Quick Answer
If you're new to tabletop RPGs, start with the quickstart that matches your group's favorite setting: Dune for political intrigue, Star Trek Adventures for episodic exploration, or Dreams and Machines for a hopeful post-apocalyptic world.
Why Quickstarts Are the Best Entry Point
Quickstarts are designed to give you a taste of a game without the full rulebook commitment. They typically include pre-generated characters, a condensed rule set, and an introductory adventure. This makes them perfect for trying a new system or introducing friends to the hobby.
Each of the three quickstarts here offers a different flavor, so your choice should align with the kind of stories your group enjoys. Dune focuses on political maneuvering and survival on a harsh desert planet. Star Trek Adventures emphasizes exploration, diplomacy, and problem-solving in a hopeful future. Dreams and Machines presents a world where technology is both feared and revered, blending survival with mystery.
All three quickstarts are available as printed products, and you can purchase them separately. This gives you the flexibility to start with just one or collect them all to compare systems.
What to Consider Before You Buy
Think about your group's preferred genre, the complexity of the rules, and the time you're willing to invest in learning a new system. Dune and Star Trek Adventures are based on the 2d20 system, which uses a dice pool mechanic that may feel fresh to newcomers. Dreams and Machines also uses a variant of the 2d20 system, so if you learn one, you'll have a head start on the others.
Also consider the physical product: printed quickstarts are convenient for table use, and you can share them around the table. If you prefer digital, check if the publisher offers PDF versions, but for this guide we focus on the printed option.
Decision Rules: Choose Your Quickstart
- If your group loves political intrigue and epic world-building: Choose the Dune RPG quickstart. It focuses on faction politics, survival, and moral dilemmas in Frank Herbert's universe. The rules emphasize social conflict and resource management. Ideal for groups that enjoy negotiation and strategy over combat.
- If your group prefers episodic adventures and exploration: Choose the Star Trek Adventures – Second Edition quickstart. It captures the spirit of the TV series with missions that balance action, diplomacy, and discovery. The 2d20 system shines in cinematic moments. Great for fans of the franchise and groups that like flexible problem-solving.
- If your group enjoys a unique setting that blends hope and mystery: Choose the Dreams and Machines quickstart. It offers a far-future world cut off from Earth, where characters navigate a society that distrusts technology while relying on it. The tone is more introspective and survival-oriented. Perfect for players who want a fresh, non-franchise setting with deep lore.
Product Facts
-
Printed Quickstart - Dreams and Machines, Dune, Star Trek Adventures-Second Edition: This listing covers three printed quickstarts: Dreams and Machines, Dune, and Star Trek Adventures – Second Edition. You must choose the correct one(s) from the listing when purchasing. Make sure you select the specific quickstart you want before adding to cart, as they are not bundled together.
Printed Quickstart - Dreams and Machines, Dune, Star Trek Adventures-Second Edition
Who Should Choose Which
Best for
- Dune: groups that love political scheming, desert survival, and the Dune universe.
- Star Trek Adventures: groups that enjoy episodic missions, exploration, and classic sci-fi tropes.
- Dreams and Machines: groups that want a new, original world with a focus on mystery and the human condition.
Not for
- Dune: groups that prefer fast-paced combat and simple rules.
- Star Trek Adventures: groups that dislike dice pool mechanics or prefer more narrative-light systems.
- Dreams and Machines: groups that want a combat-heavy, action-oriented game.
