RPG FAQ: 50 Questions About Tabletop and Video Game RPGs

From first-time tabletop players to CRPG veterans, these 50 questions cover the fundamentals of roleplaying games across both physical and digital formats.

Tabletop RPG Basics

1. What is a tabletop RPG? A collaborative storytelling game where players assume character roles and make decisions within a fictional world. A Game Master (GM or Dungeon Master) narrates the world, controls non-player characters, and adjudicates rules. Dice determine outcomes of uncertain actions.

2. How many people do you need to play? Typically 3-6 total: one GM and 2-5 players. Some systems support solo play or larger groups, but 4-5 total is the sweet spot for most games.

3. How long does a session last? Most groups play 3-4 hour sessions. One-shots (complete stories in a single session) run 2-4 hours. Campaign sessions can run longer depending on the group.

4. What dice do I need? A standard set includes seven polyhedral dice: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, and a percentile d10 (d100). D&D and most fantasy RPGs use all seven. Some systems use only d6s or d10s. See our best dice sets guide.

5. What is a d20? A twenty-sided die. The d20 is the primary die in D&D and Pathfinder, used for attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws.

6. What is a Game Master / Dungeon Master? The player who runs the game world. The GM describes environments, plays non-player characters, presents challenges, and adjudicates rules. In D&D specifically, the GM is called the Dungeon Master (DM). See our Dungeon Master tips guide.

7. Do I have to be the GM? No. Most players never GM. Finding a willing GM is the main bottleneck for new groups. Some systems (Ironsworn, Mythic GM Emulator) support GM-less play.

8. Is D&D the only tabletop RPG? No. Hundreds of tabletop RPGs exist across every genre: fantasy, sci-fi, horror, cyberpunk, historical, superhero, and more. D&D is the most popular but far from the only option. See our best tabletop RPGs guide.

9. Can I play online? Yes. Virtual tabletops (Roll20, Foundry VTT, Fantasy Grounds) provide digital maps, dice rolling, and character management. Discord or video chat handles communication. See our online tools guide.

10. Is it expensive? It can cost nothing. The D&D Basic Rules are free. Dice apps replace physical dice. Many systems offer free quickstart rules. A full investment (books, dice, accessories) ranges from $50-$200. See our D&D cost guide.

Character Creation

11. What is a character class? A class defines your character’s abilities, combat role, and progression path. D&D classes include Fighter, Wizard, Rogue, Cleric, and others. Each class has unique features and subclass options. See our D&D class guide.

12. What are ability scores? Six statistics that define a character’s capabilities: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma. Higher scores provide better modifiers on dice rolls. See our character creation guide.

13. What is a character’s race/species? The character’s biological heritage: Human, Elf, Dwarf, Halfling, Orc, Tiefling, etc. Species provide features like darkvision, elemental resistance, or bonus abilities. The 2024 D&D rules use “species” instead of “race.”

14. What makes a good character concept? A character with clear motivation (what do they want?), a personality trait that creates friction or interest, and a connection to the game world. Mechanical optimization matters less than a character you enjoy playing.

15. Can I play an evil character? Technically yes, but it requires group buy-in and maturity. Evil characters who undermine the party or other players’ fun create real-world table conflicts. Discuss with your GM and group first. See our session zero guide.

Gameplay

16. What is combat like? Turn-based in most systems. On your turn, you move, take actions (attack, cast spells, use abilities), and interact with the environment. Initiative order determines who goes when. Combat encounters typically last 3-8 rounds (20-45 minutes of real time).

17. What happens when my character dies? Depends on the system and the GM. D&D has death saving throws (a chance to stabilize) and resurrection magic at higher levels. Some systems are more lethal (Shadowdark, Call of Cthulhu). Most GMs allow players to create a new character if one dies permanently.

18. What is a skill check? A dice roll to determine whether a character succeeds at a non-combat task: picking a lock, persuading an NPC, climbing a wall, recalling knowledge. Roll d20 + relevant modifier against a Difficulty Class set by the GM.

19. What does “roll for initiative” mean? The start of combat. Each participant rolls to determine turn order. Higher rolls act first. Initiative sets the sequence for the entire combat encounter.

20. What is a saving throw? A reactive dice roll against an effect targeting your character: a dragon’s breath weapon, a wizard’s charm spell, a trap’s poison dart. Roll d20 + save modifier against the effect’s DC. Success means reduced or negated effect.

Game Mastering

21. How do I become a good DM? Focus on player enjoyment over “winning.” Prepare enough to run the session but not so much that you railroad the story. Bend rules when they obstruct fun. Listen to your players. See our DM tips guide.

22. What is a session zero? A pre-campaign meeting where the group discusses expectations: campaign tone, content boundaries, scheduling, character connections, and house rules. Essential for preventing conflicts. See our session zero checklist.

23. Should I use a published adventure or create my own? Published adventures provide structure and reduce prep time. Creating your own allows complete customization. New GMs should start with published adventures and transition to homebrew as they gain confidence. See our campaign planning guide.

24. How much should I prepare? The 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide suggests checklists based on available time: one-hour prep covers the basics, two hours adds detail, three hours provides comprehensive preparation. Over-preparation leads to burnout; under-preparation leads to disorganized sessions.

25. What is homebrew? Custom content created by the GM or players: house rules, custom classes, original monsters, unique magic items, or entire campaign worlds. Homebrew ranges from minor rule adjustments to complete game redesigns. See our homebrew rules guide.

Video Game RPGs

26. What is a CRPG? Computer Role-Playing Game. CRPGs translate tabletop RPG mechanics to digital format with turn-based or real-time-with-pause combat, character creation, branching narratives, and party management. Examples: Baldur’s Gate 3, Divinity: Original Sin 2, Pillars of Eternity. See our best CRPG guide.

27. What is a JRPG? Japanese Role-Playing Game. JRPGs typically feature linear stories with pre-defined characters, turn-based combat, anime-influenced aesthetics, and elaborate narratives. Examples: Final Fantasy, Persona, Dragon Quest. See our JRPG vs WRPG comparison.

28. What is the difference between action RPGs and turn-based RPGs? Action RPGs (Elden Ring, Diablo 4) resolve combat in real-time through player reflexes. Turn-based RPGs (Baldur’s Gate 3, Persona 5) pause during combat to allow strategic decision-making. See our action RPG combat guide.

29. What is a Souls-like game? Games inspired by Dark Souls: challenging combat, interconnected world design, cryptic storytelling, and player death as a core mechanic. Examples: Elden Ring, Lies of P, Nioh 2. See our Souls-like games ranking.

30. What is New Game Plus? A mode that restarts the game while retaining your character’s level, equipment, or abilities from the previous playthrough. Usually provides harder enemies or new content. See our New Game Plus guide.

Genres and Settings

31. What is high fantasy vs. low fantasy? High fantasy features widespread magic, non-human species, and epic quests (D&D, Lord of the Rings). Low fantasy grounds magic in realism — rare, dangerous, and mysterious (Game of Thrones, The Witcher).

32. What is grimdark? A subgenre emphasizing bleak worlds, moral ambiguity, and dark themes. Warhammer 40,000 coined the term. In RPGs, grimdark settings feature corruption, violence, and the absence of clear heroes.

33. What is steampunk? A genre combining Victorian-era aesthetics with steam-powered technology. Clockwork gadgets, airships, and industrial settings. Tabletop games like Blades in the Dark incorporate steampunk elements.

34. What is cyberpunk in RPGs? Near-future settings with advanced technology, corporate dystopia, and social inequality. Cyberpunk 2077, the Cyberpunk RED tabletop RPG, and Shadowrun are prominent examples.

35. What is an open world RPG? A video game RPG with a large, freely explorable game world rather than linear level progression. Players choose where to go and what quests to pursue. Examples: Elden Ring, Skyrim, The Witcher 3. See our open world RPG guide.

Culture and Community

36. What is actual play? Recorded or streamed tabletop RPG sessions. Critical Role, Dimension 20, and The Adventure Zone are prominent examples. Actual play shows have driven massive growth in tabletop RPG popularity.

37. What is min-maxing? Optimizing character builds for maximum mechanical effectiveness, sometimes at the expense of roleplaying depth. Min-maxing is valid but should be balanced with character personality and group dynamics.

38. What is a murderhobo? A player who solves every problem through combat and ignores NPC interaction, story, or consequences. Generally considered poor form. Address through session zero expectations and in-game consequences.

39. What is metagaming? Using out-of-character knowledge to make in-character decisions. Example: your character has never seen a troll, but you know from the Monster Manual that trolls are weak to fire. Some metagaming is unavoidable; excessive metagaming undermines immersion.

40. What is TPK? Total Party Kill — every player character dies in an encounter. Sometimes the result of poor strategy, sometimes bad luck, sometimes an intentionally deadly encounter. GMs should use TPK sparingly and meaningfully.

Recommendations

41. Best RPG for beginners? Tabletop: D&D 5e (2024 rules) or Shadowdark. Video game: Baldur’s Gate 3 or Persona 5 Royal. See our D&D beginner guide.

42. Best RPG for solo play? Video game: Any single-player CRPG. Tabletop: Ironsworn (designed for solo play) or use the Mythic Game Master Emulator with any system. See our solo board games guide.

43. Best RPG for couples? Tabletop: Wanderhome (pastoral, cooperative). Video game: Divinity: Original Sin 2 (excellent co-op). See our best two-player board games guide and co-op RPGs guide.

44. Best RPG for kids? Tabletop: No Thank You, Evil! (ages 5+) or Hero Kids. Video game: Pokémon series or Ni no Kuni. See our tabletop games for families.

45. Best RPG for storytelling? Tabletop: Blades in the Dark, Fiasco, or any PbtA game. Video game: Disco Elysium (the gold standard for narrative RPGs). See our Disco Elysium review.

46-50: Quick Hits

46. Best RPG soundtrack? Divinity: Original Sin 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, or Final Fantasy XIV. See our best RPG soundtracks guide.

47. Best RPG villain? Solas (Dragon Age), Jon Irenicus (BG2), Sephiroth (FF7). See our best RPG villains ranking.

48. Best RPG companion? Karlach (BG3), Garrus (Mass Effect), Shadowheart (BG3). See our best RPG companions guide.

49. Best RPG romance? Baldur’s Gate 3 (Shadowheart, Karlach), Mass Effect 2 (Garrus, Tali). See our best RPG romance guide.

50. Where do I start? Read our D&D 5e beginner guide for tabletop or our best CRPG guide for video games.

Key Takeaways

Tabletop RPGs are collaborative storytelling games requiring 3-6 people, dice, and imagination
D&D is the most popular but hundreds of alternatives exist across every genre
Video game RPGs span CRPGs, JRPGs, action RPGs, and Souls-likes
The hobby ranges from free (basic rules + dice apps) to any budget you choose
Session zero is the most important step for new tabletop groups

Next Steps

Start tabletop with our D&D 5e beginner guide
Explore video game RPGs with our best CRPG guide
Set up your first campaign with our session zero checklist

GoblinWars covers tabletop RPGs, strategy games, and fantasy gaming culture.

Sources

D&D Beyond — Official Rules — accessed March 2026
Roll20 Compendium — accessed March 2026