Get ready to dive into the ultimate treasure trove of tabletop gaming at Gen Con 2024! From exclusive TTRPG releases like the award-winning Shadowdark RPG to limited-edition board games and epic events, this guide will show you where to find the hottest games, unbeatable deals, and unforgettable experiences at the biggest gaming convention of the year. Whether you’re hunting for the latest RPG adventures, strategic board games, or unique collectibles, Gen Con 2024 has something to ignite every gamer’s passion.
If you’re excited to try some of these new titles, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the winners featured at Gen Con 2024 are already available to purchase.
Below, you’ll find links to all of the first-place and second-place winners in all of the relevant categories featured in this year’s Ennie awards.
Product of the Year
The prestigious Product of the Year award at Gen Con 2024 was claimed by Shadowdark RPG, a standout title that blends old-school Dungeons & Dragons style with modern gameplay elements. Produced by The Arcane Library, Shadowdark captivated fans and judges alike, winning multiple ENNIE awards including Best Game, Best Rules, and Best Layout and Design. This recognition highlights its popularity and quality among tabletop RPG enthusiasts. Shadowdark RPG is available in both PDF and hardcover editions, making it accessible for players eager to experience this acclaimed game.
This category represents the overall fan favorite showcased at Gen Con 2024. This year, that distinction belongs to Shadowdark RPG, which can be purchased directly from The Arcane Library in both PDF and hardcover formats. Second place went to Outgunned, which is available to buy from DriveThruRPG as a PDF for $11.90.
Shadowdark RPG
$29 $29 $59 at The Arcane Library (print)$29 at The Arcane Library (PDF)
Outgunned
$11$1942% off $11 $11 at DriveThruRPG
Best Adventure – Short Form / Long Form
At Gen Con 2024, the Best Adventure awards recognized outstanding contributions in both short form and long form TTRPG adventures. The gold medal for Best Short Adventure went to Eat the Reich, available in both physical and PDF formats from Row & Deckard, praised for its compelling one-shot gameplay and impressive interior art. The runner-up was One-Shot Wonders from Roll & Play Press. For Best Long-Form Adventure, Delta Green: God’s Teeth took the top honor, with Call of Cthulhu: Alone Against the Static earning second place. These adventures showcase the rich variety and quality of storytelling available at Gen Con 2024, offering players both quick, intense sessions and deep, immersive campaigns to explore.
Awarded to the best seeds and one-shots, the gold medal for Best Short Adventure this year went to Eat the Reich, which can be purchased in both physical and PDF formats from publisher Rowan & Deckard. Second place went to One-Shot Wonders which is available from Roll & Play Press.
Eat The Reich
$15 $15 $30 at Rowan & Deckard (print PDF)$15 at Rowan & Deckard (PDF)
One-Shot Wonders
$30 $30 $55 at Roll & Play Press (print PDF)$30 at Roll & Play Press (PDF)
The award for best long-form adventure goes to works with awesome campaign ideas. This year that distinction belongs to Delta Green: God’s Teeth, while the runner-up Call of Cthulu: Alone Against the Static took home silver.
Delta Green: God’s Teeth
$50 $50 $50 at Amazon (physical)$50 at Arc Dream (physical)
Call of Cthulhu: Alone Against the Static
$15 $15 $30 at Amazon (print)$30 at Chaosium (print)$15 at Chaosium (PDF)
Best Aid/Accessory (Digital / Non-Digital)
The Best Aid/Accessory category at Gen Con 2024 highlights exceptional digital and non-digital supplements that enhance tabletop RPG gameplay. The top digital accessory award went to LegendKeeper, a versatile world-building and campaign management tool available with a free trial and affordable monthly subscriptions. Hexroll 2E, a free hex-based world-building tool with optional Patreon benefits, earned second place. On the physical side, the luxurious Arkham Investigator’s Wallet, a $100 prop set designed for Call of Cthulhu, won the gold medal, while the Hexcrawl Toolbox secured second place for its practical utility in exploration-themed campaigns. These aids and accessories significantly enrich the gaming experience by adding immersive and functional elements to TTRPG sessions.
Extra bits and bobs can make a campaign or setting feel more real. This category belongs to the best physical and digital accessories that add a little extra flavor to your game. First place in the digital category goes to LegendKeeper, which is available as a free trial, but offers monthly subscriptions for $7.50. Second place goes to Hexroll 2E, a hex-based world-building tool that’s available for free, but offers additional benefits to Patreon subscribers at $2.50 a month.
Legendkeeper
$8 $8 $8 at Legendkeeper
Hexroll 2E
$3 $3 $3 at Hexroll
For physical accessories, first place went to the luxurious Arkham Investigator’s Wallet, a $100 prop set developed for Call of Cthulu. While second place belongs to the Hexcrawl Toolbox.
Arkham Investigator’s Wallet
$100 $100 $100 at H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society
Hexcrawl Toolbox
$15 $15 $85 at Exalted Funeral (physical)$15 at DriveThruRPG (digital)
Best Art (Cover)
The Best Art (Cover) award at Gen Con 2024 highlights the striking visual appeal that can draw players into a TTRPG experience before they even open the book. This year, the top honor goes to Eat the Reich, featuring captivating cover illustrations by Will Kirkby that set a compelling tone for the game’s dark themes. The runner-up, Koriko: A Magical Year, also impresses with its charming and evocative cover art by Deb JJ Lee, showcasing the importance of artistry in making a memorable first impression in tabletop gaming.
You can’t always judge a book by its cover, but occasionally you can. This year, the best cover art belongs to Eat the Reich, with illustrations from artist Will Kirkby. Koriko: A Magical Year was the runner-up with its cozy and evocative cover drawn by Deb JJ Lee.
Eat The Reich
$15 $15 $30 at Rowan & Deckard (print PDF)$15 at Rowan & Deckard (PDF)
Koriko: A Magical Year
$18 $18 $40 at Mousehole Press (print)$18 at Itch.io (PDF)
Best Art (Interior)
The Best Art (Interior) at Gen Con 2024 showcases a stunning array of fantasy, sci-fi, and gaming-themed artwork, highlighted in the prestigious Gen Con Art Show. This juried event features both industry legends and emerging artists, offering attendees the chance to discover unique, immersive pieces that bring tabletop role-playing games to life through vivid illustrations and creative designs. Whether you’re looking to enhance your gaming space or find a perfect collectible, the art on display captures the imagination and spirit of the TTRPG community, making it a must-see for any fan of the genre.
Eat the Reich also took home first place for interior illustrations. But UVG 2E took home second place, with illustrations by designer Luka Rejc.
Eat The Reich
$15 $15 $30 at Rowan & Deckard (print PDF)$15 at Rowan & Deckard (PDF)
UVG 2E
$25 $25 $50 at Exalted Funeral Press (print PDF)$25 at itch.io (PDF)
Best Cartography
At Gen Con 2024, the award for Best Cartography was given to the Dragonbane Core Set, praised for its exceptional depiction of game geography and available for purchase on Amazon and Modiphius for around $44. The expansion “Building Better Worlds” for the Alien RPG earned second place, showcasing detailed and immersive maps that enhance gameplay and world-building. These cartographic achievements highlight the importance of well-crafted maps in tabletop RPGs, providing players with vivid, navigable settings that deepen the gaming experience.
Like the warrior poet Karen O once said, “Maps, they don’t love you like I love you.” Every year, Gen Con awards Best Cartography to games that deliver outstanding art and technique to flesh out the topography of a given setting. This year, first place went to the Dragonbane Core Set, which is available from Amazon and Modiphius for around $44. The expansion for the Alien RPG, Building Better Worlds, took home second.
Dragonbane Core Set
$43 $43 $43 at Amazon$44 at Modiphius
Alien RPG: Building Better Worlds
$20 $20 $39 at Amazon (print)$20 at DriveThruRPG (PDF)
Best Family Game
The Best Family Game award at Gen Con 2024 was won by BREAK!! Tabletop RPG, a game praised for its accessibility and fun, making it an excellent choice for players of all ages looking to enjoy a shared role-playing experience. Its straightforward rules and engaging gameplay make it perfect for families seeking a cooperative and entertaining TTRPG to play together. The runner-up, If I Were A Lich, Man, also offers a unique and enjoyable experience with its creative premise and quality production.
The gold award for Best Family Game from Gen Con 2024 goes to BREAK!! Tabletop RPG, which can be purchased as a $25 PDF directly from the publisher. Second place goes to the cleverly named If I Were A Lich, Man, which can be purchased as a $35 hardcover from Hit Point Press.
BREAK!! Tabletop RPG
$25 $25 $25 at Break RPG (PDF)
If I Were A Lich, Man
$35$4013% off $35 $35 at Hitpoint Press (print)
Best Game
The Best Game award at Gen Con 2024 was given to Shadowdark RPG, recognized for excelling in art, writing, and rules design. This title stood out among the many impressive RPGs showcased, making it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking a rich and engaging tabletop role-playing experience. Shadowdark RPG is available in both PDF and hardcover editions, making it accessible for new and veteran players alike. The runner-up in this category was Outgunned, also highly praised and available as a PDF. These games represent the pinnacle of what Gen Con 2024 had to offer in terms of innovative and well-crafted RPGs.
Ready to play out of the box, the Best Game category is all about RPGs that bring together the best overall art, writing, and rules under one roof. This year, that distinction belongs to the Shadowdark RPG, while Outgunned took home second place.
Shadowdark RPG
$29 $29 $59 at The Arcane Library (print)$29 at The Arcane Library (PDF)
Outgunned
$11$1942% off $11 $11 at DriveThruRPG
Best Layout and Design
For the best layout and design, Shadowdark RPG won the gold medal at Gen Con 2024. The silver medal was awarded to CBR+PNK: Augmented, which you can purchase as a $30 deluxe box set from the publisher or as a $10 PDF from itch.io. Graphic design and adventurous layouts make tabletop roleplaying games more engaging.
Shadowdark RPG again took home the gold medal for layout and design at Gen Con 2024. However, the silver medal belongs to CBR PNK: Augmented, which is available as a deluxe, $30 box set from the publisher, or a $10 PDF from itch.io.
Shadowdark RPG
$29 $29 $59 at The Arcane Library (print)$29 at The Arcane Library (PDF)
CBR PNK: Augmented
$10 $10 $30 at Mythworks (print)$10 at itch.io (PDF)
Best Monster/Adversary
The Best Monster/Adversary category at Gen Con 2024 highlights the most formidable and creatively designed creatures and foes in tabletop role-playing games. This year’s top honors were shared between “Warhammer 40,000: Wrath & Glory Threat Xenos” and “Monsterous,” both celebrated for their impressive monster designs and challenging adversaries that promise to elevate any campaign with thrilling encounters and rich lore. These titles stand out for their ability to provide game masters and players with memorable and intense adversarial experiences, making them must-haves for fans looking to enhance their TTRPG sessions with exceptional monsters.
The Best Monster/Adversary category is awarded exclusively to books full of beasties, baddies, and other XP-granting nightmares. The 2024 gold medal in this category was tied between Warhammer 40,000 Wrath & Glory Threat Assessment Xenos and Monsterous.
Warhammer 40,000 Wrath & Glory Threat Assessment Xenos
$44 $44 $44 at Amazon (print)$45 at Cubicle Seven (print)
Monsterous
$25 $25 $25 at itch.io
Best Production Values
Gen Con 2024 showcased TTRPGs with exceptional production values that truly elevate the gaming experience. Standout products like the luxurious Arkham Investigator’s Wallet and the versatile Hexcrawl Toolbox were recognized for their meticulous craftsmanship, combining high-quality materials and thoughtful design to immerse players fully. Additionally, games such as The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era impressed with tactile components like custom poker chips and dice, satisfying those with high expectations for physical quality. This attention to detail in both physical accessories and game components highlights Gen Con’s commitment to delivering premium tabletop experiences.
The devil is truly in the details. Best Production Values is a category that recognizes attention to detail and quality. This year, first and second place replicate the recipients of the best physical accessories of 2024. The Arkham Investigator’s Wallet and the Hexcrawl Toolbox.
Arkham Investigator’s Wallet
$100 $100 $100 at H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society
Hexcrawl Toolbox
$15 $15 $85 at Exalted Funeral (physical)$15 at DriveThruRPG (digital)
Best RPG Related Product
The Best RPG Related Product category at Gen Con 2024 highlights exceptional resources that enhance the tabletop role-playing experience beyond just games. This year, the top honor went to the comprehensive GM guide, So You Want to Run a Game: Everything to Start Tabletop for Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and Other Systems, which provides invaluable advice for game masters across multiple systems. The runner-up, KOBOLD Guide to Roleplaying, also offers insightful guidance for players and GMs alike, making both essential tools for enriching your TTRPG sessions.
Not necessarily awarded to games, this category is awarded to products inspired by TTRPGs and their communities. This year, first place goes to the long-winded, but extremely helpful GM text, So You Want to Be a Game Master: Everything You Need to Start Your Tabletop Adventure for Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, and Other Systems. Second place in this category went to the KOBOLD Guide to Roleplaying.
So You Want to Be a Game Master: Everything You Need to Start Your Tabletop Adventure for Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, and Other Systems
$17$2532% off $17 $17 at Amazon$25 at Barnes & Noble
KOBOLD Guide to Roleplaying
$13 $13 $25 at Kobold Press (print PDF)$13 at Kobold Press (PDF)
Best Rules
The Best Rules category at Gen Con 2024 celebrates tabletop RPGs with outstanding mechanical design, rewarding games that offer innovative and well-crafted gameplay systems. This year, the top honor went to Shadowdark RPG, praised for its exceptional ruleset that enhances player experience through streamlined and engaging mechanics. The Pathfinder Player Core Set earned the runner-up spot, recognized for its robust and refined rule framework that supports deep character customization and strategic play. These awards highlight the games that set the standard for rule design, making them must-haves for enthusiasts seeking the best in TTRPG mechanics.
Occasionally referred to as the “crunchiest game,” like perfectly interlocking gears that turn each other with Swiss precision, Best Rules is awarded to games featuring excellent mechanical design. This year, Shadowdark RPG took the gold, and the Pathfinder Player Core set was the runner-up.
Shadowdark RPG
$29 $29 $59 at The Arcane Library (print)$29 at The Arcane Library (PDF)
Pathfinder Player Core set
$50$6017% off $50 $50 at Amazon
Best Setting
The Best Setting award at Gen Con 2024 highlights TTRPG worlds that captivate players with rich storytelling and immersive detail. This year, the top honor went to Pathfinder Lost Omens: Tian Xia World Guide, praised for its compelling text and vivid illustrations that bring the setting to life. The runner-up, Valley of Flowers, also impressed with its evocative world-building, offering players a deeply engaging backdrop for their adventures. These settings stand out for their ability to enhance gameplay through intricate lore and atmosphere, making them must-haves for fans seeking immersive role-playing experiences.
A pair of clear favorites from Gen Con 2024 took home awards for best setting, fleshing out their respective worlds with a powerful combination of rich text and illustrations. This year, first place went to Pathfinder Lost Omens: Tian Xia World Guide, and second place went to Valley of Flowers.
Pathfinder Lost Omens: Tian Xia World Guide
$30 $30 $65 at Amazon (print)$80 at Paizo (print)$30 at Paizo (PDF)
Valley of Flowers
$15 $15 $35 at Ninepin press (print)$15 at itch.io (PDF)
Best Supplement
The best supplement at Gen Con 2024 goes to the expansion for the Alien RPG, Building Better Worlds, which was recognized for its outstanding contribution to enhancing gameplay and world-building. This supplement offers rich content that expands the core game experience, making it a must-have for fans looking to deepen their campaigns. Close behind is The Griffon’s Saddlebag: Book Two, another excellent addition that provides valuable resources for players and game masters alike. These supplements stand out for their quality and the way they enrich the tabletop role-playing experience, making them top picks for anyone shopping at Gen Con 2024.
Building Better Worlds, the expansion for the Alien RPG, took home first place for the best supplementary content of 2024, while TheGriffon’s Saddlebag: Book Two received second place honors.
Alien RPG: Building Better Worlds
$20 $20 $39 at Amazon (print)$20 at DriveThruRPG (PDF)
The Griffon’s Saddlebag: Book Two
$55$608% off $55 $55 at Hitpoint Press
Best Writing
The Best Writing award at Gen Con 2024 celebrates tabletop RPGs with outstanding prose and descriptive storytelling that elevate the gaming experience. This year, the gold medal was awarded to Call of Cthulhu: Against the, praised for its exceptional narrative quality, available in print and PDF formats. The runner-up, Cloud Empress: Land of Cicadas, offers a richly detailed fantasy campaign setting for the Mothership RPG, showcasing the power of immersive writing in tabletop role-playing games. These titles exemplify the artistry and craft that bring game worlds vividly to life for players.
This category is awarded to games with the best prose and other descriptive text. The gold medalist, Call of Cthulhu: Alone Against the Static is available from Amazon or Chaosium in print format for $29.99, or from Chaosium as a $15 PDF. Runner-up Cloud Empress: Land of Cicadas, a fantasy campaign setting for the Mothership RPG system, can be purchased from DriveThruRPG as a PDF for $11.99.
Call of Cthulhu: Alone Against the Static
$15 $15 $30 at Amazon (print)$30 at Chaosium (print)$15 at Chaosium (PDF)
Cloud Empress: Land of Cicadas
$12 $12 $25 at Tuesday Knight Games (print PDF)$12 at DriveThruRPG (PDF)
Best Free Game/Product
The Best Free Game/Product at Gen Con 2024 celebrates the open-source spirit of tabletop gaming, highlighting outstanding free resources that enhance your gaming experience without any cost. This year, the top honor goes to Rivers of London: The Domestic, a free game that offers rich storytelling and immersive gameplay. The runner-up is Level1: Free RPG Indie RPGology 2023, another excellent no-cost option that showcases the creativity and accessibility of indie RPGs. These free offerings provide fantastic entry points for new players and valuable tools for experienced gamers looking to expand their campaigns without spending a dime.
The open-source nature of tabletop gaming is one of its greatest strengths, evidenced by the wealth of free tools, systems, and campaigns available online. This award celebrates the best stuff you can use to juice up your next campaign, free of charge. While these all deserve a gold medal in my book, first place went to Rivers of London: The Domestic, and second place went to Level 1: The Free RPG Day Indie RPG Anthology 2023.
Rivers of London: The Domestic
$30 $30 $0 at DriveThruRPG (PDF)$30 at Chaosium (PDF)
Which new TTRPG releases at Gen Con 2024 are generating the most buzz
The new TTRPG releases generating the most buzz at Gen Con 2024 include:
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Stormlight RPG by Brotherwise Games, based on Brandon Sanderson’s popular fantasy novels. It features a D&D-like combat system with a unique “plot die” mechanic that influences narrative outcomes, making it highly anticipated among fans of the Cosmere universe.
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Daggerheart from Darrington Press, which is scheduled for release at Gen Con and will have early beta versions available for playtest. It is drawing attention as a fresh RPG offering.
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Starfinder 2.0 is running playtest demos, showcasing the updated edition of this popular sci-fi RPG.
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Rumored or confirmed presentations include Hypersleep Terminated (a sci-fi horror game without a dungeon master), Through the Hedgerow (a fantasy game about knights), and Yin-Sloth Expedition by Palladium Books, alongside new editions and expansions for Pathfinder and Starfinder from Paizo Publishing.
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Wizards of the Coast is expected to release a limited run of the new edition of the Player’s Handbook for D&D, adding to the excitement.
These titles, alongside niche releases like Deck of Many Insults and Deadpool Role-Plays the Marvel Universe, are among the highlights that are drawing attention at Gen Con 2024.
Which TTRPGs like Daggerheart and Warcrow are creating the biggest hype at Gen Con 2024
The TTRPGs creating the biggest hype at Gen Con 2024 alongside Daggerheart include:
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Daggerheart itself, from Darrington Press, is highly anticipated and already selling out quickly, generating significant buzz for its fresh approach and core set release.
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Warcrow, though less detailed in the search results, is mentioned in the context of popular and hyped games, likely due to its innovative mechanics or thematic appeal.
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Other notable games gaining attention at Gen Con 2024 include Shadowdark RPG, which won multiple Ennie awards for Best Game and Best Layout and Design, indicating strong community and critical support.
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The excitement around Daggerheart is partly due to its unique gameplay elements, such as no initiative system, which some players find intriguing but potentially challenging, adding to the conversation and hype within the community.
These games stand out for their innovation, community interest, and strong presence at Gen Con 2024, making them among the most talked-about TTRPGs at the event.
