Create Unique Starfield Adventures in these 2 Tabletop RPGs

How can players recreate the magic of a Starfield tabletop RPG at home with their friends?

Bethesda’s Starfield is nearing the release date of September 6th, 2023, and the entire internet is buzzing with excitement. In the same way that Baldur’s Gate III has inspired an audience to create their own stories in the Forgotten Realms in D&D 5e, fans will look to experience space-faring adventures with their friends. Because there is no official Starfield Tabletop RPG available for purchase (yet), we’re bringing you the next best thing. For those of you who want to explore uncharted worlds, build custom ships, fire laser guns in zero-G combat encounters, or maybe engage in sandwich-centered space piracy, Nerd Night News is bringing you a series on space-based tabletop RPGs to help you launch your next futuristic adventure!

Firstly, we’re starting our list with two fun low-barrier-of-entry, space-based games to mimic the experience of a Starfield tabletop RPG. You can use them to experience sci-fi universes full of potential like Starfield today!

Star Wars: Edge of the Empire

Star Wars: Edge of the Empire is an immersive tabletop role-playing game that transports players into the vast and captivating Star Wars universe, which I’m sure you’re well-acquainted with. Developed by Fantasy Flight Games, this game delves into the fringes of the galaxy and uses unique dice mechanics. Though different from other Star Wars RPGs, it is also simple to pick up and play. With its emphasis on morally gray situations, Edge of the Empire presents a thrilling narrative experience that captures the essence of the Star Wars universe.

Setting

Star Wars: Edge of the Empire, as the name says, focuses on the Rebellion at the outskirts of the galaxy. Given that, the game explores the struggles of living on the edge of society and navigating morally gray situations. The themes of survival, resilience, and the allure of the unknown are prevalent as players delve into a world filled with smugglers, bounty hunters, and renegades.  This gritty and atmospheric setting captures the essence of Andor or Rogue One in the Star Wars cinematic universe. Similarly, the game steers away from having Jedi be the center of attention, which is a breath of fresh air to many fans of the franchise. For the Ahsoka fans, you can play as a Twi’lek, but you won’t be recreating any tense lightsaber battles.

Mechanics and Gameplay

One of the standout features of Edge of the Empire is its unique dice system. Instead of relying solely on traditional dice, the game introduces custom dice with interesting symbols that add an exciting cinematic element to gameplay. These dice allow players to experience a wide range of outcomes, from dramatic successes to unexpected setbacks, ensuring that every action has consequences that shape the story. A failure or success can have boons or complications that make even regular tasks have unexpected results. This “narrative-focused” approach creates a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience that is very different to many of the character-focused RPGs that are common, such as Dungeons and Dragons, where the players’ rolls are typically consequential to the individual actions taken rather than the greater narrative.

In addition to its dice mechanics, Edge of the Empire offers a diverse array of character options. Players can choose from a multitude of species, including humans, aliens, droids, and even Force-sensitive individuals (but again, no full Jedis). Moreover, additional sourcebooks provide a wealth of information on starships, planets, factions, and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga. Thus, players may immerse themselves fully in the extensive lore and history of the franchise.

Summary

Edge of Empire emphatically focuses on morally ambiguous choices, custom dice mechanics, and vast character options. Players will have a blast journeying into into the fringes of the Star Wars universe. The setting will be quite different from what a Starfield tabletop RPG might be. However, the space-western elements of Starfield have a similar tone to the Star Wars timeline around the Rebellion. This is a great entry-level RPG due to the well-known lore and the dice dictating much of the mechanics. This makes it very easy to pick up and get playing. Prepare to embark on daring adventures, forge alliances, and certainly make difficult decisions as you navigate the challenges and mysteries that await you at the edge of the Empire!

What you need to start playing:

• Star Wars: Edge of Empire Core Rulebook
• An adventure module like “Beyond the Rim”
• The Star Wars RPG Special set of dice (or the app)

Starfinder

Starfinder is a tabletop role-playing game that seamlessly blends traditional fantasy elements with futuristic technology. Players embark on an exhilarating journey through a vast and expansive universe teeming with alien races, starships, and mysterious planets. Developed by Paizo, Starfinder draws inspiration from its predecessor, Pathfinder (which itself was a modified version of D&D 3.5e). Nevertheless, Starfinder revamps the system for its science fiction setting, providing players with an experience more than just “D&D in space”.

Setting

Starfinder is prized for its rich and immersive lore. The game presents a meticulously crafted universe complete with its own history, factions, and conflicts. Whether you’re delving into the ancient ruins of an alien civilization or navigating the intricate politics of warring factions, the depth of the setting allows for engaging storytelling and character development. Character creation is endless, for better or worse. Players have the freedom to create unique characters from various races such as the rat-like Ysoki or four-armed Kasatha, among countless others, and pick from a variety of classes, which adds a layer of complexity and personalization to the game. The process can therefore be slightly overwhelming to first-time players, but also will offer a unique experience every time.

An aspect of the game that takes a very tonal difference from Starfield is that Starfinder incorporates magic into its system through the concept of “technomancy.” It’s more science fantasy than science fiction. Magic and advanced technology coexist, allowing players to harness mystical powers alongside futuristic gadgets. Characters can select spellcasting classes, such as mystics or technomancers, who manipulate arcane energies to perform magical feats. The game introduces a unique blend of science and magic, where characters can cast spells, summon creatures, and manipulate the fabric of reality using a combination of ancient mystical knowledge and futuristic advancements, adding a dynamic and enchanting element to the gameplay experience.

Mechanics and Gameplay

Starfinder is built upon a modified version of the Pathfinder ruleset, so the game offers a familiar foundation to fans of Dungeons & Dragons (as Pathfinder is based on 3.5e). However, it introduces several key differences to suit the science fiction setting. Beyond the inclusion of technology and futuristic weaponry alongside traditional fantasy elements, Starfinder introduces the concept of Resolve Points. This is a new resource that represents a character’s determination and resilience. These points can be spent to regain stamina, perform extraordinary actions, or activate unique abilities. This element adds a tactical layer to combat and allows for thrilling moments of heroism or desperate last stands.

One exciting gameplay feature of Starfinder is its exhilarating and unique space combat and starship piloting mechanics. As players engage in intense battles in the depths of space, their ships have the ability to pull stunts and fire on enemy vessels in exciting dogfights, so long as they have the piloting skill to do so! The game seamlessly integrates both ground-based adventures and starship encounters, offering a diverse range of gameplay experiences. 

Summary

With its unique blend of fantasy and futuristic elements, character customization, and thrilling gameplay mechanics, this game offers an immersive and complex experience for players. Additionally, what may excite Starfield fans is the depth of ship building systems and customization. Though this is probably the option most tonally unlike a Starfield tabletop RPG. Despite its complexity creating difficulty to new players and GMs, many players, especially those experienced with the Pathfinder ruleset, will enjoy adventuring in the science fantasy universe of Starfinder. 

What you need to start playing:

• Starfinder Second Edition Rulebook
• Your regular set of various dice found in games like D&D 

To really get the most out of your experience, you’ll likely additionally want:

• Alien archive volume 1 (or 2, or 3- all provide more races to play)
• Armory (more equipment!)
• Character operations manual (more class variety)