Basic Fantasy RPG | OSR's best value?

Now in its 4th edition, Basic Fantasy has been around for over a decade. Its free to download, and print versions are sold at cost. Is this the best value in the OSR? Let's take a look!

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[dmforsyth]

My solution to the "what should I get?" dilemma was an easy one. I got them all. At these prices, how could I not? And I know Mr Gonnerman is selling them at cost, so he's not making any money off me, but I hope that buying his books will at least serve as a big thank you, to show him how much we appreciate his work and his generosity. Trust me, folks, get the 4th Ed core rules at least. You won't be disappointed.

[Arcboltkonrad]

I've supported BFRPG for years. Heck, one of my adventures is in the Adventure Anthology 3 that only recently came out!

[TeranceCrosby]

I contributed some art to the 4ed book and revised Morgansfort it was great being involved with such a great community :)

[SupremeCleave]

It's always a good day when a new vid from captcorajus drops.

[TheFantasticIsFact]

BFRPG is terrific. Definitely one of the best deals not just in the OSR but in tabletop RPGs period. It's a great introduction to the OSR but also a great, meaty game in its own right: no need to "graduate" to other games like OSE, LotFP, OSRIC, or whatever.

[MarkMcMillen]

Thanks for highlighting this great game system. As you point out, its the best value in gaming because its free and the overall system is extremely close to early D&D for those of us who enjoy that type of system. Not only that but there is an active community supporting and evolving this system.

[ArkTangentStudios]

At this point for me, the captain's videos feel nostalgic even when they are only two weeks old.

[MrEd]

I remember my favourite DM had the AD&D Player's Handbook while I and the other players bought everything that came out in 1st and 2nd edition AD&D.We spent tons of money and had variously unbalanced and complicated games while he just created and refereed the best, most memorable games. Basic Fantasy is just that - everything you need, and it's coherent and concise. What a gift!

[weirdguy]

There are four free games I recommend to everyone. Basic Fantasy is one. Olde Swords Reign is another game like BF, but with a few 5E bits added in. Next, Pocket Fantasy is probably the best rules lite RPG that is only about 10 pages long with the extra classes, which I do recommend getting, and only uses 1D6 for everything. Lastly, Mini-Six Bare Bones, which is a paired down, but also updated version of Star Wars D6 rules, and can still do Star Wars just fine, and is included as a knock-off setting called Imperium in Revolt However, Mini-Six is meant to be used for any setting now, not just Star Wars. I like it a lot.

[zipper]

Two of my favorite adventures are from Basic Fantasy: The Zombraire's Estate, and Blackapple Brugh. Highly recommended!

[phaedruslive]

I really wish Chris could put together an 'advanced' players book with all the optional classes and races in print. I understand the difficulty in monetizing community contributions, though. It'd just be nice.

[jaksida]

What a lovely coincidence to get this right as I was about to prep some material for a Basic Fantasy game

[TardisCaptain]

At the end of 2022 I used Basic Fantasy to introduce some 5e players to an OSR game and they loved it. I posted about it on my blog (with their feedback) and I'm planning to polish up the one-shot for an upcoming gaming convention.

[Malcadon]

I have known about Basic Fantasy RPG for years now and have a number of them already. I even got some additional BF books for Chrismass. Always good to see BF get more love! Keep-up the great reviews!🤘

[darthjoel]

I picked up this OSR game couple years ago and it is very well done. Ty for reviewing it!

[HNXMedia]

Basic Fantasy is WELL WORTH paying for the printed version. Such a great ruleset. Monkey Isle is a spectacular "Isle of Dread" style adventure.

[fromthehildt]

Hello Captcorajus. Happy New Year, bud. I actually played some Basic Fantasy this year. It's a good update on a classic.

[Fnordathoth]

When confronted with the question "What should I get?" the answer is all of them. Happy New Year!

[bryanalexander]

I actually really like "Into the Unknown". It has the streamlined ease of 5e without a million subclasses each with a bunch of superpowers.

[TheGeekDaddy]

Best way to end the year, thanks and Happy New Year!