Post-Apocalyptic TTRPG Systems: A Mechanical Overview

Comparative Reference by System

This document presents a mechanical overview of prominent post-apocalyptic 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

The intent is reference and comparison, not evaluation.

Gamma World

Post-apocalyptic science fantasy with mutation-forward character design. Rules vary by edition but generally emphasize randomness, exploration, and high-concept outcomes.

Player QoL

• Fast character generation

• Mutation-based abilities create distinct characters

• Emphasis on discovery over optimization

GM QoL

• Loose balance expectations

• High tolerance for improvisation

• Encounter design favors spectacle

Common Use

Exploration-heavy campaigns with unpredictable character growth.

Apocalypse World

Powered by the Apocalypse framework focused on scarcity, social pressure, and fiction-first resolution.

Player QoL

• Playbooks clearly define narrative roles

• Moves directly reflect genre actions

• Low mechanical overhead

GM QoL

• Minimal prep requirements

• Threats and fronts drive ongoing pressure

• System reinforces consequence without external adjudication

Common Use

Character-driven campaigns centered on relationships, power, and scarcity.

Mutant: Year Zero

Dice-pool survival system combining exploration, base-building, and resource decay.

Player QoL

• Clear mutation mechanics

• Defined survival pressures

• Advancement tied to risk-taking

GM QoL

• Structured exploration procedures

• Strong support for settlement play

• Consistent tension pacing

Common Use

Survival campaigns with an emphasis on community growth and environmental danger.

Fallout 2d20

2d20 system emphasizing action economy, resource management, and setting fidelity to the Fallout franchise.

Player QoL

• Familiar setting conventions

• Clear perk-based progression

• Tactical combat supported by metacurrency

GM QoL

• Encounter frameworks tied to action points

• Strong setting reference material

• Structured scavenging and equipment systems

Common Use

Campaigns replicating Fallout-style exploration and faction conflict.

Other Dust

OSR-derived post-apocalyptic system focused on scarcity, survival, and sandbox play.

Player QoL

• Simple, direct mechanics

• Clear risk assessment

• Advancement tied to survival and exploration

GM QoL

• Extensive world-generation tools

• Supports emergent storytelling

• Low mechanical overhead

Common Use

Sandbox survival campaigns with player-driven direction.

Ashes Without Number

Post-apocalyptic iteration of the Without Number framework, emphasizing sandbox structure and faction play.

Player QoL

• Clear character roles

• Strong planning and preparation incentives

• Consistent resolution mechanics

GM QoL

• Robust procedural tools

• Faction and settlement systems

• Scales from local to regional play

Common Use

Long-form sandbox campaigns with layered factions and territories.

Numenera

Cypher System–based science-fantasy game set in a far-future, post-post-apocalypse.

Player QoL

• Descriptor–Type–Focus character creation

• Resource pools double as health and effort

• Emphasis on discovery and artifacts

GM QoL

• Difficulty-based resolution simplifies adjudication

• Exploration-focused content tools

• Low mechanical friction

Common Use

Discovery-driven campaigns emphasizing strange technology and lost civilizations.

Comparative Snapshot

System	Rules Weight	Narrative Emphasis	Tactical Detail	GM Prep Load
Gamma World	Low–Medium	Medium	Low	Low
Apocalypse World	Low	High	Low	Low
Mutant: Year Zero	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Fallout 2d20	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Other Dust	Low–Medium	Medium	Low	Medium
Ashes Without Number	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Numenera	Low–Medium	High	Low	Low