Sci-Fi Equipment Lists from Classic RPGs
Overview
This reference compiles equipment lists from various science fiction RPG systems, providing examples of typical gear and loadouts for sci-fi adventures. These lists serve as inspiration for equipment design in custom sci-fi campaigns.
Cyberpunk Equipment List
From Cyberpunk 2020 (1988) by Mike Pondsmith, representing a mobile, street-level future:
- Inflatable bed (folds to 6″×6″)
- Compressible sleeping bag
- Micro-stereo compo (portable music/TV player)
- Tapes/CDs or digital media
- Laptop or pocket computer
- Cybermodem and cables (for netrunners)
- Pocket cellular phone
- Mini-light/alarm clock
- Mini-micro heater
- Handgun, knife, or assault rifle with ammo
- Body armor (jacket or bullet-proof shirt)
- Personal items (clothes, toiletries)
Mothership Equipment Lists
From the original Mothership (2018) by Sean McCoy, with four specialized loadouts:
Excavation Loadout
- Bioscanner (life detection within 100m)
- Body cam (broadcasts audio/video to command)
- Crowbar (melee weapon)
- Hand welder (tool/weapon)
- Infrared goggles
- Laser cutter (tool/weapon)
- Lockpick set
- Vaccsuit (armor, oxygen, mag-boots, comms)
Exploration Loadout
- Binoculars
- Camping gear
- First aid kit
- Flare gun
- Flashlight
- Locator beacon
- 7 MREs (meals ready to eat)
- Rebreather (20 minutes underwater)
- Rigging gun (grappling hook)
- Survey kit (environmental mapping)
- Vaccsuit (long-range comms, oxygen)
- Vibechete (vibrating machete)
- Water filter
Extermination Loadout
- Electronic tool kit
- 6 Frag grenades
- Submachine gun
- Standard battle dress (armor, HUD, cam, comms)
- 6 Stimpaks (health boosts)
Examination Loadout
- 6 Automeds (nanomech healing pills)
- Cybernetic diagnostic scanner
- Hazard suit (armor vs pathogens/environment)
- Medscanner
- 6 Pain pills
- Scalpel
- 6 Stimpaks
- Stun baton
- Tranq pistol
d20 Modern Future Equipment Lists
From d20 Future (2006) by Wizards of the Coast, using abstract Wealth scores:
- Wealth Scale: Impoverished (+0) to Very Rich (+31+)
- Basic Package: Standard gear allocation at character creation
- Additional Items: Available based on higher Wealth scores
Equipment includes advanced tech appropriate to future settings, with brand name suggestions for customization.
Applications
These lists can be: - Used directly in compatible systems - Adapted for other sci-fi RPGs - Inspiration for custom equipment creation - Reference for balancing gear in campaigns
See Also
- State of the Art in OSR Rules Design - Modern RPG design approaches
- B/X Quick Start Rules - Equipment in classic fantasy RPGs