Life, TTRPGs, and the Quest for the Perfect System
Why It's Okay to Love Many Systems and Change Your Preferences
First off, let me just say a big "I’m sorry!" to my readers. We all know that adulting is a tough gig, and lately, life has knocked me down harder than a rogue failing a stealth check. Between moving, dealing with illnesses, and navigating family dramas, I found myself with zero time for my beloved blog and even less for the joy of TTRPGs. But guess what? That chapter is behind me, and I’m back—stronger than ever! (Or maybe not; I just caught a cold again. Yay, me!)
Today, I’m diving into some introspection, inspired by the lively debates I’ve seen on YouTube and other social media platforms. We’re talking about the new shining gems in the TTRPG universe: Daggerheart and Draw Steel. One of these beauties comes from the legendary Critical Role, and the other is the brainchild of Matthew Colville and his crew. The hype was through the roof, and once they dropped, the comparisons started flying—both between these two gems and against the entire spectrum of TTRPGs.
Every TTRPG system attracts different audiences, has its own take on what role-playing means, and boasts unique mechanics. Thankfully, today we can explore many of them without too much hassle. So, is it worth hunting for the "best" system? Or the ultimate representative of the genre? From where I stand, absolutely not! We’re all unique creatures with different tastes, lives, and experiences. Nobody needs THE system or just one system. Instead, we need a system that fits what we seek and enjoy at the table. This preference can vary as much as favorite foods—after all, nobody goes on a quest for the ultimate dish because everyone’s tastes differ. So why are we chasing the mythical "perfect" system? It’s a bit nonsensical, don’t you think?
I can't even count the times I’ve urged my partner to try a new food, only to hear, “I don’t like it.” My response? “Have you tried it?” When she finally do, she end up loving it! This analogy really resonates with me. Just because a YouTuber had a bad experience with a new TTRPG doesn’t mean you should deny yourself the joy of discovering something new. Honestly, only those who have tried something can give a valid opinion, although it could still be skewed by personal taste. It’s up to us to figure out what we like, what we enjoy, and what we absolutely do not. Don’t leave this task to TikTok videos or YouTube reviews! If you truly love this hobby, give a system a shot before passing judgment.
As I mentioned, there’s no need to search for just one system. Playing multiple TTRPGs doesn’t mean we’re being unfaithful! We can freely explore various systems, maybe even find a couple we adore. But let’s be real—there's no such thing as the ultimate system for anyone. Another key point to consider is that our tastes can evolve as we do. Just because my current favorite system is Shadowdark doesn’t mean it has to hold that title forever. Tomorrow, it could easily be D&D or Draw Steel—or both! Life changes, and so do our preferences. Let’s not limit ourselves.
One last thought: don’t judge a system based on a single game. If your group hates a system, it doesn’t mean it’s universally bad; another group might love it. Ideally, our group should have fun regardless of the system, but we all know that’s not always the case. Likewise, playing a system solo is a whole different ballgame compared to a group setting. We might have a favorite for solo play and a completely different one for group sessions. So, let’s keep the doors open and not box ourselves in!
In conclusion, embrace the chaos of TTRPGs. Try new systems, enjoy the variety, and remember: it’s all about having fun at the table!
Until next time, and remember, keep your blades sharp and your shields up!
-Miroku (Codex Gigas)
Great insights! 💯 agree!