r/alienrpg • u/Disastrous-Ad8604 • 12d ago

Starter set vs core rules?

Hi, I’ve run the starter set scenario Hope’s Last Day for my group and just bought Rapture Protocol. Am I missing anything important by not having the full core rules and just using the rules from the starter set? We don’t want to play a campaign yet so I don’t need those rules.

10 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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6

u/Party-Fault9186 12d ago

You should be okay with just the starter rules -- the systems they cover are basically complete. But you're missing out on a lot of features, some of which could come into play (more critical injury varieties, for example).

5

u/Disastrous-Ad8604 12d ago

Ok, so it’s more variety rather than core mechanics that I’d be missing?

4

u/Novel_Extent_7168 12d ago

More or less. You can 100% effectively play Rapture Protocol with just the starter set rules. You'll just be missing stuff that would add a little more spice. I would still recommend getting the core rule book though if you can afford it.

3

u/ChannelCommercial984 12d ago

You mean that little booklet? Oh man there's so much information missing. To me that meant to be more of a quick reference thing for players. It absolutely does not take the place of the main book. I couldn't imagine not having the main book for any of the modules/ adventures.

2

u/JustALittleBorb 12d ago

I bought the core rulebook while prepping to run the starter set because it felt like there was so much information missing! The book is really nicely laid out and comprehensive. Hard recommend!

1

u/Disastrous-Ad8604 12d ago

Ok thanks for the advice. It seems to be out of stock at all my local places so I’ll get it soon.

2

u/Ombrophile 5d ago

You'll be fine. ARPG is a pretty simple system.

1

u/LudovicoCipher 12d ago

The starter set gives you just what you need to run the intro adventure for a new group and play almost immediately. Beyond that highly recommend the core book lots of information in there that the starter set doesn't contain.

1

u/MrSelfDestruct88 12d ago

The core rulebook isn't just rules on campaign. You're going to be missing out on quite a bit of stuff. I don't know anyone that actually plays campaign, always cinematic play.

1

u/Altruistic-Copy-7363 9d ago

As an owner of the old core rules, CMOM and some scenarios.....

Consider skipping it. Although you can use Alien RPG for long form play, I don't think it's as well designed for it as some other systems.

Consider Mothership, Death in Space, Stars Without Number etc depending on your sci-fi desires. I've team Chariot of the Gods LOADS of times and think it's an amazing intro so TTRPGs for people. But I struggled to run it long term.