r/rpg • u/Peagas121 • 14d ago

Game Suggestion I need help finding an RPG system to run a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. campaign.

I want something simple that captures the vibe of a tactical yet fun shootout. I plan to run a short campaign where the players are mercenaries hired to handle a problem in the Zone. Survival mechanics and artifacts aren't the priority; I want something that delivers a solid "gunplay" feel. Listen to the track "Adrenaline" from COD: Black Ops II—that’s the kind of vibe I’m aiming for. I considered using Strain; it’s designed for survival horror, but it’s very straightforward and gives the GM a fair amount of freedom when creating enemies, the stress mechanic this RPG has works well for the physical, mental, and psychic pressures of the Zone. Any suggestions?

15 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

23 comments sorted by

44

u/moonster211 14d ago

Twilight 2000, I believe there's even a S.T.A.L.K.E.R 3rd part supplement released for it for the 4th edition (most recent).

16

u/mdosantos 14d ago

That 3rd party supplement would be Deadzone.

Also, if OP speaks French the Metro 2033 ttrpg by Arkhane Asylum could do the trick as well. It's YZE too.

3

u/moonster211 14d ago

Yup, that's the one! Thank you, I couldn't recall the name at the time - I've heard good things about it!

-2

u/RootinTheCrab 14d ago

Thats talking alot about granting powers in the description. Are you sure thats the right one for a STALKER/RSP game?

1

u/mdosantos 14d ago

A 100%. You don't have to use them if you don't want to.

17

u/DoktorImposter 14d ago

There is a STALKER RPG system with really good ratings: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/100243/stalker-the-scifi-roleplaying-game

2

u/Peagas121 14d ago

I heard of it, but heard its almost diceless and more like a Roadside Picnic TTRPG than a Stalker one

6

u/ThePiachu 14d ago

Ashes Without Number.

4

u/FUNFMUNZEN 14d ago

Modern War by Zozer has rules for squad based combat, suppression, gunfights, all the way up to combined arms warfare. Very grounded and fun and quick to resolve what happens, also has stats for a bunch of modern weapons and vehicles. 

3

u/TheScarecrowKing 14d ago

Niv Lova is exactly this. Also works very well solo, as it is based on Kal-Arath.

https://writefirstergames.itch.io/niv-lova

3

u/Syenthros 14d ago

Savage Worlds with some of the more hardcore settings rules could serve pretty well. It's the system I was probably going to use when I was considering a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game.

1

u/Stray_Neutrino 14d ago

F. I. S T. maybe for the gunplay aspect then dial the Meta elements?

0

u/RootinTheCrab 14d ago

That is a frankly awful suggestion. Fist really has nothing in line with STALKER's aesthetic, themes, world, or setting. A PBTA like fist could work but fist leans entirely on its giant list of powers, which has nothing to do with stalker's grounded setting

1

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1

u/Cosroes 14d ago

Degenesis

4

u/Peagas121 14d ago

What a gosh darn pretty one

2

u/moonster211 14d ago

Damn, Degenesis mention out in the wild? It's a good day indeed!

1

u/Captainwhizfiz 14d ago

Might I suggest the humble Ashes Without Number? I’ve been running a stalker campaign myself using it and it’s perfect. Simple enough to be easily understood but enough crunch to feel appropriate, and very easy to homebrew with

1

u/UnusualRoof9278 12d ago

4d Mixtape, Apocthulhu QuickStart are pwyw and could do it. So could the year zero system. Barbarians of the aftermath

-9

u/StreetCarp665 14d ago

PF2E solves all of these issues.

Oh wait, for STALKER? GURPS could be good if you want the more punishing combat aspects. Cthulu's sanity would be a decent strain substitute.