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 unfolds. Character creation is quick, with clear roles such as Marine, Teamster, Scientist, or Android. The stress and panic mechanics are straightforward and explained as they arise. All materials are supplied. Come prepared for intense teamwork, clear communication, and a touch of grit. Beginners adapt quickly and feel useful from the start.

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 risks before you roll. To find a GM whose tone suits your group, browse GM playstyles.

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.

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 pace accordingly.

Mothership is survival horror science fiction, not heroic fantasy. You roll percentile checks, manage limited resources, and confront threats that are often best avoided. Stress and panic influence behaviour under pressure. Progression is modest, and your crew survives through planning, caution, and teamwork rather than accumulating powers. Roles such as Marine or Scientist are based on equipment and training, not magic. Missions feel more like tense investigations and crisis responses rather than dungeon crawls and lengthy combat scenarios.

This game is aimed at adults. Themes often involve fear, isolation, body horror, and difficult decisions under time pressure. If anyone in your group is sensitive to certain content, please inform the Game Master beforehand. They can offer content warnings, adjust what is displayed, and focus on mystery, exploration, and problem-solving rather than graphic detail. For groups seeking a lighter experience, the GM can facilitate a more family-friendly salvage or rescue scenario. It is not suitable for children.

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.