Recommended Gaming Resources and Inspiration
Welcome to our curated and growing list of handy links and resources for roleplaying games, miniature painting, terrain crafting, and general hobby inspiration! Whether you're looking for official game system, tutorials, or creative inspiration from books, movies, and music, this page has you covered. And be sure to let us know if we missed any of your favorites!
TOP GAME SYSTEMS AND RULESETS
🎲 Tabletop RPG Systems
These are some of the most popular and community-driven roleplaying game systems. Each offers unique mechanics and storytelling opportunities.
- Pathfinder – A deep, tactical RPG with extensive world-building options. This is our preferred system and a group of us are currently running a level 19 party that is coming to the end of a 3 year campaign. Quite the adventure!
- Dungeons & Dragons – The iconic fantasy RPG, perfect for both beginners and veterans. Most of us grew up playing 2 Edition and D&D 3.5, but currently not running any campaigns. Heard good things about D&D Beyond, but no personal experience.
- Cairn – A rules-light, old-school-inspired RPG for fast-paced adventuring. This is a personal favorite out of the newer rulesets. Played a little 1E and currently building out a campaign for 2E.
- Warhammer Fantasy Role Play – Dive into the grimdark future with narrative-driven gameplay.
- Warhammer 40K Roleplay Imperium Maledictum – Dive into the grimdark future with narrative-driven gameplay.
- More Indie RPGs: Explore Itch.io RPGs or DriveThruRPG for independent, unique, and experimental games.
⚔️ Miniature Wargaming and Skirmishes
If you love assembling armies, painting miniatures, or crafting battlefields, these resources will help you get started or improve your skills.
- Warhammer 40K – The legendary sci-fi wargame.
- One Page Rules – Streamlined alternatives to big-name wargames.
- Infinity – A fast-paced sci-fi skirmish game.
- Kings of War – A mass battle fantasy wargame.
CRAFTING
Miniature Painting & Hobby Supplies
Citadel Colour – The official Warhammer paint line.
Vallejo Paints – A favorite for high-quality acrylics.
Green Stuff World – Tools, paints, and basing supplies.
YouTube Tutorials: Check out creators like Miniac, Squidmar Miniatures, and Black Magic Craft.
Inspiration and Ambiance
📚 Books & Novels for Inspiration
Reading is a fantastic way to fuel your creativity and build immersive game worlds.
Fantasy & RPG Worldbuilding:
The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien
The Name of the Wind – Patrick Rothfuss
Mistborn – Brandon Sanderson
The Malazan Book of the Fallen – Steven Erikson
Grimdark & Sci-Fi:
Warhammer 40K: Eisenhorn – Dan Abnett
The Expanse Series – James S.A. Corey
Dune – Frank Herbert
Game Design & RPG Theory:
The Dungeon Master’s Guide – D&D Core Rules
The Kobold Guide to Worldbuilding – Wolfgang Baur
The Art of Game Design – Jesse Schell
🎥 Movies & TV Shows for Gaming Inspiration
Some of the best game ideas come from great storytelling in film.
High Fantasy: The Lord of the Rings, Willow, The Green Knight
Dark Fantasy: Pan’s Labyrinth, The Witch, Berserk: The Golden Age Arc
Sci-Fi: Blade Runner, Dune, The Mandalorian, The Expanse
Grimdark & War: Warhammer 40K: Astartes (Fan Animation), Apocalypse Now, Mad Max: Fury Road
Animated & Mythical: Arcane, Castlevania, Avatar: The Last Airbender
🎶 Music & Soundtracks for Immersion
Set the mood for your games or painting sessions with atmospheric music.
Epic Fantasy: Howard Shore (LOTR Soundtrack), Jeremy Soule (Skyrim OST)
Dark & Gritty: Mick Gordon (DOOM OST), Nine Inch Nails
Synth & Sci-Fi: Vangelis (Blade Runner OST), John Carpenter
Ambient & Tabletop Backgrounds: Tabletop Audio (tabletopaudio.com), Cryo Chamber Dark Ambient
🔗 More Community & Learning Resources
Reddit RPG Communities – Discuss game systems and worldbuilding.
D&D Beyond – Digital tools for D&D.
DriveThruRPG – Buy and download indie RPGs.
World Anvil – Worldbuilding and campaign management.
Roll20 – Virtual tabletop for online RPGs.
Have a Favorite Resource?
This list will keep growing! If you have a favorite RPG tool, book, or inspiration source, let us know so we can share it with the community.
Enjoy your time in the 3rd Space—happy hobbying!