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If you’ve ever tried to convince a table of D&D 5E fans to switch to a new TTRPG systems, you already know the problem: most alternatives either feel too crunchy, too loose or too different to justify the learning curve. For the past few years, however, the Nimble RPG, has been carving out its own niche by doing the exact opposite: keeping the familiar D&D 5E-shaped foundation, then shaving off the parts that slow the game to a crawl.
Now, Nimble is back on Kickstarter with Monsters & More, a new campaign that reprints the original core books and adds a new monster manual, along new classes, subclasses and table-ready adventures. The campaign runs from now until March 12th, 2026 and in just a few days has already far surpassed it’s initial funding goals and is likely to get close the $1 million mark. Below, we take a closer at what’s included.
What is the Nimble RPG?
Nimble is a standalone fantasy tabletop RPG created by designer Evan Díaz. The game initially began as a zine meant to capture popular house rules for D&D 5th Edition, but quickly grew in size as Díaz began to realize he had the basis for a much larger and more complete system.
Eventually, a first edition of Nimble was launched and fully funded on Kickstarter in late 2023, consisting of a single core rulebook. In 2024, Díaz launched a Backerkit campaign for a Nimble second edition that expanded the materials into three rule books, along with more professional-calibre art and a variety of accessories. This new version of Nimble 5e was later released to the public in late 2025 with three books: The Core Rules (a 60-page guide containing all of the base rules), the Heroes Book (an 80-page player guide with all 12 character classes) and a Gamemaster’s Guide (a 114-page GM reference book with advice, tools and three adventures).
Mechanically, Nimble is meant to be a faster, more tactical, rules light version of D&D 5e. The game’s biggest shift is the inclusion of a three-action economy (replacing 5E’s patchwork of actions, bonus actions and reactions). Every meaningful decision (moving, attacking, casting etc.) costs an action, with disadvantages on multiple attacks.
Another major component of the game is that there are no rolls to hit, instead you only roll damage dice (with a 1 being a miss and max damage being a critical hit that lets you roll an additional damage dice). What’s more Armor reduces incoming damage, rather than providing a base Armor Class that determines how difficult you are to hit.
Other major features in Nimble include condensing the six D&D ability scores to four core attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Will) and replacing spell slots with a mana point system with no learned/known spells and the ability to upcast more powerful spells by using more points.
What is the “Nimble: Monsters & More” Kickstarter?
The new Kickstarter includes reprints of the original Core Rules and Gamemaster’s Guide, but also features new content, which is available in both print and PDF formats:
- Monsters & More: The centerpiece of the Kickstarter, this is a new bestiary for Nimble (and compatible with 5E) containing 200+ monsters, Legendary Bosses, encounter tools, loot and new optional rules.
- New Hero Class Zines: These standalone booklets introduce four new classes: the Hexbinder (a witch-inspired class built around curses), the Psion (a mind-powered telekenetic combatant), the Artificer (a gadget-driven inventor and tinkerer) and the Revenant (an undead warrior).
- New Subclass Zines: There are 11 standalone zines (one for each of the game’s core classes) with new subclass options.
- Adventure Bundle: A collection of new pre-written adventures formatted for quick table use. There will be at least 10 new adventures included for backers, with new modules possibly being added based on stretch goals.
- Creator’s Kit: A toolkit intended for content creators and homebrew designers. It supports building custom monsters, classes and adventures within Nimble’s framework.
Notably, there are also special collectors edition of the books available in a magnetic slipcase, and additional accessories, including cards, a GM screen and stickers.
What are the backer options for “Nimble: Monsters & More”?
There are a few different options available which work for both players who already own the Nimble core books and those who are completely new to the game.
- Core Digital Bundle ($39 USD): PDFs of the Nimble Core Rules, GM’s Guide and the new Hero Class zines.
- Monsters & More Book ($49 USD): A hardcover of the new monster book, plus a PDF.
- Expansion Digital Bundle ($59 USD): Includes PDFs of Monsters & More, the Hero Class zines, Subclass zines and Adventures Bundle.
- Core Physical Bundle ($89 USD) Updated hardcovers of the Core Rules and GM’s Guide, plus all the new Hero Class and Subclass zines.
- Core + Expansion Digital ($99 USD): All of the books from the Kickstarter in PDF format.
- Expansion Physical Bundle ($125 USD): Print copies of Monsters & More, plus the new Class and Subclass zines and the Adventure Bundle.
- Core + Expansion Physical ($189 USD): All core and zine content in print and digital formats.
- All-In Deluxe ($400 USD): Special edition versions of the books that include a slipcase box set, cards and a GM screen.
Notably, digital content has an expected delivery date of July 2026, while physical deliveries have a target date of November 2026.
Why we’re excited about “Nimble: Monsters & More”?
There are a few reasons why we’re backing this campaign and think it’s worth considering for your own table.
- It fills a major gap in the line. While the original GM book included some adversaries, Nimble never had a true standalone monster manual. With Monsters & More featuring 200+ new foes built around the game’s streamlined stat block system this feels like a great addition for long-term campaign support.
- It’s a solid entry point for new players. If you missed Nimble the first time around this Kickstarter is the perfect time to grab the updated core books and jump in.
- It proves Nimble isn’t a one-and-done project. New classes, subclasses and adventures show real system growth. This feels like an evolving RPG line, not just a passion project that peaked at launch.
- It meaningfully improves on 5e’s weak spots. Nimble directly addresses two of 5e’s biggest complaints: slow combat and mechanical bloat. The additional content and new optional rules expand on this idea even further, showing just where D&D 2024 stumbled and what it could have been.
Final thoughts
Monsters & More feels like a major next step for Nimble, with the game going from an under-the-radar indie hit to something like Shadowdark in terms of shaking up the TTRPG industry (there’s a reason why we had it on our pick for one of the best TTRPGs of 2025). What comes next, however, is entirely in the hands of the community.
You can learn more and back the campaign from now until March 12th, 2026 on Kickstarter.