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 |
| Play Style | Narrative, Low-Prep, Exploration, Cinematic, Collaborative, Theater of the Mind, Roleplay-Heavy | Crunchy, Simulation, Sandbox, Character Building, Tactical, Realistic, Grid-Based |
| Core Mechanic | GM sets difficulty 1–10, multiply by 3 for target number. Players spend Effort to reduce difficulty. | Roll 3d6 under target number. Advantage/disadvantage system via character traits. |
| Dice | d20 | 3d6 |
| Complexity | Low | Very High |
| Accessibility | Medium | High |
| Community | High | Medium |
| License | Cypher System Open License | SJ Games Online Policy |
| Cost | $$ | Free (Lite) / $$$ |
| Publisher | Monte Cook Games | Steve Jackson Games |
| Year | 2019 | 2004 |
| Best For | GMs who want minimal prep and players who enjoy spending resources to shape the story. | Groups who want a single system for every genre with granular simulation and deep customization. |
| Highlights | Very easy GM prep, flexible character descriptors, XP for discovery | Highly customizable point-buy system, simulation-focused, one system for any genre |
| Considerations | Players track most complexity, limited tactical combat, can feel same-y | 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 |