Berserk Games released Tabletop Simulator in 2015 as a physics sandbox rather than a game, and that distinction explains everything about how it works. It ships 15 classics including chess, poker, dominoes, mahjong and jigsaw puzzles, seats up to 10 players in one room, and hands you the same building tools its DLC teams use. Almost everything people actually play comes off the Steam Workshop, and only the host needs to own a paid DLC for the whole table to use it.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board games | A | Balanced | Gizmo Tool | Yes |
| Card games | A | Balanced | Flick Tool | Yes |
| Tabletop RPG sessions | A | Balanced | Line Tool | Yes |
| Miniature wargames | A | Balanced | Joint Tool | Yes |
| Party and social deduction games | A | Balanced | Hidden Zone Tool | Yes |
New player? Start with Card games. See our beginner's guide for why.
Board games
Board games is a strong option in Tabletop Simulator.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Gizmo Tool |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Physics driven objects |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Gizmo Tool
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Poker Table to learn Board games-specific mechanics
- Focus on Physics driven objects. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Gizmo Tool as your first major upgrade
- See our full Board games build guide for the optimal gear progression
Card games
Card games is a strong option in Tabletop Simulator.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Flick Tool |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Steam Workshop mods |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Flick Tool
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Poker Table to learn Card games-specific mechanics
- Focus on Steam Workshop mods. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Flick Tool as your first major upgrade
- See our full Card games build guide for the optimal gear progression
Tabletop RPG sessions
Tabletop RPG sessions is a strong option in Tabletop Simulator.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Line Tool |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Hidden zones and hands |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Line Tool
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Poker Table to learn Tabletop RPG sessions-specific mechanics
- Focus on Hidden zones and hands. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Line Tool as your first major upgrade
- See our full Tabletop RPG sessions build guide for the optimal gear progression
Miniature wargames
Miniature wargames is a strong option in Tabletop Simulator.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Joint Tool |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Lua scripting |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Joint Tool
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Poker Table to learn Miniature wargames-specific mechanics
- Focus on Lua scripting. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Joint Tool as your first major upgrade
- See our full Miniature wargames build guide for the optimal gear progression
Party and social deduction games
Party and social deduction games is a strong option in Tabletop Simulator.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Hidden Zone Tool |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Custom object importing |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Hidden Zone Tool
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Poker Table to learn Party and social deduction games-specific mechanics
- Focus on Custom object importing. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Hidden Zone Tool as your first major upgrade
- See our full Party and social deduction games build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Card games is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Board games is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Gizmo Tool for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Party and social deduction games offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Miniature wargames shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Tabletop Simulator Guides
- Tabletop Simulator Tabletop Simulator Overview
- Tabletop Simulator Best Builds
- Tabletop Simulator Tier List
- Tabletop Simulator Walkthrough
- Tabletop Simulator Beginner's Guide
- Tabletop Simulator Tips & Tricks
- Tabletop Simulator Weapons Guide
- Tabletop Simulator Combat Guide
- Tabletop Simulator Boss Guide
- Tabletop Simulator Maps & Locations
- Tabletop Simulator Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Tabletop Simulator, check out these related guides:
- Terraria Classes Guide: sandbox game with similar mechanics
- VRChat Classes Guide: sandbox game with similar mechanics
- Garry's Mod Classes Guide: sandbox game with similar mechanics
