Guide To Tabletop Gaming
Games are a great way to bring people together. But with digital gaming becoming more popular than ever, it's easy to forget that there are other types of games on the market that are just as fun and engaging. Plus, they encourage face-to-face interaction, giving you a chance to really connect with your friends.
That's right, we're talking about tabletop gaming.
While you may have heard of it, it can be tricky to pinpoint what this type of gaming actually is. After all, it encompasses a huge range of different game types and genres. So, how exactly do you differentiate between tabletop gaming and something like board games?
This guide is here to give you everything you need to know about tabletop games. From what they are to how they differ from other types of games, we've covered the A to Z of tabletop gaming.
What Is Tabletop Gaming?
Tabletop gaming is an umbrella term for the diverse category of games where players gather around a gaming table (or any flat surface) to play together. Simply put, it's any game you can sit around and enjoy with a group of friends or your family!
What really sets tabletop gaming apart is that it typically uses different physical components. For example, some may use miniatures or cards, while others use dice and boards—or a combination of the two.
But don't be fooled: Tabletop games are more than just games; they're an experience you can share with others. They are fantastic for bringing people together to create memories, laugh, practice their problem-solving skills, or compete against one another until only one champion comes out on top.
What's the difference between tabletop games and board games?
Although you may hear the terms 'tabletop games' and 'board games' being used interchangeably, there's an important difference between the two.
Board games are actually a subcategory of tabletop games that use game boards specifically as part of their components. That means that all board games are tabletop games; however, not every tabletop game can be classified as a board game.
6 Types Of Tabletop Games
One of the best things about tabletop games is that they cater to everyone—whether you prefer sci-fi, medieval fantasies, something straightforward with simple rules, or complex worldbuilding.
Plus, they are designed to suit players of every skill level. For example, beginners can try their hand at something like a simple gateway game like Monopoly, while more experienced players can choose something with more complex rules.
The most common types of tabletop games include:
1. Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs)
Tabletop role-playing games, also known as tabletop RPGs, give you the chance to step into the shoes of different characters and experience super-immersive stories. The best example of this type of game is the iconic Dungeons & Dragons, where every player works together to navigate narrative-driven adventures.
TTRPGs are led by a player known as the Dungeon Master or Game Master, who shapes the entire world and story. However, the players are also involved in the outcome of the story based on their choices throughout the game.
Interestingly, you can get certain types of board game tables that are made specifically for tabletop RPGs. So, if you love the thrill of delving into dungeons and fighting mythical monsters, it may be a great investment for you!
2. Trading card games
Trading card games aren't your typical card games. Instead, they combine collecting, strategy, and friendly competition.
With these games, you can customize your deck by collecting certain cards. Then, you'll use them to represent certain characters with specific skills and abilities, like spells. Some of the most popular trading card games on the market include Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, and Yu-Gi-Oh!
The way to win these games is through pure strategy. It's all about how you build your deck and use your cards against your opponents. Plus, it matters when you play your cards, so timing is everything if you want to win!
3. Traditional card games
If you think of card games, traditional games like Poker or Blackjack generally come to mind, which rely on skill and luck more than strategy. These games have stood the test of time and are some of the oldest examples of tabletop games.
What's great about these games is that they're usually pretty easy to understand, making them perfect for both competitive play and casual gatherings with your friends. They can also be played by much bigger groups of people compared to other tabletop games. So, if you're looking for a new game to play with simple rules that can be enjoyed with minimal set-up, card games are a great choice.
4. Dice games
Dice games are a staple in tabletop gaming and generally come down to chance and strategy. In these games, players determine the outcome of their turn by rolling dice and hoping for specific values. But they aren't as simple as they may seem!
Although there are easy dice games like Yahtzee! that provide you with quick fun, others like Quarriors merge dice rolling with other mechanics. Like card games, dice games require minimal set-up and are easy to play—perfect for tabletop game beginners.
5. Board games
Board games are the most easily recognizable type of tabletop game. Of course, these games get their name from the fact that they use a game board as their main component. However, they can also include other pieces like cards, dice, miniatures, and more.
There are several types of board games you can play, from strategic games for multiple players to more competitive two-player games. In some cases, they also include party games like Codenames.
Just keep in mind that party games can fall into any category of tabletop games. For example, Cards Against Humanity is classified as a type of card game.
6. Strategy games
If you love to strategize and plan ahead, strategy games are for you. A popular sub-genre of strategy games includes war games like Warhammer, which has boomed in popularity recently.
Regardless of the subgenre, the gameplay is usually the same: players typically have to adjust their strategy as the game plays out. This gives them a really exciting edge since your original strategy may not be the best way to win. Instead, you'll need to rethink your approach as other players make their own well-thought-out moves.
FAQs
What is the difference between RPG and tabletop RPG?
A role-playing game (RPG) is a broad category of games where players usually assume the role of certain characters and personas. As those characters, they make decisions that affect the story or outcome of the game.
Although RPGs can be played digitally or as live-action games, tabletop RPGs specifically refer to RPGs played around a table. For tabletop RPGs, players also use game pieces and components like dice, character sheets, miniatures, and rule books that dictate the rules of the game.
Are tabletop games expensive?
The cost of tabletop games can vary quite a bit depending on how complex the game itself is. For instance, some simpler board games can be relatively inexpensive and range from around $10 to $30.
On the other hand, more complex games like strategy or RPGs may come with more components like rulebooks or even custom components. These games can easily cost upward of $50 to $150. Plus, they may also have certain expansion packs to add more gameplay and other components, which are typically cheaper but can add up when they're added to an already pricey game.
And then you have those like trading card games, which require you to pay ongoing costs to build your deck continually by adding more cards. And when newer packs are released with new characters or monsters, you may want to collect a few of those, too.
Do I need special equipment to start playing tabletop games?
No, you don't need any special equipment to start playing tabletop games. In fact, most games come with the necessary game pieces and components you need.
However, if you're a serious gamer, you can invest in other equipment like a board game table. You can also create your own gaming room, with equipment designed to suit different tabletop games.
Final Thoughts
Tabletop games are an incredibly unique collection of game types, with plenty to offer every kind of player.
From beginners to seasoned players, easy games with simple rules to complex and challenging games that require a ton of skill to play, there's something for everyone.
And now, armed with your knowledge of tabletop gaming, you can walk into your next game night with confidence and share your expertise with your friends. Happy gaming!