There are so many tabletop role-playing game systems that it’s hard to even name them all. For those just getting into the hobby, they may not want to spend much, or any, on TTRPG systems. For that reason, here is a list of just some free TTRPGs and links where you can get some for yourself.
Most of the ones listed come from this github link where you can get upwards of 200 different TTRPGs for free, or close to it. You can also get a lot of free RPGs from DrivethruRPG here.
Cairn- fast and free roleplaying game
Cairn is incredibly simple to use and learn. If you are short on time, have new players, or want to have a fun gaming session, this game may work for you. The following video provides a fantastic explanation of how it works.
Chronia- Narrative Storytelling Adventures
Chronia has a simple outlook on character creation and tests. When you want to accomplish something you roll a D6 for each stat point like strength, agility, or mind. The more dice you roll, the higher likelihood you will succeed, but there are more chances of failure than success.
My take: Chronia is intended as a different system for a fantasy setting, but it seems limited in character progression, just like Dungeons and Dragons. However, it is much simpler to use and clarifies that everything is just a sample of what’s possible. You can make up your classes, skills, feats, and more. So, for that reason, I would suggest it to those who want an alternate system to DnD or Pathfinder.
There isn’t a game setting included, so you must either make one up or use existing game settings. This can be a lot of work, so it’s understandable if you don’t want to do that.
JAGS-
Jags includes the concept of not using dice during character creation. Nor does the game use rolls to determine charisma attempts, which I like.
It uses a different dice mechanic to determine how rolls work out and when to use dice rolls in the first place. This isn’t a bad thing and maybe a better method for you and your group.
With Dungeons and Dragons 2nd edition, the method of success with skill rolls required you to roll under your target number. The same has been applied in this game, including with stat checks. It’s not a bad system, though I think many newer gamers are more accustomed to adding up lots of numbers, bonuses, feats, and the like and may feel cheated by the simplicity this offers.
If the game just followed the simplicity I mentioned above, things would be alright, but it then starts to become really mathematical in nature, and I lose interest in even wanting to understand.
Character creation is done with points so you could easily balance a game and NPCs by deciding how many points the game will be made with. This is similar to other systems like Champions, White Wolf, Earthdawn, and others (depending on how you award XP or Legend, plus maybe have bonus starting points).
JAGs has a lot of depth to the system, which can be cool or could really slow down gameplay, depending on how caught up in details you get. Quite a few traits and skills are presented that can be used to generate a wide variety of characters.
Bind Core- A DnD Fix That Didn’t Stick
The start of Bind Core says that it was an attempt to fix D&D but got out of control. It’s another fantasy game about killing monsters to get loot. On the plus side it does offer a fast resolution system for every encounter.
Character creation is easy with two main stats (body and mind), each with sub-stats. I can see where they got a bit carried away here in the stats, though, as a lot of effort seems to have been placed on making sure relative size was considered to “properly” express the strength of a Gnome VERSUS a Human. To me, this is unnecessary and silly to consider- RPGs are games of magic where reality is broken.
Combat is a little interesting as damage is not set. Rather its based on the roll you make. The higher your roll the more damage you do. This idea makes more sense to me when you are trying to portray a more lethal experience. This plays perfectly into the above statement of fast encounter resolution.
Im not sure how much I like the initiative system since it means speed (it gives extra actions in combat) becomes the broken stat.
Freeform Roleplaying- Dirt Simple Stuff
The author has a really good sense of humor, making roleplaying game system lingo silly and fun.
Eclipse- A Lot To Handle
I put this one in the list because there is a lot of content for players to look through. If you like tech games and want something with many options, lots of stories to consider, this is for you.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many Free TTRPGs you can find around the web. The above systems each have their own unique feel that makes them interesting for one reason or another. Look into them and find those that suit you and the group you play with, or expand your group options by using virtual tabletops like Roll20 or Foundry.