Gifts for RPG Gamers: Role-playing Game Books and Accessories
Role-playing games (RPGs) are a beloved pastime for many, allowing players to immerse themselves in fantastical worlds and take on different personas. Whether it’s exploring a dungeon, saving a kingdom, or solving a mystery, RPG games offer endless hours of entertainment and adventure. If you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift for an RPG enthusiast in your life, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll be focusing on gift ideas that include role-playing game books and accessories. From rulebooks to campaign setting books, dice sets, and miniatures, we’ll provide recommendations for popular and highly-rated items that will enhance any RPG gaming experience.
Table of Contents
What are the different types of role-playing game books??
Role-Playing Game (RPG) books come in many shapes and sizes, each serving a different purpose. Rulebooks are the foundation of any RPG, providing the rules and mechanics that govern the game. Campaign setting books offer detailed descriptions of the world in which the game takes place and provide players with the necessary information to start their own adventures. Adventure modules provide a complete story, with specific objectives and characters for players to interact with. Finally, sourcebooks provide additional material and background information on the game’s world and lore, including creatures, unique locations, and more. With all these types of RPG books, players can create a unique and exciting experience for each gaming session. Let’s go over some basics so you can better navigate book gifts for RPG gamers:
- Core Rulebooks: These books contain the core rules for the game, including information on character creation, combat, and magic systems.
- Campaign Setting Books: These books provide detailed information on the game world, including geography, history, and cultures. They also include information on the political and social structures of the world.
- Adventure Modules: These books provide a series of linked adventures for players to complete. They often include information on the NPCs, locations, and encounters that the players will face.
- Sourcebooks: These books provide additional information on specific aspects of the game, such as magic systems, religions, or races. Splatbooks are sourcebooks that deep-dive into a specific character class and/or setting.
- Bestiaries: These books provide information on the monsters and creatures that players may encounter in the game. They often include statistics, lore, and illustrations.
- Game Master Guides: These books are designed to help the game master (GM) run the game, providing advice, tips and tools to help them create and run adventures, NPCs and campaigns.
- Novels: Some RPG have novels that expands the game world, characters and stories of the game.
Starter recommendations for popular and highly-rated RPG gamebooks
Here are some recommendations for popular and highly-rated RPG game books. These are the core rulebooks and are great places to start if you’re trying to get into RPG for the first time, or looking to give a new RPG world a try. (Products are linked using Amazon Associate)
Dungeons & Dragons: Player’s Handbook – This is the core rulebook for the classic fantasy RPG and a must-have for any RPG enthusiast. It contains all the rules needed to create characters, equip them with weapons and armor, and guide them through dangerous adventures.
Pathfinder: Core Rulebook – This fantasy RPG by Jason Bulman is a popular alternative to Dungeons & Dragons and offers a vast array of options for character creation and customization. The core rulebook contains everything you need to start your own campaign.
Shadowrun: Core Rulebook – This cyberpunk RPG combines elements of fantasy and science fiction and is set in a dystopian future where magic and technology coexist. The core rulebook contains all the rules and information needed to create characters and run a campaign.
Call of Cthulhu: Keeper Rulebook – This horror RPG is based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft and tasks players with investigating and uncovering the secrets of the Cthulhu Mythos. The Keeper Rulebook is an essential guide for running and playing in a Call of Cthulhu campaign
Vampire: The Masquerade – 5th Edition – This horror RPG immerses players in the world of the undead, where they must navigate the politics and power struggles of vampire society. The 5th edition rulebook is a comprehensive guide to the game world and mechanics.
These are just a few examples of the many role-playing game books available on the market, and there are many more that may appeal to your friend or loved one. It’s also important to note that some of these games may have different editions, and the most recent edition might be the one they want.
What are the best RPG books for reading, not just playing?
Say you just want to read an RPG book cover-to-cover – No gameplay involved. Well, here are some suggestions (Recommendations may contain affiliate links)
Aces & Eight Shattered Frontier RPG – This RPG setting book provides a detailed look into the world of the Wild West, including information on the history, geography, and people of the time period. It is a great read for those interested in the history of the American West.
Unknown Armies (Book One) – This RPG sourcebook provides a deep dive into the occult and supernatural elements of the game world. It is a great read for those interested in the occult and the darker side of human nature. You can also opt-in for the Unknown Armies deluxe edition gift set!
Spire – This RPG setting book describes a sprawling metropolis called Spire, which serves as a home to a variety of races and cultures. It provides a detailed look into the city’s history, politics, and inhabitants, making it a great read for those interested in world-building and urban fantasy.
Troika! is one of the few RPGs readily available on Kindle, which means it’s a great option for a cheap and easy gift! This sci-fi RPG takes readers on a journey through the universe, where they help figure out unsolved crimes, plunder abandoned worlds, and meet new people.
Ultraviolet Grasslands – This RPG is the imaginative work of writer and illustrator Luka Rejec. Described as a “half adventure, and half epic trip; inspired by psychedelic heavy metal,” readers are taken through a vast and dangerous wilderness filled with strange and terrifying creatures. It’s a must for anyone interested in world-building and post-apocalyptic settings, and/or fans of the prog-rock art aesthetic.
The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Von Munchausen – This RPG sourcebook provides a detailed look into the world of the Baron, a larger-than-life figure known for his tall tales and incredible exploits. It is a great read for those interested in historical fiction and tall tales. This book is not only a fun game to play but also an enjoyable read in its own right.
Yokai Hunters – This RPG sourcebook provides a detailed look into the world of yokai, supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. It is a great read for those interested in Japanese folklore and the supernatural.
Bluebeard’s Bride – This RPG sourcebook is based on the classic fairy tale “Bluebeard” and provides a detailed look into the psyche of the titular character and the woman he marries. Played from the first-person perspective of the bride herself, it is an excellent read for those interested in fairy tales and psychological horror.
Dresden Files – The Dresden Files RPG is based on the popular fantasy series by Jim Butcher and provides a detailed look into the world of the Dresden Files, including information on the characters, magic, and creatures of the series. You might also consider gifting the Dresden book series – it’s one of the best gifts for RPG gamers that like having physical copies of reading material!
Degenesis – This RPG setting book provides a detailed look into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity struggles to survive against mutants and other dangers. The game features unique setting elements such as six different cultures with their own languages, histories, beliefs, and technologies. Characters can also choose from a variety of classes or professions to specialize in, such as warriors, scouts, shamans, scientists, or hackers. This provides an incredibly immersive experience with plenty of opportunities for storytelling as players explore this new world together. The coolest part? Degenesis and its supplemental assets are all available as free to play – Making a donation on behalf of someone could be a great and one-of-a-kind gift!
GURPS splatbooks – GURPS (Generic Universal Role-Playing System) is a role-playing game system designed to allow for play in any game setting or genre. There are several hundred books in the series, ranging from adventure scenarios to outlines of entire campaigns. Each book is designed to provide new material to customize character creation and gameplay while allowing flexibility within the system. With this large variety of sourcebooks available from GURPS, players can build intricate settings with distinct elements that can add excitement and challenge to their gaming sessions. Linked here is the GURPS basic starter set, but from there you can add in any number of splatbooks and never run out of gift options again.
Red Markets Game of Economic Horror – Red Markets is an economic horror role-playing game that is set in a post-apocalyptic world. In this world, the “Crash” has wiped out most of the population, leaving the survivors to fight for scarce resources and put their lives on the line for money. The players take on the roles of Takers, mercenaries who risk their lives to gain money and resources in dangerous missions. They must use real economic strategies to survive in a world without safety nets or welfare, negotiating with other factions and working against other players. Red Markets is a fast-paced game that provides an exciting story as well as strategic choices and tough moral decisions, where every action has consequences. The series is available as a hardcover and as a printable PDF.
RPG Accessories as Gift Ideas
For RPG fans that love to read, there are plenty of accessories and tools available to help them get the most out of their reading experience. Whether they’re looking for a special bookmark, dice bag, or game mat, these accessories will add an extra layer of fun and enjoyment to any gaming session. From handy organization tools to cleverly designed storage solutions, there’s something for everyone in this selection of RPG accessories. Let’s explore some great gifts for the reader in your life!
Bookmarks A great way to keep track of where you left off in a novel or book series is with a special bookmark. Whether it’s a plain fabric one or one with artwork depicting your favorite RPG characters, bookmarks can be a great way to show off your love for the genre.
Dice – There’s no better way to bring the excitement of an RGP to life than with dice sets. Whether you’re looking for standard six-sided dice or more exotic sets, there are plenty of options available that make great gifts. Plus, they come in a variety of materials and colors, so you can find the perfect set to fit any RPG fan’s style. We think one of the most universal but unique-looking die sets is these:
“My daughter collects DnD dice and these are now her favorite.” – a review from a fan.
Miniatures – If your RPG fan is a fan of tabletop gaming, then miniatures are a great gift. Miniature figures can be used to create immersive scenarios or bring to life characters in the story. There are plenty of choices, so it’s a great gift for the RPG gamer who has everything:
Terrain Builders and Supplies – To really up the ante when it comes to RPG gaming experiences, give the gift of terrain. Whether your RPG fan is looking for detailed forests, swamps, or cities, there’s sure to be a set perfect for their game. I am a big fan of Terrainify, which provides completed terrains, paint-yourself terrains, and digital terrain options. If you’re unsure where to start, a modular dungeon builder like this is a great gift option:
Props – A great way to bring any RPG story to life is with props. From cards and coins to scenery, these items can really help add realism and excitement to the experience.
Game Storage and Carrying Cases – RPG fans who love to read may need a way to store and carry their books, dice sets, miniatures, terrain, props, and other game accessories. Carrying cases can be a great solution – they come in various sizes and styles so you can find one that fits your needs perfectly. Some cases even have special pockets designed specifically for carrying RPG materials
Combination Gift Sets for RPG Fans
For those who want to get the best of both worlds – reading and playing RPGs – there are combination gifts and bundles that include books, miniatures, dice sets, storage cases, and more. These make for great gifts that will help your RPG fan stay organized while also providing them with plenty of entertainment options. So be sure to browse through this selection of gifts and find something that will make your special RPG fan very happy!
Deluxe Edition Set – Unknown Armies
This 3-book gift set is great for RPG gamers who love reading. While you don’t need all of the Unknown Armies books to grasp the concept and start playing, the first three are widely recommended by fans of the series. The hardcopy set makes a great gift for RPG fans who have never explored the series.
If you’d rather opt for a digital version, you can halve the costs by ordering here.
Dresden Files Series Book Set (Books 1-6)
The Dresden Files book set series is an epic collection of bestselling urban fantasy books written by Jim Butcher. The first six books in the series follow the adventures of Harry Dresden, a professional wizard and private investigator who lives and works in Chicago. The stories are full of action, mystery, suspense, horror, humor, and complex characters. Through Harry’s eyes, we experience the hidden magical world existing alongside our own mundane one.
This series is an ideal gift for any fan of role-playing games (RPGs) looking for a great read. In addition to its unique setting and themes, it also features intricate plots with detailed descriptions that provide ample opportunities for creative roleplaying. Plus, it’s just plain fun to read! Each book stands alone but they also form an overarching story arc that tracks Harry’s personal journey as he grows from an untested wizard into a powerful force of nature while still struggling to keep his moral code intact against all odds. With its vivid world-building and engaging characters, fans have found themselves immersed in this captivating universe full of supernatural danger and unexpected surprises.
Overall this book set is highly recommended to anyone looking for an engrossing new series focused on magical fantasy and thrilling adventure. It’s perfect for RPG lovers who want something more than just another dungeon crawl; here they’ll find memorable characters and be able to explore a richly detailed universe filled with magic and intrigue at every turn. Whether as background reading or inspiration for a D&D campaign, these books offer plenty of meaty material to enjoy for hours on end!
Animal Adventures Bundle Set Gift
Cat and Dog miniatures: The Animal Adventures Bundle Set is an amazing gift for the RPG fan who loves to bring their stories to life. This set includes high-quality miniatures sets – with both cat and dog figures – that are perfect for adding detail, excitement, and realism to any gaming session. This is a leading choice of gifts for RPG gamers that have pets of their own!
RPG Game Lots (Latest Listings on eBay) Trying to find the perfect gifts for RPG fans who love to read can be a challenge. But eBay is home to many unique and interesting items that could make great gifts – such as game lots! Game lots are collections of used RPG accessories that can include books, miniatures, dice sets, terrain pieces, and more. They can be an affordable way of getting several items in one go and are a great way to start, or add to, a gaming collection. They are also a great way to find items that are no longer sold by manufacturers or retailers. So if you’re looking for the perfect gift for your RPG fan who loves to read, then check out eBay’s game lots today!
Celebrate the Joy of Role-Playing Games With These Fantastic Gifts for RPG gamers!
Whether you’re shopping for a hardcore gamer or someone who simply enjoys casual journeys into the world and lore of role-playing games, this guide has something for everyone. From dice sets and miniatures to storage cases and combination bundles – we’ve got all your RPG gift needs covered! Keep in mind what they like and enjoy, as well as consider their gaming style. With these gifts, they’ll be sure to have a blast during their next gaming session!
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