STALKER 2’s Tabletop RPG Counterpart: Rad

STALKER 2 has been out for a week now, a pivotal moment in the lifespan of any game. It’s enough time for players to dive in and start forming opinions, but not quite enough for all those pesky bugs to be ironed out. As players settle in, the craving for similar experiences tends to grow. Enter Rad, a tabletop RPG set in a post-soviet nuclear wasteland, ready to fill that void.

Rad is the brainchild of Argentinian game designer Hipólita. It’s crafted around a fascinating alternate history where, amidst Cold War tensions, the U.S. opts for nuclear aggression. The result? Survivors are forced underground, battling the persistent radiation up above. In this bleak, new world, survival hinges on the strength and unity of communities. Here, bullets aren’t just ammo; they’re currency, each one a precious commodity in a ravaged economy.

The game’s core is heavily influenced by the Old School Renaissance style, drawing particular inspiration from Isaac Williams’ Mausritter, an RPG featuring adventurous woodland creatures. True to its theme, Rad embraces a classless system, allowing players to choose from 36 distinct backgrounds. Progression is deeply tied to community values, with players advancing by embracing solidarity, mutual aid, and collaborative efforts.

Rad’s diverse mechanics cater to different player interests, offering various avenues to explore. Want to manage a community filled with both allies and foes? There are rules for that. Interested in crafting and mapping out territories? Minigames have you covered. And for those with a strategic edge, resource management and exploration quests reward careful planning. If you’re a fan of the first-person shooter elements from the STALKER series, Rad doesn’t disappoint. It features options for upgrading and customizing firearms, ensuring everyone’s need for action is satisfied.