Best RP-Specialized Game System For Engaging Side Campaigns
Are you on the hunt for the perfect role-playing game (RPG) system to run captivating side campaigns? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will delve into the best RP-specialized game systems tailored for side campaigns, providing you with the insights needed to select the ideal system for your group's unique preferences and play style. Running side campaigns can be a fantastic way to explore different genres, experiment with new characters, and inject fresh excitement into your primary campaign. However, selecting the right game system is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. A system that's well-suited for shorter, self-contained adventures can streamline gameplay, minimize setup time, and maximize the fun.
Understanding the Needs of a Side Campaign
Before diving into specific game systems, it's important to first understand what makes a system well-suited for side campaigns. Unlike a main campaign that might span months or even years, side campaigns are typically shorter, often lasting only a few sessions. This necessitates a system that is:
- Easy to Learn: A complex system with intricate rules can bog down a short campaign. A system with a streamlined ruleset allows players to quickly grasp the mechanics and focus on roleplaying and storytelling.
- Flexible and Adaptable: Side campaigns often involve exploring different genres or trying out unconventional character concepts. A flexible system can easily accommodate various settings and playstyles.
- Character-Focused: Side campaigns provide an excellent opportunity to experiment with new characters or delve deeper into existing ones. A system that emphasizes character development and roleplaying can enhance this experience.
- Low Prep Time: GMs often have limited time to prepare for side campaigns. A system that minimizes prep time through clear rules, pre-generated content, or improvisation-friendly mechanics is a huge asset.
- Self-Contained: The system should be conducive to telling a complete story within a limited number of sessions, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This requires a system that supports a satisfying narrative arc without feeling rushed or incomplete.
Top RP-Specialized Game Systems for Side Campaigns
With these considerations in mind, let's explore some of the top RP-specialized game systems that are particularly well-suited for side campaigns. These systems offer a diverse range of mechanics, settings, and playstyles, ensuring there's something for every group.
1. Fate Core
Fate Core is a narrative-driven RPG system known for its flexibility and emphasis on storytelling. It empowers players to actively shape the narrative through character aspects, compels, and fate points. This makes Fate Core an excellent choice for side campaigns where player agency and collaborative storytelling are desired. The system's abstract approach to character stats and skills allows for quick character creation and easy adaptation to various genres. Fate Core's mechanics are designed to support dynamic and dramatic scenes, making it ideal for creating memorable side campaign moments. The Fate system's strength lies in its ability to tell compelling stories with minimal mechanical overhead. The core rules are relatively simple, allowing players to focus on character interactions and plot development rather than getting bogged down in complex calculations. This makes it particularly well-suited for side campaigns where time is of the essence. Fate Core's narrative focus also encourages players to be proactive in shaping the story, leading to more engaging and memorable experiences. The aspect system, in particular, allows players to define their characters in a way that directly impacts the game, creating a sense of ownership and investment in the narrative. Furthermore, Fate Core's flexibility allows it to be easily adapted to a wide range of genres, from fantasy and science fiction to horror and historical settings. This makes it a versatile choice for side campaigns that explore different themes and worlds. The system's emphasis on collaborative storytelling also means that the GM doesn't have to shoulder the entire burden of plot creation, allowing for a more relaxed and improvisational approach to game mastering. This is especially beneficial for side campaigns where prep time may be limited. Overall, Fate Core is a fantastic option for groups that prioritize storytelling, player agency, and flexibility. Its streamlined rules and narrative focus make it particularly well-suited for side campaigns that aim to create memorable and engaging experiences in a limited number of sessions.
2. Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) Games
Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) is not a single game system but rather a family of games that share a common design philosophy. PbtA games are known for their emphasis on narrative, player agency, and collaborative storytelling. Each PbtA game is designed for a specific genre or setting, with playbooks that define character archetypes and moves that drive the action forward. PbtA games are excellent for side campaigns because they offer a structured yet flexible approach to storytelling, allowing for quick character creation and dynamic gameplay. The focus on moves and consequences ensures that every action has a meaningful impact on the narrative. Games like Apocalypse World, Monster of the Week, and Blades in the Dark (which is PbtA-inspired) fall under this category, each offering a unique flavor and setting. The strength of PbtA games lies in their ability to create compelling narratives with minimal prep time. The move system provides a clear framework for player actions and GM responses, ensuring that the story moves forward organically. This is particularly beneficial for side campaigns where there may not be time for extensive planning and world-building. The playbooks in PbtA games also make character creation quick and easy. Each playbook represents a distinct character archetype with its own set of moves and abilities, allowing players to jump into the game without having to pore over complex character sheets. This is ideal for side campaigns where players may want to try out different character concepts without investing a lot of time in character creation. Furthermore, PbtA games are known for their emphasis on player agency. Players have a significant say in the direction of the story, making choices that have real consequences. This creates a sense of investment and engagement that is crucial for a successful side campaign. The collaborative storytelling aspect of PbtA games also means that the GM is not solely responsible for creating the narrative. Players actively contribute to the story through their actions and choices, leading to more dynamic and unpredictable gameplay. Overall, PbtA games are an excellent choice for groups that want a structured yet flexible approach to storytelling. Their focus on player agency, collaborative narrative, and minimal prep time makes them particularly well-suited for side campaigns that aim to create engaging and memorable experiences in a limited number of sessions.
3. Blades in the Dark
While technically inspired by PbtA, Blades in the Dark deserves its own spotlight. This game plunges players into the grim and haunted city of Duskvol, where they lead a crew of scoundrels seeking their fortune. Blades in the Dark is renowned for its innovative mechanics, including the stress and trauma system, the crew sheet, and the flashback mechanic. These mechanics create a sense of high stakes, gritty realism, and player agency. Blades in the Dark is particularly well-suited for side campaigns because it offers a focused setting, clear objectives, and a built-in narrative structure. The game's crew sheet provides a framework for managing the crew's resources, relationships, and reputation, while the flashback mechanic allows players to retroactively introduce details into the story, adding twists and surprises. Blades in the Dark is a standout choice for side campaigns due to its unique blend of mechanics and setting. The game's focus on criminal crews operating in a haunted industrial city creates a distinct atmosphere that is both gritty and compelling. The mechanics are designed to support this setting, creating a sense of high stakes and moral ambiguity. The stress and trauma system, for example, adds a layer of realism to the game, reflecting the toll that a life of crime takes on the characters. The flashback mechanic is another innovative feature that allows players to retroactively introduce details into the story. This adds a layer of unpredictability to the game and encourages players to think creatively about how their characters can overcome challenges. The crew sheet in Blades in the Dark provides a framework for managing the crew's resources, relationships, and reputation. This adds a strategic element to the game and encourages players to think about the long-term consequences of their actions. Furthermore, Blades in the Dark is well-suited for side campaigns because it offers a clear structure for storytelling. The game is designed around a series of heists and operations, providing a natural framework for creating self-contained adventures. The focused setting also makes it easier for the GM to prepare for sessions, as they don't have to create an entire world from scratch. Overall, Blades in the Dark is an excellent choice for groups that enjoy gritty, character-driven stories with a strong sense of atmosphere. Its innovative mechanics and focused setting make it particularly well-suited for side campaigns that aim to create memorable and immersive experiences.
4. Savage Worlds
Savage Worlds is a versatile and fast-paced RPG system that can handle a wide range of genres and playstyles. It uses a dice pool mechanic with exploding dice, creating exciting and unpredictable results. Savage Worlds is known for its streamlined rules, character archetypes, and emphasis on action and adventure. This makes it a great option for side campaigns that require a system that's easy to learn and play. The system's adaptable nature allows for seamless transitions between different settings and genres, making it ideal for groups that want to explore a variety of campaigns. Savage Worlds stands out as a strong contender for side campaigns due to its blend of flexibility and fast-paced gameplay. The system's core mechanics are relatively simple, making it easy for new players to learn and jump into the action. The use of exploding dice adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the game, ensuring that every roll has the potential to lead to a dramatic outcome. The character archetypes in Savage Worlds provide a solid foundation for character creation, allowing players to quickly develop compelling and well-rounded characters. This is particularly beneficial for side campaigns where there may not be time for extensive character development. Furthermore, Savage Worlds is known for its adaptability. The system can be easily adapted to a wide range of genres, from fantasy and science fiction to horror and westerns. This makes it a versatile choice for side campaigns that explore different themes and settings. The system's emphasis on action and adventure also makes it well-suited for side campaigns that focus on exciting encounters and thrilling set pieces. The streamlined rules and fast-paced gameplay ensure that the action never slows down, keeping players engaged and entertained. Overall, Savage Worlds is a fantastic option for groups that want a versatile and action-packed RPG system for their side campaigns. Its easy-to-learn rules, adaptable nature, and emphasis on exciting gameplay make it a popular choice for both new and experienced players.
5. One-Page RPGs
For the ultimate in simplicity and portability, consider one-page RPGs. These systems condense the core rules and setting information into a single page, making them incredibly easy to learn and play. One-page RPGs are perfect for impromptu side campaigns, convention games, or situations where time and resources are limited. While they may not offer the same depth and complexity as larger systems, one-page RPGs excel at providing a quick and satisfying roleplaying experience. Examples include Lasers & Feelings, Honey Heist, and various other indie creations. One-page RPGs represent the epitome of streamlined game design, offering a unique and compelling option for side campaigns. The sheer simplicity of these systems makes them incredibly accessible, allowing players to jump into a game with minimal preparation. The core rules and setting information are condensed onto a single page, making it easy to learn and reference during play. This is particularly beneficial for side campaigns where time is limited or for groups that prefer a more rules-light approach. The portability of one-page RPGs is another significant advantage. They can be easily carried and played anywhere, making them ideal for impromptu gaming sessions or convention games. While one-page RPGs may not offer the same level of depth and complexity as larger systems, they excel at providing a quick and satisfying roleplaying experience. The focus is on storytelling and character interaction, rather than intricate rules and mechanics. This can lead to more improvisational and creative gameplay. Furthermore, the sheer variety of one-page RPGs available is astounding. There are one-page RPGs for virtually every genre and setting, from science fiction and fantasy to horror and comedy. This means that there's likely a one-page RPG out there that perfectly suits your group's preferences. Overall, one-page RPGs are an excellent choice for groups that value simplicity, portability, and a focus on storytelling. Their accessibility and variety make them a fantastic option for side campaigns that aim to create fun and memorable experiences in a limited amount of time.
Choosing the Right System for Your Group
The best RP-specialized game system for your side campaigns ultimately depends on your group's preferences and play style. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Genre: Do you prefer fantasy, science fiction, horror, or another genre? Some systems are better suited for certain genres than others.
- Playstyle: Do you prefer a narrative-driven approach or a more combat-focused experience? Some systems emphasize storytelling and character development, while others prioritize tactical combat.
- Complexity: How much complexity are you comfortable with? Some systems have intricate rules, while others are more streamlined.
- Prep Time: How much time do you have to prepare for sessions? Some systems require extensive prep work, while others can be played with minimal preparation.
- Player Experience: What is the experience level of your players? A system that's easy to learn may be a better choice for new players, while experienced players may appreciate a more complex system.
By carefully considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and select the best RP-specialized game system for your side campaigns. Remember, the goal is to have fun and create memorable stories together!
Conclusion
Running side campaigns is a fantastic way to explore different facets of roleplaying and inject excitement into your gaming sessions. By selecting the right RP-specialized game system, you can ensure that your side campaigns are engaging, memorable, and tailored to your group's unique preferences. Whether you opt for the narrative flexibility of Fate Core, the structured storytelling of PbtA games, the gritty realism of Blades in the Dark, the fast-paced action of Savage Worlds, or the simplicity of one-page RPGs, the key is to choose a system that enhances your group's enjoyment and allows you to craft compelling stories together. So, gather your friends, select your system, and embark on unforgettable side campaign adventures!
