Urban fantasy TTRPGs blend magic, mystery, and modern city life, creating immersive worlds where the supernatural meets the everyday. Whether you're battling vampires in dark alleys or unraveling magical conspiracies in neon-lit streets, these games offer unique experiences. Here's a quick look at the top 10 urban fantasy TTRPGs:
- Spire: The City Must Fall: Rebel against oppressive High Elf rulers in a towering, gothic city.
- Warlock!: Navigate a grim medieval city with simple, gritty mechanics.
- The Dresden Files RPG: Solve supernatural mysteries in a noir-inspired urban setting.
- Shadowdark: Survive in a dangerous city where every decision counts.
- Wyld Witches: Balance magical powers with real-world responsibilities while protecting your community.
- iHunt: Fight monsters as a gig worker in a modern city plagued by supernatural threats.
- Sewer Knights: Defend the forgotten residents of a quirky, dangerous underground world.
- LUMEN: Dive into high-octane action in a neon-drenched futuristic city.
- Scumbag Punk Vampire: Embrace punk rebellion as a vampire struggling to survive.
- Backpack & Dream: Explore a magical city where technology and the supernatural collide.
Each game offers its own take on urban fantasy, from gritty survival to character-driven storytelling. Whether you're into rebellion, mystery, action, or community-building, there's a game here for you.
If you'd like a comparison table for these games or more detailed breakdowns, let me know, and I can include that too!
Modern AGE Review
1. Spire: The City Must Fall
Spire: The City Must Fall drops players into a dark, gothic metropolis where rebellion simmers beneath the surface. Released by Rowan, Rook and Decard in 2018, this tabletop RPG puts you in the shoes of rebels fighting against oppression in a world that mixes fantasy with industrial grit.
A City of Shadows and Strife
Picture a massive city built into a towering spire, where High Elves rule with cold efficiency and magic. You'll play as Drow rebels, pushing back against their iron-fisted control. The setting blends Gothic architecture with industrial elements to create a world that feels both ancient and eerily modern.
Mechanics That Drive Rebellion
The game runs on a system that puts story first - perfect if you love getting deep into character. You'll plot sabotage, build secret networks, and navigate tricky politics. Every choice matters thanks to the game's stress and fallout system. When you push too hard, there's always a price to pay.
Themes That Resonate
At its heart, Spire tells stories about fighting back against those in power. The game doesn't just ask "how will you rebel?" but "what price are you willing to pay?" You can wage your resistance through subtle manipulation or bold action - the choice is yours.
Why It Stands Out
While games like The Dresden Files RPG and City of Mist tackle urban fantasy, Spire hits different. It's laser-focused on rebellion and resistance, with rules that back up its themes. The mix of dark fantasy, politics, and atmospheric storytelling creates something that feels fresh and intense.
Practical Details
Want to join the resistance? A physical copy runs $30-$40 USD, while the PDF version costs $15-$20 USD. With a solid 4.5/5 rating across DriveThruRPG and Goodreads, Spire delivers a punch that keeps players coming back for more.
2. Warlock
Warlock! is a bare-bones tabletop RPG that brings the gritty, medieval feel of classic British roleplaying games - especially Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - to your table. Created by Greg Saunders, this game mixes city life with dark fantasy, perfect for players who love their fantasy raw and real.
A City of Grit and Decay
Welcome to the Kingdom of Man, where city life hangs by a thread. At its heart lies Grim Biskerstaf, a city that's falling apart at the seams. The rulers are useless, the city guards are broke, and groups like the Fish Speakers and Dockers are always at each other's throats. Making things worse? The Blight - a nasty disease that turns people's skin green and covered in sores. It's hitting the poor folks hardest, making their tough lives even tougher.
Simple Mechanics, Deep Gameplay
Instead of classes, you'll pick from gritty jobs like rat catcher, grave robber, or agitator through the game's career system. These aren't your typical fantasy heroes - they're regular folks trying to make it in a harsh city. Need to switch jobs to survive? Go for it. That's what real people do.
The rules? Dead simple. Roll a d20, add what you're good at, and try to hit 20 or higher. You can make a character in 15 minutes and jump right into the action.
Combat pulls no punches - when your Stamina hits zero, critical hits can end you fast. Magic works the same way: use scrolls, burn Stamina, but mess up and you're in trouble. It's quick, dirty, and dangerous.
Why It Stands Out
While games like Spire go big on magic, Warlock! keeps things down to earth. It puts you right in the mud and grime of a medieval city without drowning you in rules. Want to tweak things? The system's flexible enough to make it your own.
Practical Details
Get the PDF for $6.86 or grab a print copy for $21.93 to $27.61 on DriveThruRPG. Want more? The Warlock! Kingdom book adds extra meat to your game with new factions, places, and story ideas for Grim Biskerstaf.
If you're into fantasy that feels real - where politics are messy, cities are dirty, and one wrong move could be your last - Warlock! hits the mark. But stick around - our next game takes a different spin on city fantasy.
3. The Dresden Files RPG
The Dresden Files RPG brings Jim Butcher's urban fantasy series to your tabletop. Created by Evil Hat Productions using the Fate Core System, this game lets you dive into supernatural mysteries and noir adventures.
A World of Magic and Mystery
Step into Chicago's supernatural underbelly. Play as a wizard bound by the White Council's laws, get caught up in Red Court vampire politics, or become a street-smart detective who's seen too much. The game gives you plenty of ways to leave your mark on this shadowy world.
Narrative-Driven Mechanics
The Fate Core System puts storytelling front and center. Players use Aspects - short phrases that sum up their character's key traits and flaws. These Aspects aren't just flavor text - they shape the story and affect your chances of success or failure.
The magic system really shines here. It works just like in the books - power always comes with a price. Want to throw a fireball? Sure, but you'll need to think about your character's limits and what might go wrong. This makes every spell feel tense and exciting.
Investigative Noir at Its Core
Like any good noir story, this game is all about solving mysteries. You'll chase down leads, uncover plots, and face off against things that go bump in the night. The game gives you tools to build and solve cases that feel straight out of a detective story.
Why It Stands Out
This game nails the urban fantasy feel while letting you tell your own stories. Mix a deep setting with clever magic rules and player-driven plots, and you've got something special. Don't worry if you haven't read the books - you can easily create your own city full of supernatural secrets. The game's quality earned it the 2011 ENnie Award for Best Setting.
Pricing and Availability
You can grab the core rulebook for $40-$50 USD, with extra books available if you want more content. Whether you're a Dresden Files fan or just like mixing magic with mystery, this game delivers.
Next up: we'll look at a game that takes dungeon crawling to darker places.
4. Shadowdark
Shadowdark mixes old-school dungeon crawling with gritty urban fantasy. It takes what works from classic tabletop RPGs and adds modern rules that put the spotlight on survival, exploration, and tough choices about what to carry.
Survival in the Shadows
Every minute counts in Shadowdark. Your torch burns in real time, and you can only carry so much stuff. These limits create real pressure - do you pack extra torches or bring that magical sword you found? Each choice could mean life or death in the dark.
A City Full of Secrets
The game drops you into Arcverge, a city where old magic meets street-level crime. Picture crooked cops rubbing shoulders with wizards, and gangs fighting over turf with supernatural creatures. The city isn't just a backdrop - it's alive with plots, deals, and dangers lurking around every corner .
Streamlined Yet Strategic Gameplay
Making a character is quick - pick your scores for the six basic stats and you're ready to roll. Instead of long lists of skills, the game lets you figure out clever solutions to problems. Spellcasting adds extra spice: magic users can cast whenever they want, but each spell is a gamble. Will it work, or will it blow up in your face?
The game keeps things moving with simple distance rules - everything's either 'close,' 'near,' or 'far.' When you need to rest, you'll have to find a safe spot first. But watch out - your supplies won't last forever .
Why Shadowdark Stands Out
While games like Spire focus on politics and Dresden Files digs into supernatural mysteries, Shadowdark hits different. It's about surviving right now, in this moment, with what you've got on hand. The rules stay out of your way, but the city and its dangers feel real enough to touch.
This mix of bare-bones survival and rich urban storytelling creates something special - a game where both the shadows AND what's casting them can kill you.
5. Wyld Witches
Wyld Witches drops players into a bustling city where magic hums beneath the surface. As witches, players must juggle their supernatural powers with everyday urban challenges while keeping their magical community safe from prying eyes.
A Magical Community in the City
In this hidden world, players join covens and face tough choices that ripple through their magical society. Should they use their powers to help a neighborhood in crisis, even if it might expose their existence? Every decision tests the balance between protecting their own and serving the greater good.
Gritty Realism Meets Supernatural Intrigue
The city isn't just a backdrop - it's alive with danger and possibility. Dark alleys hide creatures of myth, while secret markets buzz with trades in magical items. Players dive into a world where crime, politics, and supernatural forces collide.
The game shines in its detective-style gameplay. Players crack cases involving magical smugglers and uncover plots that weave between mortal and mystical worlds. Every investigation demands teamwork and sharp thinking .
Balancing Magic and Mundane Life
Magic isn't just about casting spells - it's about solving real problems in creative ways. Need to fix the neighborhood's power grid? There's a spell for that. But watch out - each magical solution risks drawing unwanted attention. This mix of everyday challenges and supernatural problem-solving keeps players on their toes.
Why Wyld Witches Stands Out
At its heart, this game asks big questions about community, power, and doing what's right. Players step into complex roles where the lines between good and bad blur. What makes Wyld Witches special is how it tackles these heavy themes while telling stories about magic in our modern world.
For players who love diving deep into character stories and wrestling with tough choices, Wyld Witches serves up a fresh take on urban fantasy. Next up: a game that puts a modern spin on monster hunting.
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6. iHunt
iHunt puts you in the shoes of gig workers who hunt monsters while trying to make ends meet in today's urban jungle. Think Uber, but for slaying vampires. Through the "iHunt" app, players pick up dangerous jobs from clients who need supernatural threats dealt with - from bloodthirsty vamps to angry spirits.
Monster Hunting Meets the Gig Economy
The game nails the unpredictable nature of gig work. Jobs pay poorly and come with major risks, just like real-world app-based work. You might earn just enough for groceries from one job, then face a deadly werewolf in the next. Players constantly juggle tough choices: "Do I buy those silver bullets, or pay my rent?"
Gritty Urban Survival
Life in the city is rough, mixing everyday money problems with supernatural dangers. As you roam the mean streets, you'll deal with both mundane bills and mythical beasts. It's a world where your next payday might depend on taking down a demon - if you can afford the weapons to fight it.
Dynamic Gameplay and Strategy
The combat keeps you on your toes. Each monster has specific weaknesses, but your budget limits your arsenal. You'll need to get creative with what you can afford. Between fights, you can develop your character's personal life, build connections, or join other hunters in organizing against unfair working conditions.
Why iHunt Stands Out
The game takes a hard look at today's gig economy through a monster-hunting lens. By mixing supernatural threats with real-world problems, it creates something that hits close to home. As one reviewer put it: "a game about surviving a system that treats you like a monster" .
While iHunt explores the life of modern monster hunters, our next game takes urban fantasy underground for a different kind of adventure.
7. Sewer Knights
Get ready to plunge into a wild urban fantasy TTRPG with Sewer Knights, where you'll crawl through the city's underbelly as a protector of the forgotten. This game puts you in the boots of knights who've sworn to defend the strange and surprising residents living beneath the streets.
A World Beneath the Surface
Picture a maze of tunnels where old meets weird - that's your playground. The sewers hide everything from ancient artifacts to weird mutant critters, plus the leftovers of a lost underground society. As a knight, you're not chasing fame or gold. Instead, you're helping the outcasts and misfits, taking on oddball missions like saving a captured rat king or stopping a war between talking mushroom tribes. It's noble work... just don't mind the smell.
Dark Humor Meets Urban Fantasy
The game mixes grimy situations with laugh-out-loud moments, taking playful shots at both city life and classic fantasy. Want to fight evil with a "sacred plunger"? Go for it. Need to face off against a demon who's obsessed with collecting sewer taxes? That's just Tuesday down here. This mix of silly and serious keeps things fun, even when the going gets tough (and smelly).
Storytelling and Mechanics
At its heart, this game is about exploring, solving problems, and building your character's story. Your actions shape how different sewer groups see you - make friends with the right underground alchemist or goblin gang, and you'll have allies when things get messy. But mess up, and you might find yourself with fewer friends and more enemies in the dark.
A Unique Urban Fantasy Experience
Sewer Knights turns urban fantasy on its head. Instead of running around rooftops or hanging out in fancy penthouses, you're down in the muck where the real stories happen. The game shines when it tells personal tales about sticking together and staying strong when the world above doesn't care. If you like City of Mist or Blades in the Dark, you'll dig this game's style - just expect more laughs along with your grit.
The sewers might be dark, but our next game cranks up the action for a different kind of city survival.
8. LUMEN
Want high-octane action in a neon-drenched future city? LUMEN by Spencer Campbell of Gila RPGs delivers exactly that. Drawing inspiration from games like Destiny, Overwatch, and Diablo, this system puts you in the shoes of powerful heroes racing through gleaming cityscapes where every corner hides a new thrill.
Combat and Teamwork
The game keeps combat snappy with a 'tactical-lite' approach - no need for complex battle maps, just pure action. Players roll d6 dice pools to determine outcomes ranging from complete success to interesting failures. What makes fights pop? Powers that don't eat up your actions, letting you string together awesome ability combos on the fly.
Characters build their skills around three key traits - Force, Flow, and Focus. Whether you prefer smashing through walls or pulling off precise maneuvers, there's a playstyle for you. Teams tackle missions together, with each member bringing their special talents to the table.
A Futuristic Urban Playground
Picture this: You're fighting on a crumbling neon bridge, dodging live power cables while trading shots with enemies. That's LUMEN's world - a maze of glowing streets where danger waits at every turn. GMs create these "Dangerous Places" as dynamic battlegrounds, throwing in surprises like shifting distances or new threats to keep players on their toes.
Why LUMEN Stands Out
LUMEN lets players feel like action heroes while telling rich stories. Every dice roll becomes a chance to describe cool moves and dramatic moments. The rules stay light and zippy, the team focus keeps everyone involved, and the bright, dangerous city provides an endless playground for adventures.
If you're after fast-paced urban action where teamwork meets style, LUMEN hits the mark. Up next, we'll check out a game that shows the grittier side of city living.
9. Scumbag Punk Vampire
Scumbag Punk Vampire throws you into a dark city where punk meets vampire survival. Picture yourself as an outcast vampire, fighting to stay alive in streets that want you dead.
A Punk Rebellion in the Shadows
You're not just any vampire - you're a rebel with fangs. The game drops you into a world where vampires meet in abandoned subway stations, leave messages in back-alley graffiti, and duke it out in underground clubs with speakers blasting raw punk music. You'll face tough choices: Do you bow to the ancient vampire clans? Give in to your monster side? Or flip them all off and do things your way?
Survival in a Gritty Urban Jungle
The city's a concrete maze that'll eat you alive if you let it. Every street corner could mean a meal or a stake through your heart. You'll need to watch your blood levels and keep your wits sharp - this isn't your typical power fantasy. The streets are mean, and you're just trying to make it through another night.
Death lurks around every corner, and your humanity hangs by a thread. Each choice you make could be your last, or worse - could turn you into the monster you're fighting not to become.
A Unique Blend of Themes and Inspirations
While the game tips its hat to Vampire: The Masquerade's style, it cranks up the punk attitude and strips away the fancy vampire politics. It's raw, it's in your face, and it's ready to play for $15 as a digital download. Want a physical copy? You can grab one through DriveThruRPG.
Want a TTRPG that feels like a punk rock concert met a vampire movie in a dark alley? This is your game. But if you're looking for something different, stick around - our next game takes a weird, dreamy turn through city streets .
10. Backpack & Dream
Backpack & Dream blends technology with magic, creating a world where smartphones might reveal ghosts, and ancient spells power modern security systems. Players explore a city where the extraordinary hides just beneath the surface, choosing when to expose or protect its secrets.
Character-Driven Gameplay
This game emphasizes personal stories and character development, offering mechanics that evolve through meaningful decisions. Maybe your character is a savvy teen who chats with city spirits or a retired teacher with a magical library card they don’t fully understand.
The mechanics encourage imaginative storytelling and problem-solving with features like:
- Story-Driven Character Creation: Build characters using narrative tags tied to the city’s hidden mysteries.
- Evolving Abilities: Skills and powers grow through storytelling, making it perfect for both quick sessions and long campaigns.
A City Full of Stories
The city itself feels alive, with tools for GMs to create vibrant neighborhoods filled with both the mundane and the magical. One moment, players might search for a delivery driver lost in a pocket dimension; the next, they could be helping a café owner deal with customers stuck in a time loop.
Available on DriveThruRPG, Backpack & Dream includes a detailed rulebook to help GMs design their own magical cityscapes. With its focus on exploration and relationships instead of combat, it’s a great fit for groups who enjoy mysteries and character-driven stories.
This game offers an intimate take on urban fantasy, focusing on discovery and the connections between people and their magical world.
Conclusion
Urban fantasy TTRPGs open the door to exciting experiences for players who enjoy mixing magic with the modern world. From the rebellious depths of Spire: The City Must Fall to the personal storytelling in Backpack & Dream, each game offers its own spin on blending the extraordinary with city life.
These games show how urban fantasy can turn cityscapes into vibrant settings for storytelling. With their unique mechanics and themes, they transform familiar urban environments into stages for investigative adventures or deeply personal tales of discovering hidden powers.
The ten games highlighted here demonstrate just how diverse the urban fantasy genre can be. Some focus on action-packed missions and combat, while others dive into narrative exploration and character relationships. Whether you prefer fast-paced tactics or slow-burn mysteries, there’s a game to match your style.
When picking your next urban fantasy TTRPG, think about what excites you most about city life. Do you want to uncover conspiracies under neon lights? Or investigate supernatural mysteries while keeping up appearances? These games offer everything you need to create unforgettable stories in the shadows of skyscrapers and along dimly lit streets.
Step into a world where the ordinary and the magical collide. Whether it’s your first campaign or your next, these urban fantasy games are ready to bring your stories to life.
