The vast expanse of space is ripe for exploration, especially for space epics like Star Wars and Warhammer 40,000. That said, most sci-fi settings tend to be fantasy settings that just happen to be set in space. I love over-the-top settings, but there's times when you want to try something a bit more down to earth. After all, reality is still plenty fascinating. Certainly fascinating enough for the upcoming Pioneer RPG, a game set not-so-far from our own present.
In this space-faring TTRPG, you do not play as the chosen one, fated to save the galaxy from some ancient alien evil. Instead of thinking in terms of space opera, think more hard sci-fi stories such as The Martian and The Expanse. Missions such as establishing the first moonbase, mining dangerous asteroids, and becoming Mars' version of Neil Armstrong are the heart of this tabletop RPG.
Because being "first" truly does embody the excitement of space travel. History has shown just how much acclaim and impact one can have by being the first to do something. That said, being first comes with quite a lot of issues. Namely, you're probably gonna be the first to royally screw things up. Not as talked about are the countless failures of space travel, the many "almosts" who didn't make it into the history books.
That's where the roleplaying comes in, and Pioneer utilizes the iconic Traveller system. Character creation is impressively in-depth, and as many Traveller veterans can tell you, it's a game all on its own. From there, you get a slightly crunchier gameplay loop than D&D as far as social and on-foot missions go. Once you start managing spaceships, however, you may have to start practicing your Excel skills.
The Pioneer RPG Kickstarter ends on November 29, 2025.
Feel free to form a crew on your text tabletop campaign over at the Wargamer Discord. If you want some games by your lonesome, then these solo RPGs are wonderful games to explore.