Post-Apocalyptic Tabletop RPG Recommendations
Are you looking to leave the dungeon and explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland? Do you want to fight for survival in a harsh environment, scavenging for basic necessities and battling mutants, the forces of nature, and your fellow man ... just to stay alive?
If so, we have the perfect selection of post-apocalyptic RPGs for you, including a guide to helping you find your perfect game: The Post-Apocalyptic RPG Decision Tree.
There is no one "best" game for all gamers, since tastes differ, which is why we offer the Post-Apocalyptic RPG Decision Tree to help you find the best fit for you.
However, if we're speaking objectively, Apocalypse World appears to be the most popular post-apocalyptic RPG: the game is currently ranked #3 on RPG Geek ... not just out of all post-apocalyptic RPGs, but out of all RPGs!
But, despite it's popularity, Apocalypse World certainly won't be the best option for every gamer. For instance, as a more narrative-focused game, it's unlikely to appeal to those who prefer heavy/"crunchier" rules ... which is why we have a variety of recommendations for a variety of great post-apocalyptic games!
While GURPS, Savage Worlds, or Apocalypse World could be used to run a post-zombie apocalypse game, Goblin Crafted has an entire separate page of zombie apocalypse RPGs, all of which are designed specifically for that kind of apocalypse.
Since different gamers have different tastes, there is no one best "mutant RPG" ... but if one had to pick then Mutant: Year Zero would probably be the best bet. Gamma World and both of the Fallout RPGs also feature mutant-heavy post-apocalypses, but neither game has the amazingly high level of reviews that Mutant: Year Zero has managed to garner.
Most of the post-apocalyptic RPGs featured here include fantastic elements, such as mutants, psychic powers, or futuristic technologies. However, the two generic RPGS, GURPS and Savage Worlds, can both easily be used to run a realistic campaign, and the GURPS "After the End" supplements even provide supporting material to do so.
