
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 appreciate its sharp pacing, bleak atmosphere, and how every tool or clue is significant. A professional Game Master ensures the fear remains enjoyable 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. Ideal for horror fans, team offsites seeking cooperative problem-solving under pressure, or adults planning a spooky night. Beginners are welcome. Veterans face challenging 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 your actions, the Game Master sets out the stakes, then you roll to see if your training and nerve hold. Stress increases as things go awry, and panic checks can cause you to scramble, freeze, or lash out. In fights or other crises, the game employs clear rounds and turns, ensuring everyone acts in order. Resources are crucial. You keep track of 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 provides the scenario, maps, handouts, safety tools, and the creeping unknown. One-shots dive straight into the mission and conclude in 3 to 4 hours with high stakes. Campaigns introduce downtime, advancement, ship upgrades, and mysteries that unfold over multiple sessions. Inform your Game Master of your preferred vibe, from investigative dread to creature feature, and they will match a style that fits how our GMs run.




Frequently Asked 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 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 provided. Come prepared for tense teamwork, clear communication, and a touch of grit. Beginners settle in quickly and feel useful from the start.
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 genuine possibilities. Your Game Master establishes the tone you desire, ranging from suspenseful and investigative to creature-focused and intense. They implement safety practices such as content check-ins and clear consent, and can provide quick backup characters if necessary. You are always aware of the risks before you roll. To find a GM whose style matches your group, browse GM playstyles.
Which edition shall we play, 1e or the original 0e?
Both 1e (2023) and 0e (2018) work brilliantly. 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. Inform your Game Master of your preference when you book. If you're uncertain, 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 is best enjoyed with 2 to 5 players. For a first game, 3 or 4 is ideal so everyone has their moment in the spotlight and decisions remain focused. One-shots typically last between 180 and 240 minutes, including a short break. Campaign sessions follow a similar duration, with added downtime and ship maintenance between missions. Two-player sessions can feel very personal and intense. Five-player groups enhance teamwork and communication under pressure. Let your Game Master know how much intensity you desire, and they will adjust the pacing accordingly.
What distinguishes Mothership from Dungeons and Dragons?
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 resemble tense investigations and crisis responses rather than dungeon crawls and lengthy combat sequences.
Is it appropriate for children or sensitive players?
This game is aimed at adults. Themes frequently involve fear, isolation, body horror, and difficult decisions under time constraints. If anyone in your group is sensitive to particular content, please 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 more light-hearted experience, the GM can facilitate a cleaner 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. All you need is 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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