Our Favorite TTRPGs by Women & Non-Binary Designers
Tabletop roleplaying games have evolved dramatically in recent years, moving beyond the traditional dungeon crawls to explore diverse themes, perspectives, and mechanics. As someone passionate about representation in gaming, I'm excited to highlight some incredible TTRPGs designed by women, non-binary, and queer creators that are reshaping the landscape of roleplaying games.
These games offer fresh perspectives, innovative mechanics, and storytelling approaches that might just revolutionize your gaming table. Whether you're new to TTRPGs or a seasoned player looking for something different, there's something on this list for everyone.
Bluebeard’s Bride
Designer(s): Whitney "Strix" Beltrán, Marissa Kelly, and Sarah Richardson
What It's About: This dark, feminist horror game draws inspiration from the classic Bluebeard fairy tale. Players collectively embody different aspects of the Bride's psyche as she explores her new husband's mysterious mansion, uncovering its disturbing secrets room by room.
Why You Should Try It: The game masterfully explores themes of agency, gender roles, and psychological horror from a feminist perspective. The atmosphere is haunting and immersive, and the collaborative storytelling creates an experience unlike any other horror TTRPG on the market. If you're looking for a game that's both thought-provoking and genuinely unsettling, this is it.
Cover of Bluebeard’s Bride
Thirsty Sword Lesbians
Cover of Thirsty Sword Lesbians
Designer: April Kit Walsh
What It's About: This game combines swashbuckling adventure, dramatic emotional entanglements, and queer representation into one fantastic package. Players embody sword-wielding characters who navigate complex relationships while battling oppressive forces and societal expectations.
Why You Should Try It: TSL offers a refreshing focus on LGBTQ+ characters without making their identities the source of conflict. The mechanics elegantly support both exciting action sequences and meaningful emotional development. It's the perfect game for groups who want their dramatic swordfights served with a side of heartfelt romance and character growth.
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Good Society
Cover of Good Society
Designer(s): Hayley Gordon and Vee Hendro
What It's About: Jane Austen fans, rejoice! This Regency-era TTRPG allows players to create characters navigating the complex social landscape of 19th-century England, complete with scandals, romance, reputation management, and the ever-present pressure of societal expectations.
Why You Should Try It: Good Society captures the essence of Austen's works through clever mechanics that emphasize reputation, relationships, and social maneuvering. The game brilliantly balances structure and improvisation, allowing for those quintessential Austen moments of wit, longing, and social commentary. Perfect for players who prefer their conflicts resolved through cutting remarks at the dinner table rather than sword fights.
Wanderhome
Designer: Jay Dragon (nonbinary)
Cover of Wanderhome
What It's About: Set in a pastoral fantasy world populated by anthropomorphic animals, Wanderhome focuses on gentle storytelling, community building, and healing in a post-war landscape. Players travel from village to village, experiencing seasonal changes and helping communities along the way.
Why You Should Try It: In a hobby often dominated by violence and conflict, Wanderhome offers a genuinely refreshing alternative. The game's beautiful, evocative writing and token-based mechanics create a cozy, contemplative experience. It's perfect for groups interested in collaborative worldbuilding and stories about connection, compassion, and finding home.
For the Queen
Box of For the Queen
What It's About: This card-based storytelling game has players embodying companions escorting their Queen on a dangerous journey. Through guided prompts, players explore their characters' relationships with each other and with their monarch.
Why You Should Try It: The elegant simplicity of For the Queen makes it incredibly accessible while still delivering profound storytelling opportunities. The game can be completed in a single session, making it perfect for one-shot nights or as an introduction to narrative games for newcomers. The focus on the Queen creates a fascinating center of gravity that pulls the narrative together.
Dream Askew
Designer: Avery Alder
Cover of Dream Askew
What It's About: Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Dream Askew focuses on a small queer enclave struggling to survive amid the collapse of civilization. The GM-less system has players collaboratively creating the community, its threats, and its internal conflicts.
Why You Should Try It: Dream Askew combines post-apocalyptic storytelling with a celebration of queer resilience and community. The diceless, token-based system elegantly balances collaborative worldbuilding with character-driven drama. The game creates spaces for exploring themes of identity, belonging, and collective action in the face of systemic challenges.
Star Crossed
Cover of Star Crossed
Designer: Alex Roberts
What It's About: This two-player game uses a Jenga tower to tell the story of two characters who are intensely attracted to each other but have compelling reasons not to act on their feelings. As tension builds in the narrative, so does the physical tension of the tower.
Why You Should Try It: Star Crossed creates an intimate, focused storytelling experience that perfectly captures the emotions of forbidden romance. The Jenga mechanic brilliantly translates narrative tension into physical tension. It's accessible, emotionally engaging, and creates memorable stories in just a couple of hours.
These games represent just a fraction of the innovative work being done by marginalized creators in the TTRPG space. Each offers unique mechanics, themes, and perspectives that expand what tabletop roleplaying can be. By supporting these designers and experiencing their games, we not only get to enjoy fantastic gaming experiences but also contribute to a more diverse and inclusive hobby.
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