Cyberpunk 2020

Cyberpunk 2020

Cyberpunk 2020 is street-level sci-fi with bite. You play mercs, hackers, and fixers trying to get paid in a city run by megacorps. Sessions feel tight and tense, full of neon, noise, and hard bargains. Jobs range from data theft to bodyguard work to messy clean-up when a deal goes awry. The appeal is simple: make bold choices, upgrade your chrome, and see how far your crew will go. It is stylish, violent, and human, with consequences that stick.

It works well for curious first-timers and for veterans who enjoy tactical choices. A professional Game Master keeps the rules light when you need speed and digs deep when you want crunch. Great for one-night heists, thriller birthdays, and team events that require planning under pressure. Expect adult themes and a gritty tone. Play in person or online. If you want a specific vibe—stealthy, loud, or cerebral—browse our Game Masters and pick someone whose style matches your crew.

How to play Cyberpunk 2020

Most actions use a simple test. Roll a ten-sided die, add a relevant stat and skill, and try to meet the difficulty set by the Game Master. On your turn, you describe what you do, the GM explains the stakes, you roll, then you all play out the results. Combat uses initiative to set the order, then you move, attack, or take cover. Weapons hit hard, armour soaks some damage, and injuries matter, so planning and cover are key.

You bring a character with a clear role such as Solo, Netrunner, Tech, Nomad, or Fixer, along with a brief idea of their style. Choose a couple of signature tools, a look, and a reason to take the job. The Game Master provides the mission, maps or zones, NPCs with sharp motives, and safety tools. A one-shot is a focused job with quick prep and a clean end. A campaign tracks reputation, rival crews, bigger paydays, and the cost of cyberware on body and mind.

For online play, the GM may use a virtual tabletop for maps, autofire, and gear, or keep it theatre of the mind for speed. Expect handouts, audio, and clear visuals either way. If you want to see what tools are common for remote sessions, visit online play platforms.

The three cofounders of StoryForgers posing in a kitchen, holding cups and a teapot, smiling in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
The three cofounders of StoryForgers posing in a kitchen, holding cups and a teapot, smiling in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
A red, marble-textured ten-sided dice showing the numbers 5 and 9 in gold, used for tabletop RPG adventure games.
A red, marble-textured ten-sided dice showing the numbers 5 and 9 in gold, used for tabletop RPG adventure games.
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Common questions

Do we need to know any rules to get started?

Not at all. A professional Game Master teaches the basics in minutes, then guides you as you play. They explain options before the dice come out, call for rolls when the stakes matter, and handle the maths. Premade characters are available, or you can build quickly with a Lifepath that gives you contacts and trouble. Expect a moderate level of crunch that arrives in small steps. You will feel at home by the first scene.

How does Cyberpunk 2020 differ from D&D?

There is no magic, and firearms change the pace. Skills are more important than classes, and equipment and cyberware define your advantage. Taking cover and positioning is better than standing toe to toe. Jobs revolve around legwork, heists, protection, and tough negotiations, rather than dungeon crawls. Choices have social consequences that linger. Character creation employs a Lifepath, linking your past to allies, enemies, and habits that the GM incorporates into the game.

Is combat truly lethal, and how do you manage that?

Yes, firefights can be brutal. A lucky shot or a burst can take anyone down. Armour helps but can wear out, and injuries can accumulate quickly. The GM clarifies the stakes before you act, allowing you to choose smart tactics such as cover, suppression, retreat, and negotiation. Medical assistance is available, but timing and access are crucial. The tone is tense yet fair, with safety tools tailored to your group’s comfort while maintaining a meaningful threat.

How does netrunning operate without sidelining others?

Classic netrunning can be a puzzle in itself. Your GM executes hacks on the same timeline as the team, with clear objectives, quick rolls, and regular cutbacks to the action. Other players remain engaged by providing intel, protecting the hacker, or creating distractions. Complex intrusions can be prepared as legwork to maintain the mission's momentum. For remote tables, popular virtual tabletops enhance mapping and dice rolling. See examples on online play platforms.

What types of characters can we play?

Iconic roles include Solo, Netrunner, Tech, Nomad, Fixer, Cop, Media, Rockerboy, and Corporate. Each has a distinct focus, from gunfighting to hacking to social influence. You don’t need a perfect mix. Two Techs or two Solos can still stand out with different approaches. Premade sheets are available, or you can roll a Lifepath for connections and baggage that ground you in the city and enhance gameplay.

What group size and session length are most effective here?

Three to five players is the ideal number for spotlight and tactics. Two works well for stealthy jobs. Six is fine if the turns are short and the objectives are tight. A one-shot typically runs for 3 to 4 hours, which is enough for briefing, legwork, the operation, and fallout. Campaign sessions can extend longer as contacts and rivals develop. To find a GM whose pacing suits your group, browse available Game Masters.

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Genres you can play in Cyberpunk 2020

  • Cyberpunk

    Neon nights, buzzing servers, and tough decisions. You take on the roles of hackers, street samurai, and fixers executing jobs for and…

    View genre: Cyberpunk
  • Gritty

    Difficult decisions, limited resources, and lasting consequences. Picture Game of Thrones, where trust is tenuous, debts must be repaid…

    View genre: Gritty
  • Crime

    Pull off a slick heist, track down a killer, or navigate the mob's code. Crime games balance planning, pressure, and morally ambiguous…

    View genre: Crime
  • Heist

    Gather the team, scout the target, and execute the heist. Picture Ocean's Eleven, filled with clever strategies, skilled roles, narrow…

    View genre: Heist
  • Dystopian

    Struggle to breathe in a world that monitors your every action, think 1984. Conceal, hack, and resist as you navigate oppressive laws…

    View genre: Dystopian
  • Espionage

    Tradecraft, dead drops, double agents, and high-stakes decisions under pressure. Imagine Mission: Impossible at the table, where every…

    View genre: Espionage
  • Conspiracy

    Unravel layers of deception as you pursue leads through dimly lit rooms, encrypted files, and betrayals. Paranoia escalates with each clue…

    View genre: Conspiracy
  • Noir

    Neon, rain and poor choices. Noir places you in the role of a weary detective or a doomed con artist in a city that conceals its decay…

    View genre: Noir

What players are saying

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a fantastic job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. Cheers, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varied experience levels, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His positive attitude made the game enjoyable for all. I really appreciated how he could clearly explain what was needed for our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a fantastic time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I organised a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is really passionate about it, and he was very pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • Baptiste was a fantastic GM who adapted seamlessly to our group and helped us make great progress in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided; they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were quite rough. For instance, our cleric was missing spells, including a healing spell, even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they’d ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach let the players immerse themselves in the game by giving them control over how they wanted their actions to unfold. I would definitely work with her again.

    John

  • A great first experience with D&D. Amber was excellent at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the flow and focus on the story. Collaborating on attack strategies with my colleagues was a fun activity that provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly a legend as a DM! He's cheerful, adaptable, and incredibly experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in a fun manner and engaged every player in the story, whether they were vocal or reserved. If you go adventuring with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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    Dominate the neon sprawl with Cyberpunk RED, the near-future game of mercenaries, megacorps, and tough decisions from R. Talsorian Games. Experience fast, lethal action, sleek technology, and high-stakes heists. If you're familiar with Cyberpunk 2077, you already sense the grit and flair.

    View system: Cyberpunk
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    View system: Mistborn Adventure Game
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    View system: Blades in the Dark
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    View system: Fiasco
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    View system: Genesys
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    View system: Paranoia
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    View system: Orbital Blues
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