I’ve only ever played 5e for my ttrpgs, but with WOTC showing its true colors, I’m trying to find a new system to adopt. I’ve been seeing people say Pathfinder 2e, and while i have a digital copy of the book I’ve been reading, i didn’t realize how large it was until i saw it in a game store; the core rulebook is almost 3 times as long as the 5e PHB!
I guess what I’m looking for is a system that isn’t as heavy as Pathfinder 2e but still has depth to it. Do you all have any suggestions?
As someone who’s been annoyed with Hasbro’s attempt to become Disney-2, I’m glad you’re getting away from them. I guess the question about a new system is, what do you like about D&D?
Do you like the crunchy tactical combat? If so, probably Savage Worlds or an OSR game such as OSRIC, Black Hack, or Swords & Wizardry would be best. Yes they’re based on old D&D, but they don’t give money to Hasbro.
If it’s the ability to do social things and you’d be okay without dice, try out Microscope. If you’re looking to hang out and laugh with a couple mature friends who won’t get upset over actions in a game, I suggest Paranoia.
If you’re interested in the deep settings which provide ideas for adventures and campaigns, I’d suggest Vaesen. It’s a game about dealing with Scandinavian mythological creatures - they’ve also extended it to include England and Ukraine recently. Note that I said ‘dealing with’ - that’s not always ‘fighting’.
If you like the Warhammer 40,000 setting, I would look up the Fantasy Flight games in that setting (Dark Heresy, Rogue Trader, Deathwatch, etc.).
I’d also suggest looking at Fate Core from Evil Hat games, because they really get a fun, pulpy feel, and there’s a lot of settings, ranging from the comedic Uranium Chef to ones that are a lot more serious.
If you’re looking to build your own setting and really develop it, I’d look at either Burning Wheel, Forge Engine, or DOGS; they’re solid systems. Forge Engine is better for “modern” settings, Burning Wheel is definitely built for high-fantasy settings, and DOGS is built to be about decision making and your character choices affecting the world around them.
Also, just as a general suggestion, just go on Drivethru, search for Free items with the Product Type “Core Rulebooks”. You’ll find a lot of interesting games that way.