In the world of tabletop roleplaying games, there are quite a few systems you can choose from when playing a campaign or story.
Each system has its unique approach to storytelling and game mechanics – with some keeping the play tight and controlled, while others let the GM and players explore and act with abandon.
When we look back over the history of roleplaying game systems, the GURPS system sticks out for its sticking power. A system that combines both versatility and adaptability, the Generic Universal Role-Playing System offers a single, coherent framework that can apply to nearly any adventure.
What Is GURPS?
GURPS (pronounced “gurps”) stands for Generic Universal Role-Playing System. Originally developed by Steve Jackson Games and published in 1986, GURPS is designed to be a flexible game system that can accommodate almost any setting or genre.
Unlike many RPGs that are tied to specific worlds or themes, GURPS provides a single set of universal rules that are broad enough to fit into any adventure. You could be exploring medieval dungeons, commanding a Royal Starship, or saving the world. GURPS allows you to play within its general framework pretty easily.
Currently in its Fourth Edition, GURPS has maintained its original flexibility but has seen the framework refined to adapt to more modern gameplay. But the underlying philosophy still applies: making it great for players who want to recapture a bit of the Old School Renaissance (OSR) game style.
Ready to get started with some of the best GURPS games on the market? Check out our full catalog of GURPS materials on DriveThruRPG! [Shop Now]
What Are The Core Mechanics of GURPS?
At its heart, GURPS is all about simplicity that is easy to pick up and understand. But once you start playing within a GURPS system, you’ll find there’s plenty of room to grow and get strategic.
GURPS Character Points System
While many RPGs use random character generation, GURPS sticks to a more simplistic point-buy system. This means players spend “character points” to build their character to their specifications.
Every positive trait costs a point, while taking on weaknesses and flaws returns a point that can be spent elsewhere. This gives players a bit of an incentive to complicate their player’s abilities to power them up elsewhere.
The GURPS character system means players can build their characters without relying on lucky dice rolls during creation. Plus, it creates a built-in balance, as all players typically start with the same number of points.
The Four Primary Attributes
Characters built in GURPS are designed around four primary attributes:
- Strength (ST): Physical power, determining how much you can lift, carry, and how hard you can hit
- Dexterity (DX): Coordination and agility, affecting most physical skills
- Intelligence (IQ): Mental acuity and reasoning ability
- Health (HT): Stamina, energy, and resistance to damage and disease
These four attributes keep the system simple and form a foundation for derived characteristics such as Hit Points, Will, Perception, and Fatigue Points, giving a more comprehensive picture of a character’s capabilities and potential.
3d6 Resolution System
When it comes to skill checks and attribute tests, GURPS uses three six-sided dice (3d6).
Getting statistical, this means GURPS creates a bell-curve probability distribution (meaning average results are more common than extremes, like in real life).
The core mechanic is straightforward, but many players find it refreshing – roll equal to or under your skill level to succeed. The higher your skill, the better your chances, so you’ll want to build your skills to boost your overall character performance.
Why Play GURPS?
GURPS Gives Universal Flexibility
Many RPG systems claim to be “universal” in the rule set, but GURPS really delivers. The same core GURPS rules can handle nearly any type of campaign style without requiring completely different subsystems. This means skills and knowledge can more easily be applied to different genres or campaigns without learning a brand new set of rules.
Simplified Rules Offer A More Realistic Simulation (When You Want It)
Another reason players like GURPS is that the system can create a realistic simulation of the world, with detailed rules for factors such as encumbrance, fatigue, and injury. You can simplify or ignore them for your group, and GMS can use the modular system to make their campaigns as complex as they like.
GURPS Advantages and Disadvantages Matter
Character traits are the bread and butter of GURPS, which means that they have meaningful game effects that matter.
A character with the “Danger Sense” advantage gets warning rolls before ambushes. A player with a “Fear of Heights” disadvantage must make Will rolls to approach dangerous heights. This gives you way more ways to use personalities and quirks to impact your gameplay.
A Consistent Learning Curve Makes GURPS Available for Most Players
Once you learn the basics of GURPS, you can take those mechanics into nearly any genre without needing a brand-new system.
For example, if you start your GURPS experience in a fantasy game, you can take that learned knowledge and experience into a sci-fi cyberpunk campaign. This makes GURPS great for those who may be new to RPGs in general.
Getting Started with GURPS
One of the best ways to get started with learning GURPS is with GURPS Lite, a free 32-page PDF that has all the essential rules you’ll need to play. It’s compatible with the full GURPS system and offers players everything they need to jump into a campaign.
A key tip is to focus on one genre or setting as you learn. Pick a game that interests you the most, and then learn as you play. DriveThruRPG has tons of GURPS supplements that provide guidance for different types of games.
Like any system, GURPS is best learned through actual play. Start with simple scenarios that rely on those key core mechanics before you try to introduce more complex rules. As the group becomes more comfortable, you can incorporate more elements that enhance the style of play or game.
Learn Once, Play Anything with GURPS
The GURPS system (like the OSR games that are picking up in popularity) can introduce players to the world of tabletop RPG in a new and accessible way.
Here at DriveThruRPG, we offer a large library of GURPS materials, from the Basic Set (consisting of Characters and Campaigns books) to genre supplements, adventures, and setting books.
Grab popular titles for cheap, such as GURPS Classic: Modern Firepower for just $4.00, which offers statistics and descriptions for the latest small arms and tactical equipment.
You can get magical in Fantastic Dungeon Grappling or try a community favorite with Horror: Chaos in Kansas, which provides a complete adventure with maps, NPCs, and all you need for a Midwest horror campaign.Ready to explore the universal system that can handle any adventure? Browse our GURPS collection today and discover why this versatile system has remained a favorite among tabletop gamers for over 35 years.
