How Do You Play a Powered by the Apocalypse Game?

After players create their characters, the GM will present them with the scenario those characters find themselves in. Players describe or act out what their characters do, and the GM tells them how the world responds. Sometimes, they’ll make or trigger “moves” that require them to roll dice to find out whether their action succeeds, fails, or something in between. But most importantly, every choice the players make progresses the story and keeps the action flowing. Powered by the Apocalypse games center collaborative storytelling, where the “fiction,” the shared imaginary world, always comes first.

How to Play Powered by the Apocalypse Games Online

Powered by the Apocalypse games are, at their core, a conversation. For that reason, it’s extremely easy to play them online! All you need to play is a pair of six sided dice and at least two players (although three to five is usually best), one of whom acts as the Game Master. Most PbtA games make their character sheets and move lists freely available to download, and voice and video platforms like Zoom and Discord make face-to-face communication simple. Being mostly conversation, PbtA games are often played in a “theater of the mind” style, where the fiction is described by the players and takes place entirely in their imaginations. For those who prefer visual aids, however, there are plenty of virtual tabletops, or VTTs, that allow players to share images, maps, tokens, notes, and handouts, and even have virtual dice to roll!

How to Find a Group for a Powered by the Apocalypse Game

Finding a group of people to play with, especially as a beginner, can feel like a daunting task. Don’t worry! The hobby is growing faster than ever, and with plenty of gaming groups who eagerly welcome new players. You might start by visiting your local game store, which may have an active community of players you can join, a place to advertise open seats for games, or even a scheduled night of organized play you can drop into. Online communities focused on RPGs frequently have “Looking for Group” (LFG) forums or channels dedicated to helping players find the right game for them. Reddit and Discord are common places to look, as are the community forums for digital tools like Roll20. There’s also a dedicated forum on the Apocalypse World designers’ website at https://lumpley.games/thebarf/index.php, which includes resources for plenty of PbtA games beyond the original! Not to mention here at StartPlaying, where we’ve created a powerful, user-friendly tool for browsing open games on your schedule and simply signing up to play! Finally, if you have a group of friends who are interested and willing to learn, it’s completely feasible to jump in feet first, learning the game as you go. Of course, someone will need to take on the mantle of the Game Master.

Why Hire a Professional Game Master for a Powered by the Apocalypse game?

The easiest way to learn any TTRPG is by playing, and the easiest way to play is by finding a Game Master to teach you. Professional GMs can call upon years of expertise to not only introduce players to the hobby and make them feel welcomed, but also give immersive and incredible experiences to players old and new. This isn’t easy; creating scenarios that present real challenges, invite creative solutions, include an ensemble cast of compelling characters, and result in a satisfying narrative for any choice the players make is a substantial craft to master! Not to mention Powered by the Apocalypse games have no pre-planned plot or storyline to follow, and often require a Game Master to skillfully improvise and weave their players’ actions into a constantly evolving narrative. Nevertheless, professional Game Masters dedicate themselves to offering the one-of-a-kind experience that only RPGs can: being the hero of a story where your choices really matter. These pro GMs are the fastest and easiest way to jump directly into the fun of roleplaying games; they can teach you the rules, create an amazing adventure, and guide you into the endless possibilities of the TTRPG hobby.