I’ve had some issues with D&D 5E lately and would like to try something else. I’ve thought a bit about what I actually want from a new system and came up with this:
The RPG should
be universal a.k.a. adaptable to different settings
be able to include magic of some kind, preferably already offering that option by its default rules
be balanced between different character archetypes/classes (if such exist)
guarantee smooth and fast combat (specifically less complicated than D&D 5E)
guarantee smooth play in general, no constant looking up rules
encourage role-playing (not necessarily via rules, but IMO D&D 5E neglects RP by its rules being overly focused on combat)
still offer as much customization options as possible
be easy to modify if needed and easy to create homebrew content for (e.g. items, monsters)
be suitable for one-shots as well as longer campaigns
have an online tool or a clearly structured index to look up rules/other stuff
already have some homebrew content available on the internet, as well as a platform to discuss rulings
Using the criteria above, I put together a list of potential candidates:
Adventurers!
AGE
Apotheosis
Cortex Prime
Cypher
Dungeonslayers
Fate (Core, Accelerated and/or Condensed)
Freeform Universal
Fudge
Genesys
Hero System
HeroQuest
Ironsworn
Low Fantasy Gaming
Mini Six
Old School Essentials
PbtA (and/or more specifically Dungeon World)
Prose Descriptive Qualities
Risus
Savage Worlds
The Black Hack
World of Dungeons
Worlds Without Number
Whitehack
However, I only read about each RPG briefly… and as you can see, the list is still very long. Do any of the systems named don’t fit what I’m actually looking for or meet the requirements listed above especially well? My goal is to bring the list down to 2-3 RPGs, ultimately choosing from them.
Oh, and if you think there is another RPG that I haven’t named, but fits my needs better than all the others: Recommend away!
Many thanks for all your help!
EDIT: added suitability for longer campaigns as a desirable quality