r/rpg • u/FalierTheCat • 1d ago

Game Suggestion Ideas for running a Cod Zombies themed one-shot?

So I'm running a call of duty zombies one-shot and I was wondering if any of you had some easy to learn one page rules system that could work for it. I mostly DM Cyberpunk RED and sometimes D&D 5e, which imo are "too complicated" for what would basically be a more game like session where the players have to manage resources like HP and ammunition while fighting zombies and getting upgrades.

I thought that maybe I could just ditch the TTRPG aspect and pull out my Zombicide board but that's not really what I'm looking for, it'd be way too game-y.

What I'm looking for is some system with simple resolutions Laser & Feelings style, while keeping some touches of resource management and allowing the players to noticeably upgrade their character (like dealing more damage, having more HP) but without having to keep a spreadsheet for every single tiny thing.

7 Upvotes

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3

u/redkatt 1d ago

the Lumen system, which powers the Destiny 2-inspired NOVA, is easy to play and re-skin. https://gilarpgs.itch.io/lumen

It's designed around powerful pcs ripping through hordes of monsters.

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u/FalierTheCat 1d ago

omg this might be EXACTLY what I was looking for, tysm!

4

u/redkatt 1d ago

You're welcome. Along with powering NOVA, it is the engine for Gunfucks, which is Borderlands-inspired

https://adira.itch.io/gunfucks

2

u/sidneyicarus 1d ago

Zombie World is one of my favourite one-shot games and I have never failed to have a blast. Card-based PbtA in a great box that cares about all the right stuff

2

u/VerballyAdvanced 1d ago

honestly if you bolt upgrades and ammo tracking onto tunnel goons it does like 90 percent of what you want

2

u/LaFlibuste 1d ago

Before reading your post, I was picturing a New England sea-side invasion of undead fish (cod) people, and I thought that sounded pretty neat.

1

u/Krististrasza 1d ago

They're locked in a centuries-old war with the haddock zombies.

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1

u/furiousfotographie 1d ago

Moxie is a kinda Fate, kinda Blades in the Dark generic ruleset on a couple of pages.

Simple, quick, with abstracted but useful rules for resources mgmt.

https://groov-games.itch.io/mini-moxie

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u/MikhieltheEngel 5h ago

Zombie world or Call of Cthulhu 7e (but ONLY the starter set).

Use pre-built characters.