Dungeons & Dragons, and particularly the current fifth edition, is the undisputed champion of the RPG world. It’s what most people think of when they think about roleplaying games, and its usually people’s first introduction to the genre. Not for all of us, of course… And, you know what, it’s a good game. It’s good for what it is. The thing is, for a lot of players, it seems that D&D is all there is. You see so many people looking to adjust the game to fit a particular theme, setting, or style, where there are other games available that will work just as well, if not better. Today, we’re taking a look at the numerous games that fall under the Powered by the Apocalypse banner.
These games, and there are a lot of them now, run off the narrative-driven engine established by the fantastic post-apocalyptic RPG, Apocalypse World. But, aye… there are a lot of them. Here are just a few:
I based that purely on games that I have previously featured on this blog, whether as part of a bundle, in a 5 on Friday, or another post. There are plenty more, both professionally published, and fan-created.
Rooted in the principles laid out by Vincent Baker’s Apocalypse World, PbtA games have garnered a dedicated following for their emphasis on collaborative storytelling, player empowerment, and dynamic mechanisms. Today, we’ll explore the many advantages that PbtA games can offer over traditional RPG systems, such as Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
At the heart of PbtA games lies a relentless focus on narrative. Unlike D&D 5e, where mechanics often drive the gameplay, PbtA games prioritize storytelling and character-driven narratives above all else. The system’s elegant mechanics, characterized by Moves and the system’s signature Playbooks, encourage players and Game Masters (GMs) to co-create immersive worlds filled with rich characters, complex relationships, and compelling drama.
One of the defining features of PbtA games is the empowerment of players to shape the story in meaningful ways. Through Moves and collaborative worldbuilding, players actively contribute to the narrative’s evolution, making decisions that have tangible consequences for their characters and the game world. This emphasis on player agency fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the story, leading to deeply immersive and satisfying gameplay experiences. Of course, a good GM can incorporate such play into any game, but these ones really foster it.
PbtA games are known for their streamlined mechanics that prioritize simplicity and accessibility without sacrificing depth. The playbook-driven character creation process ensures that players can quickly and intuitively create unique and compelling characters tailored to the game’s setting and themes. Similarly, the straightforward resolution mechanics, often centered around rolling 2D6 and interpreting the results based on Moves, keep gameplay fast-paced and engaging, minimizing the need for complex rules lookup.
Much like Fate, PbtA games place a strong emphasis on collaborative worldbuilding, with both players and GMs actively contributing to shaping the game world. Through guided questions, world-building sessions, and the use of Setting and Character Playbooks, PbtA games encourage players to flesh out details about the setting, establish key NPCs, and define the relationships between various factions and characters. This collaborative approach not only deepens immersion but also helps to ensure that every player feels invested in the world they’re exploring.
PbtA games really excel at facilitating dynamic and emergent storytelling, where the narrative evolves organically based on player actions and the fictional world’s logic. The use of Moves, which trigger specific narrative outcomes based on in-game actions, ensures that every roll of the dice drives the story forward, introducing twists, complications, and dramatic moments that keep players on the edge of their seats. This fluid storytelling style encourages improvisation and creativity, resulting in memorable and unpredictable gameplay experiences.
From post-apocalyptic wastelands to urban fantasy noir, PbtA games are renowned for their versatility in exploring a wide range of genres and settings. Whether you’re delving into the gritty cyberpunk world of The Sprawl, navigating the supernatural intrigue of Monster of the Week, or surviving the harsh wilderness of Dungeon World, PbtA games offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure across diverse narrative landscapes.
Powered by the Apocalypse games represent a revolutionary approach to tabletop role-playing, putting narrative front and center and empowering players to become co-authors of their own stories. I love the focus that they put on narrative-driven gameplay. It’s such a refreshing and compelling alternative to traditional RPG systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. For their accessibility, the ease of use of the Playbooks, and that all-important narrative focus, I’d really recommend PbtA games to experienced players, and new ones alike. I’m really looking forward to dipping back into one myself, with the resumption of our Avatar Legends campaign later this week!
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