I've been playing roleplaying games (RPGs) pretty much since I've been in college. I've played Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, and FATE. Through these games, I've made new friends, stretched my creative legs, and gone on so many adventures through my other personas. These types of games are fun and great for those who love world-building. Here's why I think you should try playing a tabletop RPG:
1. Community.
Exploring dungeons, rescuing villagers, and looting treasure will definitely bring a group together. With everything you've been through, you'll share a bond like no one else. You may only play one game together, but you'll never forget how they rescued you from that swarm of goblins. You might make some new friends or just hang out with old ones, but there's no question that these types of games are great on a Saturday night.
2. Creativity.
Fantasy provides a plethora of creative fuel – goblins, elves, dwarves, etc. You can tap into your inner nerd as you lead your company through dark, dragon-infested caves. If you enjoy storytelling, you'll love these formats. Maybe you could become the Game Master and create your own story for your friends.
3. Adventure.
You may not be able to travel to far and distant lands, but you can certainly create a game about them. You can go on a quest to retrieve a magical amulet, or you can travel the world. You can do all of this from your own couch! No real-world money required (except for purchasing game materials)!
4. Get out of your comfort zone.
For me, playing these games was pretty nerve-wracking. Not only was I playing with new people a lot, but I had to try to come up with creative and fun ideas during the game. It was super intimidating. After a while, though, I got more comfortable around my new friends and relaxed a little when sharing my ideas for the game. I felt a little more confident in my creative abilities and got a social life out of it. If you're a pretty quiet person but you love being creative, this is a great way to put yourself out there and try something that scares you. These games are all about trying new and exciting things, so speaking up and contributing to a story you make with others is part of the fun.
You may not be into these types of games, which is fine, but I would encourage you to try one of them at least once in your life. FATE comes off as the easiest because the rules are a little more fluid, but that's just my personal favorite. Each person will have their own style that they prefer. See which style works for you! You may just start off with a one shot not really expecting to play it after that. You may find yourself later, though, becoming a Game Master and creating campaigns of your own. Maybe you'd even bring a few new players to your party. I can speak from experience that these games are great for unlocking the imagination and getting out of your comfort zone.
I hope you get to try and enjoy your adventures through these games. Have fun!
