this post was submitted on 17 Jan 2026
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Howdy. So I’ve been running a 5e D&D game live at a table and another one on foundry. Both groups kind of collapsed over the holidays and that’s fine. I want to try a super hero RPG. I’ve been looking at Masks but it seems kind of teen focused which I’m not into. Does anyone know if this system is more adaptable than I’m giving it credit or if there is a better system they could recommend?

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[–] eerongal@ttrpg.network 1 points 7 hours ago

I really like the sentinels comics rpg - https://www.greaterthangames.com/pages/sentinel-comics

It's based on the sentinels of the multiverse card game, and has a really unique system. Basic low down - every roll you have die based on a "stat", a power, and your (or the scene's) status (green, yellow, red).

On a basic roll, you always take the middle die as your results. Powers might alter this or do something extra.

So for example, let's say you have super strength as a stat for a d8, a power die of a d6 for the power you're using, and a d6 for your current status (green). You'd roll all three of these and take whatever value is the "middle" result (so like d8 - 2, d6 - 4, d6- 5, you'd get a 4).

Powers might do something like "deal damage equal to the lowest die, but heal an ally for the middle die" or "deal damage with the highest die, but take a penalty equal to the lowest die"

[–] zero_spelled_with_an_ecks@programming.dev 2 points 15 hours ago* (last edited 15 hours ago) (1 children)

Champions

https://www.herogames.com/hero_system_basics.html/

I used to play some previous editions. It's extremely flexible. It's a point buy system. It has, for example, ways of defining a power that requires something external (which makes it cheaper in points), e.g. flight using a jet pack, and if that thing can be taken away. So you could build a Spider-Man that has web shooters that require ammo or you can make the one that spurts ropes right from his wrists.

It's also flexible in that there are two types of damage. The first is more for a more brawly combat where you get them down to 0 stamina (or whatever it's called) and they're unconscious. Then there's killing attacks that go for hp with an eye for making the other character dead. This makes it very easy for codes of conduct (e.g. no killing, which is also done with points) to easily be defined mechanically. Attacks can also be defined by what they can get through, like a psychic attack won't be dampened by physical defense (but might have a weakness against unobtainium).

There's also ways to build plot into characters. You can buy things like people important to your character ( that you may have to rescue), sidekicks, information contacts, nemesis, superior officers, organizations, etc.

My group managed to make great knock offs of Superman, the Flash, Iron Man, etc., but also had no problem with making a Sentai squad or a character that could copy abilities by absorbing them (which I suppose both MegaMan and Rogue do, but in different ways which you could define with this system).

And depending upon how many points you play with can determine if you're doing Daredevil keeping the streets clean type things or Avengers save the multiverses type thing.

[–] iconic_admin@lemmy.world 1 points 13 hours ago (1 children)

I’ve heard that champions was really deep rules wise. How true is that? Like it’s too deep so it’s hard to onboard new players.

You'll want a character builder, but otherwise it's 3d6 for most skill checks and a variable number of d6 for damage. You can check it out here. Most of it is about how to build powers, but once that's done, gameplay goes pretty quickly.

[–] _Nico198X_@europe.pub 1 points 13 hours ago

Outgunned has an upcoming supes game that's cool!

Outgunned Superheroes

[–] BlackXanthus@lemmy.world 3 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

West End Games' DC Superheros is a good place to start, but then, I'm a fan of most of what WEG used to do. You can get the pdf fairly cheaply, or pick up the core book.

Then you have mutants and masterminds, the grandaddy of superhero systems, which works really well, and scales a bit better than DC Superheroes, and the third edition pdf is available fairly easily, and they produces a DC Superheros skin for the game, and that's even easier to find. This system works really well for both dark and light superheroe games.

Then there's Brave New World, and iconic superhero RPG. Difficult to find these days, but the setting is fun with a leaning towards a Watchmen feel.

If you're looking for less super, more hero, then something like The Laundry is fun, and a very fun upbeat setting. Then you've got 'Is It A Plane's, an unusual system,, but really story driven and leans into the comic-book approach.

An honourable mention to GURPS, because you can play pretty much anything in it, including superheroes and you can get that dirt cheap on the internet.

Hope that helps!

[–] nocturne@slrpnk.net 1 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

West End Games' DC Superheros

I never would have guessed that was a WEG game. But I played DC years (well kids years, which seemed like an eternity) before I played d6 Star Wars.

[–] BlackXanthus@lemmy.world 1 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

The starwars d6 really worked as a system. Allowed for the really diverse characters of the starwars universe. Especially with the addition of advanced skills to allow for diversification. Much better than Wizards attempt in 3.5. I've heard good things about starwars on the few fate system, but haven't yet played it because I'm poor.

[–] nocturne@slrpnk.net 1 points 13 hours ago

The new Marvel 616 system uses a variation of the WEG d6 system.

I have some of the Star Wars FATE books, but have not played it any because I am not a fan of proprietary dice. And the d6 system was pretty much perfect.

Back when Wizards put out their Star Wars game my d6 group was really excited to try it. We did like half a session before everyone voted to go back to d6.

[–] nocturne@slrpnk.net 2 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

I know nothing about masks, but it is by Magpie games, which means it is a Powered by the Apocalypse game. I personally do not care for those games at all. YMMV.

When I run superhero games I either use Palladium Games' Heroes Unlimited, or TSR's Marvel Superheroes.

Marvel also has a new RPG system called the 616 system. It utilizes 3d6 one of which is a different color. The upside to using this system, is it is currently in print... unlike the TSR Marvel system.

Heroes Unlimited may still be in print too. I know Palladium just reprinted TMNT & Other Strangeness. That is a spin off of HU and the two work well together.

Back in the late 80s into 90s there was a DC Superhero game too. I do not remember much about it, I think at only played a session or two of it. And I cannot remember who published it.

Mutants and Masterminds is another superhero game, I have never played it myself though.

[–] RebekahWSD@lemmy.world 1 points 13 hours ago

Mutants and Masterminds is fun but making a character is a nightmare. It took several hours even with a computer app that theoretically had every book and option in it. And that's like hour per player at least.

Buuuuut once it's done you're mostly just rolling a single d20 so things are much simpler in game.