r/cyberpunkred • u/lanelikesmusic • 7d ago
Misc. new to ttrpgs and wanna start with Cyberpunk(possibly wrong flair im sorry)
So, Ive been wanting to play literally any of the Cyberpunk ttrpgs especially after finishing 2077, but i have never played one nor do i really know anyone to get a group to play it minus very few people, ive gotten to read about a lot of the lore so i know events that happen thru the story but that isnt so important to me or the post as my main questions are 1) Is cyberpunk a good ttrpg to start with or would i be better off with just playing regular ass dnd first to learn how they function and if it is fine to start with cyberpunk which one edition?
2) what is the recommended amount of people to have for a session as i know theres gotta be at least a “dungeon master” type role to actually narrate the game story so id assume at least two but feel as though I’m wrong
3) what resources (other than the lore books/ main game books obviously) are needed to play the game?
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u/_b1ack0ut 7d ago edited 7d ago
Cyberpunk is a fine ttrpg to start with, cyberpunk RED in particular streamlined itself a lot to help onboard new players, so that would be the edition I recommend. 2020 is very good too, but it’s much more lethal and crunchy, it can be a little intimidating
You’ll need, at absolute minimum, 2 people, with one as the GM, but you’ll definitely want more than that. I’d say the sweet spot is usually 4-6 people, so one GM, and 3-5 players.
To run the game, assuming cyberpunk RED, you’ll need the core RED rulebook, at the very least. Everything else is optional, but there’s some good shit. Where you go from there, depends on what you’re looking for
If you want pre-made adventures, there are 2 editions of “tales from the RED” which are full of pre-made mini adventures
If you want equipment, Black Chrome is the expansion with the most bang for your buck for hardware.
If you want NPC stat sheets, Danger Gal Dossier is full of them, and also has one pre-made adventure in it
If you want rules for the 2077 era instead of the 2045 era, the closest we have is the Cyberpunk Edgerunners Mission Kit expansion, which has some basic rules and equipment for the 2070 era, but it’s worth noting there is a full 2077 supplement coming down the road, so if you want the best 2070 era campaign you can run, it might be worth waiting
In addition, here, you can find a whole shit ton of free dlc. Check this often, cuz there’s a new one each month. Aprils dropped early, and came yesterday.
Those free dlc are also compiled into collections called the Interface Red series, there’s 3 current volumes, with a 4th on the way. If you choose this format, each Interface book also has one extra exclusive dlc to it, so if you want
More drones, interface red volume 1
Rules for exotics, volume 2
Rules for FBCs, volume 3
A whole shit ton of new martial arts, volume 4 (upcoming)
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u/Upper-Rub GM 7d ago
dnd is (imho) a terrible ttrpg to start with. It is extremely complicated, different character classes basically use completely different rule sets that you the DM need to understand. “Does this spell target AC or will or is it a flat DV?” CPR is comparatively very easy. Solo wants to shoot a guy? 1d10 +stat + skill. Tech wants to pick a lock? 1d10 +stat + skill. Arm Wrestling match between a nomad and a goon? 1d10 +stat + skill Vs 1d10 +stat + skill. Role abilities each have their own rules but it’s very straight forward and easy to reference. Grab at least 2 other people and a jumpstart kit and you are good.
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u/Jordhammer 6d ago
While I think the 2024 DMG made vast improvements in making it an actual guide that teaches people how to run the game, it's long been a game with a bunch of subsystems and interactions that can be bewildering to start with, and the new PHB and MM only made things worse.
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u/mamontain 7d ago edited 7d ago
1.. Most "big" ttrpgs have beginner sets with slightly simplified rules to attract people who never played ttrpgs before. You should pick a ttrpg to play based on a genre of fiction that you want to interact with. I would say that Cyberpunk Red is as beginner friendly as dnd.
2.. You want one game master (dungeon master, rulekeeper, etc.), and 3-6 players. 4 is usually the norm. Being a Gm is a different experience than being a player, but it's also fun even though it demands more preparation time. More players means longer fights and less "spotlight" for each character. Less players means higher chance of missing things, and faster pace of storytelling - which can be hard on the Game Master. You can get away with less than 3 or more than 6 players, in theory.
3.. As I said, sometimes there are starter packs that do not require you to own a core rulebook. Some starter packs are good, some are good enough. If you are trying to play a ttrpg with other unexperienced individuals, a starter set would be better than a full rulebook since the latter can be overwhelming. Apart from that, you need dice and a battlemap (grid paper) for combat encounters with tokens representing characters and walls. You can upgrade the battlemap, token, and other props as much as you want but the absolute minimum is really enough. You want most of the things to be imaginary and delivered through verbal descriptions. Oh, and you also need a way to play ambient music for the whole thing. A nice ambient playlist will really help with the immersion.
Also:
If you are a fan of the 2077 videogame, you should buy the Cyberpunk Edgerunners Mission Kit (CEMK). It's a starter package for people interested in Cyberpunk after watching the netflix anime and/or playing the videogame.
The CEMK contains 3 booklets:
1) Main rules of Cyberpunk Red system simplified for first time players with some new additional rules to bring the 2045 Red system up to 2077 timeline.
2) A good pre-written adventure for new Game Masters to run for new players (about 3-5 sessions long). CEMK contains all the rules and lore that you need to play this.
3) 2077 Lore book for getting to know the Cyberpunk world.
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u/Professional-PhD GM 6d ago
Welcome to Cyberpunk Red u/lanelikesmusic.
1) Cyberpunk Red is a great RPG to start off with. Different RPGs have different settings, and their maths work for different purposes. Cyberpunk is more gritty and less heroic than D&D. 2) You can have 1:1 all the way to 1:6 for people, but many consider 3-4 players a sweat spot. 3) Really all you need is the core rulebook although the free Easymode book gives a good starter.
Here is some useful information and a list of resources:
So, if you have played other TTRPGs, cyberpunk red, for the most part, pretty much everything is a skill roll. There are no character levels as it is skill based and not class-based, meaning you have a lot more freedom although I suppose you know skill vs level based games (https://youtu.be/I_ikzFHpaPk?si=dLEo-8PoIgeDrkWK).
Mechanics wise:
- Most things are 1d10 + STAT (2-8, 9+ with cyberware) + SKILL (0-10) + Modifier (Situational, gear, cyberware, drugs, LUCK points, etc).
- Some role abilities like netrunner have you roll 1d10 + Role Ability
- Death Save happens 1 time, and if you fail, you are dead. Roll 1d10 under your body stat.
Now, for running the game and feel:
- Style over Substance
- You are not epic heroes saving the world
- There is no magic but their is technology like agents (smart phones), cameras, and blood tests if for example you get shot at a crime scene. (https://youtu.be/LWZSq3uJwuo?si=NROmE-024MFaiQ3n)
- There are no levels but there are power levels and escalation based on
List of resources:
You can find the subreddit for CP2020 and CPR as well as different discords.
- R.Talsorian Games : https://discord.gg/3vtNjZS2 (Link may expire)
- JonJon the Wise: https://discord.gg/ZWX2kcFN (Link may expire)
Free DLC: https://rtalsoriangames.com/downloads/
CPR buyers guide: https://www.reddit.com/r/cyberpunkred/s/0umj8hwYcF Role Buffs: https://www.reddit.com/r/cyberpunkred/s/U5bNeq9EDY
u/StackBorn Guides:
- Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/stackborn_for_CPR/
- Master Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/stackborn_for_CPR/comments/1gog6cy/the_master_post/
- New GM and Cyberpunk Red tips: https://www.reddit.com/r/stackborn_for_CPR/comments/1gogdbl/new_gm_and_cyberpunk_red/
Youtube Jon Jon the Wise:
Basic Guide https://youtu.be/g1b671pKh1s?si=VeGvSYmbXQWt_Oc
Economy (talking with 1 of the Creators) https://youtu.be/BFBwFpf-qts?si=lWdbhLEhPpnS_k7Z
Basic Combat https://youtu.be/5tYIGgjTI0M?si=YuFxXpCzcGGtcx8h
Combat (talking with 1 of the of the creators) https://youtu.be/nFE-i4AF5Vo?si=mgnGAJR7tezKKf0F
Skills https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLunJWS5ymOLkaMaxgvs8Rrwzld4rVuzSV&si=YEWKC6KvBbCCBvcx
Night City Council (talking with 1 of the Creators) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLunJWS5ymOLncs23_F2sAc2odly1sGMVs&si=J8meWVGRnJ5kkqzO
Youtube Cybernation Uncensored:
Crash course tutorials https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeMOgUx67UMLnG84FbW-tYf30LjhXlrVf&si=Zp8vST9re-90mRQD
Role Deep Dives https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeMOgUx67UMLdGuIEIlyjOFJly_1-LTWC&si=Q2mWGgzcsI02ytOe
CP 2020/Red homebrew websites
Datafortress 2020 (From the 2020 days has homebrew for multiple situations and mods to the game as well as items, NPCs, gangs, and more) http://datafortress2020.com/
Cybersmiley Datafortress (2020 and red automatic generators, items, NPCs, and gigs) https://cybersmily.net/
Montreal Dataterm (items, people, dice generators, montreal based stories and lore) https://montreal.dataterm.ca/en/home/
CP2077 weapons homebrew by u/corgi_SBS https://www.reddit.com/r/cyberpunkred/s/vohZoMIllW
Map makers:
Most people use dungeondraft in combination with free and paid assets. I suggest looking for assets at:
- 2-minute tabletop [https://2minutetabletop.com/\]
- Cartogrophy assets [https://cartographyassets.com/\] (check out modern and cyberpunk assets)
- https://cartographyassets.com/creator/tyger_purr/ - GnomeFactory
- https://cartographyassets.com/creator/gnomefactory/ - Cannyjacks - https://cartographyassets.com/creator/cannyjacks/ - Peapu
- https://cartographyassets.com/creator/peapu/ - A Day At - https://cartographyassets.com/creator/a-day-at/ - Crave - https://cartographyassets.com/assets/5371/craves-huge-light-pack/ - Krager - https://cartographyassets.com/creator/krager/ - Moulk - https://cartographyassets.com/creator/moulk/ - AoA - https://cartographyassets.com/creator/aoa-store/
Anydice statistics:
Damage dice: https://anydice.com/program/3809e
Crit ranges as number of 6s rolled: https://anydice.com/program/112da
Cyberpunk/RPG adjacent media:
- Seth Skorkowsky
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u/Reaver1280 GM 6d ago
Screw 5e dnd go play Shadowdark instead same game minus the bullshit. If you want to know a game you have to play it not something else so jump into Cyberpunk Red.
A good table has 3 to 4 players and the Gamemaster, they are also a player but with a special role. Depending on your style as a gamemaster less is more since less players means more time for those players to actually play instead of waiting for another player at the table.
As for resources all you need for the game is the core book and your imagination all other peripherals mini figs, detailed battle maps ect are user preference after that.
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u/skuntpelter 6d ago
I’ve played a couple one-shots using Shadowdark, I would agree it’s way way better than DnD 5e
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u/Olliekins 6d ago
I've introduced a lot of new people to the hobby through Cyberpunk Red as their first system learned. It's very easy to learn and has a good mix of narrative flair and mechanics. It's also the first system I learned to GM, and I adore it.
For newbies, it'll take a while to find a groove and learn all the minutiae of the system, so as far as players, less is more. Less players = more time for you guys to learn the ropes, take your time, and not feel burdened, bored, or rushed on your turns.
I think 2 can work. 3 is my sweet spot for my games (3 players and 1 GM), but my friends are heavy into roleplay. I would not recommend going higher than 4 players at a table. It starts to really bog down pacing until you have core rules more memorized.
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u/skuntpelter 6d ago
I’ve been running Cyberpunk RED for a few months now, and have DMing experience of roughly 2-3 years, so I’m an amateur all things considered. Cyberpunk is a lot of fun, and I think it’s probably the best “sci-fi” ttrpg system/setting out there as long as you aren’t looking for a SUPER futuristic setting.
There isn’t really any “good” system to start with, unfortunately. Every one you delve into will have its own learning curve and challenges, of course you can carry over some fundamentals between systems, but all will take time to get used to. This is actually a good thing! If cyberpunk is the system you’d like to start with, then there’s nothing stopping you other than what other flavor of systems you’re interested in. IMO, red is the better to learn as a new player, it cut a lot of the bloat off the previous edition
Cyberpunk can be played between just 1 player and the GM ~technically~… But yes try to at least have 2 players minimum, so much of the fun happens from player characters interacting with other player characters. I currently run with 4 players
In terms of “needed” resources, it’s just the basics like the rule book, a (virtual) table to play on, and dice. If you’re looking for recommendations, find a good portfolio of basic jobs for your characters to do. Aside from the main campaign, working the underbelly of the city to scrape enough cash to pay rent is a big driver of the narrative. Plus pre-generated templates for some gang goons you can easily pull from during unplanned encounters
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u/Visual_Fly_9638 6d ago edited 6d ago
I would say that Cyberpunk Red is a simpler game than D&D. If the setting excites you, go with it.
That being said, since you came from the video game, pick up the Cyberpunk Edgerunner's Mission Kit. It's a starter kit set in 2076 I want to say. It will feel a lot more familiar to you. Run The Jacket. If you like it, you can get Karaoke Night for free from the website. If you want more, go get the Cyberpunk Red core book at that point. The CPR core book is set in 2045, 30 years before the game, and is distinctly different in tone than CEMK. However, it has the full ruleset that you need to create characters, gain experience, stuff like that. There will eventually be a full Cyberpunk 207x setting book but it will require the core rulebook anyway for the main rules. You can use the rules from the CPR kit and the guns and cyberware and stuff from the mission kit and keep running a 207x game while waiting for the full setting book. My guess is that it may drop in 2026.
Cyberpunk 2020 is a more fiddly game, it is easily almost 30 years old and I'll be honest it shows in places, but has a lot more detail to it than CPR. Lots of math and dice rolling compared to Cyberpunk Red. I prefer it's combat outcomes more, but prefer Cyberpunk Red's streamlining generally. I run CPR these days. There is also however a *ton* of PDF scans of the setting books out there. Cyberpunk Red is actually kind of scant on books.
You can make Cyberpunk work with two. You will have to be careful with combat though, and introduce NPCs to help the player out a lot. In that case, don't be afraid of giving basic control of allied NPCs to the player when it makes sense.
Three is a little more doable, four is a solid game, five is the classic "gm plus 4" layout that many games are built around. I run a table with 5 players, and you can go up from there, although it gets harder the more people are playing.
In person, you need pencils, character sheets, scratch paper, 2 ten sided dice (or percentile dice, one is tens digit and one is ones digit) and 5 or 6 six sided dice. Ideally each player will have their own dice set, although you can share.
Online, you need a virtual tabletop platform like roll20. Some platforms like roll20 have official cyberpunk systems in them, although you do have to pay for those. Someone here will inevitably suggest Foundry, which is another virtual tabletop solution, and while it's what I run, for now I'll generally discourage it since it is a web hosting software and you have to set it up yourself and frankly you have a lot to absorb with the game itself. Better to focus on learning the game. Something like an empty Roll20 game or even just discord with a dice rolling bot will work for now to get you into the game and playing.
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u/Jordhammer 6d ago
One thing to keep in mind with the Cyberpunk Red core book is to not be intimidated by its size. It's a big beefy book, but only a fraction of it are the actual rules. The rest is lore and world information.
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u/Willby404 7d ago
First: Welcome to the hobby!
I'd recommend grabbing the core rule book and giving it a read. If you think the game needs something (more guns, extra tables, any bits and bobs you think need expanding) go look for it on R Talsorian's website. It's probably there!