Mothership vs Starfinder
Compare Mothership and Starfinder side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, cost, and more.
| Mothership | Starfinder | |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Scifi, Horror | Scifi |
| Play Style | Rules-Light, Deadly, One-Shot Friendly, Survival, Atmospheric, Low-Prep, Cinematic, Fast-Paced | Tactical, Crunchy, Combat-Heavy, Character Building, Grid-Based, Heroic, Ascending AC, Space Opera, Ship-Based, Exploration |
| Core Mechanic | Roll d100 under stat/skill. Stress and panic mechanics escalate tension. | d20 + modifier vs. DC. Three-action economy per turn. Four degrees of success. Cross-compatible with Pathfinder 2e. |
| Dice | d100 | d20 |
| Complexity | Low | High |
| Accessibility | High | Very High |
| Community | Medium | High |
| License | 3rd Party License | ORC |
| Cost | $ | Free (ORC) |
| Publisher | Tuesday Knight Games | Paizo |
| Year | 2022 | 2024 |
| Best For | Terrifying sci-fi horror one-shots and short campaigns. Panic table creates unforgettable moments. | Sci-fi fans who want Pathfinder 2e's tactical depth with plasma rifles and starships. Great for PF2e veterans looking for cross-compatible space adventure. |
| Highlights | Rules-light, well-regarded module library, panic system creates mechanical tension | Free rules on Archives of Nethys, deep tactical combat, cross-compatible with PF2e, distinct class identity |
| Considerations | Panic table can cascade and end sessions abruptly, limited long-campaign support in core rules, stress mechanics can feel repetitive over extended play | Steep learning curve, fewer classes and options than PF2e (still growing), tactical starship combat rules deferred to a future supplement with current rules being narrative only |