Shadowrun — Cyberpunk + fantasy d6-pool — magic meets the Matrix

"Cyberware, magic, and dragons in a world of megacorps."

Free

Diced6 pool

Players3–6

Prep~25 min

Foundry VTTCommunity

Complexity

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What is this system

Shadowrun is a tabletop RPG from Catalyst Game Labs (6th Edition, 2019), a unique hybrid of cyberpunk and fantasy. Set in 2080 (the Sixth World) — magic has returned to Earth, metahumans (elves, orks, trolls, dwarves) coexist with cyberware and the Matrix. d6 pool system: roll Attribute + Skill, count hits on 5s and 6s. Shadowrunners are deniable assets who take illegal jobs from corporations.

Setting

The Sixth World, 2080 — megacorporations rule, magic has returned, metahumans are full citizens. Seattle is the primary setting. Three genres in one: cyberpunk (hacking, cyberware), fantasy (magic, dragons, elves), and heist (shadow operations).

What it looks like at the table

A shaman Shadowrunner summons a wind spirit. Five d6: 3, 5, 1, 6, 2 = two hits. A decker jacks into the Matrix — ICE locks him out. A street samurai with a katana carves through security. The dealer screams: 'Time's running out!' A dragon-megamogul watches from the Aztechnology tower. Welcome to the Sixth World.

Playstyle

Tactical Combat Narrative Cyberpunk Fantasy

Key mechanics

d6 Pool

Roll Attribute + Skill in d6s. Hits on 5s and 6s. Simple but elegant math. Crits on sixes in the pool.

Edge

A unique resource: luck, intuition, daring. Lets you reroll dice, add hits, or activate special abilities. Replenished through character backstory.

Four Layers

Physical world, Magic, Matrix (hacking), Rigging (mecha). Each layer is its own subsystem. Together — complex but rewarding mechanics.

Metahumans

Elves, orks, dwarves, trolls, humans — each with unique attribute modifiers and traits. Magic and cyberware clash through Essence.

What people say

While Shadowrun players may not like all the mechanical choices from the system, almost everyone loves the fluff the world provides. It's deep and engaging with lots of short stories. This will make you want some cyberpunk tabletop in your life.— Edward Kabara, RPGnet

The roleplaying classic of magic and cybertech comes of age with a streamlined, unified system that produces a fluid and fun game. Sets a real benchmark for how to layout, write and design a game.— Conan McKegg, RPGnet

Art & materials