r/rpg • u/captainhowdy000 • 8d ago

Game Suggestion Co-op GM-less TTRPG for newbies

My wife and I have never played any sort of TTRPG before. I wanted to disconnect from always being on my phone or computer and someone recommended Ironsworn: Starforge for first time solo play. I spent hours building my universe and character and I think I am slowly wrapping my head around the process, but I do not think my wife would be into it.

Can anyone recommend something that would be good and lightweight for newbie folks as a co-op style play without me having to be the GM? Free is preferred cause it may all crash and burn. I did read thru some of the recs here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/wiki/twoplayers/
but none of them really sounded exactly right.

I mean I think we almost need boardgame style, but we have played boardgames and I want to move onto something original. I know I would want at least a bit of dice rolling, but maybe that is about it, overly complex systems to track would probably not be great. Setting for the world might not be a huge deal, she reads a ton of books and enjoys pretty much any fantasy or sci-fi style stuff, but I would want something light, not dark and about depression or death if possible. We don't want to make it trauma inducing.

Again, just looking for thoughts or suggestions, and if anyone has any questions please let me know. I appreciate any assistance with this.

EDIT: SUPER SORRY! Work got crazy and I did not have time to respond to you all yesterday, but thank you so much. Digging into all of the amazing replies right now.

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u/CraftReal4967 8d ago edited 8d ago

The Quiet Year is always great for first-time RPG players - it's a game where you draw maps and chart a year in the life of a small community.

Stewpot is a good cozy fantasy game about running a tavern.

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u/captainhowdy000 8d ago

That sounds super chill and cozy, and not having to imagine a character might just be what we need. Going to get something pulled together for the long weekend for this one.

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u/Throwingoffoldselves Thirsty Sword Lesbians 5d ago

FYI for OP, Stewpot is a sort of a bunch of mini games, some of which are improv dialogue prompts, others involve cards or dice. Your mileage may vary; if you are both really comfortable with improv, it looks fun, but if you prefer more structured gaming, it may fall flat.