Shadowrun

No prior Shadowrun experience is necessary. A professional Game Master will guide you through the basics and maintain a clear pace. You can either bring your own character ideas or choose from pre-made archetypes such as hacker, mage, rigger, or street muscle. The core mechanic is straightforward: roll a pool of d6s and count 5s and 6s as successes. The GM takes care of the calculations, modifiers, and equipment details, allowing you to concentrate on your choices, teamwork, and style.

By default, the session uses Shadowrun Sixth World (2019). If your group prefers the 5th Edition or even earlier editions, please mention this when you book. The GM can prepare pre-generated characters and run material for that edition. If you already have characters from a previous campaign, the GM can assist in rebuilding the concept in the chosen ruleset. Rules references and cheat sheets are provided at the table or online.

In play, Matrix actions, drones, and spellcasting follow the same basic flow as everything else. You describe the goal, roll your dice, and we narrate the outcome. Deckers and riggers experience quick, cut-scene style moments rather than lengthy solo mini-games. Mages operate on the same clock as the team, with spirits and astral perception integrated into the scene. The GM frequently rotates the spotlight, keeps alerts and security levels visible, and connects digital and magical risks to the mission.

Shadowrun is contemporary, heist-oriented, and gear-intensive. You work for fixers and navigate through corporations, gangs, and contacts. Planning, legwork, and stealthy entry are just as important as firefights. The team takes on roles rather than classes, with technology alongside magic. Combat is perilous, and consequences linger between jobs. If you're after noir or high-octane action, a GM can adjust the tone and difficulty. Check out examples of table approaches in GM playstyles.

Three to six players is ideal, with four or five being the sweet spot. A typical run takes about four to five hours, as time is spent on planning, recon, and coordinated action. With six players, you can expect to be closer to the longer end of that range. One-shots often use pre-made characters so you can jump straight in. Campaign sessions still run best at 240 to 300 minutes, with a short break to maintain focus and share the spotlight.

Shadowrun is aimed at a mature audience. It explores themes such as corporate oppression, crime, violence, body modification, and the cost of power. It is not suitable for young children. Mature teens may participate with guidance, and the GM employs safety tools to establish boundaries and tone before beginning. Content can be kept street-level and stylish, or darker if your group prefers. You decide what is visible and what remains off-screen.

Absolutely. Shadowrun works brilliantly online. Your GM can utilise tactical maps for locations, handouts for floor plans, and trackers for alarms, drones, and spirits. Voice and text channels facilitate table talk and discreet communications. Hacking and rigging have dedicated boards that integrate into the main scene. To explore the supported tools, visit our online play platforms page.