Starfinder vs Stars Without Number
Compare Starfinder and Stars Without Number side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, cost, and more.
| Starfinder | Stars Without Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Scifi | Scifi |
| Play Style | Tactical, Crunchy, Combat-Heavy, Character Building, Grid-Based, Heroic, Ascending AC, Space Opera, Ship-Based, Exploration | Sandbox, Exploration, Low-Prep, Faction Play, Tactical, Ascending AC, Vancian Casting |
| Core Mechanic | d20 + modifier vs. DC. Three-action economy per turn. Four degrees of success. Cross-compatible with Pathfinder 2e. | 2d6 + skill + attribute ≥ target for skills; d20 + modifiers for combat. OSR-inspired. |
| Dice | d20 | 2d6 / d20 |
| Complexity | High | Medium |
| Accessibility | Very High | Very High |
| Community | High | High |
| License | ORC | Proprietary |
| Cost | Free (ORC) | Free / $$ |
| Publisher | Paizo | Sine Nomine Publishing |
| Year | 2024 | 2017 |
| Best For | 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. | Sandbox sci-fi campaigns with comprehensive GM tools for faction turns, sector generation, and adventure creation. |
| Highlights | Free rules on Archives of Nethys, deep tactical combat, cross-compatible with PF2e, distinct class identity | Free version is generous, comprehensive sandbox tools, faction system |
| Considerations | 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 | OSR combat can feel flat compared to modern tactical systems, B/X heritage means limited mechanical support for social or narrative play |