Ready for Action: How to Run a Tabletop Roleplaying Game in the Style of Call of Duty

 

Call of Duty is a popular first-person shooter video game series that has been around since 2003. The games are known for their fast-paced action, intense combat, and thrilling storylines. If you're a fan of Call of Duty and want to bring that same level of excitement and intensity to a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) setting, this article is for you. In this post, we'll explore some tips and tricks for running a TTRPG in the style of Call of Duty.

    Create a High-Stakes Mission: Call of Duty games are known for their high-stakes missions that require players to complete a specific objective under intense pressure. Use this same approach in your TTRPG by creating a mission that is critical to the success of a larger operation, and has significant consequences if it fails.

    Use Tactical Combat Mechanics: Call of Duty games rely on tactical combat mechanics that require players to use cover, strategy, and teamwork to survive. Use this same approach in your TTRPG by creating combat encounters that require players to use tactics and teamwork to overcome difficult challenges.

    Emphasize Character Specialization: Call of Duty games allow players to specialize in different types of combat roles, such as sniper, medic, or engineer. Use this same approach in your TTRPG by allowing players to create characters with different specializations and abilities that complement each other in combat and exploration.

    Use a Modern Military Setting: Call of Duty games are set in a modern military setting, with weapons and equipment that reflect modern military technology. Use this same approach in your TTRPG by creating a modern military setting with realistic weapons and equipment that players can use in combat.

    Use a Fast-Paced Narrative: Call of Duty games have a fast-paced narrative that keeps players engaged and on the edge of their seat. Use this same approach in your TTRPG by creating a fast-paced narrative with plenty of action, suspense, and plot twists.

Suitable Player Characters:

    The Soldier: A highly trained soldier with expertise in combat tactics and weapon handling.

    The Medic: A trained medic with expertise in treating wounds and providing medical support in the field.

    The Engineer: A skilled engineer with expertise in repairing and maintaining equipment, as well as defusing explosives.

    The Intelligence Officer: A well-trained intelligence officer with expertise in gathering and analyzing information, as well as providing tactical support to the team.

Sample Adventure Outline: "Operation Blackout"

Setting: A modern military base in a hostile territory.

Plot: The players are a team of highly trained soldiers tasked with infiltrating a hostile territory and sabotaging an enemy power grid, causing a blackout that will allow a larger military operation to proceed. The players must navigate through enemy territory, avoiding detection and engaging in intense combat encounters, while securing the power grid and planting explosives to cause the blackout.

As they progress through the mission, the players encounter unexpected obstacles and challenges, such as enemy reinforcements and unexpected security measures. They must use their skills and teamwork to overcome these obstacles and complete their mission successfully.

Characters: The players could take on the roles of a soldier, medic, engineer, and intelligence officer, each with their own unique skills and abilities that complement each other in combat and exploration.

  

How can I create realistic combat encounters that require players to use tactics and teamwork?

Creating realistic combat encounters that require players to use tactics and teamwork can be a challenge for any tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) game master. However, with some careful planning and preparation, it's possible to create engaging and challenging combat encounters that require players to think strategically and work together. Here are some tips to help you create realistic combat encounters that require players to use tactics and teamwork:

    Create a Tactical Environment: Start by creating a tactical environment that challenges players to think strategically. This could include obstacles, cover, and a variety of terrain types. Encourage players to use the environment to their advantage, such as taking cover behind objects or using high ground to gain a better view of the battlefield.

    Use Enemies with Different Strengths and Weaknesses: To create interesting and challenging combat encounters, use enemies with different strengths and weaknesses. This could include enemies with different abilities, such as ranged attacks or special attacks, or enemies with different vulnerabilities, such as a weakness to fire or a resistance to physical attacks.

    Use Surprise Attacks and Ambushes: Surprise attacks and ambushes can create challenging combat encounters that require players to think on their feet and work together to survive. Use ambushes and surprise attacks to keep players on their toes and create a sense of urgency and danger.

    Use Objectives and Goals: To create combat encounters that require players to use tactics and teamwork, use objectives and goals. This could include rescuing hostages, disabling a bomb, or protecting an important asset. Encourage players to work together to accomplish the objective, and create consequences if they fail.

    Use Dynamic Combat: Dynamic combat can create engaging and challenging combat encounters that require players to adapt to changing circumstances. This could include enemies that move around the battlefield, environmental hazards that affect the combat, or unexpected reinforcements that arrive in the middle of the fight.

Example Combat Encounter: "The Ambush"

Setting: A forest trail filled with dense foliage and rocky terrain.

Plot: The players are traveling along a forest trail when they are ambushed by a group of bandits. The bandits are armed with ranged weapons and are positioned behind cover, making it difficult for the players to approach them head-on. The bandits have also set up traps and obstacles, such as tripwires and barricades, to slow down the players' advance.

As the players engage the bandits, they must use cover and tactics to avoid getting hit by ranged attacks. They can use the environment to their advantage, such as taking cover behind trees or using the rocky terrain to gain a better view of the battlefield. The bandits have a leader who is directing their attacks and providing support to the other bandits. The players must take out the leader to weaken the enemy's morale and eliminate their tactical advantage.
 

Conclusion

Running a TTRPG in the style of Call of Duty can be a thrilling and immersive experience, allowing players to experience intense combat, tactical strategy, and high-stakes missions. By incorporating the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create a memorable and engaging game that captures the spirit of Call of Duty. So gather your friends, prepare your weapons and equipment, and get ready for a mission that will test your skills and teamwork to the limit.

 

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