Starships RPG
Your launchpad for space-themed role-playing games and starship combat systems.
Welcome to Starships RPG, a resource hub dedicated to space-themed role-playing games, starship combat mechanics, and sci-fi tabletop gaming. Whether you are a seasoned Game Master running deep-space campaigns or a newcomer eager to explore the galaxy at your kitchen table, you will find guides, reviews, and tips to help you chart your course through the stars.
This site has its roots in Starships!, a browser-based text MMORPG that launched in 2004. Created by Rabid Panda Ranch and written by a professional game developer with over 25 years of experience, the original game let players command their own starships across an expansive universe. Mining asteroids for precious ore, trading goods between space stations, and battling rival captains in real-time combat were all part of daily life in the game. At its peak, Starships! boasted over 100,000 registered players who explored, fought, and cooperated in a persistent online galaxy.
Over the years, the site has evolved into a broader resource for anyone interested in sci-fi role-playing. From classic tabletop systems like Traveller and Star Wars RPG to modern indie titles and online play-by-post games, we cover the full spectrum of space RPG experiences. Browse the guides below to get started.
Guides & Articles
Space RPG Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to know to start playing space-themed role-playing games, from choosing a system to building your first character.
Best Sci-Fi Tabletop Games
A curated list of the top sci-fi tabletop RPGs and board games, covering space opera, hard sci-fi, and cyberpunk genres.
Starship Combat Rules Compared
Side-by-side comparison of starship combat mechanics across popular RPG systems including Traveller, Star Wars, and Battlestar Galactica.
Creating a Sci-Fi Campaign
Step-by-step advice on building a compelling sci-fi campaign, from setting the tone to designing star systems and alien cultures.
Space Exploration in RPGs
How to capture the wonder of exploration in your RPG sessions, with tips on procedural generation and discovery-driven play.
Game Master Tips for Sci-Fi
Practical advice for running sci-fi RPG sessions, including pacing, improvisation, and managing complex space encounters.
Sci-Fi Worldbuilding for RPGs
Techniques for creating believable sci-fi settings, from interstellar politics to alien ecosystems and technology levels.
Online RPGs vs Tabletop
Comparing online text-based RPGs with traditional tabletop gaming. Strengths, weaknesses, and how to get the best of both worlds.
Space Trading in RPGs
Designing trade routes, economic systems, and merchant-based adventures for space RPG campaigns.
Science Fiction Board Games Worth Playing
The best sci-fi board games for tabletop fans. From epic space warfare to story-driven exploration, find the right game for your next session.
RPG Character Creation Guide
A comprehensive guide to creating memorable characters for sci-fi RPGs, covering backstory, skills, and starship crew roles.