The Best Sci-Fi Tabletop RPGs -

The fantasy tabletop role-playing game was the first, but sci-fi tabletop RPGs soon followed.

Now, there is a host of space RPGs to choose from. And they span from cyberpunk to transhuman and from near future to far future.

I collected a short of list of the best sci-fi and space tabletop RPGs, check them out.

Stars Without Number

Stars Without Number is a compelling sandbox space RPG crafted in the OSR style. It is built off of basic D&D but adds a unique skill system.

The setting, character options, and equipment are rich and detailed. It sports generation systems for corporations, star sectors, and spaceships.

It is perfect for hacking and mixing in your own creations. I created custom backgrounds and training packages.

It is certainly of the best sci-fi tabletop RPGs you can play. The link provided here is the free version of Star Without Number. However, there is an expanded core version that is not free and a new second edition that will be released soon.

UPDATE: Here’s a link to Stars Without Number Revised Edition.

Traveller

Traveller is the granddaddy of science fiction role-playing games. There are many editions and tons of supplements that allow almost any kind of sci-fi space campaign you can dream up.

Traveller became infamous due to the fact that characters could die during creation. Later editions removed this, but I’ve always wanted to try it.

Please keep in mind the Traveller RPG has many editions. I’ve linked to the Mongoose books. However, there is also Traveller 5. It is a large collection of Traveller lore and rules from the original game designer.

You can read the rules in the Traveller SRD. See my interview with designer Marc Miller and my collection of Traveller character sheets.

Coriolis

Coriolis is described as, “Arabian Nights in Space.”

Imagine Firefly, but instead of a Western influence, there is an Eastern influence.

I am still reading the rules, but the game uses a dice pool system that seems fun, fast, and easy to learn.

The quickstart PDF is free. It is worth picking up for the art alone. Trust me, the art will blow you away.

Savage Worlds Science Fiction Companion

The popular Savage Worlds RPG system offers exciting and fast-moving play. The Science Fiction Companion gives you everything you need to run an epic campaign out among the stars. Races, gadgets, gear, ships, and more are all here.

Here are several science fiction and space supplements for Savage Worlds science fiction role-playing:

Ashen Stars

Ashen Stars is a “gritty space opera” based on the GUMSHOE RPG system. The players play freelance investigators solving crimes and mysteries in a near-lawless sector of space called the Bleed.

Included in the core rule book are seven playable species, 14 types of spaceships, and a full set of rules for space combat.

Ashen Stars has one main supplement called Accretion Disk. It contains ship deck plans and more playable species.

Even More Sci-Fi Tabletop RPGs

Simple and Solo Sci-fi Tabletop RPGs

Looking for rules-lite or solo science fiction role-playing games? Well, here is a ton. These games feature innovative rules and push the bounds of RPG storytelling.

Science Fiction RPG Random tables

Random tables help gamemasters cut down prep time. I created books so GMs have more fun while running sci-fi RPGs.

To The Stars

If you find the planet Earth restrictive, then leave it or alter it. Take any one of these space tabletop RPGs and explore what it means to be human, hack the matrix, rob an ancient tomb, or simply enjoy the freedom of the ‘verse.

The universe is at your fingertips.