Best Characteroptimization Podcasts (2025)

1
OTHER WORLDS 3 - Reflections, Revelations, and Really Weird Drinks 1:35:55

18h ago1:35:55

1:35:55

This episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast is brought to you by Dungeon Flow. DungeonFlow.app – Because your dungeon deserves more than graph paper and panic. In Episode 3 of Other Worlds, the RPGBOT crew mixes magical mayhem with mundane mischief. What begins with a hilarious debate on olives and grooming spirals into a multi-layered roleplaying session f…

1
LANGUAGES (Remastered) - Perfect for Parties that Talk First and Think Later 57:27

3d ago57:27

57:27

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts dive deep into the often-overlooked tool of language in tabletop RPGs—how it shapes worlds, defines characters, and enhances immersion. Whether it’s a dwarven curse word, a whispered draconic threat, or a gnomish pun that lands like a rock in a puddle, the power of language can turn a good campaign i…

1
W40K IMPERIUM MALEDICTUM HTP 4 - Episode Recap and How to Play Discussion 1:00:42

5d ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Ever wonder what happens when you mix dark gods, self-driving cars, and a dysfunctional team of grimdark misfits with questionable decision-making skills? Welcome to the Warhammer 40K actual play recap you didn't know you needed. Episode Summary In this delightfully chaotic recap, the RPGBOT crew careens through a whirlwind of topics, from the pend…

1
W40K IMPERIUM MALEDICTUM - Shadows in the Hive Scarthias: An RPGBOT How to Play 2:08:53

8d ago2:08:53

2:08:53

Ever wanted to see psychic bar fights, grenade-happy cultists, and heresy investigations go completely off the rails? Welcome to Hive Scarthias—hope you brought a bucket. In this explosive actual play episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, our investigators dive headfirst into the grimdark world of Imperium Maledictum. Set in the smog-choked depths of Hive…

1
TOMB OF HORRORS Pt 2 (Remastered) - The Funhouse that Hates You 57:36

10d ago57:36

57:36

Before narrative arcs, there was Acererak." Dive into Tomb of Horrors Part II and uncover how D&D’s most infamous deathtrap shaped the game we love (and sometimes fear). In Part II of the RPGBOT.Podcast’s deep dive into Tomb of Horrors, the hosts examine the legendary module not just as a harrowing dungeon crawl, but as a historical artifact that r…

1
INTO THE WEST MARCHES - Player Driven Chaos and the Sandbox Frontier 1:19:18

12d ago1:19:18

1:19:18

When your world’s on fire, the schedule’s in chaos, and the goblins are unionizing—welcome to West Marches. In this episode, the hosts venture deep into the untamed wilds of West Marches–style tabletop roleplaying games. With no regular party, no fixed storyline, and no safety net, they explore how this classic format redefines player agency and op…

1
FROM EMERALD CITY TO ELSEWHERE - The Wizards Walk Away 1:26:39

15d ago1:26:39

1:26:39

This episode is sponsored by DungeonFlow.app. When the gods demand adventure, Dungeon Flow answers—summon your map now at DungeonFlow.app. In this wide-ranging and emotionally resonant episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast takes a sharp turn into the shifting foundations of the tabletop RPG industry, particularly the significant changes at Wizards of the Coa…

1
TOMB OF HORRORS Pt 1 (Remastered) - Welcome to the meat grinder 56:07

17d ago56:07

56:07

In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew bravely (and foolishly) opens the first rusted gate into Tomb of Horrors, one of the deadliest and most legendary modules in tabletop RPG history. Originally written by Gary Gygax to humble overconfident players and their min-maxed murderhobos, the Tomb has become a rite of passage for generations of adventu…

1
YSGARD: Send us demons so we can kill them! 1:30:23

20d ago1:30:23

1:30:23

In this riotously entertaining episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew embarks on a wild ride from the expressive chaos of Nicolas Cage's acting to the mythic battlegrounds of Ysgard, the Viking heaven of Norse mythology. Along the way, the hosts take pit stops in Glorium's rowdy streets, wander the dwarven stronghold of Nidavellir, and contemplate the ce…

1
PF2e PLAYER CORE 2 - First Classes for the Brave (or Clueless) 1:18:06

23d ago1:18:06

1:18:06

This episode is sponsored by DungeonFlow. Build epic dungeons in minutes with Dungeon Flow—no signup, no stress. Start now at DungeonFlow.app! In a sweeping odyssey from futuristic drone deliveries to ancient alcoholic beverages to gummy bear supremacy, the hosts embark on a chaotically charming journey. Along the way, they sprinkle in heroic (and …

1
TRANSITIONING TO A NEW GAME (Remastered) - Burn the rulebook and never look back 50:42

25d ago50:42

50:42

Ever felt like your game was getting stale, your rogue was phoning it in, and combat felt like a chore? Then ditch your old system and found something that actually slapped. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts tackle the treacherous terrain of transitioning from one TTRPG system to another—whether by choice, necessity, or that one play…

1
PF2E CLASS SELECTION - It's actually quite simple 1:20:02

27d ago1:20:02

1:20:02

Oh no, that is too many choices! How will anyone ever possibly pick a class for their first Pathfinder character? The RPGBOT.podcast team takes a look at the classes in Pathfinder 2e's Player Core 1 and discusses which classes are and aren't good choices for new players. Will Fighter fit? Cleric is certainly correct. But is Bard better? Can we come…

1
PF2 NPC CORE - All Killer, No Filler!!! 57:08

1M ago57:08

57:08

We rip open Pathfinder 2E’s NPC Core like a loot chest at midnight—all killer, no filler, just gun-wielding witches, charming villains, and side characters spicy enough to steal the spotlight (and maybe your party’s gold). #Pathfinder2E, #NPCCoreRules, #PF2GMFuel NPC Core (affiliate link) Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT crew opens up Pathfin…

1
BUILDING UNDEAD CHARACTERS II (Remastered) - It's fun to be the life of the party...after you've lost yours 57:37

1M ago57:37

57:37

Join us as we dig up the real secrets of playing undead—because dying was just the beginning! In this episode, the RPGBOT team continues their exploration of undead creatures in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Shifting focus to the player's perspective, they delve into strategies for combating undead, methods for befriending them, and approac…

1
D&D CLASS SELECTION: It's like speed dating, but with swords and spell slots... 1:28:43

1M ago1:28:43

1:28:43

Not sure which D&D class to start with? We break down the best and worst picks for new DnD players—featuring confused Wizards, exploding Artificers, and the ever-reliable Barbarian. Summary In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts explore which Dungeons & Dragons classes are best suited for new players. With humor, experience, and a healthy…

1
W40K IMPERIUM MALEDICTUM - Creating a Character: Min-maxing in the name of the Emporer 1:21:08

1M ago1:21:08

1:21:08

Stats, scars, and sarcasm—because in the Imperium, your character’s death is just character development. Links Imperium Maledictum Core Rulebook (affiliate link) Starter Set (affiliate link) Imperium Maledictum Digitals on DriveThru (affiliate link) Show Notes In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast crew dives deep into the dark, dystopian world of War…

1
UNDEAD (Remastered) - Because sometimes the best minions are already dead 58:26

1M ago58:26

58:26

We dive into the multifaceted role of undead creatures in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). They explore the unique characteristics of undead from both storytelling and mechanical perspectives, offering insights on how to effectively integrate these entities into gameplay. Narrative Significance of Undead: The hosts discuss how undead creature…

1
WARHAMMER 40K IMPERIUM MALEDICTUM - An Introduction: Mutants, Mayhem, and Middle Management 1:19:18

1M ago1:19:18

1:19:18

The RPGBOT.Podcast team dives headfirst into the chaos, corruption, and cosmic bureaucracy of Warhammer: 40,000 - Imperium Maledictum—where your worst day in HR is just the beginning. Links Imperium Maledictum Core Rulebook (affiliate link) Starter Set (affiliate link) Imperium Maledictum Digitals on DriveThru (affiliate link) In this episode, the …

1
LOW STAT CHARACTERS - Low Stats, High Drama: Roleplaying Your Character's Flaws 1:14:31

1M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Ever rolled a 6 and thought your character was doomed? Think again. In this episode, the RPGBOT crew dives deep into the art of playing characters with low stats—and why it might just be the best decision you ever make at the table. From bumbling barbarians to clueless clerics and grumpy rogues who can’t charm their way out of a paper bag, the host…

1
MANAGING MAGIC ITEMS (Remastered) - Bag of Holding, Brain of Forgetting 50:36

2M ago50:36

50:36

Ever wonder how to give your players powerful loot without breaking your game (or your soul)? This episode has the answers—and a few cursed surprises. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew delves into one of the most beloved aspects of tabletop roleplaying games—magical items. From balancing their distribution to enhancing narrative flavo…

1
CARCERI - Because Regular Hell Isn't Hardcore Enough 1:03:02

2M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

What happens when the multiverse needs a place to stash its worst offenders? Enter Carcery, the D&D plane that's more sentence than setting. In this deep-dive episode, the RPGBOT crew cracks open the lore, layers, and lethal threats of Carcery—a prison plane where hope goes to die and escape is barely more than a myth. Explore the distinct environm…

1
MASTERING ACTION ECONOMY - Randomly generate an NPC your players will hate... 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

Are your players constantly asking, “Can I do that on my turn?” Are you tired of DMs crying over bonus actions and stunned conditions? Do you wake up at night wondering if Pathfinder 2 just does it better? In this episode, we dive deep into the tactical jungle that is action economy in TTRPGs. From the stripped-down speed of 5E to the glorious chao…

1
CONSUMABLE ITEMS (Remastered) - Scrolls, Snacks, and Sketchy Vials 1:01:28

2M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Why do heroes carry bags full of magical snacks, explosive flasks, and glowing goo—only to never use them until it’s way too late? In this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we delve into the role and management of consumable items in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), such as potions and scrolls. They explore strategies to make these ite…

1
THE ORAL HISTORY OF THE POKÉMON JR ADVENTURE GAME 49:18

2M ago49:18

49:18

Episode Summary In this episode, the RPGBOT hosts take a deep dive into the origin, design, and legacy of the Pokémon Jr. Adventure Game—a tabletop role-playing game released at the height of the Pokémon craze. Despite achieving strong initial sales, the game was ultimately considered a failure by its creators due to issues surrounding pricing, mar…

1
OTHERWORLDS 2 EPISODE RECAP - Prophecies, Giant Beasts, and One Very Suspicious Egg 1:01:18

2M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Show Notes: In this episode, the hosts recap our latest session of our Other Worlds actual player series. Character development? Lore? Plot twists? We’ve got ‘em. We dig into our Inventor and Summoner builds, and try to pry some plot out of Randall. We wrap with some hype for an upcoming special on the Pokémon Junior Adventure Game—yes, that’s real…

1
SPELL UPCASTING - Remastered 1:02:17

2M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

On this remastered Upcasting Spells episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast), the hosts delve into the mechanics and strategic applications of casting spells at higher levels in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (DnD 5e) and Pathfinder 2nd Edition (PF2e). Understanding upcasting is essential for spellcasters aiming to maximize their effectiveness in various sce…

1
OTHER WORLDS 2 - AN RPGBOT.ADVENTURE - Prophecies, Giant Beasts, and One Very Suspicious Egg 1:33:39

2M ago1:33:39

1:33:39

Continuing or Other Worlds adventure, we bring you an epic mix of strategy, storytelling, and sheer chaos, where heroic battles, mysterious eggs, and a prophecy about a giant beast somehow all make perfect sense—if you don't think too hard about it. Episode Summary: In this episode, the hosts dive into their Pathfinder adventure, focusing on charac…

1
PF2e Rival Academies Review 1:15:37

2M ago1:15:37

1:15:37

Episode Summary: In this particularly chaotic and deeply nerdy episode, the hosts embark on a magical journey through Pathfinder: Lost Omens Rival Academies, but not before getting sidetracked by their own brand of ridiculousness. The episode kicks off with an exciting announcement about an upcoming West Marches-style game, loosely inspired by Mons…

1
WAR PART II - Remastered 1:01:44

2M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

War. What is it good for? Epic dungeon fantasy TTRPG campaigns, apparently. On this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we march forward with part 2 of our discussion on war in tabletop RPGs. This time, we’re diving into the chaos of writing and running adventures where mass war isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the main event. Grab your dice, rally your troop…

1
SIGIL.VTT - WoTC's New Digital Frontier with Room to Grow 1:25:06

2M ago1:25:06

1:25:06

In this episode, the RPGBOT team bravely ventures into the digital dungeon of Sigil VTT, the latest virtual tabletop experiment from Wizards of the Coast. They dissect its features, question its "user-friendly" design, and debate whether it’s a game-changer or just a new way to set money on fire. Along the way, they compare Sigil to classics like R…

1
2025 UNEARTHED ARCANA - The Cartographer's Guide to Getting Lost 1:24:15

2M ago1:24:15

1:24:15

Ever wanted to play an Artificer so obsessed with maps that they can literally teleport via doodles, yet still somehow get lost? Buckle up, because the Cartographer subclass is here to turn your D&D campaign into a magical GPS adventure—complete with rerouting, questionable shortcuts, and the occasional teleportation mishap straight into a dragon's…

1
WAR PART I - Remastered 53:34

2M ago53:34

53:34

War. War never changes… except when it involves fire-breathing dragons, spell-slinging wizards, and a group of adventurers who probably have no business leading an army. On this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we charge headfirst into the chaos of war in dungeon fantasy TTRPGs. In part 1, we break down what makes a great fantasy war scenario, explor…

1
HADES: They are consummate professionals. 1:26:01

3M ago1:26:01

1:26:01

Join us as we take a deep, despair-filled dive into Hades, where souls are currency, mercenary fiends run the economy, and even the afterlife has worse working conditions than your last job! Links 2014 Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link) 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link) Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes (affiliate link) Forgotten Realms W…

1
FORCED MOVEMENT - Pushing Someone Has No Downside 1:17:53

3M ago1:17:53

1:17:53

Episode Summary In this action-packed and delightfully chaotic episode, the RPGBOT hosts kick things off with a thrilling unboxing moment from Hero Forge, revealing a spectacularly 3D-printed D20 die. Naturally, this leads to a deep dive into the wonders of forced movement in tabletop RPGs. Whether it's pushing, pulling, or just shoving characters …

1
COMBAT ROLEPLAYING (Remastered) - Swing First, Ask Rules Questions Later 1:00:01

3M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Got plans this weekend? Cancel them. The RPGBOT.Podcast is back with another remastered episode, and it’s so good, even your dice will roll themselves to tune in. We’re diving deep into the world of tabletop RPGs, dishing out expert advice, hilarious mishaps, and the kind of wisdom that makes your GM sigh in resignation. Whether you’re a seasoned a…

1
EPISODE 1 RECAP - OTHER WORLDS - AN RPGBOT.ADVENTURE 1:16:02

3M ago1:16:02

1:16:02

In this episode, the hosts discuss the exciting new 3D printed dice from Hero Forge, share a humorous recap of their recent one-shot D&D adventure, and delve into the mechanics and character options explored during the game. They also reflect on the role of the Dungeon Master and the effectiveness of using Theater of the Mind in D&D gameplay. The c…

1
OTHER WORLDS - An RPGBOT.Adventure - Betrayal, Bad Decisions, and the Mysterious Coin of Chaos 1:35:35

3M ago1:35:35

1:35:35

This episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast has everything: magic, mayhem, and at least one person realizing they should have read the rules on push mechanics before trying them in combat. Things are getting wild on the RPGBOT.Podcast as the crew sets sail into a maelstrom, only to find themselves face-to-face with a Kraken, a legendary pirate, and a whole …

1
GM'ing MARTIAL CLASSES (Remastered) - Swords, Sweat, and Keeping Sad Fighters Engaged 54:02

3M ago54:02

54:02

Are your martial characters feeling like sidekicks in a world dominated by spell-slinging wizards? Tired of your fighter sighing every time the wizard solves yet another problem with a wave of their hand? On this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we dive into the art of DMing for martial characters. Learn how to keep your sword-swingers engaged, your …

1
2024 MONSTER MANUAL REVIEW - We Finally Got a Copy!!! 1:22:39

3M ago1:22:39

1:22:39

Monsters got beefier, rules got weirder, and DMs everywhere are questioning their life choices—welcome to the 2024 Monster Manual meltdown! The RPGBOT.Podcast crew dives headfirst into the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual, and things get wild. Hot takes? Absolutely. Existential dread about humanoid reclassification? You bet. From debating whe…

1
PFE2E - GUNS AND GEARS REMASTER - The RPGBOT.Review 1:06:36

3M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Pathfinder 2E: Guns & Gears Remastered is here, proving once and for all that the best way to balance a game is by strapping explosives to your boots, firing an elephant gun from horseback, and praying Overdrive doesn’t betray you. Guns & Gears Remastered is bringing more chaos than a malfunctioning automaton with a loaded musket. The RPGBOT crew d…

1
PLAYING MARTIAL CLASSES (Remastered) - Gladium habeo, ergo sum! 56:09

3M ago56:09

56:09

On this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we talk about playnig D&D martial classes: because sometimes the best strategy is hitting things really, really hard until they stop moving. Are spells overrated? Do you prefer solving problems with the sharp edge of a sword instead of a 10-minute ritual? This week on the RPGBOT.Podcast, we’re divin…

1
2025 UNEARTHED ARCANA - FORGOTTEN REALMS SUBCLASSES 2 - Mind Magic is Incredibly Powerful 57:29

3M ago57:29

57:29

In this episode, the RPGBOT.Podcast hosts discuss the latest Unearthed Arcana release and its potential implications for the upcoming Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide. The hosts speculate on new and revised subclasses, examining how these additions and modifications impact gameplay balance and character building. The discussion covers the changes to…

1
2025 UNEARTHED ARCANA - FORGOTTEN REALMS SUBCLASSES - Artisan's Tools are cool now guys! 1:06:53

3M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

If Clerics can outsmart Wizards, Fighters get pet dragons, and Bladesingers are still ridiculously overpowered—has D&D officially lost its mind? The new episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast is live! This week, we ask the hard-hitting questions—should Clerics be smarter than Wizards? Do Fighters deserve pet dragons? And has the Bladesinger finally reached …

1
KEITH AMMANN STRIKES BACK (Remastered) - Smarter Monsters, Stronger Lairs, and Why Your Players Should Be Afraid 1:21:48

3M ago1:21:48

1:21:48

If your monsters fight like confused toddlers and your villain’s lair has all the security of a roadside inn, you need this episode—Keith Ammann is back on the RPGBOT.Podcast to help you terrorize your players properly! The RPGBOT.Podcast is back with a new episode, revisiting our masterclasses with Keith Ammann. This time, we're taking a deep dive…

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COMBAT MANEUVERS - Rest in Peace, Meatloaf! 1:04:06

3M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

On this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast - We break down the art of smacking, grappling, and generally making your DM cry. Episode Summary: Ever wanted to suplex a dragon? How about blind an orc with a well-placed pocket full of dirt? In this episode, our hosts take a deep dive into combat maneuvers across Pathfinder 1E, Pathfinder 2E, and Dungeons & …

1
PLANE OF CELESTIA - Its Like Being in a Casino 1:22:51

4M ago1:22:51

1:22:51

Welcome, weary adventurers, to another celestial installment of the RPGBOT.Podcast! In this episode, our hosts take a divine deep dive into the luminous layers of Mount Celestia, the lawful good paradise of the D&D multiverse, where angelic beings reign supreme, the paperwork never stops, and even heaven has a dress code. Links 2014 Dungeon Master’…

1
NAVAL COMBAT (Remastered) - High Seas, Low Rolls, and Kraken Problems 57:07

4M ago57:07

57:07

Set sail with this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast as we navigate the stormy seas of naval combat rules, patch the holes in D&D and Pathfinder mechanics, and pray the kraken doesn’t TPK the party! MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes Spelljammer: Adventures in Space – RPGBOT.News S2E67 Other Stuff Ghosts of Saltmars…

1
TIME MANAGEMENT - Every Absolute Condition Ruins Fun 1:08:35

4M ago1:08:35

1:08:35

Ever wonder how Tolkien kept track of all that walking in Middle-earth? Turns out, he’d be a pro Dungeon Master. This week on RPGBOT.Podcast, we’re diving into the wild world of time management in tabletop RPGs. From tracking minutes to years, making crafting fun (yes, it’s possible), and throwing just enough time pressure to keep your players swea…

1
2024 D&D MONSTER MANUAL Pt 2 - A Look Ahead (This Took Two Episodes) 1:11:59

4M ago1:11:59

1:11:59

What do monks, rich people, and spellcasting dragons have in common? We had no idea either—until this week’s episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast. Join us as we dive into the 2024 Monster Manual, where over 80 new creatures are ready to terrify and delight. From Haunting Revenants to a revamped lineup of vampires, there’s something for every adventurer to…

1
DICE MATH (Remastered) - Why the Odds are Never in Your Favor 55:29

4M ago55:29

55:29

What if I told you the secret to TTRPG greatness isn’t a magic sword, but a deep understanding of math? In this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we break down dice math—because nothing says "epic adventure" like probabilities and statistics. Learn how to outsmart the dice, impress your party, and finally understand why your bard keeps roll…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Characteroptimization Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen