Shadowdark RPG vs Worlds Without Number
Compare Shadowdark RPG and Worlds Without Number side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, cost, and more.
| Shadowdark RPG | Worlds Without Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy | Fantasy |
| Play Style | Deadly, Dungeon Crawl, Rules-Light, Low-Prep, Gritty, Fast-Paced, Theater of the Mind, Ascending AC, Roll to Cast, Random Tables | Sandbox, Exploration, Faction Play, Worldbuilding, Tactical, Ascending AC, Vancian Casting |
| Core Mechanic | Roll d20 + ability modifier vs. DC/AC. Real-time torch tracking (1 real-world hour per torch), risky spellcasting (fail a check and lose the spell for the day), and randomized character generation (3d6 down the line). | 2d6 + skill + attribute ≥ target for skills; d20 + modifiers vs. AC for combat. OSR-inspired with modern refinements. |
| Dice | d20 | 2d6 / d20 |
| Complexity | Very Low | Medium |
| Accessibility | High | Very High |
| Runnability | High | Very High |
| License | Shadowdark RPG Third-Party License | Proprietary |
| Cost | $$ | Free / $$ |
| Publisher | The Arcane Library | Sine Nomine Publishing |
| Year | 2023 | 2021 |
| Best For | Tense, fast-paced dungeon crawling where resource management and player ingenuity matter more than character builds. Ideal for groups wanting old-school lethality with a modern, 5e-familiar ruleset. | Sandbox fantasy campaigns with deep worldbuilding tools, faction turns, and an OSR-flavored system from the creator of Stars Without Number. |
| Highlights | Real-time torch mechanic adds tension, near-zero prep with built-in random tables, 5e-familiar so easy to learn, fast combat | Free version is very generous, comprehensive sandbox and worldbuilding tools, faction system, compatible with SWN |
| Considerations | Limited character customization at creation, random talent progression removes some player agency, real-time torch tracking requires consistent timekeeping, carousing is the only XP path | OSR combat can feel basic compared to modern tactical systems, limited mechanical support for narrative or story-arc campaigns, no built-in social encounter system |