Best way to learn GURPS

equals · 05-25-2018, 09:29 PM

What is the best way to learn how to play GURPS? Would playing the Dungeon Fantasy box set be a good way? I have the Basic set books. I just want to learn how to play to get a better idea before making a huge campaign.

Mark Skarr · 05-25-2018, 09:40 PM

Best way, would be to join a group with an experienced GURPS GM.

After that, would be to create some simple games. Don't use too many of the rules at first. As you play, add more rules.

Make some 100 point gun-monkeys and run them through a shopping mall shooting at each other. Learn the ranged combat rules. Don't let them use any melee rules.

Next time, make some 100 point melee-monkeys and have them beat the snot out of each other in a McDoogals. Learn the melee rules. Don't let them throw stuff, stick to melee.

Then, create some 100 point characters, let them have different skills, and have them fight zombies (everyone loves zombies). Try different combat techniques and let the party see how they work together.

Get the combat rules down and everything else will fall into place fairly easily.

Mark Skarr · 05-25-2018, 09:46 PM

There's also How to be a GURPS GM, which will help somewhat.

I thought it was in Warehouse 23, but GURPS for Dummies doesn't appear to be there. But, it's another tool to utilize.

~~evileeyore~~ · 05-25-2018, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by equals

Would playing the Dungeon Fantasy box set be a good way?

Sure.

But seriously, find a group that already plays and join them. Even if it's just an online game every couple of weeks.

Mark Skarr · 05-25-2018, 10:13 PM

If you have questions, please ask. We're happy to answer them, and help you out.

Welcome to the jungle.

RyanW · 05-25-2018, 10:55 PM

Learning to play GURPS is just like learning to swim, except it isn't done in water, isn't athletic in any way, and is a less useful skill if your sailboat is sinking.

Seriously, though. I would say start small. The conventional first step is probably creating a few characters and having them beat the crap out of each other. The Mook's combat examples (found here) are a good place to see the rules in use (Mook is also the author of How to be a GURPS GM). Ask about any details you are having trouble with here.

More than anything, the key is to approach GURPS as a toolkit, and you need to not only know how to use each tool, but also when to use each tool. Each option you add in is a potential pitfall, and you shouldn't add it unless you know why you are adding it.

ericbsmith · 05-26-2018, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Skarr

I thought it was in Warehouse 23, but GURPS for Dummies doesn't appear to be there. But, it's another tool to utilize.

It's available in print or eBook through the For Dummies store. Also available (for cheaper) in print or Kindle on Amazon.

SteamBub · 05-26-2018, 02:16 AM

Trapped in the Living Tomb is a neat article that plays like a choose your own adventure book while teaching you how to play. Also there is GURPS Simple Fantasy, haven't played with it myself, but looks to be a good way to get introduced to GURPS.

Gollum · 05-26-2018, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by equals

What is the best way to learn how to play GURPS? Would playing the Dungeon Fantasy box set be a good way? I have the Basic set books. I just want to learn how to play to get a better idea before making a huge campaign.

The very first step is, without contest, GURPS Lite. It gives all the fundamental rules, without the detail that often confuse newcomers ...

It is a 32 pages booklet which allows to learn the game quickly. And it is still a complete game, fully compatible with the whole game: after playing it during a while, you can take your GURPS Lite characters and go on playing with the Basic Set without having the least change to make. You can then add more optional rules, step by step, as you need them to make the game more fun and crunchy.

There are three pages which explain in detail how to start with GURPS. You can read them to have longer advice.

Welcome to GURPS. That one is written by Eric B. Smith. It's the best one to know all what you have to know about GURPS rapidly and confidently.
Series: New to GURPS Welcome. That one is written by Warren "Mook" Wilson (the author of How to Be a GURPS GM!). It is the best one to discover GURPS step by step.
Starting with GURPS. That one is written by me. If you see any problem with it (including language problem - English is not my other tongue), don't hesitate to say it.

Welcome in the outstanding world of GURPS (you made the best choice) and have a lot of fun!

InfinitePudding · 05-26-2018, 10:40 PM

I own both How to be a GURPS GM and GURPS for Dummies, I also own GURPS Adaptations. I endorse all three :)

05-25-2018, 09:29 PM	#1
equals Join Date: Nov 2017	Best way to learn GURPS What is the best way to learn how to play GURPS? Would playing the Dungeon Fantasy box set be a good way? I have the Basic set books. I just want to learn how to play to get a better idea before making a huge campaign.

05-25-2018, 09:40 PM	#2
Mark Skarr Forum Pervert (If you have to ask . . .) Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Somewhere high up.	Re: Best way to learn GURPS Best way, would be to join a group with an experienced GURPS GM. After that, would be to create some simple games. Don't use too many of the rules at first. As you play, add more rules. Make some 100 point gun-monkeys and run them through a shopping mall shooting at each other. Learn the ranged combat rules. Don't let them use any melee rules. Next time, make some 100 point melee-monkeys and have them beat the snot out of each other in a McDoogals. Learn the melee rules. Don't let them throw stuff, stick to melee. Then, create some 100 point characters, let them have different skills, and have them fight zombies (everyone loves zombies). Try different combat techniques and let the party see how they work together. Get the combat rules down and everything else will fall into place fairly easily.

05-25-2018, 09:46 PM	#3
Mark Skarr Forum Pervert (If you have to ask . . .) Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Somewhere high up.	Re: Best way to learn GURPS There's also How to be a GURPS* GM, which will help somewhat. I thought it was in Warehouse 23, but GURPS* for Dummies doesn't appear to be there. But, it's another tool to utilize.

05-25-2018, 10:13 PM	#5
Mark Skarr Forum Pervert (If you have to ask . . .) Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Somewhere high up.	Re: Best way to learn GURPS If you have questions, please ask. We're happy to answer them, and help you out. Welcome to the jungle.

05-25-2018, 10:55 PM	#6
RyanW ☣ Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Southeast NC	Re: Best way to learn GURPS Learning to play GURPS is just like learning to swim, except it isn't done in water, isn't athletic in any way, and is a less useful skill if your sailboat is sinking. Seriously, though. I would say start small. The conventional first step is probably creating a few characters and having them beat the crap out of each other. The Mook's combat examples (found here) are a good place to see the rules in use (Mook is also the author of How to be a GURPS GM). Ask about any details you are having trouble with here. More than anything, the key is to approach GURPS as a toolkit, and you need to not only know how to use each tool, but also when to use each tool. Each option you add in is a potential pitfall, and you shouldn't add it unless you know why you are adding it. __________________ RyanW - Actually one normal sized guy in three tiny trenchcoats.

05-26-2018, 02:16 AM	#8
SteamBub Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Mojave	Re: Best way to learn GURPS Trapped in the Living Tomb is a neat article that plays like a choose your own adventure book while teaching you how to play. Also there is GURPS Simple Fantasy, haven't played with it myself, but looks to be a good way to get introduced to GURPS.

05-26-2018, 10:40 PM	#10
InfinitePudding Join Date: Mar 2014	Re: Best way to learn GURPS I own both How to be a GURPS GM and GURPS for Dummies, I also own GURPS Adaptations. I endorse all three :)