| This is in regards to the 4e Basic Set. See Basic Set (Third Edition) Revised and GURPS Classic for older versions |
The cover of GURPS Basic Set: Characters
The cover of GURPS Basic Set: Campaigns
The GURPS Basic Set is composed of two books, GURPS Basic Set: Characters and GURPS Basic Set: Campaigns. These two books define the fundamental rules of GURPS. Supplemental books (such as Martial Arts or High-Tech) provide additional, optional, rules.
GURPS Characters focuses on character creation, while GURPS Campaigns focuses on the various components of the campaign including options for more tactical combat. Campaigns is also more from the GM's perspective, while Characters is more from the Player's.
The page numbering in the two books is consecutive, Characters ends at page 336 and campaigns begins at 338 (not counting the cover page which doesn't have a page number).
Binding[]
This first printing of the Basic Set had a binding issue that was corrected in the 2nd and later printings. Steve Jackson Games sent replacement copies to those customers that asked free of charge[1], and did not require the faulty copy to be returned. The printing number is clearly labeled on the back of the book.
Printings[]
As of 27 February 2020 there was a 7th printing of the basic set. This is the latest confirmed version. Earlier printings include:
- 1st printing August 2004[2]
- 2nd printing
- 3rd printing February 2008
- 4th printing
- 5th printing
- 6th printing
Errata[]
http://www.sjgames.com/errata/gurps/ has a list which can give a rough idea of when books were out, since errata would not be released for them prior to their publication
Comment[]
- If the 4e Basic Set has a flaw it is how the skills are organized. Instead of going with Classic's grouping by type[3] skills are listed completely alphabetical which can overwhelm players. This wiki combines the index in the Basic Set[4] and GURPS Skill Categories in List of Skills for better reference.
- Ten For Ten goes over rules that in retrospect should have been in the Basic Set rather than in an supplement.
- GURPS Update hasn't been updated even through there are better ways to do conversions from Classic.
See also[]
External Links[]
- GURPS Basic Set on the Steve Jackson Games website.
- Designer's Notes: GURPS Basic Set, Fourth Edition (4/2/2004)
References[]
- ↑ If You Are Having Problems with GURPS Basic... thread on the SJGames Forum
- ↑ Basic Set Fourth Edition
- ↑ Animal, Artistic, Athletic, Combat/Weapon, Craft, Hobby, Language, Magical, Medical, Outdoor, Professional, Psionic, Scientific, Social, Thief/Spy, and Vehicle
- ↑ Basic Set p 301-304