Hey guys! Today, we're diving headfirst into the fascinating world of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) to pit two sci-fi titans against each other: Traveller and Stars Without Number. Both games offer unique takes on interstellar adventure, but cater to different styles of play. So, if you're trying to figure out which one is the perfect fit for your gaming group, buckle up and get ready for a comprehensive comparison!

Setting the Stage: An Overview

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let's establish what makes each game tick. Traveller, with its decades-long history, is renowned for its focus on realism and intricate world-building. The universe feels lived-in, with a rich tapestry of political intrigue, economic realities, and technological advancements. Characters in Traveller are often ordinary people navigating extraordinary circumstances, emphasizing problem-solving, resource management, and the consequences of their actions. Think of it as a sci-fi simulator where your choices truly matter.

On the flip side, Stars Without Number is a more modern take on the genre, drawing inspiration from old-school role-playing games while incorporating streamlined mechanics and sandbox elements. It places a greater emphasis on player agency, allowing you to shape the galaxy through your explorations, conflicts, and interactions. The game's focus on factions, planetary surveys, and customizable spaceships encourages creativity and strategic thinking, making it ideal for groups who love to forge their own destinies. Stars Without Number provides tools for the GM to quickly generate compelling content, making it excellent for campaigns where the players are driving the action.

Character Creation: Defining Your Interstellar Persona

The way you create your character sets the tone for the entire game. In Traveller, character generation is a mini-game in itself! You roll dice to determine your character's background, skills, and even their career path. This can lead to surprising and often hilarious results, as you might end up playing a former marine who became a cook before finally finding their calling as a space trader. The process is detailed and can be time-consuming, but it results in characters with rich histories and a strong sense of identity. The random events and potential mishaps during character creation (like accidentally getting arrested or injured) add an element of unpredictability that makes the process engaging.

Stars Without Number, however, opts for a more streamlined approach. You choose a focus (a special ability or area of expertise), select skills, and determine your character's background from a list of pre-defined options. This makes character creation faster and more accessible, especially for new players. While it might lack the quirky randomness of Traveller, it allows you to quickly create a character that fits your desired role in the party. The foci in Stars Without Number provide distinct advantages and encourage players to specialize, making each character feel unique and valuable to the group. The game also provides guidelines for creating your own foci, further enhancing customization.

Game Mechanics: How the Dice Roll

When it comes to game mechanics, Traveller uses a simple yet effective system based on 2d6 (two six-sided dice). You roll the dice, add your skill modifier, and compare the result to a target number. The system is easy to learn but can be challenging to master, as success often depends on careful planning and skillful execution. The combat system in Traveller is notoriously brutal, reflecting the dangers of space travel and the lethality of futuristic weapons. A single lucky shot can easily take down a character, emphasizing the importance of tactics and risk management. This gritty realism is a hallmark of the game and appeals to players who enjoy a more challenging and unforgiving experience.

Stars Without Number uses a similar 2d6 system, but with a few key differences. Instead of adding your skill modifier directly to the roll, you're trying to roll at least an 8. Skill checks are also streamlined, making it easier to resolve actions quickly. Combat in Stars Without Number is less lethal than in Traveller, but still dangerous. The game uses a system of hit points and armor, allowing characters to withstand more damage before being taken out of the fight. Stars Without Number also includes psychic powers (known as 'psi'), adding another layer of complexity and customization to character builds. The system feels more modern and forgiving than Traveller's, making it a good choice for players who prefer a faster-paced and more action-oriented game.

World-Building and Setting: Exploring the Galaxy

The universes of Traveller and Stars Without Number are vast and diverse, but they differ in their approach to world-building. Traveller's setting, known as the Third Imperium, is meticulously detailed, with a rich history, complex political landscape, and a vast array of alien races. The game provides extensive information on hundreds of star systems, including their climate, resources, and population. This level of detail can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it provides a wealth of inspiration for GMs and players alike. On the other hand, it can be overwhelming for newcomers. The sheer amount of information can make it difficult to know where to start. However, for those who enjoy delving into the lore and exploring a deeply realized universe, Traveller offers an unparalleled experience.

Stars Without Number takes a more sandbox-oriented approach to world-building. The game provides a set of tools for GMs to create their own star systems, factions, and adventures. The focus is on emergent gameplay and player agency, allowing you to shape the galaxy through your actions. The setting is intentionally left vague in some areas, encouraging GMs to fill in the blanks with their own ideas. The core book includes a wealth of tables and generators to help you create compelling content quickly, making it ideal for campaigns where the players are driving the action. Stars Without Number also includes a system for creating planetary surveys, allowing players to discover new resources, artifacts, and dangers on unexplored worlds. This emphasis on exploration and discovery makes it a great choice for groups who enjoy charting their own course.

Game Master (GM) Support: Tools of the Trade

Both Traveller and Stars Without Number provide GMs with the tools they need to run compelling campaigns, but their approaches differ. Traveller offers a wealth of pre-written adventures, supplements, and sourcebooks that detail various aspects of the Third Imperium. These resources can be invaluable for GMs who are new to the game or who want to run a more traditional campaign. However, the sheer volume of material can be daunting, and it can be difficult to sift through it all to find what you need. Traveller also assumes a certain level of GM experience, and it may not be as beginner-friendly as some other RPGs.

Stars Without Number is designed with GM support in mind. The core book includes a wealth of tables, generators, and guidelines for creating your own adventures, factions, and star systems. The game emphasizes improvisation and emergent gameplay, encouraging GMs to adapt to the players' actions and create a dynamic and unpredictable experience. Stars Without Number also includes a system for creating planetary surveys, allowing players to discover new resources, artifacts, and dangers on unexplored worlds. This emphasis on exploration and discovery makes it a great choice for groups who enjoy charting their own course. The system-neutral content in Stars Without Number is also a huge plus, meaning that the GM can adapt adventures or other source material from other games to fit their campaign.

Which Game is Right for You?

So, after all that, which game should you choose? It really depends on your preferences and what you're looking for in a sci-fi RPG.

Choose Traveller if:

• You want a realistic and detailed sci-fi setting.
• You enjoy character creation as a mini-game.
• You prefer a challenging and unforgiving gameplay experience.
• You want a wealth of pre-written adventures and sourcebooks.

Choose Stars Without Number if:

• You want a more streamlined and accessible game system.
• You enjoy sandbox campaigns and player agency.
• You prefer a faster-paced and more action-oriented game.
• You want strong GM support and tools for creating your own content.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both games and see which one resonates with you and your group. Both Traveller and Stars Without Number offer unique and rewarding experiences, and you might even find that you enjoy playing both! Happy gaming, folks!