GURPS

Overview

GURPS (Generic Universal RolePlaying System) is a tabletop role-playing game designed by Steve Jackson and published by Steve Jackson Games. Initially released in 1986, with its current Fourth Edition published in 2004, it provides a universal ruleset built to accommodate any conceivable genre, setting, or power level. The system is recognized for its high degree of modularity and its strict reliance on point-based character creation rather than traditional classes or experience levels.

Description

In GURPS, players construct characters by allocating a predetermined pool of Character Points. These points are spent to acquire core attributes, specific skills, and advantages. Players can also elect to take disadvantages, such as physical limitations, phobias, or social stigmas, to gain additional points during the creation process. The game functions primarily as a mechanical toolkit rather than a fixed set of rules. Game Masters are instructed to select only the specific mechanics, combat modules, and magic systems from the core rulebooks and supplemental materials that fit the intended tone and setting of their campaign.

System Overview & Key Features

3d6 Task Resolution The system exclusively uses a pool of three six-sided dice (3d6) for action resolution. To succeed at a task, a player must roll a total equal to or lower than their character's modified skill or attribute target number. The use of three dice generates a bell curve probability distribution, which makes average outcomes statistically common and extreme successes or failures mathematically rare.
Point-Buy Character Creation Character generation is entirely point-based. The Game Master assigns a starting total of Character Points (CP) to dictate the overall power level of the campaign. Every element of a character, including the four basic attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Health), specialized skills, wealth, and social status, is purchased using these points.
Universal Modularity GURPS is structurally designed for adaptation. The core rulebooks provide the foundational mechanics, while hundreds of supplemental books offer optional, granular rules for specific settings, such as cybernetics, realistic martial arts, space travel, or varied magic systems. The ruleset is intended to be heavily customized and scaled in complexity by the Game Master.
Tactical Combat and Damage Resistance Combat encounters operate on one-second turns, creating a highly detailed and tactical framework. The system incorporates rules for hit locations, weapon reach, bleeding, and shock penalties. In combat, armor functions as Damage Resistance (DR); it directly subtracts from the numerical damage inflicted by an attack rather than making the target more difficult to hit.
Skill Defaults When a character attempts an action for which they do not possess the specific trained skill, the system utilizes a "default" mechanic. The player may roll against a closely related skill or a foundational attribute, applying a predetermined numerical penalty. This mechanic simulates a character attempting an unfamiliar task using their general knowledge or raw physical capabilities.

Additional links

sjgames.com/gurps https://sjgames.com/gurps - Official Steve Jackson Games publisher website and digital storefront gurps.fandom.com https://gurps.fandom.com - Extensive fan-curated wiki for rules, settings, and sourcebook references

Active games and players

GURPS
GURPS
Online
Campaign
Lunch and Learn and OH MY GOD!!!
Players
5/6
GM
1/1
GURPS
en English

Lunch and Learn and OH MY GOD!!!

Newbie friendly Newbie friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly LGBTQ+ friendly
Hi.  I run a game on Wednesdays. Eastern time zone on Discord that I feel needs one additional player.   It's a young group (20's, 30's) and have been around for a few years.   There are 5 players.  The game itself has the players with corporate security jobs defending against alternate realities/histories.   So, extreme violence but with the occasional HR training module about problemsolving skills. Yes,  the worst of two worlds. Because it's alternate reality fighting alternate realities, the player can be whatever they want, quite literally anything.  GURPS allows the players to create whatever comes to your imagination,  but we'll worry about that later.  The tricky part isn't what we do but how.  The group does try to outdo each other in weirdness.   It's not murderhobo, but a new unprecedented thing.   So, you will have to keep that in mind.   This is not for the humorless or overly moral or easily uncomfortable. Think of this as a means to lead you down a new path,  one where you learn about a you that you have never met but has always known was there or you get your money back,  no questions asked.  Feel free to message me or discord - yeroldpalwill.  Seriously, they're a nice group of people and you'll have fun.   Having a sense of humor & a personality is a huge plus.  Thank for reading this far.  If you're a newbie  don't worry,  I'll help with the character.   Just combine your two favorite movie, literature, or anime genres together.  Also, Wednesdays,  7 PM eastern.

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GURPS
GURPS
Online
Campaign
GURPS Super Heroes – Dispatch-Inspired
Players
2/5
GM
1/1
GURPS
en English pt Portuguese

GURPS Super Heroes – Dispatch-Inspired

Roleplay focused Roleplay focused
Newbie friendly Newbie friendly
I'm looking for a few new players to join my GURPS Super Heroes campaign, inspired by the game Dispatch. The campaign takes place in a modern-day version of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, blending street-level heroics, conspiracies, and larger-than-life superhuman threats. We currently have 2 active players and have been playing (on and off) for almost a year. Our sessions are held every other Sunday at 18:00 (Lisbon time). Unfortunately, one of our players recently had to step away due to personal reasons, so we're looking for 2–3 new players to round out the group. The campaign is currently run entirely in Portuguese, but if there's enough interest from non-Portuguese speakers, I'd be happy to switch the game to English. Portuguese speakers from anywhere are also more than welcome! Whether you're an experienced GURPS player or completely new to the system, you're welcome to join. If you're interested in superhero roleplaying and can make the schedule, feel free to send me a message!

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Posted 3 hours ago
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DND5E
Dungeons & Dragons 5E
DND5.5E
Dungeons & Dragons 5.5E (2024)
...
Online
Fosco
Gen X. Nerd. Gamer.
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New
Posted 6 hours ago
en English
DND5E
Dungeons & Dragons 5E
...
South Ogden
Online
Ryan Jensen
My name is Ryan if the username didn't give that away. I am looking for a group or at least player or two that would be willing to play tabletop games I am creating my own games and would like to learn about others first. I am knowledgeable in rules but not in the experience of playing. I am not used to roleplaying but I would like to meet learn more about it. I am open most days but certain days are better than others. Depends if I have a doctors appointment or I am doing a project. I am laid back and want my games to be that way without it being super competive, even for wargames.
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en English
GURPS
GURPS
Online
Doom99
Hello! You can refer to me as Grizz or Doom, either nickname works until we get to know each other better.  To get the essentials out of the way; My most experiance is in DnD 5e by far with a few campaigns and plenty of characters beneath my belt. I have dabbled a little in Cybperunk Red & Vampire the Masqurade, though not a full game as of yet. I am a detailed and literate roleplayer with eight years experiance with an average post length of one to two paragraphs that can easily adjust according to scene and pacing. I'm hoping to find someone experianced in GURPS to show me the rulset and teach me about that TTRPG. Be it a one shot or a long term campiagn between us - I have heard a lot of stuff relating to GURPS character creation and the sheer amount of veriaty you could make in it. So I'm hoping to learn just how far that rabbit hole goes in how in depth those systems really are. I am open to any type of campaign, Fantasy, Scifi, Modernday, Lovecraftian. Just give me the low down and details on what the game would be.
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en English
VtM
Vampire: The Masquerade
Homebrew
Homebrew
...
Online
Rhiannon Miller
I have been playing TTRPGs since 2009 and have played a great many games over the past 17 years. I am a Transgender Woman, and I tend to enjoy adventure-focused scenarios where the cozy elements are contextual rather than every session being focused on the mundane. I enjoy combat occasionally, but it's not my favorite. By far, I think I enjoy GMing more than playing, but I am happy to join and play the part in your group if you want me.
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