
Shadowrun TTRPG · Shadowrun Roleplaying Game
Shadowrun
Shadowrun combines cyberpunk heists with magic and metahumans. You take on the role of a crew of specialists known as runners, hired to undertake jobs that corporations cannot handle. The city is drenched in neon and fraught with danger, populated by fixers, gangs, and corporate security. Each run involves a mix of legwork, social manoeuvres, infiltration, Matrix action, and the use of spirits or spells. Players appreciate the blend of gritty stakes, imaginative concepts, and gear that resonates. The tone can range from hardboiled to stylish or street-level, tailored to your group's preferences.
At the table, you plan a caper, scout the area, gather intelligence, and then strike the target. Tension escalates as alarms flash, watchers murmur, and security tightens. A professional Game Master balances action, intrigue, and consequences to ensure your team excels. Perfect for groups that enjoy collaboration and problem-solving. Beginners are welcome, as the GM provides guidance during play. Veterans will find crunchy options and intricate challenges. Ideal for one-off heists, birthdays, or an extended campaign with increasing stakes and valuable data.
How to play Shadowrun
Shadowrun uses pools of six-sided dice based on your skills and attributes. You roll, count 5s and 6s as hits, and aim to meet a difficulty set by the Game Master, or to surpass an opponent’s roll. Edge allows you to shift the odds when you have an advantage. On your turn, you state your intention, the GM clarifies any risks, you roll, and then together you narrate the outcome. Combat, hacking, and magic follow the same basic structure, with unique options for each role.
Players bring a character concept, a few priorities, and a willingness to collaborate. You’ll need a character sheet, some d6s, and a microphone if playing online. The Game Master provides the run, vivid NPCs, maps or a theatre of the mind, and safety tools. One-shots focus on a clear mission with pre-made characters or quick builds, allowing for fast-paced action. Campaigns develop your contacts, reputation, and the consequences between jobs. Most tables use Sixth World, and a GM can run earlier editions upon request. See online play options.




Common questions
Do we need to know any Shadowrun rules to play?
No prior Shadowrun experience is necessary. A professional Game Master will guide you through the basics at a comfortable pace. You can either come up with your own character ideas or choose from pre-made archetypes such as hacker, mage, rigger, or street muscle. The core mechanic is straightforward: roll a pool of d6s and count 5s and 6s as successes. The GM will manage the calculations, modifiers, and equipment details, allowing you to concentrate on your choices, teamwork, and style.
Which edition of Shadowrun will we be using for our session?
By default, the session uses Shadowrun Sixth World (2019). If your group prefers the 5th Edition or even earlier editions, please mention this when you book. The GM can prepare pre-generated characters and run material for that edition. If you already have characters from a previous campaign, the GM can assist in rebuilding the concept within the chosen ruleset. Rules references and cheat sheets are available at the table or online.
How do hacking, rigging, and magic function during gameplay?
In play, Matrix actions, drones, and spellcasting follow the same basic flow as everything else. You describe your goal, roll your dice, and we narrate the outcome. Deckers and riggers experience quick, cut-scene style moments rather than lengthy solo mini-games. Mages operate on the same clock as the team, with spirits and astral perception integrated into the scene. The GM frequently rotates the spotlight, keeps alerts and security levels visible, and links digital and magical risks to the mission.
How does Shadowrun differ from D&D?
Shadowrun is contemporary, heist-oriented, and equipment-intensive. You work for fixers and navigate through corporations, gangs, and contacts. Planning, groundwork, and stealthy entry are just as important as firefights. The team takes on roles instead of classes, with technology sitting alongside magic. Combat is perilous, and repercussions trail you between jobs. If you’re after noir or high-octane action, a GM can adjust the tone and difficulty. Check out examples of table approaches in GM playstyles.
What group size and session length are most effective?
Three to six players is ideal, with four or five being the sweet spot. A typical run takes about four to five hours, as time is spent on planning, recon, and coordinated action. With six players, you should anticipate the longer end of that range. One-shots often utilise pre-made characters to get started quickly. Campaign sessions are best kept between 240 to 300 minutes, with a short break to maintain focus and share the spotlight.
Is Shadowrun appropriate for teenagers or sensitive players?
Shadowrun is aimed at a mature audience. It explores themes such as corporate oppression, crime, violence, body modification, and the cost of power. It is not suitable for young children. Mature teens may participate with guidance, and the GM employs safety tools to establish boundaries and tone before beginning. Content can be kept at a street-level and stylish, or it can be darker if your group prefers. You decide what is shown and what remains off-screen.
Can we play Shadowrun online with maps and communication?
Absolutely. Shadowrun works brilliantly online. Your GM can utilise tactical maps for locations, provide handouts for floor plans, and manage trackers for alarms, drones, and spirits. Voice and text channels facilitate table talk and discreet communications. Hacking and rigging have dedicated boards that integrate into the main scene. To explore the supported tools, visit our online play platforms page.
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