Got any recommendations for a sci fi RPG that isn’t 40k? I’m looking for something generic which uses a dice pool mechanic. My players aren’t very mechanically inclined so something simple. I want it to feel a bit like Firefly once it gets going.
Got any recommendations for a sci fi RPG that isnt 40k?
Check out Star Trek Adventures. It's got dice pools.
Not dice pool but I like Stars Without Number.
Genesys.
It's literally built to give you exactly what you describe.
Seconding
I like this one the most so far but custom dice are a pain. I guess I could use an online dice roller or fork out money for the dice.
Alien the RPG by Free League uses dice pools and is pretty simple, overall. You can strip out the horror and follow the game's suggested campaign format, which could make for a halfway decent spacer campaign, as you guys sail the star lanes, delivering stuff, mining, colonizing, studying, etc.
Mothership RPG is also simple, but doesn't use dice pools. its a percentile dice system, but its pretty easy.
Transhuman Space.
Cinematic Unisystem (Angel) got some firefly articles in its magazine series.
D6 space. It's simple, has a dice pool mechanic, is generic, and is easy to find
star wars ffg? gimmicky dices that form dice pools. the rest is very narrative.
Wait, is there someone actually out there recommending 40k for RPGs?
Seriously?
I didn't want people to start suggesting Dark Heresy and derivatives. My players don't know the 40k setting and probably wouldn't enjoy it. I appreciate all the suggestions, keep them coming as I'm looking through the rulebooks for all of them.
Traveller. It's the only system that has stood the test of time.
Does it use dice pools?
No. And I don't know why you want them. They're usually indicative of lazy, bad crunch.
It's 2d6 vs target, but otherwise it's the anything space rpg.
I would go with pic instead, but op is set on dice pools.
I just know my players and I think dice pools are going to suit them. They like rolling piles of dice. Something simple like a dice pool will work with their smooth brains. I'll have a short read of both though, maybe they'll grab me.
If you enjoy the basic game, you can expand the game with the expanded rules (which gives you additional rules, and a more fleshed-out setting), and also Knight Hawk, which gives you spaceship combat rules
D6 is literally "roll [stat] amount of d6s, add them together, try and beat dc."
It is literally the exact thing you are looking for.
*D6 space
Heavy Gear.
There's a new edition of the RPG coming out by the end of the year. Uses a d6 pool
Coriolis might be what you want.
Deadlands: Lost Colony
It's a western in space. The rules are Savage World, means you always roll your wild d6 along with your regual die. Your attributes = the die. That means if you have a d8 strength, you roll a d8 for the damage. You have a pool of tokens for rerolls called Bennies. The GM hands outbennies as rewards for good rp.
It's fun kyle, give it a go.
Dunno why you want dice pools, but Stars Without Number is awesome. If you're dead-set on a dicepool, then d6 West End works fine. It was the first big Star Wars RPG and it was good enough to satisfy nerds for 15 years. They eventually made a generic version of it (D6 Space), which I've never read, but if it's the same thing but generic? Should be just as good as Stars Without Number. I'd still steal some mechanics from Stars Without Number regarding building your planets and systems. The book is free and that part is genuinely inspired.
I also notice a few other recommendations of d6 Space here, so I'm guessing it's at least as good as d6 Star Wars was. Probably without the growing pains.