Dungeon World

Dungeon World TTRPG · Dungeon World

Dungeon World

Dungeon World is a high fantasy adventure with a breezy pace and significant choices. You explore strange ruins, negotiate with dragons, and pursue treasure through engaging table talk. The focus is on story and momentum, not rules lookups. A professional Game Master keeps the world vivid, asks insightful questions, and responds to your ideas. Every scene feels personal and cinematic. Expect bold moves, surprising twists, and the feeling that your character is always one clever step away from glory or trouble.

Perfect for curious first-timers, busy groups seeking instant fun, and seasoned players who favour creativity over complexity. It shines at parties and team events because everyone gets their moment in the spotlight and decisions matter. You can play in person or online. Sessions work well as a single night or a short series. Meet our Game Masters to find someone whose table style suits your group.

How to play Dungeon World

In play, you describe what your character does. You roll only when the fiction triggers a move. Most moves use two six-sided dice plus a stat. On a 10 or higher, you achieve what you wanted. On a 7 to 9, you succeed with a cost or choice. On a 6 or less, the Game Master introduces a twist or danger and keeps the action moving. There is no strict turn order. The table discusses, the GM sets stakes, you roll, and the story flows.

Players bring a character playbook like Fighter, Ranger, or Wizard. Add a short backstory and a willingness to act boldly and describe cool ideas. The Game Master brings threats, maps, and NPCs, and uses clear moves to present danger, reveal clues, or show costs. In a one-shot, you build quickly or use pregens, tackle a focused mission, and finish in one evening. In a campaign, you deepen bonds, level up, and watch the world change. Browse GM playstyles to see how tone varies.

A group plays a tabletop roleplaying game together around a long table in a cozy indoor venue.
A group plays a tabletop roleplaying game together around a long table in a cozy indoor venue.

Common questions

Do I need to know the rules to play Dungeon World?

No. You can come with just a character idea and a love of fantasy. A professional Game Master will guide you as you play. You describe your actions, and rolls occur when your actions align with a move. Most rolls use 2d6 plus a stat, and the outcomes drive the story forward with success, trade-offs, or unexpected turns. Character creation is quick with playbooks, allowing you to start adventuring swiftly. If you’re looking for someone patient and skilled with beginners, check out our Game Masters and choose a style that suits you.

How does Dungeon World differ from D&D?

It focuses on quick scenes and collaborative storytelling rather than tactical grid play. There are fewer modifiers to keep track of, no set turns, and the narrative drives the rules. When you roll, mixed results are frequent, ensuring that tension remains high and the world responds immediately. You still encounter classic fantasy roles and monsters, but choices and consequences are more significant than precise positioning. If you appreciate bold ideas, teamwork in problem-solving, and a dynamic pace, Dungeon World provides that experience with less bookkeeping.

What group size and session length are most effective?

It shines with 2 to 5 players. Smaller groups feel focused and personal. Larger groups still work because moves keep everyone engaged. A single session of 120 to 180 minutes is ideal. This allows time to create characters or choose pregens, tackle a clear problem, and achieve a satisfying outcome. For a short series, the same duration enables you to deepen connections and witness the world evolve without lengthy preparation between sessions.

Which classes or playbooks am I able to choose?

You choose a playbook like Fighter, Wizard, Cleric, Ranger, Thief, Bard, Paladin, or Druid. Each provides you with unique moves, starting gear, and an easy way to showcase your character’s style. You can create your character at the table in minutes or use pregenerated characters if you want to dive straight in. Share your concept with the Game Master, and they will help you find the playbook that suits it best.

Is Dungeon World suitable for children or mixed-age groups?

Yes. The rules are straightforward, the language at the table is simple, and the game encourages creativity and collaboration. A professional Game Master adjusts the tone, danger, and themes to suit your comfort level, ensuring that fantasy peril remains enjoyable rather than frightening. The format promotes sharing the spotlight and listening to one another. Before the session, you can highlight any content that is off-limits, and the GM will tailor the adventure accordingly.

Which edition do you use, and do you have any house rules?

Dungeon World has one widely used core edition. Our Game Masters follow those rules and clarify any minor table adjustments beforehand, such as how they manage assisting another hero or tracking equipment. The tone and difficulty can vary by GM, ranging from lighthearted adventures to gritty quests. If that atmosphere matters to you, check out GM playstyles to find a suitable match.

Booking Form


Click to select dates

0/1500
Illustration of a dragon perched on a rock, with wings spread and detailed line art, similar to a dragon from LOTR.

Sent!

Illustration of a dragon perched on a rock, with wings spread and detailed line art, similar to a dragon from LOTR.

Nat 1, give it another go!

Please try again or email info@storyforgers.nz

Genres you can play in Dungeon World

  • Heroic

    Stand tall, make the right choice, and triumph in the end. Heroic games evoke the spirit of The Lord of the Rings, featuring brave oaths…

    View genre: Heroic
  • Exploration

    Set out with a map and a question. Exploration stories pursue horizons, chart ruins and wilderness, and reward curiosity, much like Indiana…

    View genre: Exploration
  • Medieval

    Knights, castles, guild halls, and the burden of oaths. Feudal politics, harsh winters, and hard-earned honour, much like Game of Thrones…

    View genre: Medieval
  • Wilderness

    Boots on the trail, maps in hand, with miles of rugged terrain separating you from safety. Picture the Fellowship traversing the wilds of…

    View genre: Wilderness
  • Pirate

    Salt spray, creaking decks, and cutlass duels as you pursue treasure and rivals across treacherous waters. Swashbuckling adventure…

    View genre: Pirate
  • Steampunk

    Victorian grit, brass gadgets, and bold invention. Imagine Around the World in 80 Days with airships, clockwork automatons, and smokestack…

    View genre: Steampunk

What players think

  • It was an amazing experience for the girls! Thank you, Marie! You were incredibly well prepared, the girls were captivated by your every word, and it felt like you had been playing together for years! Looking forward to seeing you next time!

    Annick

  • Tom was fantastic! He was really great with the kids and patient with his explanations. It was a wonderful evening and definitely worth doing again! The children asked the next day when we would be doing this again.

    Danny

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a fantastic job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but see it as honest criticism. Cheers, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His positive attitude made the game enjoyable for all. I really appreciated how he could clearly explain what was needed from our less experienced players while also keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a fantastic time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was really engaging. I got a game as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very keen on it, and he was very pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • Baptiste was a fantastic GM who adapted seamlessly to our group and helped us move forward in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided, as they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were quite rough. For instance, our cleric was missing spells, including a healing spell, even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they’d ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach allowed the players to fully immerse themselves in the game by giving them control over how they wanted their actions to unfold. I would definitely work with her again.

    John

Similar gaming systems

  • Dragonbane

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Quick, lively fantasy designed for fun and chaos. Dragonbane immerses you in treasure hunts, monster fights, and wild adventures that evoke The Hobbit shared around a campfire. Ideal for both newcomers and seasoned players seeking daring choices, hearty laughs, and genuine danger.

    View system: Dragonbane
  • The Dark Eye

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    The Dark Eye is a classic European fantasy featuring rich cultures, living deities, and careful magic. Imagine The Lord of the Rings infused with more folklore and local intrigue. Discover Aventuria, track down legendary creatures, and tackle challenges with steel, cleverness, and courage under the guidance of a professional Game Master.

    View system: The Dark Eye
  • The One Ring

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Traverse the paths of Middle-earth in The One Ring, the official tabletop RPG inspired by Tolkien. With low magic, deep lore, and hard-won hope, every journey is shaped uniquely. Assemble a Company and face the wilderness, councils, and battles in tales that resonate with The Lord of the Rings.

    View system: The One Ring
  • 13th Age

    • High Fantasy +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    13th Age is a fast-paced, story-driven fantasy game based on the classic d20 system. You play as daring heroes connected to influential Icons, whose rivalries influence your adventures, politics, and conflicts. Imagine The Lord of the Rings with grander actions and cinematic battles, ideal for groups seeking excitement and intrigue.

    View system: 13th Age
  • Dungeons & Dragons

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 1 – 7 players
    • Moderate rules

    Forge your own fantasy tale with Dungeons & Dragons. Create a party of brave heroes, outsmart traps, negotiate with dragons, and claim treasure in vibrant worlds. Imagine the camaraderie of The Lord of the Rings, but you decide the paths, the battles, and the conclusion.

    View system: Dungeons & Dragons
  • Daggerheart

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Daggerheart is a high-fantasy RPG where every roll uses Hope and Fear d12s. Grand heroics meet significant consequences in quick, story-driven play.

    View system: Daggerheart
  • Cairn

    • Exploration +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Simple rules

    Explore haunted forests and crumbling ruins with Cairn, a rules-light fantasy RPG that emphasises careful choices and hard-won treasure. It is quick to learn, gritty in play, and centred on discovery and survival. Imagine the grounded, monster-haunted paths of The Witcher, but without the flashy magic.

    View system: Cairn
  • Dungeon Crawl Classics

    • Dark Fantasy +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Dungeon Crawl Classics immerses you in a pulp fantasy world where steel, spells, and luck determine your fate. Imagine the gritty essence of Conan, bizarre magic, and deadly dungeons driven by unpredictable dice rolls and daring decisions. Ideal for groups seeking adventure, treasure, and well-deserved victories.

    View system: Dungeon Crawl Classics
  • Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Stand as legendary heroes entwined by destiny in Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound. Embark on quests across the Mortal Realms, confronting Chaos, creatures, and deranged deities. If you appreciate the epic scale of God of War, you'll relish this swift, heroic team play with a skilled Game Master.

    View system: Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound
Black diagonal cross icon, commonly used to close popups or dismiss notifications on websites.

We’re Looking for Game Masters!

StoryForgers is seeking enthusiastic and imaginative Dungeon Masters to become part of our team.
Are you keen?