Cyberpunk TTRPG Systems: A Mechanical Overview

This document presents a mechanical overview of prominent cyberpunk tabletop role-playing games.

Each system is described using the same criteria:

• Mechanical identity

• Player quality-of-life considerations

• GM quality-of-life considerations

• Typical use cases

No evaluative language or rankings are applied.

Cyberpunk 2020

Skill-based system using a stat + skill + d10 resolution model. Emphasizes lethality, equipment detail, and social consequence.

Player QoL

• Extensive skill list and cyberware options

• High character differentiation

• Combat outcomes are decisive and fast

GM QoL

• Single core resolution mechanic

• Detailed gear and setting references

• Requires tracking of modifiers and damage states

Common Use

Street-level cyberpunk with high lethality and reputational consequences.

Cyberpunk RED

Modernized revision of Cyberpunk 2020 with simplified math and clearer action economy.

Player QoL

• Reduced complexity compared to 2020

• Defined Roles with mechanical hooks

• Streamlined combat flow

GM QoL

• Clearer encounter pacing

• Updated economy and equipment scaling

• Improved rules clarity

Common Use

Campaign or mission-based cyberpunk with moderate crunch.

Shadowrun

Dice-pool system combining cyberpunk technology with magic and fantasy species. Multiple subsystems operate in parallel (combat, hacking, magic).

Player QoL

• High concept density

• Strong role specialization

• Extensive customization

GM QoL

• Deep setting and faction material

• Subsystem management required

• High preparation overhead

Common Use

Team-based operations with discrete specialist roles.

The Sprawl

Powered by the Apocalypse framework focused on mission structure and fiction-driven triggers.

Player QoL

• Fast character creation

• Moves map directly to genre actions

• Low mechanical load

GM QoL

• Minimal prep requirements

• Mission framework generates complications procedurally

• Fiction-first resolution

Common Use

Short to mid-length campaigns centered on contracts and fallout.

Carbon 2185

Cyberpunk setting built on the D&D 5e ruleset.

Player QoL

• Familiar mechanics for 5e players

• Class-based progression

• Uses existing 5e expectations

GM QoL

• Leverages known 5e encounter tools

• Low onboarding cost for D&D-focused groups

• Limited mechanical divergence

Common Use

Cyberpunk play for tables already fluent in 5e.

Neon City Overdrive

Rules-light, tag-based narrative system with minimal numeric tracking.

Player QoL

• Very fast setup

• Character definition via narrative tags

• Minimal bookkeeping

GM QoL

• Near-zero prep

• High improvisational flexibility

• Scales well for short sessions

Common Use

One-shots, demos, or improvisational cyberpunk play.

Cities Without Number

OSR-inspired cyberpunk system emphasizing sandbox play, factions, and procedural generation.

Player QoL

• Clear mechanical consequences

• Emphasis on planning and positioning

• Advancement tied to world interaction

GM QoL

• Extensive world- and faction-generation tools

• Strong support for emergent campaigns

• Moderate prep through procedural systems

Common Use

Open-ended cyberpunk sandboxes with player-driven goals.

Metro :Otherscape

Forged in the Dark–based cyberpunk fantasy system focused on crews, operations, stress, and consequence. Incorporates layered reality and mythic elements alongside cyberpunk themes.

Player QoL

• Characters defined by playbooks and stress economy

• Clear action resolution with position and effect

• Advancement tied to crew activity and fallout

GM QoL

• Structured mission and downtime phases

• Consequences handled through established mechanics

• Clocks and factions provide pacing control

Common Use

Operation-focused campaigns combining cyberpunk, faction play, and escalating consequence.

Comparative Snapshot

System	Rules Weight	Narrative Emphasis	Tactical Detail	GM Prep Load
Cyberpunk 2020	High	Medium	High	Medium
Cyberpunk RED	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Shadowrun	Very High	Medium	High	High
The Sprawl	Low	High	Low	Low
Carbon 2185	Medium	Medium	Medium	Low
Neon City Overdrive	Very Low	High	Low	Very Low
Cities Without Number	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Metro :Otherscape	Medium	High	Low–Medium	Low–Medium