Paranoia

Paranoia TTRPG · Paranoia XP

Paranoia

Paranoia is a classic dystopian comedy where you work for The Computer, keep society safe, and likely betray someone before lunch. You are a Troubleshooter with a secret mutation and a clandestine society, armed with dangerous gear and a dubious mission. Death is part of the joke, thanks to replacement clones. The enjoyment lies in sharp banter, sly notes, and unexpected twists.

A session feels quick, tense, and very amusing. The Game Master sets clear objectives and chaotic obstacles, then ensures the mayhem remains fair and engaging. It is ideal for newcomers who prefer story over rules, and veterans seeking a clever change of pace. Perfect for 3 to 6 players, adult birthdays, or team offsites that appreciate playful rivalry. If you want guidance on tone before booking, browse GM playstyles.

How to play Paranoia

Your GM will select the edition and teach you in minutes. Most modern tables roll pools of six-sided dice to exceed a target number, with additional effects when you take risks. A turn is straightforward. State your intention, the GM will call for a roll when necessary, then narrate success, complications, or delightful disasters. Expect secret notes, unexpected equipment failures, and The Computer posing awkward questions.

You should come prepared to bluff, be deceived, and find humour in failure. No preparation is required. Your Game Master will provide the mission briefing, handouts, props or digital tools, and will manage the balance between competition and enjoyment. For online games, they will handle voice, maps, and whispers on your chosen online play platform.

One-shots concentrate on a single mission at low clearance with exciting twists and quick character turnovers. Campaigns introduce promotions, recurring NPCs, and long-term schemes. Your secret society agendas and grudges will develop, consequences will persist, and the group can shift from light-hearted to intensely serious as you progress.

Group of four friends in playful sunglasses and dark outfits, posing indoors with a fun and casual vibe.
Group of four friends in playful sunglasses and dark outfits, posing indoors with a fun and casual vibe.
Close-up of a blue eight-sided die with gold numbers, used for tabletop role-playing games like dungeos and dragons.
Close-up of a blue eight-sided die with gold numbers, used for tabletop role-playing games like dungeos and dragons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read the rules or lore before we play?

No. You can arrive unprepared. A professional Game Master will get you up to speed quickly. You will use simple six-sided dice when the outcome is uncertain, but the focus is on quick decisions, bluffing, and conversation at the table. The premise is straightforward, even for newcomers. The Computer sends you, a Troubleshooter with some secrets, on a risky mission. Your GM provides any handouts and explains only what is necessary, right when you need it.

How vicious is the backstabbing, and how do you ensure it remains enjoyable?

Paranoia thrives on friendly rivalry rather than real-life tension. Your GM establishes the tone and boundaries from the outset, employs safety tools, and crafts conflicts so that no one feels singled out or left on the sidelines. Player-versus-player moments are short and humorous, with clear exits. Clones and the mission structure ensure everyone remains engaged. If you favour gentler or sharper humour, you can select a GM whose style aligns with your preferences on GM playstyles.

Which edition are we playing, and does it matter?

Our Game Masters typically select a recent Mongoose edition that fits your group, often the Perfect Edition 2023 or Red Clearance 2017. Older versions can be provided upon request. The core experience remains consistent across editions: hidden agendas, suspicious briefings, and chaotic equipment. While the rules may differ slightly between versions, you will pick up what you need at the table and be playing within minutes.

Will my character die frequently? How do clones function?

Indeed, characters often find themselves in precarious situations, and some may not make it through. This is all part of the humour. You begin with several clones of the same character. When one is lost, you swiftly return with the next clone and carry on with the mission. There is no player elimination. The GM manages clone swaps efficiently to keep the pace brisk and ensure everyone stays engaged.

What group size and session length are most effective?

Paranoia is best enjoyed with 3 to 6 players. Anticipate around 3 to 4 hours for a one-shot, which includes briefing, misadventures, and a thrilling finale. Shorter sessions are feasible but allow less time for scheming. Longer bookings can incorporate promotions, recurring NPCs, and ongoing agendas. A professional Game Master ensures that scenes are paced well, so that table time feels balanced and every player has their moment to shine.

How does Paranoia differ from D&D?

D&D focuses on teamwork, exploration, and tactical combat. Paranoia highlights satire, secrets, and rapid twists. The rules are simpler, the map is less important, and social manoeuvring is at the forefront. You will encounter more conflicting objectives, malfunctioning equipment, and Computer oversight than dungeon rooms. If you appreciate story-driven play with a mischievous tone and quick decisions, Paranoia offers a refreshing alternative.

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Genres you can play in Paranoia

  • Dystopian

    Struggle to survive in a world that monitors your every action, reminiscent of 1984. Conceal yourself, hack systems, and resist as you…

    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
  • Comedy

    Light-hearted adventures where the punchline is just as important as the plot. Imagine the energy of Monty Python and the Holy Grail at the…

    View genre: Comedy
  • Futuristic

    Adventures set in the near to far future where technology influences every decision, from vibrant megacities to remote space outposts…

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  • Absurd

    Worlds where logic takes a holiday. Anticipate absurd rules, existential humour, and unexpected dread, much like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to…

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What players think

  • Tom was brilliant! He was really great with the children and very patient with his explanations. It was a wonderful evening and definitely worth doing again! The kids asked the next day when we would be doing this again.

    Danny

  • 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 really good job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot and 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. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His attitude was fantastic, and he made the game enjoyable for all. I particularly appreciated how he could clearly explain what was required from 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 wonderful 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. Thank you!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I arranged a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very enthusiastic about it, and he was thoroughly 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

  • A very good GM, Baptiste adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. One issue was with the character sheets provided, which were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. For instance, our cleric was missing spells (no 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 enabled the players to fully immerse themselves in the game by allowing them to control how they wanted their actions to be carried out. I would certainly work with her again.

    John

  • A pleasant and straightforward introduction to D&D. Amber was adept at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the rhythm and concentrate on the narrative. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack strategies was an enjoyable experience and provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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