Star Trek Adventures Science Fiction; Space Opera; Exploration-Driven; Narrative-Driven; Team-Based; Political; Star Trek
Star Trek Adventures is a tabletop roleplaying game that allows players to explore the Star Trek universe, focusing on exploration, narrative, and team-based gameplay. Utilizing a modified version of the 2d20 system, the game emphasizes problem-solving and character interaction within the framework of classic Star Trek themes. The game has gone through multiple editions, with the second edition, released in 2024, building upon the original with fan feedback integrated into the design process.
Theme and Setting
Star Trek Adventures immerses players in the optimistic, exploration-driven universe of Star Trek. The setting encompasses various eras, from The Original Series to The Next Generation and beyond, allowing players to engage with familiar storylines and characters while forging their own destinies. The core theme revolves around exploration of strange new worlds, seeking out new life and new civilizations, and upholding the ideals of Starfleet. The game facilitates narratives ranging from political negotiations and scientific discoveries to intense combat scenarios, mirroring the diverse episodes of the Star Trek series. The setting is not just limited to Starfleet, with options to explore the Klingon Empire and other factions within the Star Trek universe.
Core Mechanics and Rules
The game employs a modified 2d20 system. Players roll two twenty-sided dice (2d20) and attempt to roll under a target number derived from the combination of an Attribute (e.g., Daring, Insight) and a Discipline (e.g., Command, Science). The number of successful rolls determines the outcome of an action. Difficulty is measured by the number of successes required, ranging from simple tasks requiring one success to complex challenges needing multiple successes.
Momentum and Threat: These are meta-currencies that influence gameplay. Momentum, earned by players exceeding the required successes, can be spent to gain advantages, add dice to future rolls, or enhance actions. Threat, primarily a Game Master (GM) resource, can be used to increase the difficulty of tasks, introduce complications, or empower adversaries.
Determination: This resource is tied to a character's Values, representing their core beliefs. Spending Determination allows players to add a die with an automatic success to their roll, reflecting their commitment to their values.
Character Creation: The process involves choosing a species, background, and career path, leading to the selection of Talents and Focuses that define a character's skills. Values are a crucial component, shaping a character's motivations and providing opportunities for growth. The game encourages players to create characters who are competent in their fields, emphasizing problem-solving and teamwork over constant failure.
What Makes It Unique
Star Trek Adventures distinguishes itself through its emphasis on narrative-driven gameplay and adherence to Star Trek's core values. The game mechanics are designed to promote collaborative storytelling and ethical decision-making, mirroring the dilemmas faced by Starfleet officers. Unlike many RPGs, Star Trek Adventures minimizes failure, focusing instead on the consequences and complications arising from both successes and failures.
Supporting Characters: The game features a unique mechanic for managing supporting characters, allowing players to contribute to the narrative even when their primary characters are not directly involved in a scene. This encourages player engagement and ensures that the starship and its crew feel like a living, breathing entity. This allows players to participate even if they are not directly involved in a scene.
Emphasis on Values: Values are at the heart of the game. Characters are defined not just by what they can do, but by who they are and what they believe. The game rewards players for upholding their values or challenging them in meaningful ways, leading to character development and narrative depth.
Target Audience and Player Experience
Star Trek Adventures is aimed at both seasoned RPG players and newcomers to the hobby, especially fans of the Star Trek franchise. The game's accessible mechanics and emphasis on storytelling make it suitable for players of all experience levels. The systemâs design fosters a team-based experience, encouraging collaboration and shared decision-making. The game provides a platform for players to explore complex moral dilemmas and engage in meaningful character development, mirroring the themes of the television series.
Reviewers have noted the game's ability to capture the feel of a Star Trek game, emphasizing the importance of player-driven narratives and ethical considerations. The availability of numerous supplements and pre-written adventures provides ample material for ongoing campaigns, while the straightforward ruleset allows for easy customization and homebrewing. The game also supports solo play, allowing players to explore the universe on their own.
