Top Non-D D Actual Play Podcasts for TTRPG Fans

Forget twenty-sided dice-some of the best storytelling happens far from D&D’s shadow. From gritty Pathfinder quests to strange sci-fi mysteries and heartfelt indie dramas, these actual play podcasts prove that great games thrive on character, creativity, and chaos.

D&D has historically had brand recognition and major market share (go and click on Twitch right now, and you’ll see the “D&D” tag with many more viewers than any other TTRPG tag). But that could be changing – and fast. Wizards of the Coast has been sponsoring fewer and fewer actual plays directly, primarily focused on celebrity-fueled one-time events rather than ongoing campaigns. Creators were a major part of the recent rally to save the Open Game License (OGL), including boycotts of D&D Beyond, and experienced increased anxiety about whether performing D&D was worth it. Popular podcast Not Another D&D Podcast recently released a special episode on Pathfinder, and upcoming actual play DesiQuest sent a message to its Kickstarter backers that they were contemplating their choice of system.

Creators – and audiences – who pivot away from D&D will find a thriving but undersung part of the actual play ecosystem. If you need some help to get started, here’s some of the very best in a wide variety of systems.

Yazeba’s Bed & Breakfast (2022 podcast)

Yazeba’s Bed & Breakfast turns tabletop storytelling into an audio slice-of-life experience where players take on the roles of quirky residents and guests in a cozy, magical inn. Each episode unfolds like a chapter from a book, blending humor, gentle melancholy, and small human moments instead of epic battles. The podcast captures the warmth of found family and quiet transformation through improvisation and character-driven scenes, proving that actual play can be as heartfelt as it is entertaining.

A standout in the space of micro-actual plays is the work of Jeff Stormer, the brains behind Party of One, a weekly podcast that introduces listeners to a new system that can be played with just two people every week. A good introduction to Stormer’s style is the award-winning four-episode miniseries he produced for Possum Creek’s forthcoming Yazeba’s Bed & Breakfast, which is currently available in an “ashcan” (pre-release) form as it awaits Indiegogo fulfillment. The game and the show are both incredibly lovely, cozy vignettes, with players selecting from pre-generated members of the bed and breakfast’s found family. What’s particularly lovely about this actual play is the way in which we see how different players can tackle the same character sheet, as each episode sees a different cast exploring a different scenario in the game. It’s also a fabulous mix of the people who make actual play sing, featuring elder statesmen Brennan Lee Mulligan and Matthew Mercer, designers Jeeyon Shim, Viditya Voleti, and Caro Asercion, and rising stars Michelle Nguyen Bradley, Aaron Catano-Saez, Bee Zelda, Danny Quach, Spencer Sunboy, Kate Nyx, and Vana.

Dimension 20: Shriek Week (Mythic system)

Dimension 20: Shriek Week swaps D&D for the Mythic system in a chaotic campus comedy packed with monsters and mayhem. College students navigate pranks, rivalries, and supernatural threats through quick combat rounds and flexible power scaling. Brennan Lee Mulligan’s GMing shines with sharp improv and wild twists, while players like Ally Beardsley and Lou Wilson deliver hilarious performances. The six-episode arc stands out for its tight pacing and fresh mechanics.

Dimension 20 doesn’t need to play D&D to have a good time, and has several shorter campaigns proving this point. Of particular note is Shriek Week, a four-episode miniseries led by designer Gabe Hicks and using his Mythic system derived specifically for the show. The horrifically charismatic cast of Ify Nwadiwe, Ally Beardsley, Lily Du, and Dani Fernandez star as monster undergrads at Bram University playing “one hell of a dating game.”

Friends at the Table (various systems)

Friends at the Table uses a mix of storytelling-focused systems like Blades in the Dark, Beam Saber, and Stoicism to build political, emotional, and character-driven narratives. Each season explores new settings and mechanics, but the heart of the show stays the same: rich worldbuilding, strong character motivations, and thoughtful themes. Its slower pace and improvisational depth make it ideal for listeners who enjoy long-form storytelling and collaborative creativity over mechanics-heavy play.

One of the most influential games in the actual play space not playing D&D (you’ll catch folks like Griffin McElroy of The Adventure Zone citing it as an ongoing influence), Friends at the Table is a weekly podcast that has roamed across a wide variety of systems in its near-decade of production, anticipating the current trend of combining systems by almost a decade. The show hit an early stride with the Marielda season, which combined a runthrough of world-building game The Quiet Year as a lead-in to Blades in the Dark. For new listeners, this is a great place to start (or check out this handy Twitter!).

Kollok (Kids on Bikes)

Kollok (Kids on Bikes) blends eerie small-town mystery with coming-of-age drama, following a group of teens uncovering strange secrets in their seemingly quiet community. The improvised storytelling, guided by Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan, keeps each session unpredictable and charged with emotional stakes. With its mix of sci-fi elements, psychological tension, and heartfelt character moments, this series captures the energy of shows like Stranger Things while maintaining its own dark, gripping identity.

Malika and Zac Lim Eubank’s Hyper RPG is the production talent behind an enormous number of actual plays and other streaming live events, going back to Zac’s early days at Geek & Sundry. Their artistic calling card is Kollok, the ultimate “if you know, you know” show with a devoted following. Kollok‘s commitment to cinematic and narrative innovations – all originally broadcast live – are ambitious high-wire acts. Each season has been beautifully self-contained, with structures designed to get new viewers up to speed each and every episode. It’s unclear if the show will return, but there is a rich back catalog worthy of your eyeballs (and a forthcoming podcast adaptation designed specifically for your ears). You can also spot a who’s who of actual play luminaries, including a starring role for Aabria Iyengar, as well as cameos by dozens of actual players, streamers, and other nerdy influencers, including special guests Felicia Day (The Guild), WWE Superstar Xavier Woods, JacksFilms, Ray Wise (Twin Peaks), and Shohreh Aghdashloo (The Expanse).

Project Nero (Outbreak: Undead)

Set in a grim world of the undead, Project Nero turns survival horror into gripping storytelling. Using the Outbreak: Undead system, the players face moral choices and physical dangers that feel raw and immediate. The podcast balances tense action with smart character work, giving each episode a haunting realism that keeps listeners on edge.

Hunters Entertainment has consistently supported the games under its aegis with stellar actual plays and how-to-play content. Their zombie survival simulation RPG Outbreak: Undead has also been the system for some of the best in horror actual play, from Ivan Van Norman-led We’re Alive: Frontier under Geek & Sundry to United States of the Dead (Hyper RPG) and Project Nero (Pixel Circus) led by GM Noxweiler Berf. For horror fans looking for content streaming live right now, this latest incarnation is among the last of the true studio liveplays. You can check out Project Nero live on Pixel Circus’ Twitch channel Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. EST, or catch up on all of Outbreak: Undead on Hunters Entertainment’s YouTube channel.

One Shot (various systems)

One Shot showcases many different tabletop systems, giving each story a unique flavor. Instead of long-running campaigns, it focuses on single-session adventures that highlight creativity and quick storytelling. The rotating cast of players and games keeps things fresh, moving from light comedy to heartfelt drama with ease. It’s a great choice for listeners who want variety and enjoy learning new systems without committing to a long series.

Looking to explore a lot of new systems in bite-size chunks? One Shot Network is best known for its weekly podcast that introduces new systems in single, easily digestible episodes (I teach with them). Helmed by Chicago-based comedian, author, and game designer James D’Amato (The Ultimate Micro-RPG Book, The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide), the podcast includes nearly 500 episodes of mini campaigns of one to four episodes, each about an hour long. D’Amato has a skill for selecting guest players who suit the particular vibe of a given system. This is a great place to listen to indie systems that don’t get a lot of space in actual play, like Vincent Baker’s haunting Dogs in the Vineyard, a supernatural Mormon Western. You can listen to One Shot on their official website.

As Above, So Below (Mage: The Ascension)

Blending philosophy with magic, As Above, So Below reimagines the classic Mage: The Ascension setting through deep character work and thoughtful storytelling. The podcast follows a group of mages exploring power, belief, and consequence in a modern setting where every choice shapes reality itself. Its strength lies in balancing metaphysical concepts with raw human conflict, creating an experience that feels both mystical and intimate for listeners who want something deeper than combat-driven play.

Produced and run by Mikaela Sims, this Mage: The Ascension mini campaign is an unsung gem. In just four episodes, this video actual play uses every trick in the book to create an actual play worthy of your attention. To set her scenes, Sims uses everything from Google Earth and floor plans to artfully edited photos and more. The overlay is frosted with lore, puns, and commentary (make sure you have captions on). Sims shows what can be done with actual play even if you’re not super familiar with the system. The miniseries is a love letter to LA’s actual play geography and its people, exploring Burbank with a Porto’s potato ball in hand. Players are a classic mix of actual play veterans (B. Dave Walters, Noura Ibrahim, Jennifer Kretchmer, Omega Jones) with writer/designers (Justice Arman, Dan Dillon, Phil Brucato, LaTia Jacquise), along with delightfully surprising cameos. You can check out the series on YouTube.

LA by Night / New York by Night (Vampire: The Masquerade)

Set in the stylish gloom of Vampire: The Masquerade, LA by Night and New York by Night explore rival cities where eternal politics and personal hunger collide. Blending character-driven storytelling with haunting atmosphere, both shows highlight the emotional depth of vampires struggling to maintain their humanity amid nightlife ruled by secrecy and power. Each chronicle offers a distinctive tone-Los Angeles leans toward tension and community conflict, while New York focuses on ambition and moral decay.

Like Mage, Vampire and the other World of Darkness games lend themselves well to actual play, as the systems tell stories of a world just on the other side of our own, where monsters are torn between retaining their humanity and giving into the drives that seek to consume them. Jason Carl has presided over two streamed chronicles: LA by Night and now New York by Night. If you’re familiar with other live-to-tape multicamera shows like Critical Role, the setup will be very familiar, though you won’t see the kind of “breaking” into giggles that happens in many other shows. The unflappable Carl, who has a long history in live-action role-play, has a notable talent for using geography and history to set scenes, building a shadow world on top of real-world cities we think we know, but have barely explored. New York by Night‘s seasons are short but flavorful, each following a different group of young vampires, with plenty of guests that enrich the world. These rival groups will come together for the third season later this year on the World of Darkness Twitch – but there’s plenty of time to catch up on the machinations of these gorgeous monsters on their YouTube channel.

Clear Skies: Perseverance (Star Trek Adventures)

Set aboard a diplomatic science vessel in the 24th century, Clear Skies: Perseverance captures the optimism and teamwork that define Star Trek. The players balance exploration, moral dilemmas, and interstellar politics using the Star Trek Adventures system, which encourages collaboration over combat. The cast’s acting and world-building make each mission feel like a lost episode of the franchise, blending heartfelt storytelling with sharp humor and grounded character work.

Star Trek is another kind of massive sandbox that lends itself well to actual play – and there have been players boldly going where no one has gone before since the Star Trek Adventures system by Modiphius was in beta. Shield of Tomorrow ran for 53 episodes on Geek & Sundry, and their USS Sally Ride made its way into Star Trek canon. The crew originally helmed by Eric Campbell was able to board the USS Ross a year later onQueue Times for another 59-episode run, as well as a 17-episode Klingon series, Blood of the Void, and are now debuting a new show on Star Trek Online‘s official Twitch channel. Eric Campbell hands over the GM’s seat to Aliza Pearl, and he and fellow longtime cast members Sam de Leve, Bonnie Gordon, and Jade Law (Blood of the Void), join fellow Streampunks Kaitlin Bruder and Noir Enigma and new cast member Danielle Radford (Dimension 20’s Misfits and Magic). The crew will be on Utopia Planitia shipyards on Mars, drawing from the recent sourcebook. After three shows focused on exploration, Perseverance is billed as the Deep Space Nine, to “stay in one spot” to build out a world (and build starships!), as Pearl said in a recent stream. Clear Skies: Perseverance streams live on Mondays from February through early May on the Cryptic Studios Twitch channel, with the VOD being uploaded to the Streampunks’ YouTube channel shortly thereafter. A preview session will be streamed Monday, Jan. 30, with the official show launch the following week on Monday, Feb. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. PST.

Into the Mother Lands (Mother Lands RPG)

Mother Lands RPG thrusts players into a matriarchal fantasy world where women hold absolute power and men serve as property. This actual play podcast follows a group navigating brutal politics, ritual combats, and survival in a society built on female dominance. Expect raw roleplaying, tough choices, and zero mercy from its unforgiving ruleset.

For those looking for a “brighter, blacker future” drawing from the rich tradition of Afrofuturism to create alternate history and a brilliant future, as well as see a new game system emerge, it’s worth checking out Into the Mother Lands. Playing on the Cortex Prime system, the series is led by Eugenio Vargas, with the considerable talents of Krystina Arielle, Deejay Knight, Tanya DePass, Michael Sinclair II, and Gabriel Hicks. The series spawned a successful Kickstarter to create a TTRPG with new mechanics inspired by the show, and as of Season 4, Mother Lands uses its own custom dice pool system. You can catch up with the series on YouTube or listen to the podcast.

Glass Cannon Live! (Pathfinder 2e)

Glass Cannon Live! brings the chaos and charm of Pathfinder 2e to life through sharp humor, unpredictable dice rolls, and a cast that thrives on theatrical storytelling. The show balances deep character drama with hilarious table banter, keeping every session unpredictable and full of energy. It’s a perfect example of how Pathfinder’s tactical mechanics can fuel both tension and laughter, making it a standout choice for listeners who want something beyond the usual D&D fare.

In recent weeks, a surge of interest in playing Pathfinder has raised Glass Cannon’s already considerable profile. While they’ve now expanded out to shows that explore a wide range of systems (including their new Glass Cannon Labs), their flagship show (2015-22) was in Pathfinder 1st edition. The live version now plays the 2nd edition, touring to sold-out theaters around the U.S. For those looking for an energy comparable to Penny Arcade’s Acquisitions Incorporated, or for listeners trying to dip in without becoming overwhelmed, Glass Cannon Live is worth a listen on any podcast app, or viewed on Twitch (Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST) or YouTube.

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This is just a sampling of the riches out there in the world of actual play, and we hope to introduce you to more interesting, innovative, and delightful shows up ahead. I highly recommend the search engine Series Seeker to find exactly the combination of length, system, style, and vibe you’re looking for. If you have any favorites of your own, let us know what they are and why in the comments!

Reviews and ratings for The Glass Cannon Podcast campaigns

The Glass Cannon Podcast earns consistently high praise for its Pathfinder campaigns, blending humor, tension, and polished production.

Overall Ratings

Listeners rate it 4.9/5 on Apple Podcasts, lauding top-notch audio quality, funny cast chemistry, and immersive RPG play.​
Spotify and other platforms echo this, with fans calling it a standout actual play show for its irreverent tone and epic storytelling.

Giantslayer Campaign (Pathfinder 1E)

This flagship 326-episode run tops fan tier lists for its mix of humor, drama, and buddy vibes that feel authentic to table play.​
Critics note occasional long banter and ad interruptions frustrate some, but most love the emotional highs and character arcs.

Gatewalkers Campaign (Pathfinder 2E)

Campaign Two gets acclaim for Troy Lavallee’s GMing and strong ensemble including Sydney Amanuel and Kate Stamas.
Fans rank it highly for fresh tactics and energy, though some prefer the rawness of earlier shows.​

Other Campaigns

Strange Aeons (Pathfinder 1E/2E live tour) shines for horror elements and crowd energy, often called a top favorite.
Time for Chaos (Call of Cthulhu) impresses with unsettling vibes and Grant’s standout roleplaying, though humor sometimes softens tension.​

Campaign Tier Snapshot

Which Glass Cannon campaign is best for beginners

Glass Cannon Pod