Cypher System vs GURPS
Compare Cypher System and GURPS side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, cost, and more.
| Cypher System | GURPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Universal | Universal |
| Tags | Toolkit, Modular, Character Building, Player-Only Rolls, Theater of the Mind, Low-Prep, Strong GM Support, Narrative | Crunchy, Simulation, Sandbox, Character Building, Tactical |
| Core Mechanic | The GM rates each task from 1 to 10 and multiplies that difficulty by 3 to set the target number. Players roll a d20 and succeed on a result equal to or above the target. Skills, assets, and Effort ease the task before the roll, with Effort paid from the relevant stat Pool after Edge reduces the cost. | Roll 3d6 under target number. Advantage/disadvantage system via character traits. |
| Dice | d20 | 3d6 |
| Complexity | Medium | Very High |
| Accessibility | Very High | High |
| Runnability | Very High | High |
| License | Cypher Open License 2026-07-15 | SJ Games Online Policy |
| Third-Party Publishing | Commercial publishing allowed — Cypher Open License | Not yet researched |
| Summary only, not legal advice. Check current terms before publishing. | ||
| Cost | Free | $$ |
| Publisher | Monte Cook Games | Steve Jackson Games |
| Year | 2026 | 2004 |
| Languages | English | English |
| Best For | Groups building genre-spanning campaigns who want broad character customization, player-facing resource decisions, and little mechanical preparation for the GM. | Groups who want a single system for every genre with granular simulation and deep customization. |
| Highlights | Player-only rolls keep the GM focused on adjudication and scene management. Descriptor, type, and focus choices support broad customization across multiple genres. One-use cyphers continually rotate situational abilities through play. | Highly customizable point-buy system, simulation-focused, one system for any genre |
| Considerations | Players manage Pool spending for abilities and Effort, so pushing a roll competes with other resource uses. Abstract distances and level-based NPCs leave many tactical details to table rulings rather than map procedures. The broad toolkit asks the GM to select genre modules and character options before play. | Character creation requires significant point-budget planning, combat rules are granular with many modifiers to track, full system spans two 576-page core books plus supplements, GM prep is substantial for campaigns using multiple sourcebooks |