Shadowrun

Shadowrun is a game about the future.

In this world, magic has returned.

Magic and machines live together. You might see a dragon in a big office. You might also see a robot.

Players can be many things. You can be a human or an elf. You can even be a troll.

Some people use magic to help. Others use tools to hack computers. These people are called shadowrunners.

It is a world of great wonder. You can play it with your friends.

Shadowrun is a tabletop role-playing game. It is set in a future world. This world mixes high tech with magic.

In this setting, magic has returned to the earth. This event changed how people look. Some humans became elves or dwarves. Others turned into orks or trolls. These different groups are called metahumans.

Large companies rule much of the world. They are called megacorporations. These groups use magic and machines to stay strong. Some people use cyberware, which are machine parts for the body. Others use magic to do their jobs. Players often act as shadowrunners. These are specialists who take on secret missions. They might steal data or break into buildings. This is called a shadowrun.

One type of player is a decker. Deckers are hackers who enter a digital world called the Matrix. They must watch out for smart computer programs. These programs are called Intrusion Countermeasures, or IC. Other players might be magicians or street fighters. The game has many books, novels, and video games. It lets friends tell big stories together in a world of wonder.

Shadowrun is a tabletop role-playing game that mixes science fiction with magic. It creates a world where high technology and ancient spells exist together. Players step into the roles of specialists known as shadowrunners. These characters take on secret missions for powerful groups. One such mission is called a shadowrun. This might involve stealing data or breaking into a rival building.

People love this game because it lets them explore a world of mystery and danger.

In this game, characters use many different skills to survive. Some players are deckers, who are futuristic hackers. They enter a digital world called the Matrix to find secrets. They must avoid dangerous computer programs called Intrusion Countermeasures, or IC. Other players might be magicians who use spells. Some use cyberware, which are machine parts put into the body. Others use bioware, which are living parts grown in a lab.

The story of this world began in 1989. A company called FASA first published the game. Later, the rights moved to a company called WizKids. Now, a group called Catalyst Game Labs publishes many new products. The game has changed over many years. In 2019, a new version called Sixth World was released. This version moved the game's setting to the year 2080. It was made to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the game.

There are many facts to know about this setting. The world changed after a magical event and a computer crash in 2029. Magic returned to the world and changed how humans look. Some humans became elves, dwarves, or orks. These different types of people are called metahumans. Large companies, called megacorporations, now hold much of the power. Even dragons have returned to the world. Some dragons are very smart and run entire companies.

Shadowrun is more than just a game with dice. It has grown into a huge collection of stories. There are over 50 novels and eight different video games. You can also play with cards or miniature figures. Some fans play Shadowrun Missions to keep their characters growing. These missions take place in different cities like Seattle or Neo-Tokyo. The game connects technology, magic, and teamwork into one big adventure.

Shadowrun is a science fantasy tabletop role-playing game. It creates a unique setting where advanced technology and ancient magic exist together. This genre blend is often called cyberpunk and urban fantasy. Players take on the roles of specialists known as shadowrunners. These characters perform dangerous, secret missions for various clients. One such mission is called a "shadowrun." A shadowrun typically involves industrial espionage or a physical break-in. These tasks are used by both rival megacorporations and underworld figures.

The mechanics of the game involve diverse character roles and specialized skills. One key role is the decker, who acts as a futuristic hacker. Deckers use a direct neural interface to enter the Matrix. The Matrix is a worldwide computer network that provides a three-dimensional cyberspace. During these missions, deckers must navigate complex power structures to find data. They face threats from Intrusion Countermeasures, or IC. IC are lethal artificial intelligences that can potentially destroy a hacker's brain. To survive, deckers often rely on teammates like street fighters or magicians. Some characters use cyberware, which are mechanical body replacements. Others use bioware, which are augmented body parts grown in vats.

The game features many distinct metatypes, or human subspecies. When magic returned to the world, humans began to change. This process is known as Unexplained Genetic Expression, or UGE. UGE can result in children being born as elves or dwarves. Some adults undergo "goblinization" to become orks or trolls. There are also more exotic metavariants like gnomes, giants, and dryads. Some creatures are shapeshifters, such as werewolves or selkies. Other intelligent beings are called metasapients, including naga and pixies. Even dragons exist in this world, though they are not typically player characters. Dragons are incredibly powerful in magic, physical strength, and finance.

The history of the game began in 1989. It was originally developed and published by a company called FASA. In 2001, FASA closed and the rights moved to WizKids. Later, the rights were licensed to Fantasy Productions and then to Topps. Today, Catalyst Game Labs publishes new products for the game. The game has seen many different editions over the decades. In 2013, the fifth edition was released. In 2019, the sixth edition, called Shadowrun, Sixth World, was published. This edition celebrated the 30th anniversary of the franchise. It also moved the in-game timeline forward to the year 2080.

Shadowrun has significant depth through its various media and expansions. The franchise includes over 50 novels, such as the Secrets of Power series. There are also eight video games and a collectible card game. Fans can participate in Shadowrun Missions, or SRM, for persistent play. SRM offers "living campaigns" where characters can advance over time. These campaigns are organized into seasons of up to 24 missions. Each season focuses on a specific city in the setting. Notable settings include the Seattle Metroplex and Neo-Tokyo. Other locations include Denver, Manhattan, Chicago, and New Orleans.

The setting is defined by several major historical shifts. The world entered the "Sixth World" after the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar ended. This era saw the return of magic and mythological beings. Another major event was the Computer Crash of 2029. This crash led to the eventual creation of the Matrix. Additionally, the VITAS plagues caused great struggle across the globe. These events caused many governments to fall or fragment. In North America, the Native American Nations formed a powerful federation. They used traditional ceremonies to command powerful spirits. Meanwhile, megacorporations rose to fill the power vacuum.

Shadowrun connects many different ideas through its complex world-building. It explores the relationship between humanity and machine through cybernetic implants. It also examines the intersection of science and magic. The game shows how corporate power can rival national governments. Many megacorporations possess extraterritoriality, meaning they operate outside local laws. This creates a world where borders and identities are constantly shifting. By combining these elements, the game offers a deep look at a changing society. It remains a staple of the tabletop role-playing community.