When it comes to action and adventure games, many people will stand by games like Dungeons and Dragons and Talisman holding the crown. But what if some people either don’t like Talisman or simply don’t own the game? Are there any substitutes that everyone can enjoy? The answer is a resounding yes!

There are numerous options! Whether you enjoy more of the adventure aspect of the games, or you want to focus on battling cool monsters and other players, there is something for everyone.

5. Relic

Relic Gameplay

Relic is I feel too similar to Talisman. Why is that? Well, the game was actually created around Talisman. Taking place in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Relic is a game that involves moving around a board either clockwise or counterclockwise. Players pass through an outer, a middle, and an inner region. The first to get to the center and complete the final challenge wins. 

Now, this isn’t to say the game isn’t fun. Far from it actually! Relic has some really cool monsters and weapons, and the characters all have neat traits that make the gameplay exciting and interesting. But, I would rather just play Talisman. It’s the better option of the two, but mainly because Talisman has a classic feel to it. 

But I would still give Relic a shot! You may end up enjoying it more.

4. Descent

Descent Gameplay

Descent is a great option for people who love the quest side of adventure games. First released in 1995, Descent has grown to be a fan favorite by millions. Many like to call it D&D but in a more compact board game format! 

In Descent, one player acts as an evil overlord, giving quests to the other players: the heroes. The quests are similar to those in Talisman, by which they can either aid you or deter you from completing the game. The quests can offer valuable items such as gold, weapons, armor, experience, or the chance to teleport to a new space.

Descent is also known for using character minis and for having its own dice set. The character minis are just like the ones in D&D, but they come with pre-made character cards and are specific to the game. The dice set is similar to that of Edge of the Empire. There are nine six-sided die, each holding specific symbols that can either help or hurt your characters and attacks.

This is a solid substitute for Talisman. Personally, I’m not much of a quest-based fan, but I know many people who say they would even prefer this game to Talisman. It’s a decent choice!

3. Ravingspire

Ravingspire Gameplay

Ravingspire is an interesting choice. The rules are very similar to that of Talisman, but in my personal opinion, it is a much better choice for players who are new to the concept and want to learn the basics. 

Ravingspire is a card-based adventure game. The main goal: pass through the three levels and get to the final boss. Defeat him and you are known in the land as a “winner”. Now, this concept is almost exactly like Talisman. The only major difference is that there are no specific adventure cards that range in difficulty for each level… they are all fairly easy.

In my opinion, anyone who plays Ravingspire should have no trouble playing Talisman. The cards are easy to understand and the characters are very interesting!

Ravingspire players can also utilize the board that comes with the game. Being that this is a card-based game, the main difficulty comes with figuring out which level you’re on. Like in Talisman, you can drop levels, pass through new levels, etc. With the board, it makes it easier to keep track of where you are during the game. 

Ravingspire is a really fun choice, and is a great pick for any newcomers!

2. Runebound

Runebound Gameplay

Runebound is fun… like really fun! Set in the fiction realm of Terrinoth, players act as opposing heroes, racing to save the realm from numerous monsters and disasters. Players can interact with the citizens of Terrinoth complete quests for gold and weapons, and slay beasts that are far more advanced than most other board games I’ve seen.

You want to make sure you defeat the final boss and save Terrinoth before another player does. That’s how you win! It is action-packed and never lacks excitement.

I think a big reason why I’m such a big fan of this game is because it was created by the same people who made Talisman! Fantasy Flight Games have made so many action and RPG games, many of which are favorites of mine during game night!

Runebound has one big difference from Talisman, and that is how players move about the board. In Talisman, players can only move either left or right in a square. In Runebound, it is an open realm where players can move freely wherever they want. It’s more freeing than Talisman, and really sold me on it when I first played.

This is one of the best substitutes for Talisman that I’ve ever played. It’s full of action, adventure, and endless fun. I would definitely recommend everyone try this at some point.

1. Prophecy

 Prophecy Gameplay

Prophecy is a strong choice if you love action and adventure games. Like Talisman, the goal is simple: battle various monsters and enemies to gain gold, weapons, and experience. But what’s different about it?

Prophecy is interesting as another main objective is to collect artifacts while playing. The first player to collect four out of five artifacts wins! Easy, right? Well, not quite. By doing this, the game can last up to five hours.

Thankfully, Prophecy has made it so that players can change the rules to account for time. For example, when I play with my friends, we make it so that a player will only need to collect two artifacts to win. This shortens the game by a few hours! Prophecy is also great where it is more complex with its character development, and players are able to choose how they want to upgrade their armor, weapons, and characters.

The only thing I would change about this game is how the board is constructed. It’s a circle and can make for some repetitive moves at times. But besides that, this game is a favorite of mine, and is bound to be fun for all!

As you can see, there is always something for everyone. Even if you own Talisman, these games bring new light to the concept, and I respect it. Action and adventure games can be hard to create, and sometimes are even harder to play. But the developers behind these games did it right! 

So go ahead and try one of them out, you may just find your next pick for game night!

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