Stars Without Number vs Traveller
Compare Stars Without Number and Traveller side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, cost, and more.
| Stars Without Number | Traveller | |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Scifi | Scifi |
| Play Style | Sandbox, Exploration, Low-Prep, Faction Play, Tactical, Ascending AC, Vancian Casting | Sandbox, Simulation, Exploration, Deadly, Character Building, Faction Play |
| Core Mechanic | 2d6 + skill + attribute ≥ target for skills; d20 + modifiers for combat. OSR-inspired. | Roll 2d6 + skill + modifier ≥ 8 to succeed. Character generation is a mini-game. |
| Dice | 2d6 / d20 | 2d6 |
| Complexity | Medium | Medium |
| Accessibility | Very High | High |
| Runnability | Very High | Very High |
| License | Proprietary | Traveller Fair Use Policy |
| Cost | Free / $$ | $$ |
| Publisher | Sine Nomine Publishing | Mongoose Publishing |
| Year | 2017 | 2022 |
| Best For | Sandbox sci-fi campaigns with comprehensive GM tools for faction turns, sector generation, and adventure creation. | Hard sci-fi sandbox campaigns with trading, exploration, and realistic space travel. |
| Highlights | Free version is generous, comprehensive sandbox tools, faction system | Comprehensive sci-fi toolkit, lifepath character creation, detailed trade/travel systems |
| Considerations | OSR combat can feel flat compared to modern tactical systems, B/X heritage means limited mechanical support for social or narrative play | Lifepath character creation can produce unplayable results, subsystem rules are spread across multiple supplements, steep buy-in if using official sourcebooks |