What is Cyberpunk RED?

Cyberpunk RED is a tabletop RPG set in the Cyberpunk 2020 universe — the same world that inspired CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077. Published by R. Talsorian Games and designed by Mike Pondsmith, RED is a streamlined, updated version of the classic Cyberpunk 2020 system, designed to bridge the gap between the tabletop game and the video game.

The “RED” refers to the state of the world: after the Fourth Corporate War, after the DataKrash, after the nukes. The old net is gone. The corporations are rebuilding. And in the streets of Night City, Edgerunners fight for survival, eddies, and a reason to keep going.

Life in Night City

Cyberpunk RED is set in a near-future dystopia where megacorporations rule, technology has transformed the human body, and the gap between rich and poor is a chasm. Players take on roles like Solos (mercenaries), Netrunners (hackers), Techs (inventors), Medias (journalists), Rockerboys (rebel musicians), Fixers (deal-makers), Nomads (road warriors), Corpos (corporate operatives), and Lawmen.

Each role has unique abilities that shape how you interact with the world. A Netrunner jacks into the network to fight ICE and steal data. A Solo is a walking arsenal. A Fixer knows everyone and can get anything — for a price.

Why Play Cyberpunk RED?

• Iconic setting: Night City is one of the most detailed and atmospheric settings in all of gaming. If you loved the video game, the tabletop is where it all began.
• Cyberware and style: Augment your body with implants, weapons, and gadgets. Your character’s look and loadout are as important as their stats.
• Fast, lethal combat: A single bullet can kill you. Combat is brutal, tactical, and over quickly — just like it should be in a world this dangerous.
• Role-driven gameplay: Your Role Ability gives you a unique edge. The game rewards playing your character type to the fullest.

Core Mechanics

Cyberpunk RED uses a d10-based system. You roll d10 + Stat + Skill vs. a difficulty number. It’s fast, intuitive, and deadly. The combat system uses Hit Points and Death Saves — when you hit 0 HP, you’re dying, and every round you risk bleeding out.

The Humanity system tracks the psychological cost of cyberware. Every implant reduces your Empathy, and if it drops too low, you become a cyber-psychotic killing machine. How much of yourself are you willing to replace?

What You Need to Play

• Cyberpunk RED Core Rulebook ($40-50)
• d10s — A handful of ten-sided dice (d6s and d10s are the core dice)
• Character sheet — Included in the book, also free online
• A Referee (Ref) — The GM who runs Night City
• Adventure: “The Apartment” (free intro scenario) or “Tales from the RED” collection