In this video, Daniel from The Dungeon Dive presents three different tools to help build and explore a galaxy for science fiction tabletop games. He emphasizes that most of his content leans toward fantasy, but he’s starting to delve into science fiction, particularly the weirder, more bizarre aspects like “science fantasy.”
The three tools Daniel covers are:
- Space Aces: Voyages and Infinite Space – This tool is ideal for players who enjoy fun, light-hearted, and wacky science fiction with an 80s anime or Saturday morning cartoon feel. It provides simple, fast, and creative ways to generate galaxies and planets using random charts and hex tiles. Daniel highlights its ease of use, playful tone, and how much fun it brings to space exploration.
- Stardogs: The Referee’s Handbook – This is a more serious and versatile tool packed with random tables and charts for generating galaxies, planets, NPCs, and more. Stardogs is great for creating rich, varied science fiction universes and offers endless possibilities for solo role-playing or running a game. Daniel is especially impressed with how dense this slim book is, full of useful content for galaxy-building.
- Galaxy Builder Decks – These provide a more grounded and serious approach to galaxy-building. Daniel suggests this system for those who enjoy more realistic or survival-based sci-fi, like The Expanse or No Man’s Sky. It allows players to randomly create planets, stars, and civilizations, with each card packed with traits and details. Daniel appreciates the level of depth and variety it offers.
Daniel also touches on Dead Names: Lost Races and Forgotten Ruins by Kevin Crawford, a supplement focused on creating ancient alien civilizations, which can layer on top of the other systems for a richer exploration of lost worlds and alien technology.
Overall, Daniel emphasizes how each system caters to different styles of science fiction and offers unique ways to create, explore, and enjoy galaxy-building in tabletop games.