Best Setting Agnostic Sci-Fi TTRPG System Recommendations

Are you a fan of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) and science fiction? Do you dream of exploring the vast expanse of space, engaging in thrilling intergalactic adventures, and creating your own unique sci-fi universe? If so, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll delve into the world of setting-agnostic sci-fi TTRPG systems, providing you with recommendations and insights to help you choose the perfect system for your next campaign. Setting-agnostic systems offer the flexibility to create your own world or adapt existing sci-fi settings, making them ideal for players and game masters (GMs) who crave creative freedom.

What are Setting-Agnostic Sci-Fi TTRPGs?

Setting-agnostic sci-fi TTRPGs are role-playing game systems that are not tied to a specific fictional universe or setting. Unlike systems like Star Wars or Starfinder, which are designed to be played within their respective established worlds, setting-agnostic systems provide a framework of rules and mechanics that can be applied to virtually any sci-fi setting you can imagine. This versatility is a major draw for many players and GMs, as it allows them to craft their own unique worlds, stories, and characters without being constrained by existing lore.

Think of it this way: a setting-specific system is like a pre-built house – it's ready to move in and has a distinct style. A setting-agnostic system, on the other hand, is like a set of architectural blueprints and construction tools – it gives you the freedom to design and build your own house exactly as you envision it. This freedom comes with a bit more responsibility, as the GM will need to do more world-building, but the payoff is a truly personalized and unique gaming experience.

The beauty of setting-agnostic systems lies in their adaptability. You can use them to run campaigns in a gritty cyberpunk dystopia, a utopian spacefaring society, a post-apocalyptic wasteland, or anything in between. You can even blend elements from different sci-fi subgenres to create something truly original. The only limit is your imagination.

Why Choose a Setting-Agnostic System?

There are several compelling reasons to opt for a setting-agnostic sci-fi TTRPG system:

• Creative Freedom: The most significant advantage is the unparalleled creative freedom they offer. You're not bound by established lore or canon, allowing you to build your own worlds, cultures, technologies, and histories. This is perfect for GMs who enjoy world-building and players who want to shape the narrative in significant ways.
• Adaptability: Setting-agnostic systems can be easily adapted to different sci-fi subgenres and themes. Whether you're into hard sci-fi, space opera, cyberpunk, or something else entirely, a setting-agnostic system can accommodate your vision.
• Unique Experiences: By creating your own setting, you can offer your players a gaming experience that is truly unique and memorable. They'll be exploring a world that exists nowhere else, facing challenges and uncovering secrets that are entirely of your making.
• Long-Term Campaigns: Setting-agnostic systems are well-suited for long-term campaigns. As the GM, you have complete control over the world and its evolution, allowing you to develop intricate storylines and character arcs that span many sessions.
• Customization: Many setting-agnostic systems are designed to be highly customizable. You can tweak the rules, add new mechanics, and tailor the system to perfectly fit your group's play style and preferences.

Top Setting-Agnostic Sci-Fi TTRPG Systems

Now that we've explored the benefits of setting-agnostic sci-fi TTRPGs, let's take a look at some of the top systems available:

1. GURPS (Generic Universal RolePlaying System)

GURPS, as the name suggests, is a truly generic system that can be used for any genre, including science fiction. It's known for its comprehensive and detailed rules, which allow for a high degree of realism and customization. GURPS uses a point-buy system for character creation, giving players a lot of control over their characters' abilities and skills. The system's flexibility and extensive library of supplements make it a favorite among GMs who want a powerful and versatile tool for world-building.

GURPS's strength lies in its granular approach. It covers a vast range of topics, from combat and technology to social interactions and psychic powers. This level of detail can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it allows for incredibly realistic simulations and nuanced character development. On the other hand, it can lead to rules complexity and a steeper learning curve for new players. However, many GMs appreciate the ability to customize the rules and focus on the aspects that are most important to their campaign.

For sci-fi settings, GURPS offers a variety of supplements that cover different subgenres, such as space opera, cyberpunk, and transhumanism. These supplements provide detailed information on technology, alien races, and world-building, making it easier for GMs to create compelling and immersive sci-fi worlds. The core GURPS rules provide a solid foundation for any sci-fi setting, and the supplements offer additional tools and inspiration to tailor the game to your specific vision. The point-buy system in GURPS allows for a wide range of character concepts, from highly skilled mercenaries and cunning hackers to brilliant scientists and powerful psychics. This flexibility is crucial for a setting-agnostic system, as it enables players to create characters that fit seamlessly into any sci-fi universe.

The combat system in GURPS is known for its realism and detail. It takes into account factors such as weapon accuracy, armor penetration, and wound effects. While this can make combat more complex, it also creates a more engaging and tactical experience. For sci-fi campaigns, this means that combat can be as deadly and strategic as it is in the genre's best stories.

2. Fate Core

Fate Core is a narrative-focused system that emphasizes storytelling and character development over strict rules and mechanics. It uses a unique dice system (Fate Dice, which have plus, minus, and blank faces) and a system of Aspects (short phrases that describe a character or situation) to drive the narrative. Fate Core is known for its ease of use and flexibility, making it a great choice for groups who prioritize collaborative storytelling.

One of the key features of Fate Core is its emphasis on player agency. Players have the ability to influence the story by invoking Aspects, which can give them bonuses or allow them to create new situations. This empowers players to be active participants in the narrative and shape the direction of the game. This collaborative approach to storytelling is a major draw for many groups, as it allows for a more dynamic and engaging gaming experience.

For sci-fi settings, Fate Core's narrative focus makes it ideal for campaigns that emphasize character relationships, political intrigue, or moral dilemmas. The system's flexibility allows GMs to create a wide range of sci-fi worlds, from gritty cyberpunk dystopias to utopian spacefaring societies. The system's emphasis on Aspects makes it easy to capture the unique flavor of different sci-fi subgenres, whether it's the hard sci-fi of The Expanse or the space opera of Guardians of the Galaxy.

Character creation in Fate Core is a collaborative process that involves defining the character's Aspects, skills, and stunts (special abilities). This process helps players to create characters that are both mechanically functional and narratively compelling. The system's flexibility allows for a wide range of character concepts, from grizzled mercenaries and cunning spies to brilliant scientists and powerful psychics.

The conflict system in Fate Core is designed to be fast-paced and dramatic. It uses a system of stress and consequences to represent the impact of conflict on characters. This system encourages players to think strategically and make tough choices, as the consequences of failure can be significant. For sci-fi campaigns, this means that conflicts can be as tense and exciting as they are in the genre's best stories.

3. Savage Worlds

Savage Worlds is a fast-paced, pulp-inspired system that emphasizes action and adventure. It uses a dice pool mechanic and a system of Edges and Hindrances to define characters. Savage Worlds is known for its simple rules and its ability to handle large-scale battles, making it a good choice for groups who want a cinematic and action-packed gaming experience.

Savage Worlds is designed to be easy to learn and play, making it a great choice for groups who are new to TTRPGs or who prefer a less rules-heavy system. The system's focus on action and adventure makes it ideal for sci-fi campaigns that emphasize exploration, combat, and daring feats. The system's flexibility allows GMs to create a wide range of sci-fi worlds, from gritty space westerns to epic space operas.

One of the key features of Savage Worlds is its Bennies system. Bennies are tokens that players can use to reroll dice, soak damage, or perform other special actions. This system gives players a degree of control over their fate and allows them to influence the outcome of the game. This can lead to more dramatic and exciting moments in the game.

For sci-fi settings, Savage Worlds offers a variety of supplements that cover different subgenres, such as space opera, cyberpunk, and post-apocalyptic. These supplements provide detailed information on technology, alien races, and world-building, making it easier for GMs to create compelling and immersive sci-fi worlds. The core Savage Worlds rules provide a solid foundation for any sci-fi setting, and the supplements offer additional tools and inspiration to tailor the game to your specific vision.

Character creation in Savage Worlds is a relatively simple process that involves choosing a race, skills, Edges (special abilities), and Hindrances (drawbacks). This process allows players to create characters that are both mechanically functional and narratively interesting. The system's flexibility allows for a wide range of character concepts, from daring pilots and skilled mercenaries to brilliant scientists and cunning diplomats.

The combat system in Savage Worlds is fast-paced and cinematic. It emphasizes action and quick resolution, making it ideal for large-scale battles and daring raids. The system's Wound system allows for dramatic injuries and near-death experiences, adding to the excitement of combat. For sci-fi campaigns, this means that combat can be as thrilling and dangerous as it is in the genre's best stories.

4. Stars Without Number

Stars Without Number is a sci-fi TTRPG system inspired by old-school role-playing games. It uses a simple D&D-like system and includes tools for sandbox-style play and world-building. Stars Without Number is known for its focus on exploration, adventure, and player agency, making it a great choice for groups who want to explore a vast and dangerous galaxy.

One of the key features of Stars Without Number is its sector generation system. This system allows GMs to quickly and easily create a vast and detailed star sector, complete with planets, star systems, factions, and conflicts. This makes it easy to create a sandbox-style campaign where players are free to explore the galaxy and pursue their own goals. The system's focus on player agency means that players have a significant impact on the world around them, shaping the fate of planets and empires.

Stars Without Number is designed to be compatible with old-school D&D supplements, making it easy to incorporate content from other games into your campaign. This is a major advantage for GMs who want to draw on a wide range of resources and create a truly unique gaming experience. The system's simplicity makes it easy to learn and play, while its depth and flexibility allow for a wide range of campaign styles.

For sci-fi settings, Stars Without Number offers a gritty and realistic vision of the future. The system emphasizes the challenges of space travel, the dangers of alien encounters, and the complexities of interstellar politics. This makes it ideal for campaigns that explore themes of survival, exploration, and the human condition.

Character creation in Stars Without Number is a straightforward process that involves choosing a class, skills, and background. This process allows players to create characters that are both mechanically functional and narratively interesting. The system's flexibility allows for a wide range of character concepts, from grizzled mercenaries and cunning traders to brilliant scientists and powerful psychics.

The combat system in Stars Without Number is deadly and tactical. It emphasizes the importance of cover, positioning, and weapon selection. This makes combat a tense and strategic affair, where players must use their skills and resources wisely to survive. For sci-fi campaigns, this means that combat can be as dangerous and unpredictable as it is in the genre's best stories.

Choosing the Right System for You

Choosing the right setting-agnostic sci-fi TTRPG system depends on your group's preferences and play style. Consider the following factors:

• Rules Complexity: Do you prefer a system with detailed and realistic rules, or one that is more streamlined and narrative-focused?
• World-Building: How much world-building do you want to do? Some systems provide more tools and guidance for world-building than others.
• Play Style: Do you prefer action-packed adventures, political intrigue, or character-driven stories?
• Player Agency: How much control do you want players to have over the narrative?
• Genre Preferences: What sci-fi subgenres are you most interested in?

By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and choose a system that will provide your group with countless hours of thrilling sci-fi adventures. The systems discussed above – GURPS, Fate Core, Savage Worlds, and Stars Without Number – each offer a unique approach to sci-fi role-playing, catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned GM looking for a new challenge or a group of players eager to explore the vast expanse of space, there's a setting-agnostic system out there that's perfect for you. So, gather your friends, roll the dice, and embark on an unforgettable journey into the unknown!

Conclusion

The world of setting-agnostic sci-fi TTRPGs is vast and exciting, offering endless possibilities for creative storytelling and immersive gameplay. By choosing the right system and embracing the freedom to create your own worlds and stories, you can craft truly unique and memorable gaming experiences. Whether you prefer the detailed realism of GURPS, the narrative focus of Fate Core, the action-packed thrills of Savage Worlds, or the sandbox exploration of Stars Without Number, there's a system out there that's perfect for your group. So, take the plunge, explore the options, and prepare to boldly go where no one has gone before!