Best Video Games Based On Tabletop Games

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Tabletop games inspired a huge range of video games that carry over rules systems settings and even entire campaign modules. Many of these adaptations translate dice math movement templates and initiative orders into code while adding quality of life systems for building parties saving progress and handling complex calculations. The result lets players explore classic rulebooks and settings with visual interfaces automation and online play.

This list focuses on official adaptations and licensed games that map directly to tabletop role playing games board games or miniature wargames. Each entry notes the developer release window platforms and the specific tabletop source it adapts so you can match your preferred ruleset or universe with the right digital counterpart. You will also find details on key modes toolsets and systems that mirror how the original game is played at a physical table.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Larian Studios released this role playing game on PC PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series platforms after an Early Access period that began in 2020 and a full launch in 2023. It adapts the Dungeons and Dragons fifth edition rules with ability checks proficiency bonuses advantage and disadvantage turn order based on initiative and a long rest short rest structure. The game supports single player and online or local co op with four player parties along with multiple origin characters tied to Faerun locations and factions.

Its systems include a robust dialogue check framework surface based combat with height and elemental interactions tool proficiency usage and spell slot management that mirrors the tabletop spellcasting economy. Character creation features all core classes and many subclasses from the ruleset while multiclassing follows level based progression and feat selection. The game includes Game Master style toggles such as difficulty options and non lethal attacks that simulate table rulings.

Baldur’s Gate II Shadows of Amn

BioWare released this isometric role playing game for PC in 2000 with later enhanced editions on modern platforms. It implements Advanced Dungeons and Dragons second edition with real time with pause combat that computes attack rolls THAC0 saving throws and spell interactions using the Infinity Engine. The expansion Throne of Bhaal adds high level abilities epic level caps and a continuation of the Bhaalspawn saga within the Forgotten Realms setting.

Party management covers six companions with alignment reputations and class kits that reflect AD and D second edition options. Spellbooks follow memorization rules with priest and wizard distinctions while item identification lore checks and proficiency pips mirror tabletop character sheets. Enhanced editions add widescreen support additional companions and cross platform mod compatibility.

Planescape Torment

Black Isle Studios launched this role playing game in 1999 for PC with an enhanced edition on later systems. It adapts the Planescape campaign setting from Advanced Dungeons and Dragons using the Infinity Engine and emphasizes dialogue skill checks alignment shifts and experience from conversation rather than combat. The Nameless One advances through class changes that mirror multiclassing options with stat dependent outcomes.

Mechanics track faction affiliations language lore and companions drawn from planes lore such as the Dustmen and the Transcendent Order. Spell effects use AD and D lists while the interface presents character records inventory slots and quick item usage that match tabletop character sheet categories. The enhanced edition updates interface scaling control mapping and platform support.

Icewind Dale Enhanced Edition

Originally released in 2000 and later updated by Beamdog this game adapts Advanced Dungeons and Dragons second edition within the Infinity Engine. It focuses on party creation and tactical dungeon campaigns in the Spine of the World using real time with pause combat that calculates armor class saving throws and damage types. The enhanced edition integrates content from the sequel and adds class kits spells and quality of life features.

Players can create a full six character party from level one and configure weapon proficiencies turn undead and priest sphere access according to rules. Loot tables item enchantments and rest mechanics reflect tabletop progression with scroll scribing cleric memorization and random encounter interrupts. Difficulty options include heart of fury mode for remixed high level scaling.

Neverwinter Nights Enhanced Edition

BioWare released the original in 2002 and Beamdog later updated it for modern platforms. It implements the Dungeons and Dragons third edition rules using the Aurora Engine with a single player campaign and a powerful toolset for building modules. The game includes an integrated Dungeon Master client for live moderated sessions with on the fly spawning possession of creatures and rule adjudication.

Character builds follow feats skills and attacks of opportunity with square by square movement and line of sight checks. Community persistent worlds provide long running servers with custom scripts hak packs and class restrictions while official premium modules add structured campaigns. The enhanced edition improves renderers multiplayer compatibility and Steam Workshop integration.

Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous

Owlcat Games released this computer role playing game in 2021 for PC and later consoles. It adapts the Pathfinder first edition rules with turn based and real time with pause modes mythic paths and an extensive feat and spell list. The setting centers on the Worldwound crusades with alignment tagged choices that unlock path specific abilities and transformations.

Systems include an army management layer with tactical battles and a crusade economy while party combat handles attacks of opportunity flanking flat footed states and combat maneuvers. Character creation offers archetypes deities favored class bonuses and dialogue checks based on skill ranks and ability modifiers. Post launch updates added controller support additional mythic options and difficulty presets.

Pathfinder Kingmaker

This Owlcat title launched in 2018 on PC and later on consoles. It adapts the Pathfinder first edition rules and is based on the Kingmaker adventure path with a full kingdom management layer. Players configure parties with extensive feats skills and archetypes while resting hunting and encumbrance mirror tabletop resource considerations.

The kingdom system models advisor roles event cards region claims and unrest values that represent long term campaign consequences. Combat supports both real time with pause and optional turn based modes with saving throws conditions and buff durations that align to Pathfinder timing. Expansions add new classes companions and an extended campaign epilogue.

Shadowrun Dragonfall Director’s Cut

Harebrained Schemes released this standalone version in 2014 for PC with later ports. It adapts the Shadowrun tabletop role playing game into a turn based tactical format with action points cover and skill based dialogue. The Berlin setting includes matrix decking segments spirit summoning and cyberware that reflect character options from the sourcebooks.

Character advancement uses karma to purchase attributes skills and abilities while firearm recoil and cone templates inform combat choices. The matrix sequences provide a parallel tactical layer with intrusion countermeasures and buff programs. The director cut adds new missions revamped interface and an expanded talent system.

Battletech

Harebrained Schemes and Paradox Interactive released this turn based tactics game in 2018 for PC. It adapts the BattleTech tabletop miniatures rules into lance sized engagements with heat management stability evasion and called shots. The campaign layer covers mercenary company finances salvage contracts and mech bay customization.

Combat calculates hit locations initiative by weight class and line of sight with terrain affecting movement and accuracy. Mech customization mirrors tabletop loadouts with hardpoints ammunition bins and heat sinks while pilot skills determine evasion and precision strike options. Post release updates add career mode Flashpoint missions and an advanced difficulty suite.

Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines

Troika Games launched this role playing game on PC in 2004. It adapts the World of Darkness setting from the tabletop role playing game with clan selections disciplines humanity tracking and masquerade violation systems. Dialogue and quest outcomes pivot on clan traits such as social bonuses and discipline powers.

Character sheets list attributes abilities and feats that reflect the tabletop design with experience points spent to raise dots. Systems include stealth lockpicking and combat that tie to these stats while feeding and masquerade breaches drive faction responses. Community patches address technical issues and expand disabled content for modern play.

Call of Cthulhu

Cyanide released this narrative role playing game in 2018 for PC and consoles. It is an official adaptation of the Chaosium tabletop role playing game and tracks sanity investigation skills and opposed checks in a story set on Darkwater Island. Skill allocation covers eloquence spot hidden psychology and medicine with outcomes gated by thresholds and dice like checks.

The game uses sanity events and mythos exposure to alter perception and endings in a way that reflects the tabletop emphasis on investigation over combat. Environmental inspection sections function as scene reconstructions that test skill levels while stealth segments represent survival against overpowering threats. Choices and learned clues unlock dialogue paths that mirror keeper adjudications.

Gloomhaven

Flaming Fowl Studios and Asmodee Digital released this adaptation for PC with a console version following. It translates the tabletop board game s card driven system into a full campaign with town events character retirements and legacy progress. Cooperative online play supports four players with each hand of ability cards managing stamina and initiative.

Scenarios use hex maps elemental infusions and monster action decks that reproduce the physical game exactly. The digital version includes quality of life features such as deck previews undo for misclicks and automated enemy focus rules. A guildmaster mode and downloadable content add additional mercenaries and missions.

Talisman Digital Edition

Nomad Games launched this version for PC and mobile platforms. It adapts the classic adventure board game with roll and move exploration character alignment and a quest to reach the Crown of Command. Online and local multiplayer allow up to six players with optional house rules that toggle pacing and balance.

Expansions port board game content including city dungeon and woodlands boards spells followers and alternate endings. The interface automates encounter resolution and inventory while preserving fate token rerolls and character abilities. Cross platform play and AI opponents let groups fill seats when a full table is not available.

Scythe Digital Edition

The Knights of Unity released this adaptation for PC and mobile. It mirrors the board game s engine building and area control on a map of Europa with asymmetric factions and mechs. The action selection system prevents repeating the same action which the interface enforces to match tabletop flow.

The digital version supports solo play against AI multiple online modes and the official campaign. Expansions and modules such as Wind Gambit and Invaders from Afar are available and integrate airships resolutions and additional factions. A turn log and undo for non revealed information assist learning and reduce table mistakes.

Blood Bowl 2

Cyanide released this sports tactics game for PC and consoles in 2015. It adapts Games Workshop s fantasy football board game with turn based drives block dice armor and injury rolls and league management. Teams draw from Warhammer fantasy races with skills like block dodge and guard mapped to positional roles.

Leagues include seasons inducements and player progression with star player hiring and treasury management. The client enforces timing rules kick off events and turnover states while custom leagues allow commissioners to set match parameters. DLC teams expand the roster with new playbooks and skill access.

Space Hulk Deathwing

Streum On Studio and Focus Home Interactive released this first person shooter in 2016 for PC and consoles. It adapts the Space Hulk board game setting within the Warhammer 40000 universe focusing on Terminator boarding actions inside derelict ships. The campaign follows a squad of Space Marines from the Deathwing chapter with single player and cooperative modes.

Mechanics emphasize corridor engagements heavy weapons overwatch and command issuance to AI squadmates. Enemy generation mirrors genestealer swarm behavior while mission objectives simulate bulkhead access relic retrieval and system overrides. Progression unlocks class specializations wargear and psyker powers tied to chapter lore.

Warhammer Vermintide 2

Fatshark released this cooperative action game in 2018 for PC and consoles. It adapts the Warhammer fantasy setting with first person melee and ranged combat across missions set during the End Times. The game supports four player co op with careers talent trees and loot driven progression.

Enemy factions include skaven and chaos with special enemy types that create control challenges similar to tabletop scenario pressure. The loot system uses crafting rerolls and break down of gear while difficulty tiers modify enemy density and damage. Seasonal events and adventure maps expand objectives and cosmetics.

Total War Warhammer III

Creative Assembly released this large scale strategy game for PC in 2022. It is a licensed adaptation of the Warhammer fantasy universe that merges tabletop faction rosters magic lores and unit roles with Total War s campaign and battle systems. The Immortal Empires mode combines maps factions and legendary lords across entries for a grand campaign.

Battle mechanics include winds of magic reserves army abilities and flying or monstrous unit stances that reflect tabletop attributes. The campaign layer features rite like mechanics corruption attrition and diplomacy specific to each faction. Regular updates add reworks new lords and regiments of renown.

Warhammer 40000 Mechanicus

Bulwark Studios released this tactics game in 2018 for PC and consoles. It adapts the Warhammer 40000 setting with a focus on the Adeptus Mechanicus and Necron tomb missions. Turn based combat uses cognition points to fuel movement and abilities while augments and canticles provide party wide buffs.

Equipment slots allow weapon swaps and servo skull utilities with discovery events that present risk reward choices akin to narrative tables. Research and resource collection feed into tech priest customization while mission timers simulate awakening levels in Necron complexes. Multiple endings and unit unlocks encourage varied squad builds.

Lords of Waterdeep

This digital adaptation arrived on iOS and later on PC. It translates the Dungeons and Dragons worker placement board game into an interface for asynchronous multiplayer and solo play. Players place agents in locations to recruit adventurers and complete quests for victory points with a hidden lord giving scoring incentives.

The expansion Scoundrels of Skullport adds corruption and new buildings which the client tracks with tokens and tooltips. The app supports pass and play timers undo for legal moves and detailed logs of each placement and quest resolution. Tutorial prompts and rule references help new players learn placement and scoring.

Gloomhaven Mercenaries Edition on consoles

Saber Interactive and Flaming Fowl Studios delivered a console package that consolidates the digital campaign with console specific interface work. It retains the card driven stamina system initiative ordering and elemental infusions that define the tabletop experience. Controller support maps hand management and target selection to radial menus and quick selects.

The package includes the full campaign guildmaster mode and post launch mercenary additions. Save systems track retirements prosperity and unlocked town events while difficulty adjusts enemy damage and scenario level in line with tabletop scaling. Online co op allows party continuity across sessions with host migration tools.

Warhammer Quest Silver Tower

Perchang released this title on mobile platforms as a tactics dungeon crawler set in the Age of Sigmar timeline. It draws on the Warhammer Quest board game lineage with tile based movement skill cooldowns and gear collection. Champions from multiple factions form parties that clear gauntlet style levels.

Events daily challenges and seasonal content add relics and boons that mirror card and token effects from physical sets. The game uses rarity tiers and upgrade paths to simulate campaign advancement with blessings and traits that align with faction identities. Offline play and short session design fit the pick up and play rhythm of mobile tabletop conversions.

Share your favorites in the comments and let us know which tabletop worlds you want to see adapted next.

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