The tabletop RPG community has spoken. In the annual EN World “Most Anticipated TTRPGs of 2026” poll, Deathbringer – a new original title from Roll For Combat in collaboration with Dungeoncraft’s Professor DM – claimed the top spot, edging out major licensed and legacy games from big publishers.
Deathbringer – A Grimdark RPG Worth the Hype
Deathbringer shot to the top of the list despite competing with big IPs and legacy systems, a sign of strong community interest centered around its creator-driven roots and unique tone. Developed by Roll For Combat in partnership with Professor Dungeon Master (known for his popular Dungeoncraft YouTube content), Deathbringer is shaping up as a Shadowdark RPG setting with grunt-forward, grimdark energy that intentionally turns up the heat on danger and narrative intensity.
Unlike games that lean on sprawling fantasy epics or cinematic superhero action, Deathbringer embraces a harsher world where combat is vicious, and survival is never guaranteed. Characters grow through adversity and scars, with mechanics emphasizing high stakes, risky play, and dramatic consequences. The rules are modular and designed to integrate with the Shadowdark engine, offering both core grittiness and optional layers of chaos depending on how groups want to play. Foundry VTT support and a planned Kickstarter for Spring 2026 point to a structured rollout aimed at both tabletop veterans and those drawn to its high-risk, high-reward style.
The rest of the top ten shows a hobby that loves variety: from licensed superhero and fantasy adaptations like Invincible and Mistborn, to renewed classics like Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay and Ars Magica getting definitive updates, plus narrative-driven original projects like Twilight Sword and refreshed OSR support in Old School Essentials. Gamers this year clearly want both nostalgia and innovation at their tables.
Here is the full list of most anticipated TTRPGs as voted by the EN World community:
Deathbringer – Roll For Combat / Original
Invincible: Superhero Roleplaying – Free League (licensed)
Mistborn (Cosmere RPG campaign setting) – Brotherwise Games
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 5th Edition – Cubicle 7
Ars Magica Definitive Edition – Atlas Games
The Broken Empires – Evil Baby Entertainment (licensed)
The Black Company – Arc Dream Publishing (licensed)
Discworld: Adventures in Ankh-Morpork – Modiphius (licensed)
Old School Essentials (2026 Update) – Necrotic Gnome
Twilight Sword -Two Little Mice / Free League
The results reflect a mix of heavy-hitting licensed worlds, updated classics, and fresh, original systems that have captured gamers’ imaginations. 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for tabletop gaming, with Deathbringer leading the charge.
