Customizing Your TTRPG Experience: How to Modify Game Rules and Create Homebrew Content

Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) are a great way to let your imagination run wild and explore fantastic worlds with friends. While most TTRPGs come with a set of rules and mechanics, the beauty of the game lies in its flexibility, which allows players to customize their experience and create unique content. In this blog post, we will explore how to modify game rules and create homebrew content to enhance your TTRPG experience.

Find the Game that Suits You

The first step in customizing your TTRPG game is to choose a game system that suits your interests and playstyle. There are a wide variety of game systems available, from classic systems like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder, to newer games like Blades in the Dark and Monsterhearts. Each system has its own unique mechanics and rules, so it's important to choose one that aligns with the type of game you want to run.

When selecting a game system, consider the genre you want to play in. Some game systems are designed specifically for certain genres, such as fantasy, sci-fi, or horror. Other games are more flexible and can be adapted to fit a variety of genres.

It's also important to consider the level of complexity you want in your game. Some systems have simple, easy-to-learn rules, while others have more complex rulesets that require a greater investment of time and effort to learn. If you're new to TTRPGs or are running a game for a group of new players, you may want to choose a system with simpler rules to start with.

Once you've narrowed down your options, take some time to read through the rulebooks and familiarize yourself with the mechanics of the game. Consider the level of player agency and storytelling potential in the system, as well as how well it fits with the type of game you want to run.

Ultimately, the game system you choose will set the foundation for your customized TTRPG game. It's important to choose a system that you enjoy and that aligns with your vision for the game, as this will make it easier to customize and adapt the rules to fit your needs.

Modifying Game Rules

Customizing the rules of your TTRPG game can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to approach it carefully. Major rule changes can have unintended consequences and may require extensive playtesting to ensure balance and fairness. Here are some tips for customizing the rules of your TTRPG game:

1. Start small: If you're new to game design or TTRPG customization, start with small changes to the rules. This could include minor tweaks to existing rules, adding or removing character options, or creating new items or spells.
2. Keep the core mechanics intact: The core mechanics of a game system are what make it unique and enjoyable. While it's okay to modify certain aspects of the game, such as character creation or combat rules, be sure to keep the core mechanics intact to ensure that the game remains balanced and fun.
3. Get feedback: Before implementing major rule changes, get feedback from your players. Ask them what they think of your ideas and how they might impact the game. Be open to feedback and suggestions, and be willing to make changes based on player input.
4. Playtest: Once you've made changes to the rules, playtest them extensively to ensure that they work as intended. This could involve running a few one-shot sessions to test out new mechanics, or incorporating changes into your ongoing campaign.
5. Be prepared to adjust: Customizing the rules of your TTRPG game is an ongoing process. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed based on player feedback and the results of playtesting. Don't be afraid to admit when something isn't working and make changes accordingly.

Some common ways to customize the rules of your TTRPG game include:

1. Character creation: Modify the rules for creating characters to fit the setting of your game. This could include adding new races or classes, changing the way abilities are assigned, or modifying starting equipment.
2. Combat rules: Adjust the rules for combat to make it more or less lethal, or to add new mechanics that fit the setting of your game.
3. Magic system: Create your own unique magic system that fits the lore and setting of your game. This could include new spells, magic schools, or mechanics for spellcasting.
4. Skills and abilities: Modify the skills and abilities available to characters to fit the setting of your game. This could include adding new skills, removing or modifying existing ones, or changing the way abilities are used.

By customizing the rules of your TTRPG game, you can create a unique and immersive experience for you and your players. Just remember to approach it with care and be willing to make changes as needed.

Create a Unique Setting

Creating a unique setting for your TTRPG game can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your players. A well-crafted setting can add depth and immersion to your game, and can help set the tone and mood for your campaign. Here are some tips for creating a unique setting for your TTRPG game:

1. Determine the Genre: The first step in creating a setting is to determine the genre of your game. Do you want to run a high fantasy game, a post-apocalyptic game, a sci-fi game, or something else entirely? This will help you establish the tone and style of your game.
2. Establish the World's History: Once you've determined the genre of your game, it's time to establish the history of your world. This could include the creation myth, major historical events, and the current state of the world. This will help you create a sense of depth and realism for your setting.
3. Create a Map: A map can be a useful tool for visualizing your setting and keeping track of important locations. You don't need to be an artist to create a map; there are many free online tools that can help you create a simple map for your game.
4. Develop the Culture and Society: The culture and society of your setting can add depth and immersion to your game. Consider the different races and factions that exist in your world, as well as their beliefs and values. This will help you create a rich and diverse setting for your game.
5. Include Interesting Locations: Interesting locations can add excitement and adventure to your game. Consider including locations such as dungeons, ruins, cities, and other landmarks that your players can explore.
6. Create Unique NPCs: Unique NPCs can help bring your setting to life and add depth to your game. Consider creating NPCs with interesting backstories and motivations, as well as distinct personalities and quirks.
7. Incorporate Player Input: Finally, don't be afraid to incorporate input from your players when creating your setting. Ask them what kind of world they would like to play in, and consider their suggestions when crafting your setting.

Here's an example of creating a unique setting for a TTRPG game:

Let's say you want to create a high fantasy setting for your game. You might start by establishing the history of your world. Perhaps there was a great war between the forces of light and darkness, which resulted in the creation of a magical barrier that separates the two realms.

Next, you might create a map of your world. You could include different regions such as the elven forests, the dwarven mountains, and the human kingdoms.

To create depth and immersion for your setting, you might develop the cultures and societies of the different races. Perhaps the elves are reclusive and fiercely protective of their forest homes, while the dwarves are proud and honor-bound. You might also consider including unique factions, such as a secret society of mages or a guild of monster hunters.

To add excitement and adventure to your game, you might include interesting locations such as ancient ruins, lost cities, and mysterious portals to other realms. You might also create unique NPCs, such as a wise old wizard who serves as a mentor to the players or a powerful lich who seeks to conquer the world.

By following these tips, you can create a unique and immersive setting for your TTRPG game that will provide endless opportunities for adventure and storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Customizing your TTRPG experience through modifying game rules and creating homebrew content can be a fun and rewarding experience. Just remember to keep balance in mind and work with your group to ensure that everyone is having fun. With a little creativity and some playtesting, you can take your game to the next level and create a unique experience that you and your group will never forget.