TTRPG on a budget what are my best options?
today we discuss the best ways to get into the exciting hobby of TTRPGs. this includes: terrain on a budget, budgets RPG systems, virtual dice, and what you can use instead of minis.
the team at pencil sword and dice
8/10/20252 min read
Nowadays most people encounter the hobby of TTRPGs through DND making its way into popular culture, being featured in several tv shows and even revamping its own movie franchise. But for someone who is new to the hobby and wants to play the game the may encounter various obstacles, budget is a factor not to be overlooked, especially if you are starting out and not sure just how deeply involved you want to be with the hobby. And for most it will also be question of not wanting to waste their hard earned money.
Well... if that person sounds like you then it's your lucky day. We have over a decade of gaming experience and we have learned a thing or two along the way. To start of with these days there is a lot of choice to be had when choosing a tabletop RPG system, even if you want one for free as a pdf.
FREE TTRPG SYSTEM PDF DOWNLOADS
Mothership basic rules download found on website. the system is a grim dark/horror sci-fi space vibe.
Cairn 1st edition rules available on drivethruRPG website. Great starter fantasy RPG ruleset, OSR style.
TERRAIN ON A BUDGET WHAT CAN BE DONE?
RPG tabletop terrain is not always affordable and if you're not up for learning how to craft if you don't already. Then finding or making tabletop terrain may not be easy. however we have a solution for you if you have access to a printer you print off a one inch grid paper from an online download. If you don't have access to a printer you can alternatively but a cheap white board and forgot the grid and use popsicle sticks or rulers for measurement during combat encounters.
NO DICE, NO PROBLEM!
these days both iOS and android and any hardware with a preinstalled virtual assistant have a function where if you for example ask it to roll a D20 it will provide a random number within that range.
MINI SUBSITUTES
instead of using expensive pre painted minis buy unpainted and paint yourself. alternatively you can print out paper pawns or draw your own. you can also use coins and bottle caps as tokens even chess or board game pieces work. the possibilities for substitutions are endless!
Thanks for reading happy gaming!