Best toolbox RPG to start with?

[rhythmsoundmotion]

I have heard GURPS, Cortex Prime, and Fate (plus others) all called toolbox RPGs. And I have seen criticism about difficulty of use aimed at most of them. But which toolbox RPG does the best explanation for newcomers? What is the best toolbox RPG to use first?

And I know the usual advice is to choose the toolbox RPG that fits your campaign concept the best. But maybe that is the best SECOND toolbox RPG to try.

 

[Reynard]

Of those, I think Fate Core is probably the most accessible. That said, the line between "toolbox" and "generic system" can be fuzzy. I would put both GURPS and Hero closer the the "generic" end of the continuum, and FUDGE near the toolbox end. Fate is probably right near the middle.

 

[jdrakeh]

Probably the 10th Anniversary Edition of Fudge (OOP hardcover, or PDF here).

 

[Reynard]

Probably the 10th Anniversary Edition of Fudge (OOP hardcover, or PDF here).

That's a big, stereo instructions style book. I certainly did not find it accessible.

 

[jdrakeh]

That's a big, stereo instructions style book. I certainly did not find it accessible.

Weird. I found it both the most accessible version of Fudge and more accessible than any version of Fate, save for FAE. I certainly found it more accessible than any edition of GURPS core or Hero System.

 

[rhythmsoundmotion]

Of those, I think Fate Core is probably the most accessible. That said, the line between "toolbox" and "generic system" can be fuzzy. I would put both GURPS and Hero closer the the "generic" end of the continuum, and FUDGE near the toolbox end. Fate is probably right near the middle.

What is a campaign idea to build in Fate Core that is comprehensive but straightforward?

 

[rhythmsoundmotion]

Probably the 10th Anniversary Edition of Fudge (OOP hardcover, or PDF here).

What is a campaign idea to build in Fudge that is comprehensive but straightforward?

 

[jdrakeh]

What is a campaign idea to build in Fudge that is comprehensive but straightforward?

The 10th Anniversary Edition of Fudge comes with a 100% complete example classic fantasy implementation (ala D&D) that you can build with the rules. It outlines character creation, multiple types of magic, provides an introductory adventure, and comes with a brief bestiary. It's very straightforward. But being a toolbox book/system, the 10th Anniversary Edition of Fudge isn't limited to that (it also includes rules for cybernetics, psionics, and superpowers). It's just a good starting point that shows you what Fudge can do.

 

[dragoner]

I have heard GURPS, Cortex Prime, and Fate (plus others) all called toolbox RPGs. And I have seen criticism about difficulty of use aimed at most of them. But which toolbox RPG does the best explanation for newcomers? What is the best toolbox RPG to use first?

And I know the usual advice is to choose the toolbox RPG that fits your campaign concept the best. But maybe that is the best SECOND toolbox RPG to try.

It will cross paths with what genre, adventure type, and mechanics you like. Such as D&D, Basic Role Playing, or 2d6. There are a lot out there.

 

[Umbran]

I have heard GURPS, Cortex Prime, and Fate (plus others) all called toolbox RPGs. And I have seen criticism about difficulty of use aimed at most of them. But which toolbox RPG does the best explanation for newcomers? What is the best toolbox RPG to use first?

Newcomer... to what? In what sense?

The path to becoming a craftsperson of any sort does not usually start with picking up an entire toolbox, unless you are attending school for the craft. It normally starts instead with one small job that needs to be done, and a couple of tools needed to do just that job, requiring at least two trips to the hardware store to collect what you need.

The collection of tools grows as you do a job here and a job there. Eventually you buy a tackle box to hold them in. And what a motley collection it is, with too many hex wrenches, a Philips screwdriver that's half-stripped and mostly useless, and several "adapters" that you no longer know what they adapted.

If you're really dedicated, or suffered a drastic life change, you may eventually replace the motley collection, and pick up a new, purpose-designed toolbox filled with a curated collection of purpose-designed tools. It isn't usually a step for "newcomers".