
Mothership TTRPG · Mothership Roleplaying Game
Mothership
Board a failing ship, sift through a haunted derelict, or respond to a distress signal that should have remained silent. Mothership delivers tight, modern sci-fi horror with a focus on tension, teamwork, and poor choices that feel all too human. You play working-class spacers, marines, androids, or scientists trying to complete the job and make it out alive. People love its sharp pacing, bleak atmosphere, and how every tool or clue matters. A professional Game Master keeps the fear fun and safe, adjusting intensity for your group.
A session feels like a thriller in slow motion: flickering lights, the hiss of air, motion tracker pings, and the clock always ticking. You explore, improvise, and decide when to push forward and when to cut your losses. Great for horror fans, team offsites that want cooperative problem-solving under pressure, or adults planning a spooky night. Beginners are welcome. Veterans face crunchy decisions and real consequences. Book a one-shot or start a campaign with our Game Masters in person or online.
How to play Mothership
In Mothership, you roll percentile dice to resolve risky actions. You describe what you do, the Game Master lays out the stakes, then you roll to see if your training and nerve hold. Stress increases as things go wrong, and panic checks can send you scrambling, freezing, or lashing out. In fights or other crises, the game uses clear rounds and turns, so everyone acts in order. Resources matter. You track ammo, air, patches, and time, which turns small choices into life-or-death decisions.
Players bring a character idea, a willingness to communicate comfort levels, and a taste for tense teamwork. The Game Master brings the scenario, maps, handouts, safety tools, and the creeping unknown. One-shots jump right into the mission and resolve in 3 to 4 hours with high stakes. Campaigns add downtime, advancement, ship upgrades, and mysteries that unfold over multiple sessions. Tell your Game Master your preferred vibe, from investigative dread to creature feature, and they will match a style that fits how our GMs run.




Common questions
Do we need to know any rules to try Mothership?
No. A professional Game Master teaches you everything you need at the table. You describe your actions, they explain the stakes, and you roll percentile dice to see how it goes. Character creation is quick, with clear roles like Marine, Teamster, Scientist, or Android. The stress and panic mechanics are straightforward and explained as they arise. All materials are provided. Come prepared for tense teamwork, clear communication, and a bit of grit. Beginners settle in quickly and feel useful right away.
How frightening or dangerous is it, and how do you ensure it remains safe?
It is survival horror, so injuries, equipment loss, and even character death are real possibilities. Your Game Master sets the tone you want, from suspenseful and investigative to creature-focused and intense. They use safety practices like content check-ins and clear consent, and can provide quick backup characters if needed. You always know the risk before you roll. To find a GM whose tone suits your group, browse GM playstyles.
Which edition will we play, 1e or the original 0e?
Both 1e (2023) and 0e (2018) work well. 1e is the refined version, featuring clarified rules, updated panic results, and streamlined character options. 0e has a lean, zine-era feel that some groups appreciate for quick pickup play. Most scenarios convert easily between editions. Let your Game Master know your preference when you book. If you're unsure, they will suggest an edition that suits your group size, experience level, and the scenario’s pacing.
What group size and session length are most effective?
Mothership shines with 2 to 5 players. For a first game, 3 or 4 is ideal so everyone gets a chance to shine and decisions remain sharp. One-shots typically run for 180 to 240 minutes with a short break. Campaign sessions follow the same duration, adding downtime and ship maintenance between missions. Two-player sessions feel very personal and intense. Five-player tables enhance teamwork and communication under pressure. Let your Game Master know how much intensity you desire, and they will adjust the pacing accordingly.
What sets Mothership apart from Dungeons and Dragons?
Mothership is survival horror science fiction, not heroic fantasy. You roll percentile checks, track limited resources, and confront threats that are often best avoided. Stress and panic influence behaviour under pressure. Advancement is modest, and your crew survives through planning, caution, and teamwork rather than accumulating powers. Roles like Marine or Scientist are based on gear and training, not magic. Missions feel more like tense investigations and crisis responses than dungeon crawls and lengthy combat sequences.
Is it appropriate for children or sensitive players?
This game is aimed at adults. Themes often involve fear, isolation, body horror, and difficult choices under time pressure. If anyone in your group is sensitive to certain content, inform the Game Master beforehand. They can offer content warnings, adjust what is presented, and focus on mystery, exploration, and problem-solving rather than graphic detail. For groups seeking a lighter experience, the GM can run a more family-friendly salvage or rescue scenario. It is not suitable for children.
Can we play online, and what technology do you use?
Yes. Sessions run smoothly online using video chat and a virtual tabletop for maps, handouts, and dice. Your Game Master provides pregenerated characters if needed, digital sheets, audio ambience, and simple tools like fog of war for added tension. You only need a stable internet connection, a microphone, and a modern browser. To explore common video and tabletop options and choose what works best for your group, check our online play platforms overview.
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