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

Fate

Fate is a generic, narrative-first tabletop roleplaying game about competent heroes overcoming obstacles.

GURPS

With GURPS, the Generic Universal RolePlaying System, you can be literally anyone you want! As a flexible, modular system, GURPS has been the gold standard of universal roleplaying games for over thirty years.

Savage Worlds

Savage Worlds is a fast, furious, and fun rules system for any genre of roleplaying game. 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

How to Make a Character for Fate

A step-by-step guide to creating compelling characters in Fate's narrative-focused system.

How to Create a Character in GURPS

A guide to creating your first character in the Generic Universal Role Playing System.

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.

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