GURPS
4th EditionBest For
Groups who want detailed character customization and consistent simulation across different genres.
Core Mechanic
Roll 3d6 at or below a modified attribute or skill to succeed. Quick contests compare margins of success or failure.
Most actions use a simple 3d6 success roll. Character creation combines a point budget with extensive trait customization. Detailed combat links maneuver choices to defenses and injury effects. Learning the interactions across these subsystems requires substantial study of the rules selected for the campaign.
- Free to tryQuickstartA free starter you can actually play
- Get it nowSold newIn print or as a legal PDF
- ✓IndexFind any rule by page number
- ✓GM guidanceA chapter on how to run the game
- ✓Examples of playRules shown in action at the table
- ✓Quick referenceCheat sheet or summary tables
- ✓Cross-referencesRules point to each other by page
5 of 5 book tools found in the core book
Highlights
Point budgets let players build characters around chosen strengths and limitations. Optional rules let the GM tune the level of detail for a campaign. Maneuver choices give combatants trade-offs between attacking, moving and defending.
Considerations
Selecting and modifying character traits takes time during character creation. Detailed combat can require several rolls to resolve one attack. The GM must establish which abilities and optional rules fit the campaign.
Third-Party Publishing
Original adventures, scenarios, characters and backgrounds using GURPS terminology on noncommercial fan pages, subject to the policy requirements.
Requires trademark credits, links and disclaimer. Copying rule text, tables or forms and publishing game software require separate permission; commercial publication requires separate licensing. Licensed settings require their owners' permission.
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