Thanks to games like Dungeons and Dragons, fantasy settings tend to dominate the TTRPG space, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of phenomenal cyberpunk games.
In fact, cyberpunk TTRPGs are among some of the best in the genre. There are cyberpunk systems with insanely creative character options, wildly inventive settings, and all the rules for tactical combat you could ever want. Neo-noir mysteries, action thrillers, and more await you in the world of cyberpunk TTRPGs.
Cyberpunk 2020
Cyberpunk is the gold standard for high-tech low-life RPGs for good reasons, and 2020 is the best version of the rule set by far. Character creation in Cyberpunk 2020 follows the Life Path system, which fully builds out all the stat-centric parts of your character while also telling their backstory. Combat is tactical and highly lethal, and there are a wealth of supplementary materials out there for this system. If you haven’t gotten to use this system before, it needs to be on the top of your to-do list.
Cyberpunk RED
Cyberpunk RED is the latest edition of the Cyberpunk rules system, and it comes with quite a few modern updates. The rulebook is straightforward and easy to use, and multiple character creation options let you get into the game as quickly as you want. This edition has the added benefits of usable hacking mechanics, rather than the utter mess of rules that came in previous versions of the game. This is a great entry point for cyberpunk-themed TTRPGs, and the included Night City setting is an absolute classic.
Traveller
Most people think of Traveller as a system for space faring games, and they aren’t wrong. That said, the game is incredibly versatile, and the core book plus the supplements give you rules for everything from cybernetic body modifications to computer hacking. Plus, the Traveller character creation process is almost a mini-game to itself, it’s spectacular. You could easily tell a grounded cyberpunk story with this system, and when the plot is wrapping up, you can ship your characters out to the stars.
Altered Carbon
Altered Carbon is a game for cyberpunk fans who really want to lean into the neo-noir aspects of the genre. It’s tailor made for solving high-tech mysteries in a futuristic society that’s ruled over by the ultra wealthy. The game is based on the book series by Richard Morgan, and it manages to mechanically work in the most interesting concept in Morgan’s setting: the ability to move your consciousness between bodies as easily as changing clothes.
Dune
For certain types of players, the Dune TTRPG is a dream come true. Set in Frank Herbert’s iconic universe, the game actually mixes grand strategy elements into the roleplaying rules. There are mechanics that let you create your own Major or Minor House and control things from the shadows. You can hire Mentats and workers, construct machinery to gather spice, and slowly build up your interstellar empire. Whether you want to play through an epic rebellion story or work your way toward galactic domination, Dune has you covered.
Stars Without Number
Like Traveller, Stars Without Number is a TTRPG designed for space adventures, but it doesn’t take much tweaking to turn it into a killer cyberpunk game. All the tech and weapons you could ever need are included in the core rulebook, which is also packed with information about building worlds and running games that can easily come in handy at any table. Once you’ve got your head around the system, you can even check out fan-made cyberpunk campaigns like Polychrome.
Shadowrun
Aside from the various versions of Cyberpunk, Shadowrun is probably the best-knock cyberpunk TTRPG. Instead of going for gritty realism, Shadowrun throws some fantasy elements into its high-tech setting. Want to play an elf with a lazy sword or a cybernetic streetrat with a proclivity for magic? Shadowrun offers one of the most unique settings out there, and the core rulebook has everything you need to get started, including some pre-written adventures that are super easy to run.
Starfinder
Like almost any TTRPG system built for sci-fi adventures, Starfinder works perfectly fine for a cyberpunk campaign. This particular system would really shine in a cyberpunk story that takes place on a distant planet because there are tons of rules for different alien races and characters. Like Traveller or Stars Without Numbers, this game will take a little tweaking on the GM’s part, but it’s probably the easiest of the three for players to jump into because it’s a bit more similar to D&D 5E and isn’t nearly as lethal as those other systems.
Aetherium
Even when cyberpunk TTRPG systems have good rules for hacking and navigating through cyberspace, the virtual realm often feels like an afterthought. Aetherium is tailor-made for cyberpunk stories that want to put the digital world at the forefront. The primary setting for the game is a virtual reality, and that means there’s full rulesets not just for hacking but also for designing your own custom programs. Aetherium has all the anarchists, corporatists, and media moguls you’d expect from a cyberpunk setting, but the focus on the digital aspect of the world really helps it feel distinct from the other games on this list.
Mythic
Mythic is the only system on this list that isn’t going to provide you with any pre-designed rules for tech, weapons, or the material aspects of a cyberpunk setting. That’s because Mythic is a GM emulator that’s designed to let you play through any roleplaying story you can dream up, with or without a real GM at your table. Mythic requires more imagination and initiative from players than any other game on this list, but once you get into the swing of it you can play any kind of game you want.
Published: Sep 29, 2024 10:48 am