GURPS vs Risus
Compare GURPS and Risus side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, cost, and more.
| GURPS | Risus | |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Universal | Universal |
| Play Style | Crunchy, Simulation, Sandbox, Character Building, Tactical, Realistic, Grid-Based | Rules-Light, One-Shot Friendly, Beginner-Friendly, Comedy, Low-Prep, Narrative, Fiction-First, Freeform Magic, Tag-Based |
| Core Mechanic | Roll 3d6 under target number. Advantage/disadvantage system via character traits. | Characters are defined by Clichés rated in d6s (e.g., Viking (4), Hacker (3)). Roll your Cliché dice vs. a target number or in opposed rolls where the low roller loses a die. |
| Dice | 3d6 | d6 dice pool |
| Complexity | Very High | Very Low |
| Accessibility | High | Very High |
| Community | Medium | Medium |
| License | SJ Games Online Policy | Free (non-commercial) |
| Cost | Free (Lite) / $$$ | Free |
| Publisher | Steve Jackson Games | Big Dice Games |
| Year | 2004 | 2021 |
| Best For | Groups who want a single system for every genre with granular simulation and deep customization. | Pick-up games, emergency one-shots, comedy campaigns, or anytime you need a complete RPG in four pages that handles any genre. |
| Highlights | Highly customizable point-buy system, simulation-focused, one system for any genre | Fits on four pages, broadly universal, character creation takes minutes, decades of community support, completely free |
| Considerations | 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 | Cliché-based resolution can feel one-note over multiple sessions, limited advancement rules, team combat heavily favors larger groups, creating a strong incentive to always combine dice, comedy tone permeates all mechanical language |