Universal
Sometimes, you just want it all. The "universal" genre covers games which don't specify a theme, setting, or genre; instead, they're open-ended. Often called "generic" games (from the word "genre" not because they're unoriginal!), these systems are designed to accommodate almost any campaign concept the players and game master bring to it. Generic games provide the rules scaffolding and mechanical support for player imagination to flourish. Games have been tackling the challenges of designing a universal RPG system since nearly the inception of the hobby, with a good deal of success! These kinds of games frequently have supplements to support more specific themes, but on their own provide a solid foundation for players who enjoy worldbuilding from scratch, and want to customize nearly every aspect of their campaign. If creativity, uniqueness, and a completely bespoke game are what you're after, a generic universal roleplaying game may be for you!
Popular Universal RPGs
GURPS
With GURPS, you can be anyone you want – an elf hero fighting for the forces of good, a shadowy femme fatale on a deep-cover mission, a futuristic swashbuckler carving up foes with a force sword in his hand and a beautiful woman by his side . . . or literally anything else! GURPS (Generic Universal Role Playing System) is designed to adapt to gameplay in whatever setting your can imagine!
Savage Worlds
Savage Worlds is a Fast! Furious! and Fun! rules system for any genre of roleplaying game. Create your own setting, convert an existing one, or pick up one of Savage Worlds' amazing settings like Deadlands, Rippers, or 50 Fathoms. If you’re looking for a game that’s fast and easy to set up, run, and play, Savage Worlds is for you! Savage Worlds handles pulp action, gritty noir, supers, hard scifi, space opera, horror, and anything you can imagine!
Cypher System
Cypher System is a groundbreaking tabletop game engine that allows for incredible flexibility to play any type of campaign, in any genre. One can play in the system’s flagship setting “Numenera” or in the worlds of popular podcasts such as “The Magnus Archives” and “Old Gods of Appalachia”. Additional settings can include Post-apocalyptic, sci fi, fantasy, cyberpunk, horror– if you can name it the Cypher System has it! Regardless of the genre, Cypher System games feature a narrative forward play experience that emphasizes discovery, problem solving, character growth, and meaningful roleplay over defeating monsters and getting XP. Character creation is simple yet elegant, as players make a three-part sentence describing who they are going to play. The rules are simple enough for beginners to learn quickly, and sophisticated and deep enough for veterans to unleash their creativity in surprising new ways.
Frequently asked questions about Universal
Blog links about Universal
Universal Reviews and Actual Plays
Learn GURPS From A Librarian
A charming introduction to the Generic Universal Role Playing System from a local librarian, who explains the game clearly and concisely.
TableTop Plays Fate Core
Wil Wheaton and Felicia Day play Fate alongside one of its designers on their show TableTop.
Savage Worlds on Me, Myself and Die
A unique take on the universal RPG system Savage Worlds as Trevor Devall game masters himself in a solo adventure.