Sword World TTRPG English Release After 30 Years in Japan

After 30 years of being only in Japan, the Sword World TTRPG is coming to English speakers. This game is as big in Japan as D&D is in the US.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Tabletop Games |

For over thirty years, Sword World has been a leading tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) in Japan, a complex system that has deeply influenced fantasy genres in the country. Despite its significant cultural footprint, the game has remained largely inaccessible to English-speaking audiences. Now, a new effort by Mugen Gaming promises to change this, bringing the Sword World TTRPG to the global market with its first official English translation. This release aims to address common TTRPG challenges and offers a distinct experience for both new and seasoned players.

Sword World fixes the biggest TTRPG problem with its innovative Fellow System - 1

Genesis and Global Reach

Sword World's origins are intertwined with Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and the popular Record of Lodoss War franchise. The game was initially conceived by Group SNE, a Japanese gaming group that started by playing D&D and chronicling their adventures. When an official Lodoss War campaign setting for D&D did not materialize due to rejections from TSR (the original D&D publisher), Group SNE developed its own rules system, which evolved into Sword World.

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Sword World fixes the biggest TTRPG problem with its innovative Fellow System - 2

  • Sword World has been a representative fantasy roleplaying game in Japan, holding a position akin to D&D's standing in the United States.

  • The game has had a wide-reaching influence, inspiring various anime, video games, and even concepts like magic crests found in other media.

  • Its impact is also seen in the persistence of "replay" formats for game sessions and elements in popular games like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, covering class systems, world-building, and quest progression.

The English Translation Initiative

The announcement of an official English translation by Mugen Gaming, a company specializing in localizing Japanese games, marks a significant moment for the TTRPG community. This endeavor involves the upcoming release of Sword World 2.5, with plans for crowdfunding to support a deluxe edition that consolidates the core rulebooks.

Sword World fixes the biggest TTRPG problem with its innovative Fellow System - 3

  • Mugen Gaming has begun releasing early materials, including a free downloadable PDF of the Sword World RPG Quickstart.

  • This Quickstart is an early version of the Sword World 2.5 system and includes essential components for new players: core rules overview, a solo adventure, a one-shot campaign, and pre-generated characters.

  • Fans can find further updates and engage with the community through the official Sword World Discord server and the swordworldrpg.com website.

  • A crowdfunding campaign is planned for next year to support the full release.

Core Mechanics and Innovation

Sword World utilizes a 2D6 system for resolving actions. While specific attribute generation might still involve 3D6, the primary resolution relies on the two six-sided dice. This system includes a target number mechanic for skill-based checks.

  • A roll of 12 on the 2D6 is an automatic success, while a roll of 2 is an automatic failure but also awards experience points (XP).

  • A notable feature highlighted is the game's encouragement of multiclassing. An open multiclass system allows players to use experience points to develop skills across various roles, offering significant character customization.

  • The upcoming English release will feature the Raxia setting, which is associated with the second edition of the game, rather than the original Forcellia setting.

Addressing TTRPG Challenges

One of the key aspects of the Sword World TTRPG highlighted is its purported ability to address a persistent problem within the TTRPG landscape, often referred to as the "biggest TTRPG problem." While the specific nature of this problem is not fully elaborated upon in the provided summaries, the game's mechanics, particularly its approach to multiclassing and player progression, are suggested as innovative solutions that turn potential challenges into engaging features.

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Community and Future Prospects

The initial release of English materials, including the Quickstart and previews of the translation, has generated interest among Western audiences who have long awaited an English version of the game.

  • Previews have included introductory rules and tutorial elements, offering a glimpse into the translated gameplay.

  • The initiative by Mugen Gaming aims to make Sword World a substantial addition to the fantasy TTRPG market, potentially offering a fresh experience for players familiar with other systems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the Sword World TTRPG coming out in English?
Mugen Gaming has announced an official English translation for the Sword World TTRPG. While a full release date isn't set, they have released a free Quickstart PDF and plan a crowdfunding campaign next year.
Q: What is Sword World and why is it important?
Sword World is a popular Japanese tabletop role-playing game that has been around for over 30 years. It has influenced many Japanese games, anime, and video games, similar to how Dungeons & Dragons is influential in the US.
Q: Who is making the English version of Sword World?
Mugen Gaming, a company that translates Japanese games, is bringing Sword World to English speakers. They have released a free Quickstart guide to help people get started.
Q: What are the main game mechanics in Sword World?
Sword World uses a 2D6 dice system for most actions. A roll of 12 is a success, and a roll of 2 is a failure but gives experience points. It also features a flexible multiclassing system.
Q: What setting will the English version of Sword World use?
The upcoming English release will use the Raxia setting, which is part of the game's second edition. This is different from the original Forcellia setting.