OSRIC
3.0Best For
Players who want the classic AD&D 1e experience with cleaner organization, well-defined rules for combat and spells, and a huge library of compatible OSR content.
Core Mechanic
Roll d20 + modifiers vs. target numbers (THAC0/AC for combat, saving throws for hazards). Ability scores rolled on 3d6, class and level determine hit dice, spells, and abilities. GM acts as referee for rulings.
It reproduces first-edition play: d20 attacks against AC with THAC0, and category-based saving throws. The depth is old-school breadth, with ability scores gating classes, plus initiative segments, spell access, and weapon proficiencies. Class and level set most of what a character can do.
- Free to tryFull core rulesLegally free as an SRD, PDF, or official web rules
- Get it nowAvailable nowFree to download or read online
- ✓IndexFind any rule by page number
- –GM guidanceNo how-to-run chapter
- ✓Examples of playRules shown in action at the table
- –Quick referenceNo cheat sheet or summary tables
- –Cross-referencesRules rarely point to each other by page
2 of 5 book tools found in the core book
Highlights
Faithful AD&D 1e rules reorganized for clarity, large back-catalog of compatible adventures, middle-ground complexity between B/X and modern D&D, free PDF available
Considerations
Deliberately old-school: THAC0 and descending AC may confuse modern players, less balanced than modern systems, relies heavily on GM rulings, limited character customization compared to newer games
Rules license AELF + CC BY 4.0 (SRD 5.1)
Similar systems
- Castles & Crusades — Rules-light d20 fantasy bridging old-school AD&D and modern playCompare OSRIC vs Castles & Crusades
- Dragonslayer RPG — Classic old-school dungeon crawling from the creator of Barrowmaze: torches, rations, and descending ACCompare OSRIC vs Dragonslayer RPG
- Those Who Wander — Heroic fantasy where characters mix any two parentages and walk a 20-step path shaped by an awakening heirloomCompare OSRIC vs Those Who Wander
- White Box: FMAG — The original fantasy RPG distilled to its simplest form: four classes, compressed modifiers, and room to make it your ownCompare OSRIC vs White Box: FMAG
- Skies Above — JRPG-inspired fantasy of Skyfolk heroes, elemental goddesses, and airship adventure across the floating remnants of a shattered worldCompare OSRIC vs Skies Above
- Dungeons & Dragons — Heroic fantasy adventures of magic, monsters, and dungeon explorationCompare OSRIC vs Dungeons & Dragons