Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of sci-fi tabletop RPGs, putting two titans head-to-head: Traveller and Stars Without Number. Both games offer unique takes on space exploration, adventure, and the human condition among the stars. If you're trying to figure out which system is the right fit for your gaming group, buckle up! We’re about to break down the key differences, strengths, and weaknesses of each, ensuring you make an informed decision for your next interstellar campaign.

Core Concepts and Settings

When comparing Traveller and Stars Without Number, understanding their core concepts and settings is essential. Traveller, a classic RPG, emphasizes a vast, explorable universe with a strong focus on realistic space travel and trade. The default setting, the Third Imperium, is rich with history and political intrigue, offering players countless opportunities for adventure.

Traveller's setting is meticulously crafted, and its core mechanics support this focus on exploration and trade. Characters are often involved in freighting goods between star systems, scouting new worlds, or getting entangled in political disputes between various factions. The game's universe feels lived-in and believable, drawing players into a world where every decision can have far-reaching consequences.

The game mechanics in Traveller often reflect this grounded approach. For instance, the nuances of interstellar travel, including fuel costs, jump drives, and the potential for misjumps, are all intricately detailed. Combat tends to be fast and deadly, encouraging players to think strategically and avoid unnecessary risks. The focus is on problem-solving and resource management, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay experience. This isn't about being a superhero; it’s about surviving and thriving in a complex and often unforgiving galaxy.

On the other hand, Stars Without Number provides a sandbox-style experience where the Game Master (GM) has extensive tools to create their own unique sectors. The game embraces a more 'science-fantasy' approach, blending technological elements with psychic powers and ancient mysteries. The setting is intentionally left open-ended, encouraging GMs to craft their own worlds, factions, and storylines.

Stars Without Number distinguishes itself by offering practical support for sandbox campaigns. The system includes tools for generating star systems, planets, and even entire sectors with just a few dice rolls. These tools allow GMs to quickly populate their universes with interesting locations and potential adventure hooks, making it easier to create dynamic and engaging campaigns. Furthermore, the game incorporates mechanics for faction turns, where various groups within the sector vie for power and influence, adding a layer of strategic depth to the overall campaign.

The emphasis on customization and world-building in Stars Without Number means that no two campaigns need to be alike. GMs can draw inspiration from a wide range of sci-fi sources, from the gritty realism of 'Blade Runner' to the epic space operas of 'Dune' or 'Battlestar Galactica'. This flexibility allows for a highly personalized gaming experience, catering to the specific interests and preferences of the players and GM. The game's mechanics are designed to support this level of customization, giving GMs the freedom to shape their universes as they see fit, while still providing a solid framework for engaging and challenging gameplay.

Character Creation

Let's talk characters! The character creation process is a significant differentiator between Traveller and Stars Without Number. Traveller employs a 'life path' system, where your character's background is determined through a series of career choices and events. This can lead to surprising and sometimes disadvantageous outcomes, adding an element of unpredictability to the process. Your character might have a rich history filled with successes and failures before the game even begins, which influences their skills, attributes, and even their starting equipment.

In Traveller, character creation isn't just about assigning stats and skills; it's about crafting a backstory. As you progress through the life path, you’ll make decisions that affect your character's history, relationships, and motivations. This can create characters with depth and complexity right from the start, making them more engaging to play. However, this method also means you might not always get the character you initially envisioned, as the dice can lead you down unexpected paths. This can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on your preferences. Some players love the surprise and the rich backstories that emerge, while others prefer more control over their character's development.

Traveller's character creation system often results in characters who feel like they have lived full lives before the game even begins. They might have served in the military, worked as merchants, or even been involved in criminal activities. These experiences shape their abilities and provide a wealth of roleplaying opportunities. The downside is that this process can be time-consuming and somewhat random. You might spend hours rolling dice and making decisions, only to end up with a character who is vastly different from what you had in mind. However, many players find that the depth and complexity that this system creates are well worth the effort.

In contrast, Stars Without Number uses a more traditional point-buy system, allowing players to allocate points to various skills and attributes. This offers greater control over your character's abilities and ensures you can create a character that fits your desired role within the party. You get to decide where your character excels and what their weaknesses are, providing a tailored approach to character development. This makes it easier to create characters that are specifically designed for certain roles or playstyles.

With Stars Without Number, you have a clear understanding of your character's capabilities from the outset. You can optimize your character for combat, exploration, or social interaction, depending on your preferences. This system is more straightforward and less time-consuming than Traveller's life path system, making it a good choice for players who want to jump into the game quickly. The point-buy system also allows for more strategic character building, as you can carefully allocate your points to create a well-rounded and effective character.

Stars Without Number provides a balance between customization and simplicity in its character creation process. You have enough control to create a character that fits your vision, while still benefiting from a streamlined and efficient system. This makes it an attractive option for both new and experienced RPG players who want a character creation process that is both engaging and manageable.

Game Mechanics and Systems

When it comes to game mechanics and systems, Traveller and Stars Without Number diverge significantly. Traveller is known for its skill-based system, using 2D6 (two six-sided dice) for task resolution. The system focuses on realism and detail, with modifiers for various conditions and circumstances. This can lead to a more granular and simulationist approach to gameplay, where the rules attempt to model the intricacies of the game world. The game emphasizes careful planning and resource management, as players must account for various factors that can impact their success.

In Traveller, the core mechanic revolves around rolling 2D6 and adding relevant skill modifiers. If the result meets or exceeds a target number, the action succeeds. The target number is usually determined by the difficulty of the task and can be adjusted based on various factors, such as environmental conditions or the quality of equipment. This system is relatively simple at its core, but the numerous modifiers and nuances can add complexity to the gameplay experience. Players need to be aware of their skills, the situation at hand, and any potential modifiers that might affect their chances of success. This encourages players to think strategically and make informed decisions, adding depth to the gameplay.

Traveller's detailed mechanics extend to areas such as combat, trade, and exploration. Combat is fast and deadly, with a focus on tactical positioning and the use of cover. Trade involves calculating profit margins, navigating customs regulations, and managing cargo space. Exploration requires careful planning, as players must consider factors such as fuel consumption, navigation hazards, and the potential for encountering hostile forces. These detailed mechanics contribute to the game's realistic and immersive atmosphere, making it a favorite among players who enjoy a more simulationist approach to RPGs.

Conversely, Stars Without Number employs a streamlined OSR (Old School Renaissance) system, using a single D20 (twenty-sided die) for task resolution. This system is faster and more intuitive, making it easier for new players to pick up. The game emphasizes improvisation and GM rulings, encouraging a more narrative and player-driven style of gameplay. The rules are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing GMs to easily tailor the game to their own preferences and the needs of their players.

With Stars Without Number, the core mechanic involves rolling a D20, adding a relevant skill modifier, and comparing the result to a target number. The target number is usually determined by the difficulty of the task, but the GM has the discretion to adjust it based on the situation. This system is simple and straightforward, making it easy for players to understand and use. The emphasis is on player agency and GM creativity, as the rules provide a framework for resolving conflicts but leave room for improvisation and narrative flourishes.

Stars Without Number's streamlined mechanics extend to all aspects of the game, including combat, exploration, and social interaction. Combat is fast-paced and decisive, with a focus on quick thinking and tactical maneuvering. Exploration involves discovering new locations, uncovering ancient secrets, and interacting with alien cultures. Social interaction relies on player roleplaying and GM adjudication, with the rules providing guidance for resolving conflicts and negotiating agreements. These streamlined mechanics contribute to the game's fast-paced and dynamic atmosphere, making it a favorite among players who enjoy a more narrative and player-driven style of gameplay.

GM Support and Resources

When choosing between Traveller and Stars Without Number, GM support and available resources are crucial factors. Traveller has a long history, resulting in a vast library of supplements, adventures, and setting materials. This can be a boon for GMs looking for inspiration and pre-made content, but it can also be overwhelming to navigate. The abundance of material means that there are resources available for virtually any type of campaign or setting you can imagine. However, the sheer volume can be daunting, and it may take some time to sift through everything and find what you need.

The extensive collection of Traveller resources includes detailed setting guides, adventure modules, and even entire campaign settings. These resources can save GMs countless hours of preparation time, allowing them to focus on running engaging and memorable games. However, it's important to note that some of the older material may be outdated or incompatible with newer editions of the game. GMs should carefully review any resources they plan to use and make sure they are appropriate for their chosen edition of Traveller.

Traveller's long history also means that there is a vibrant and active community of players and GMs who are eager to share their knowledge and experiences. Online forums, social media groups, and fan-made websites offer a wealth of information and support for GMs of all experience levels. This community can be a valuable resource for GMs who are looking for advice, feedback, or simply a place to connect with other Traveller enthusiasts.

On the flip side, Stars Without Number offers excellent GM tools within the core rulebook itself, including sector generation tables, faction rules, and guidelines for creating compelling adventures. The game is designed to be easily customizable and hackable, encouraging GMs to create their own content. This makes it an excellent choice for GMs who enjoy world-building and crafting unique campaigns. The core rulebook provides a solid foundation for creating engaging and dynamic settings, and the game's open-ended design allows for a high degree of customization.

Stars Without Number's GM tools are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for GMs to create compelling content with minimal effort. The sector generation tables allow GMs to quickly generate star systems, planets, and other celestial features, while the faction rules provide a framework for creating dynamic and engaging political landscapes. The guidelines for creating adventures offer practical advice on how to design challenging and rewarding scenarios for players to explore.

Stars Without Number also benefits from a growing community of players and GMs who are actively creating and sharing their own content. Online forums and social media groups offer a platform for GMs to exchange ideas, share resources, and collaborate on projects. This community is particularly welcoming to new GMs, providing a supportive environment for learning and experimentation. The game's open-source license encourages GMs to modify and adapt the rules to suit their own preferences, leading to a diverse and innovative range of house rules and modifications.

Which Game is Right for You?

Deciding between Traveller and Stars Without Number ultimately depends on your group's preferences. If you enjoy detailed, simulationist gameplay with a rich, pre-established setting, Traveller might be the better choice. The game's intricate mechanics and extensive lore provide a deep and immersive experience for players who enjoy exploring complex worlds and engaging in strategic decision-making. The focus on realism and detail can be particularly appealing to players who enjoy a more grounded and believable approach to science fiction.

Traveller's long history and extensive library of resources make it an excellent choice for GMs who are looking for inspiration and pre-made content. The abundance of material means that there are resources available for virtually any type of campaign or setting you can imagine. However, it's important to be prepared to invest some time in learning the rules and navigating the various supplements and modules. The game's complexity can be intimidating for new players, but the rewards are well worth the effort for those who are willing to embrace the challenge.

If you prefer a more streamlined, sandbox-style game with a focus on GM creativity and player agency, Stars Without Number could be a better fit. The game's simple mechanics and open-ended setting allow for a high degree of customization, making it an excellent choice for GMs who enjoy world-building and crafting unique campaigns. The emphasis on narrative and player-driven gameplay can be particularly appealing to players who enjoy improvisation and collaborative storytelling.

Stars Without Number's excellent GM tools and supportive community make it an ideal choice for new GMs who are looking to create their own content. The core rulebook provides a solid foundation for designing engaging and dynamic settings, and the game's open-source license encourages experimentation and innovation. The game's streamlined mechanics and focus on player agency make it easy for players to jump into the game and start exploring the universe.

No matter which game you choose, both Traveller and Stars Without Number offer exciting opportunities for sci-fi adventure. Evaluate what aspects of gameplay are most important to you and your group, and you'll be well on your way to exploring the stars!