Surviving the End: The Best Post-Apocalyptic Tabletop Roleplaying Games

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In a post-apocalyptic world, survival is the name of the game. The end of the world as we know it can take many forms, from zombie outbreaks to nuclear war to environmental disasters. Whatever the cause, post-apocalyptic tabletop roleplaying games offer players the chance to experience the struggle for survival in a world gone mad. In this blog post, we will explore the best post-apocalyptic tabletop roleplaying games to help you choose the perfect game for your next gaming session.

    Apocalypse World


Apocalypse World, created by Vincent Baker, is a roleplaying game set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the roles of survivors trying to eke out a living in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. The game uses a unique storytelling system called the "Apocalypse Engine" that encourages players to create their own storylines and worldbuilding details as they play.

    Gamma World

Gamma World, a classic roleplaying game from TSR, is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the roles of mutated humans and animals trying to survive in a world ravaged by war and environmental disasters. The game uses a d20 system and features a wide variety of character options, from radioactive mutants to cybernetically enhanced humans.

    The End of the World

The End of the World, published by Fantasy Flight Games, is a series of roleplaying games that explore different apocalyptic scenarios, such as zombie outbreaks, alien invasions, and supernatural disasters. The games are designed to be played as one-shots, with players taking on the roles of themselves as they try to survive in the face of the apocalypse.


    Mutant Year Zero

Mutant Year Zero, published by Free League Publishing, is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the roles of mutants trying to survive in a world where humanity has been decimated by a mysterious plague. The game uses a unique dice system that encourages players to take risks and push their luck as they explore the ruins of civilization.


    Twilight: 2000

Twilight: 2000, published by Free League Publishing and originally created by Game Designers' Workshop, is a roleplaying game set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a global war. Players take on the roles of soldiers trying to survive and make their way home after being stranded in a war-torn country. The game features a detailed and realistic combat system and a focus on military tactics and survival.

    Numenera

Numenera, published by Monte Cook Games, is a science fantasy roleplaying game set in a far-future Earth where civilization has collapsed and been replaced by a new, strange world filled with ancient and powerful artifacts. Players take on the roles of adventurers exploring this world and uncovering its secrets. The game features a unique setting and a flexible rules system that emphasizes storytelling and exploration.

    GURPS After the End

GURPS After the End, published by Steve Jackson Games, is a post-apocalyptic roleplaying game supplement for the GURPS system. It provides rules and guidelines for creating post-apocalyptic campaigns and characters, as well as a detailed setting and adventure ideas. The game features a flexible and customizable rules system that can be adapted to a wide variety of gameplay styles.

    Savage Worlds: Deadlands

Savage Worlds: Deadlands, published by Pinnacle Entertainment Group, is a Weird West roleplaying game set in an alternate history where the Civil War never ended and the United States is besieged by supernatural threats. The game features a unique setting that combines classic western tropes with horror and fantasy elements, as well as a fast and flexible rules system.

    The Morrow Project

The Morrow Project, published by Timeline Ltd., is a roleplaying game set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the roles of members of a secret organization tasked with rebuilding civilization after a catastrophic event. The game features a detailed and realistic setting and a focus on survival and resource management.

These are just a few examples of the many popular post-apocalyptic tabletop games available. Each game offers a unique setting and gameplay experience, so it's worth exploring them all to find the one that best suits your gaming group's preferences.

 

 

Are there any post-apocalyptic games that focus on diplomacy?

While post-apocalyptic games tend to focus on survival and conflict, there are a few that also incorporate elements of diplomacy and negotiation:

    Legacy: Life Among the Ruins

Legacy: Life Among the Ruins, published by UFO Press, is a post-apocalyptic roleplaying game that focuses on the rebuilding of society after a catastrophic event. The game features a unique generational mechanic, where players take on the roles of different factions and characters over multiple generations as they work to rebuild civilization. The game emphasizes negotiation and diplomacy as players navigate the complex political landscape of a new world.


    Degenesis

Degenesis, published by Sixmorevodka, is a post-apocalyptic roleplaying game set in a world ravaged by a mysterious event known as the "Sixth Impact". The game features a detailed and immersive setting, with a focus on exploration and discovery. While the game also includes combat and survival elements, it also emphasizes diplomacy and negotiation as players interact with the various factions vying for control in the new world.

    The Quiet Year

The Quiet Year, published by Buried Without Ceremony, is a post-apocalyptic game that focuses on the process of rebuilding society after a catastrophic event. The game is played over the course of a year, with players taking on the roles of different members of a community as they work together to rebuild and survive. The game emphasizes collaboration and negotiation as players work to resolve conflicts and make decisions that will shape the future of their community.

While post-apocalyptic games may not typically focus on diplomacy, these games demonstrate that negotiation and collaboration can be important elements of a post-apocalyptic setting. By incorporating elements of diplomacy and negotiation, these games provide a unique and engaging gameplay experience for players looking for something different from the usual post-apocalyptic fare. 


Are there any post-apocalyptic games that focus on exploration?

Yes, there are several post-apocalyptic games that focus on exploration:

    Mutant Year Zero

Mutant Year Zero, published by Free League Publishing, is a post-apocalyptic roleplaying game set in a world devastated by a mysterious event. Players take on the roles of mutants trying to survive in a world where humanity has been decimated by a mysterious plague. The game features a detailed and immersive setting, with a focus on exploration and discovery as players venture out into the ruins of civilization in search of resources and secrets.

    Numenera

Numenera, published by Monte Cook Games, is a science fantasy roleplaying game set in a far-future Earth where civilization has collapsed and been replaced by a new, strange world filled with ancient and powerful artifacts. Players take on the roles of adventurers exploring this world and uncovering its secrets. The game features a vast and detailed setting that encourages exploration and discovery, with a focus on uncovering the mysteries of the ancient artifacts scattered throughout the world.

    The Morrow Project

The Morrow Project, published by Timeline Ltd., is a roleplaying game set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the roles of members of a secret organization tasked with rebuilding civilization after a catastrophic event. The game features a detailed and immersive setting, with a focus on exploration and discovery as players venture out into the dangerous and unpredictable wasteland in search of resources and allies.
   
These games demonstrate that exploration can be a key element of a post-apocalyptic setting. By emphasizing exploration and discovery, these games provide a unique and engaging gameplay experience for players looking to delve into the mysteries of a post-apocalyptic world.


Are there any post-apocalyptic games that focus on warfare?


Yes, there are several post-apocalyptic games that focus on warfare:

    Twilight: 2000

Twilight: 2000, originally created by Game Designers' Workshop and now published by Free League Publishing, is a roleplaying game set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a global war. Players take on the roles of soldiers trying to survive and make their way home after being stranded in a war-torn country. The game features a detailed and realistic combat system and a focus on military tactics and survival.

   

    Mutant Chronicles

Mutant Chronicles, published by Modiphius Entertainment, is a science fiction roleplaying game set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is threatened by an alien invasion. The game features a detailed and immersive setting, with a focus on tactical combat and warfare as players fight against the alien menace and the corrupt corporations that control what's left of humanity.

    Gamma World

Gamma World, a classic roleplaying game from TSR, is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the roles of mutated humans and animals trying to survive in a world ravaged by war and environmental disasters. The game features a d20 system and a heavy focus on combat and warfare, with a wide variety of weapons and equipment available to players.

These games demonstrate that warfare can be a key element of a post-apocalyptic setting. By emphasizing combat and military tactics, these games provide a unique and engaging gameplay experience for players looking to experience the brutal realities of a post-apocalyptic world.


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