As far as sci-fi on the tabletop goes, Warhammer 40k tends to be the first to pop up in people's minds. Given the franchise's penchant for copious amounts of shouting and "dakka", it's not hard to see why. Even so, there are plenty of sci-fi tabletop experiences out there for those who look deeper. If the relentless onslaught of grimdark is getting old, then perhaps the classic vibes of the Traveller RPG will soothe you.
The Traveller Classic RPG Collection features 61 books from the iconic franchise, more than enough to get started. With the 88% off discount knocking that $342 price down to $15.99, there's no better time to pick these classics up. The Traveller RPG enjoys a similar longevity to D&D books. Since its release in 1977, the franchise and its systems have spawned countless books and spin-offs.
One of the benefits of being a long-running franchise is a massive repository of sourcebooks. Favorites among the fandom include the Handbooks. These expand upon specific mechanics and concepts in the Travellerverse, such as robots, vehicles, star ships, and even planets. Few other franchises can rival the depth that Traveller has to offer, especially for classic sci-fi fans.
From a gameplay perspective, it's wonderfully human. Instead of overpowered heroes saving the day, you play as average joes trying to survive extraordinary circumstances. Stories such as Star Trek and The Expanse fit wonderfully into Traveller's core gameplay loop, and many fans have made adventures in that vein.
Arguably the most robust of its systems is the character generation. Instead of the typical character sheet, Traveller has you live out a character's life to create them. This is done through rolls, wherein you pick up strengths, weaknesses, and experiences that form the grizzled explorer you will become. It's an experience that's best felt on the table, as it's unlike any other character creation I've done.
The Traveller Classic RPG Collection Fanatical sale ends on January 28, 2026.
The Wargamer Discord has plenty of potential crewmates for your next starship expedition. For more options, these are the best tabletop RPGs, as chosen by Wargamer.