Hey guys! Let's dive into a cosmic showdown between two titans of sci-fi tabletop RPGs: Traveller and Stars Without Number. Both games offer incredible opportunities for adventure in the vast expanse of space, but they cater to different playstyles and preferences. So, grab your dice, fuel up your starship, and let's explore which RPG might be the perfect fit for your next campaign.

What is Traveller?

Traveller is a classic science fiction role-playing game known for its detailed and realistic approach to spacefaring adventures. Originally published in 1977, Traveller has a long and storied history, with numerous editions and expansions that have shaped the landscape of sci-fi RPGs. One of the defining features of Traveller is its focus on character creation and career progression. Instead of starting as fresh-faced adventurers, players typically create characters with established backgrounds, skills, and histories. This is done through a unique lifepath system where characters go through various terms of service in different careers, gaining skills, experience, and even setbacks along the way. This system creates characters that feel lived-in and adds depth to their motivations and relationships. The Traveller universe is vast and detailed, with a rich tapestry of star systems, alien races, and interstellar organizations. While the core rules provide a framework for adventure, the setting is intentionally left somewhat open-ended, allowing gamemasters to create their own unique worlds and storylines. Traveller emphasizes realistic technology and economics, creating a believable and immersive sci-fi setting. Starships require fuel, trade routes are vital for economic stability, and the consequences of actions can have far-reaching effects. This focus on realism adds a layer of strategic depth to the game, as players must consider the practical implications of their choices. The game mechanics in Traveller are relatively straightforward, using a 2D6-based system for skill checks and combat. However, the rules can be somewhat dense and require a good understanding of the various systems and modifiers. Combat in Traveller can be lethal, and players are encouraged to use tactics and strategy to survive encounters. Traveller is best suited for players who enjoy detailed world-building, realistic simulations, and character-driven narratives. It's a game that rewards careful planning, strategic thinking, and a willingness to embrace the challenges of space travel.

What is Stars Without Number?

Stars Without Number (SWN), created by Kevin Crawford, is a science fiction role-playing game that blends old-school sensibilities with modern game design. SWN is known for its sandbox-style gameplay, where players are given a sector of space to explore and are free to pursue their own goals and adventures. One of the core features of SWN is its flexible and customizable setting. While the game includes a default setting with its own history and lore, gamemasters are encouraged to create their own unique sectors using the game's world-building tools. These tools provide a framework for generating planets, factions, and adventure seeds, making it easy to create a compelling and dynamic setting. SWN's character creation system is simpler than Traveller's, but it still offers plenty of options for customization. Players choose a background, select a focus (a special ability or skill), and allocate skill points to create their characters. The system is designed to be quick and easy, allowing players to jump into the game without spending hours on character creation. The game mechanics in SWN are based on a 2D6 system, similar to Traveller, but with some key differences. SWN uses a simpler skill system, with fewer skills and more general categories. Combat is also streamlined, with a focus on tactical decision-making and cinematic action. One of the unique features of SWN is its faction system, which allows gamemasters to create and manage the various organizations and power groups that operate in their sector. Factions have their own goals, resources, and relationships, and they can have a significant impact on the players' adventures. SWN is known for its robust support for sandbox campaigns. The game includes tools for generating random encounters, creating adventure hooks, and managing long-term campaign arcs. This makes it easy for gamemasters to create a dynamic and engaging world that players can explore at their own pace. SWN is best suited for players who enjoy sandbox-style gameplay, flexible settings, and a focus on player agency. It's a game that rewards exploration, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

Key Differences and Similarities

Okay, let's break down the main differences and similarities between Traveller and Stars Without Number so you can really see what sets them apart.

Setting and Worldbuilding

• Traveller: As mentioned earlier, Traveller boasts a meticulously detailed universe, ripe with established lore and a focus on realistic interstellar economics and politics. The setting feels lived-in, with a sense of history and consequence that shapes the player experience. Gamemasters can either use the existing setting or create their own within the Traveller framework, but the emphasis is generally on a more grounded and believable sci-fi world. The setting of Traveller is one of its greatest strengths, offering a rich and immersive backdrop for adventure. The detailed star charts, trade routes, and political factions provide a wealth of opportunities for players to get involved in the affairs of the galaxy. However, the complexity of the setting can also be a barrier for new players, requiring a significant investment of time and effort to fully grasp the intricacies of the Traveller universe. Despite its complexity, the Traveller setting is also highly adaptable. Gamemasters can easily modify the existing setting or create their own sectors to suit their specific campaign needs. The key is to maintain the sense of realism and attention to detail that is characteristic of the Traveller universe. The setting also encourages players to think strategically about their actions, considering the economic and political consequences of their choices. This adds a layer of depth to the game, as players must not only survive but also navigate the complex web of interstellar relations. The detailed setting of Traveller is a major draw for players who enjoy immersing themselves in a rich and believable sci-fi world. It provides a wealth of opportunities for adventure and allows players to shape the course of interstellar history.
• Stars Without Number: Stars Without Number shines with its emphasis on sandbox-style campaigns. While it provides a default setting, the game actively encourages GMs to craft their own sectors, complete with unique planets, factions, and adventure seeds. This flexibility empowers GMs to tailor the setting to their group's specific interests, making it ideal for campaigns where player agency and exploration are paramount. Stars Without Number places a greater emphasis on player agency and exploration, giving players the freedom to shape the course of their adventures. The game's world-building tools make it easy for gamemasters to create unique and compelling settings that cater to their players' specific interests. This flexibility is a major draw for gamemasters who enjoy creating their own worlds and storylines. The faction system in Stars Without Number adds another layer of depth to the setting, allowing gamemasters to create complex and dynamic political landscapes. Factions have their own goals, resources, and relationships, and they can have a significant impact on the players' adventures. This system encourages players to think strategically about their interactions with the various factions and to consider the consequences of their actions. The random encounter tables and adventure hooks in Stars Without Number make it easy for gamemasters to generate unexpected challenges and opportunities for their players. This helps to keep the game fresh and exciting, even in long-running campaigns. The game's focus on exploration and discovery encourages players to venture off the beaten path and to uncover the secrets of the galaxy. Overall, the setting of Stars Without Number is designed to be flexible, customizable, and conducive to sandbox-style gameplay. It empowers gamemasters to create unique and compelling worlds that cater to their players' specific interests, while also providing a wealth of tools and resources to support their creative efforts.

Character Creation

• Traveller: Traveller's lifepath system is a hallmark. Characters progress through terms of service, gaining skills, experience, and even a few scars along the way. This creates characters with detailed backgrounds and a sense of history, making them feel like seasoned veterans of the spacefaring life. Traveller's lifepath system creates characters with detailed backgrounds and a sense of history, making them feel like seasoned veterans of the spacefaring life. This system encourages players to think about their characters' past experiences and how they have shaped their personalities and motivations. The skills and experience that characters gain during their terms of service can have a significant impact on their abilities and their role in the party. The lifepath system also introduces an element of randomness to character creation, as players may encounter unexpected events or setbacks during their terms of service. This can add an element of surprise and unpredictability to the game, as players must adapt to the challenges that their characters face. Despite its complexity, the lifepath system in Traveller is a rewarding way to create characters that feel unique and well-developed. It encourages players to think about their characters' past experiences and how they have shaped their personalities and motivations. The skills and experience that characters gain during their terms of service can have a significant impact on their abilities and their role in the party. The lifepath system also introduces an element of randomness to character creation, as players may encounter unexpected events or setbacks during their terms of service. This can add an element of surprise and unpredictability to the game, as players must adapt to the challenges that their characters face. Overall, the lifepath system in Traveller is a unique and engaging way to create characters that feel like they have lived full and interesting lives. It encourages players to think about their characters' past experiences and how they have shaped their personalities and motivations. This system is a major draw for players who enjoy creating complex and well-developed characters.
• Stars Without Number: Stars Without Number offers a more streamlined approach to character creation. Players choose a background, select a focus (granting them a special ability), and allocate skill points. This system is quicker and easier, allowing players to jump into the action faster while still providing ample customization options. Stars Without Number provides a more streamlined and accessible experience for new players. The character creation system is quick and easy to learn, allowing players to jump into the game without spending hours on character creation. The skills and foci are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing players to create characters that can handle a wide range of challenges. The combat system is also streamlined, with a focus on tactical decision-making and cinematic action. This makes the game more accessible to players who are new to tabletop RPGs. Despite its accessibility, Stars Without Number still offers plenty of depth and complexity for experienced players. The faction system adds another layer of strategy to the game, as players must navigate the complex web of interstellar politics. The world-building tools allow gamemasters to create unique and compelling settings that cater to their players' specific interests. Overall, Stars Without Number is a great choice for players who are looking for a science fiction RPG that is both accessible and engaging.

Game Mechanics

• Traveller: Traveller uses a 2D6 system for skill checks and combat. The rules can be somewhat dense and require a solid understanding of the various systems and modifiers. Combat is often lethal, emphasizing tactical play and careful planning. Traveller's game mechanics can be somewhat complex and require a solid understanding of the various systems and modifiers. This can be a barrier for new players, but it also adds a layer of depth and realism to the game. The 2D6 system is relatively straightforward, but the numerous modifiers and situational rules can make it challenging to master. Combat in Traveller is often lethal, emphasizing tactical play and careful planning. This encourages players to think strategically about their actions and to avoid unnecessary risks. The game also includes detailed rules for starship combat, allowing players to engage in epic space battles. Overall, Traveller's game mechanics are designed to be realistic and immersive, creating a challenging but rewarding experience for players who are willing to invest the time and effort to learn them. The complexity of the rules can be a barrier for new players, but it also adds a layer of depth and realism to the game. The 2D6 system is relatively straightforward, but the numerous modifiers and situational rules can make it challenging to master. Combat in Traveller is often lethal, emphasizing tactical play and careful planning. This encourages players to think strategically about their actions and to avoid unnecessary risks. The game also includes detailed rules for starship combat, allowing players to engage in epic space battles. Overall, Traveller's game mechanics are designed to be realistic and immersive, creating a challenging but rewarding experience for players who are willing to invest the time and effort to learn them.
• Stars Without Number: Stars Without Number also uses a 2D6 system, but with a simpler skill system and streamlined combat. The focus is on tactical decision-making and cinematic action. The faction system adds another layer of strategic depth, allowing GMs to create dynamic political landscapes. Stars Without Number's game mechanics are designed to be accessible and streamlined, making it easy for new players to learn the game. The 2D6 system is relatively straightforward, and the skills are designed to be flexible and adaptable. Combat is also streamlined, with a focus on tactical decision-making and cinematic action. This makes the game more accessible to players who are new to tabletop RPGs. The faction system adds another layer of strategy to the game, as players must navigate the complex web of interstellar politics. The world-building tools allow gamemasters to create unique and compelling settings that cater to their players' specific interests. Overall, Stars Without Number is a great choice for players who are looking for a science fiction RPG that is both accessible and engaging.

Which Game is Right for You?

So, which game should you choose? Here's a quick rundown to help you decide:

• Choose Traveller If: You crave a realistic, detailed sci-fi setting with a focus on character history and strategic gameplay. You enjoy complex systems and don't mind investing time in learning the rules.
• Choose Stars Without Number If: You prefer a sandbox-style campaign with a focus on player agency and exploration. You want a more streamlined system that's easy to learn and allows for quick character creation. You like the idea of shaping your own sector of space and influencing interstellar politics.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and the kind of experience you're looking for. Both Traveller and Stars Without Number offer fantastic opportunities for sci-fi adventure. Why not try both and see which one resonates with you and your group? Happy gaming, folks!