A Diablo tabletop RPG aims to fix a D&D problem with "no inexperienced and squishy 1st level" characters

Four miniatures based on Diablo classes, from a Barbarian with an axe and a Rogue with a knife to a Druid with a staff and Necromancer summoning skeletons

(Image credit: Glass Cannon Unplugged)

A D&D-style Diablo tabletop RPG is officially in development.

Diablo: The Roleplaying Game will hit Kickstarter in Fall 2025, and it's being produced by Glass Cannon Unplugged (which is responsible for numerous board game adaptations including Apex Legends and Dying Light). The crowdfunding campaign is set to include a core rulebook alongside "premium miniatures" I suspect you could get away with using in everything from D&D to wargaming. Rather than a standard campaign, the Diablo tabletop RPG will also launch with a series of one-shot adventures penned by some of the biggest names in roleplaying.

There isn't much to see just yet, but the Kickstarter teaser page shows off class miniatures (including my Diablo 4 go-to, the Druid) and an elevator pitch for the project itself. Most talking points - such as a new world to explore, dark fantasy overtones, and moral conflicts - won't surprise tabletop RPG fans, but the promise that it fulfils "the epic-level dream of TTRPGs from session zero" grabbed my attention. If you're new to the best tabletop RPGs, session zero is your chance to make characters and set expectations for the campaign ahead. While some Dungeon Masters then kick things off at higher levels, many begin at the bottom of the ladder with level 1 adventurers. These are typically feeble, can't take much punishment, and don't have access to most of their class's abilities. Bypassing this stage and making sure you're "fully equipped as a seasoned hero" from the get-go certainly helps Diablo: The Roleplaying Game stand out from D&D.

Can't wait? Try some TTRPGs like Diablo now

Mork Borg: ~~$33.99~~ $31.44 at Amazon
Symbaroum: ~~$47.99~~ $35.19 at Amazon
Blades in the Dark: ~~$31.99~~ $25.75 at Amazon

For more recommendations, why not check out the best adult board games or the best 2-player board games?