Choosing the best superhero role-playing game is a tough task. However, there are certain RPGs featuring superheroes that rise to the top.
With all of the Marvel and DC comic character movies these days, many people are wanting to play superheroes in role-playing games. Sifting through all the incredible superhero RPGs is a task.
However, here’s my list of the best superhero RPGs.
Masks: A New Generation
Masks: A New Generation is a popular take on the superhero genre. It is rules-light and plays quickly. It also allows for many different styles of superhero RPG play.
From the DriveThruRPG description:
“Masks: A New Generation is an ENnie-award winning superhero roleplaying game in which a team of young heroes fights villains, saves lives, and tries to figure out who they are—noble paragons? Dark avengers? Or regular kids? All against the backdrop of Halcyon City, the greatest city in the world.
“Masks makes use of the same rules-light engine as Apocalypse World, Monsterhearts, Dungeon World, Urban Shadows, and Epyllion to create stories about young superheroes in the vein of Young Justice, Young Avengers, and Teen Titans.”
Mutants & Masterminds Deluxe Hero’s Handbook
Mutants & Masterminds was published originally in 2002. M&M was built off the chassis of the D&D D20 system but has evolved throughout the years. It is always on people’s lists of top picks for the best superhero role-playing games.
At the time of the writing, there is a huge bundle of Mutants & Masterminds PDFs on sale. Check out Mutants & Masterminds PDF Mega-Bundle. Note it is mainly the earlier editions.
ICONS Superpowered Roleplaying: The Assembled Edition
The ICONS RPG is a rework and update of a superhero RPG by the designer of Mutants & Masterminds. It is narrative-focused and sports quick character creation.
From the DriveThruRPG description:
“Steve Kenson, designer of the best-selling Mutants & Masterminds delivers a superpowered role-playing game inspired by the fast-playing old-school games and the new generation of narrative role-play! Within its pages are complete rules for character creation, abilities and powers, random adventure generation, a rogue’s gallery of villains, and all the superheroic action you can handle!”
Even More Great Superhero RPGs
- Savage Worlds Super Powers Companion (SWADE)
- Sentinel Comics: The Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook
- Prowlers & Paragons Ultimate Edition
- City of Mist: Player’s Guide
Superhero Role-Playing Games
Of course, there are many other superhero RPGs that are considered excellent. You can find more at DriveThruRPG here. Grab your capes and get ready for endless adventures.