like you’ve vented some frustrations about views and the algorithm lately. This is just a thought, but it seems like there’s probably a super strong core to your channel who watch almost every video. Maybe you could regularly fundraise via patreon from this core audience. I’m not sure if it’s against your ethos but you could make additional videos available to the patreons, like an additional runebound vid that the algorithm doesn’t like. Or a dungeon synth song of the month. I’m sure lots of people will be excited to purchase the game you’re making,maybe patreons can get access to some long tail content like additional encounters or a monster of the month.

[@danporter2453]

All this is just to say that there are people out there like myself who really value this channel and the vibe it gives when watching it. We’d be willing to support it and also want the channel to succeed and bring in more fans.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Right now the Patreon allows me to focus on what I’m currently doing. Spending three days a week learning and playing games and making at least three videos a week. Along with a couple extra projects a year. That’s working a full 30 hours at the Dungeon Dive, and 24 hour at my day job for health care. :). I’m absolutely stretched to the limit with this schedule. To add something else would require a significant increase in 1) KZbin views, or 2) patrons, allowing me to pay for my own health care and work at another job fewer hours. That is to say at this current schedule I do not have the bandwidth to add anything extra for patrons unfortunately. :)

[@danporter2453]

@@TheDungeonDive I just realized you actually have an active patron hah. Maybe just mention it more often. Or don’t, just do what you’re doing man. Love the channel

[@TheDungeonDive]

I get annoyed when people plug their patreon all the time, so I don't do it. :) I usually do it about 4 times a year.

[@JasonSetley]

That’s a nice list of games a few have never heard of but where is the game shadow of malice I would think that would fit in there perfectly

[@TheDungeonDive]

I only picked 6. There were probably 50 I own that I didn’t pick. :). SoM is great! I’ve covered it in the channel.

[@JasonSetley]

After you covered and I bought a copy

[@Boardgamer69]

Zerywia is really something special and not generic. It's not easy as Runebound but it's really interesting. I have played a little with the first edition and waiting the reprint. Rulebook was not so bad...but can be improved

[@TheDungeonDive]

It’s one of the worst rule books I’ve ever read.

[@greyendres4745]

Daniel, I hope that you were doing well, is there a link to the market variant print out that you talk about?

[@TheDungeonDive]

It’s on the DD Patreon.

[@greyendres4745]

@@TheDungeonDive Outstanding, I just submitted membership @ $5 level. Your RB series has been outstanding. I’ve been a fan of yours for awhile. I found a very nice copy of 2ed at Gencon. Plus while there, I had a nice conversation about you and your feed with the publisher for The Lost Tomb. He is so grateful for all your kind words. So excited for its reprint. Best Grey

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks man. DM me on Patreon if you can’t find the link there.

[@sauronguitar]

Hi Daniel, why do you prefer second edition over third? I think you justify your choice in some video...but i cant find it right now, where can i watch it?

[@TheDungeonDive]

I like both.

[@FredBednarski]

Don't worry, we know that Polish is a tough language. Nonetheless, your Polish pronunciation of Zerywia is pretty good - even putting the accent/stress on the correct syllable. :)

[@TheDungeonDive]

Oh thanks! :) I wish I was better at it. It's a cool sounding language. :) Żywiec is one of my favorite beers.

[@FredBednarski]

@@TheDungeonDive Glad you think it's cool - other Slavs joke we just speak in static, because of all the "sh" and '"ch" sounds in Polish :P You're lucky you can get Żywiec where you are. Can't find any Polish beer anywhere near me (central NC), so I only get it when I visit Poland. If you ever stumble upon it, try Perła - it's one of my favorites and local(ish) to the region I've grown up in.

[@wyzard]

Euthia!!

[@TheDungeonDive]

I’m too dumb for that game. :)

[@wyzard]

@@TheDungeonDive lol! Of course you aren’t

[@TheDungeonDive]

Haha. Actually, the real reason is that the game won't fit on my small hobby table. It does look super complex though. More like Mage Knight than I typically go for. Looks cool though!

[@golinskyy]

what about Waste Knights

[@TheDungeonDive]

I think it's a pretty good game! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHmqmqafjdZqm8k

[@markperry1603]

YT is funny. It's written PL as Poppers Ladder, like Mr Poppers Penguins. Lol

[@TheDungeonDive]

Did I typo, or was it in the auto generated subs? Lol.

[@markperry1603]

@@TheDungeonDive it's the title in the chapter list. I just figured it was yt doing it, but idk.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I checked - those are auto-generated chapter titles. :)

[@TabletopsandTentacles]

Hey Daniel! Your reveal email button doesn't exist on your About page - is there a way to reach out to you about sending you a review copy of my solo creepy-crawler dungeon crawl game 3DIE6?

[@TheDungeonDive]

Huh. I'm seeing the button and it's working on my end. Not sure what's going on. I just checked it.

[@TabletopsandTentacles]

@@TheDungeonDive Uh... yeah, its working for me now too. Odd... Uhh, disregard. haha

[@TheDungeonDive]

Could have just been a technical glitch. :)

[@travishunter7718]

As a solo player I am really tired of scenario/story driven games. I want random generated scenarios and random dungeon generated tiles. LoD will fill this for me but I now pass on Kickstarter games that are based on scenarios and story driven narratives.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Yeah. I love random generation and stuff like that.

[@gabrielmnt4119]

So you don't like Runebound 3rd edition?

[@TheDungeonDive]

I love it. One of my favorite games. I've never really said a bad word about it, so not sure why you would assume that!

[@gabrielmnt4119]

@@TheDungeonDive I just thought that since you only made videos about 2nd edition, you didn't liked it as much. It's one of my favourites too 😊

[@clg6000prime]

​@@TheDungeonDive I thought I remembered that being the case-but it does raise the question of Runebound 3rd being a Runebound 2nd alternative, i.e., would you consider it one? Or is it too circumscribed compared to its older sibling?

[@TheDungeonDive]

Videos on 3rd will be coming in the future.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I would not recommend another OOP and expensive version of Runebound as a replacement for an OOP expensive version of Runebound. :)

[@geerstyresoil3136]

Surprised you didn't mention Runebound 3rd edition. I feel it's pretty different to original Runebound 1st/2nd. Yea yea, the rune tokens, love or hate, (personally love) I think the game is fun and gives the combat and loot system a more tangibly visceral feel. There is also an elusive co-op expansion Unbreakable Bonds that really completes the game imho giving each monster archetype its own AI tree and other co-op goodness.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I wouldn’t recommend an out of print and expensive Runebound game as an alternative to an expensive and out of print Runebound game. I will be covering the game extensively when I get to it!

[@geerstyresoil3136]

@@TheDungeonDive lol true true 😂

[@TheDungeonDive]

That would just be cruel! :D I wish FFG would make Runebound again. I'd love that.

[@dagnon99]

yet another comment