Across a Thousand Dead Worlds: A Comprehensive Overview
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds’ PDF version is currently available for purchase on DriveThruRPG for $20, offering immediate access to this expansive solo RPG experience․

Across a Thousand Dead Worlds is a unique, narrative-focused science fiction role-playing game designed specifically for solo play․ It plunges players into a decaying universe, tasking them with exploring the remnants of fallen civilizations scattered across countless worlds․ The game distinguishes itself through its detailed, step-by-step procedures, making even its inherent complexity surprisingly accessible․
Players begin their journey at Karum Station, a central hub for interstellar travel, before venturing out to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos․ The core gameplay loop is elegantly simple: depart from Karum, navigate to a randomly determined location, explore the alien environment, and ultimately return to the station․
The readily available PDF version, purchasable via DriveThruRPG, provides immediate access to this immersive experience, allowing players to begin their solitary adventures without delay․ It’s a compelling choice for those seeking a deep, engaging solo RPG․
What is Across a Thousand Dead Worlds?
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds is a solo science fiction role-playing game created by Alex from Blackoath Entertainment․ It’s a sprawling, narrative-driven experience centered around exploration, discovery, and survival in a dying universe․ The game’s strength lies in its ability to generate compelling stories through a combination of procedural generation and player choice․
Unlike traditional RPGs, Across a Thousand Dead Worlds is designed exclusively for one player․ The PDF version, available on DriveThruRPG, contains everything needed to begin: detailed rules, a player reference handbook, and the tools to create a unique character and embark on countless journeys;
It’s a game about charting a course through the unknown, facing the consequences of your decisions, and uncovering the secrets of a forgotten past, all within a meticulously crafted setting․
The Core Gameplay Loop
The gameplay of Across a Thousand Dead Worlds revolves around a satisfying and repeatable loop․ Players begin at Karum Station, preparing their ship and character․ They then embark on a journey to a randomly generated world, detailed within the PDF․ Exploration is key, uncovering the planet’s secrets and facing its challenges․
This cycle of departure, arrival, exploration, and return is clearly defined, making the game surprisingly accessible despite its complexity․ The PDF provides step-by-step procedures, and the included player reference handbook streamlines the process․
Successfully navigating this loop, managing resources, and overcoming obstacles allows players to return to Karum Station, ready to begin the cycle anew, forever venturing across a universe of forgotten worlds․
Karum Station: The Starting Point
Karum Station serves as the central hub in Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, detailed extensively within the game’s PDF․ It’s where players begin their journey, a bustling spaceport offering respite and preparation before venturing into the unknown․ Here, characters can resupply, repair their ships, and gather information about potential destinations․
The station isn’t merely a logistical base; it’s a location brimming with potential encounters and narrative threads․ The PDF outlines various station locations and NPCs, offering opportunities for interaction and side quests․
Returning to Karum Station after each expedition is crucial, allowing players to process discoveries and prepare for the next perilous voyage across the dead worlds․
Ship Travel and Navigation
Ship Travel and Navigation are core mechanics detailed within the Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF․ The game loop fundamentally revolves around boarding a ship at Karum Station and charting a course to a randomly determined world․ The PDF provides clear, step-by-step procedures for this process, making it accessible even for newcomers to solo RPGs․
Navigation isn’t simply point-and-click; the PDF introduces elements of risk and uncertainty․ Ships can encounter hazards during transit, requiring skill checks and resource management․ The journey itself presents opportunities for narrative events and unexpected challenges․
Successfully navigating the void is vital for survival and exploration․
Arrival and Exploration
Upon arrival at a new world, detailed within the Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF, the exploration phase begins․ The PDF guides players through a structured process of scanning the environment, identifying points of interest, and initiating investigations․ Each world is unique, presenting distinct challenges and potential rewards․
Exploration isn’t simply about mapping locations; it’s about uncovering the history and secrets of these dead worlds․ The PDF utilizes a system of prompts and tables to generate compelling narratives and encounters, ensuring each playthrough feels fresh and unpredictable․
Resourcefulness and careful decision-making are crucial for survival during exploration․
Returning to Karum Station

The Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF details a crucial element of the gameplay loop: returning to Karum Station․ This isn’t merely a safe harbor, but a hub for repairs, resupply, and recounting discoveries made during exploration․ The PDF outlines procedures for offloading salvaged resources and information․
Successfully returning allows players to upgrade their ship, acquire new equipment, and prepare for the next journey․ The PDF emphasizes that Karum Station offers opportunities for character development and narrative progression․
The cyclical nature of venturing out and returning is central to the game’s design, as described within the PDF․

Game Mechanics and Systems
The Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF features a unique dice pool system, detailed character creation, and resource management – all integral to the solo gameplay experience․
Character Creation and Attributes
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, even in its PDF format, presents a robust character creation system․ Players don’t define a rigid backstory, but instead, focus on establishing a character’s capabilities through a series of choices impacting their initial attributes․ These attributes aren’t traditional stats; they represent broad areas of expertise crucial for survival in a dying universe․
The PDF guides players through selecting a ‘Vocation’ which provides a starting point for skills and equipment․ Further customization comes from choosing ‘Derangements’ – flaws that offer benefits alongside drawbacks, adding depth and complexity․ The game emphasizes adaptability, as characters evolve based on experiences encountered during exploration․ The Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF ensures a unique and evolving protagonist for each playthrough․

Skills and Advancement
The Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF details a skill system centered around practical application rather than rigid progression․ Characters improve skills not through experience points, but by successfully utilizing them during gameplay․ Success is determined by the core dice pool mechanic, and repeated successful rolls enhance a skill’s effectiveness․
Skills are broadly categorized, covering areas like piloting, engineering, and social interaction․ The PDF emphasizes that skills aren’t merely numbers; they represent a character’s learned behaviors and instincts․ Advancement feels organic, reflecting the challenges overcome during exploration․ The game encourages players to specialize, but also rewards versatility, making each playthrough feel distinct and tailored to the player’s choices within the Across a Thousand Dead Worlds universe․
The Dice Pool System
The Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF utilizes a unique dice pool system, forming the core of all actions and challenges․ Players assemble a pool of six-sided dice (d6) based on their character’s relevant attributes and skills․ The number of dice represents the character’s competence․ Rolling the dice, players count the number of results that meet or exceed a target number, determined by the difficulty of the task․
Success isn’t about achieving a specific result on a single die, but rather accumulating enough successes within the pool; The PDF details how modifiers and situational factors can add or subtract dice from the pool, creating dynamic and unpredictable outcomes․ This system emphasizes probability and risk assessment, immersing players in the gritty reality of a dying universe within Across a Thousand Dead Worlds․

Combat and Conflict Resolution
The Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF presents combat and conflict as dangerous, narrative-driven encounters․ Utilizing the core dice pool system, players and adversaries roll dice to determine attack success and inflict damage․ The PDF emphasizes tactical positioning and resource management, as every shot fired and shield activated carries a cost․
Conflict isn’t limited to physical violence; the system supports social encounters and tense negotiations․ The PDF provides guidelines for interpreting dice results in various contexts, allowing for nuanced and unpredictable outcomes․ Damage impacts character attributes, potentially leading to lasting injuries and psychological trauma, reflecting the harsh realities of the setting within Across a Thousand Dead Worlds․
Resource Management
The Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF places significant emphasis on careful resource management, crucial for survival in a dying universe․ Players must meticulously track fuel for ship travel, ammunition for weaponry, and vital supplies like food and medical kits․ Scarcity is a constant threat, forcing difficult choices and strategic prioritization․
The PDF details systems for salvaging resources from derelict vessels and alien worlds, but these opportunities are often fraught with danger․ Efficiently managing cargo space and making shrewd trading decisions at Karum Station are essential․ Depletion of resources can lead to dire consequences, impacting exploration and even survival, making it a core element of the gameplay loop detailed within the Across a Thousand Dead Worlds experience․

The Game World and Setting
The Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF immerses players in a bleak, dying universe, exploring desolate worlds and encountering remnants of lost civilizations and strange factions․
A Dying Universe
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds presents a universe steeped in entropy, a far-future setting where stars are fading and civilizations have crumbled into dust․ The PDF version fully conveys this atmosphere of decay and desperation․ Players navigate a cosmos littered with the ghosts of empires, exploring worlds ravaged by time, catastrophe, and the relentless march of oblivion․
Resources are scarce, and hope is a dwindling commodity․ The universe isn’t actively hostile, but profoundly indifferent․ Ancient technologies lie dormant, waiting to be rediscovered – or to unleash unforeseen consequences․ The game emphasizes the isolation and fragility of existence within this vast, decaying expanse, making each discovery and survival a hard-won victory․ The downloadable PDF allows for immediate immersion into this haunting setting․
The Nature of the Worlds Visited
The worlds encountered in Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, fully detailed within the PDF, are incredibly diverse, yet uniformly marked by decline․ Expect to explore crumbling megacities overtaken by strange flora, desolate planets stripped of their resources, and bizarre ecosystems warped by ancient experiments․ Each location holds secrets, dangers, and remnants of forgotten cultures․
These aren’t pristine alien landscapes; they’re the decaying husks of once-great civilizations․ The PDF provides tools for generating unique planetary features, ensuring no two explorations are alike․ Expect to encounter strange anomalies, mutated creatures, and the lingering echoes of past tragedies․ Survival demands adaptability and a willingness to confront the unsettling truths hidden within these dying worlds․
Factions and Organizations
While primarily a solo experience, Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, as detailed in the PDF, doesn’t exist in a vacuum․ Scattered across the dying universe are remnants of powerful factions and strange organizations, each with their own agendas․ These groups range from ruthless corporations exploiting dwindling resources to fanatical cults worshipping ancient entities․
The PDF provides guidelines for generating unique factions tailored to the worlds you explore․ Encounters with these groups can range from tense negotiations to violent conflicts․ Understanding their motivations and power structures is crucial for survival․ Though you operate largely independently, your actions can influence their activities, shaping the fate of entire systems․
The Role of Technology
Technology in Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, as outlined in the PDF, is a double-edged sword – a testament to past glories and a source of constant peril․ Relics of advanced civilizations litter the dead worlds, offering powerful tools but often riddled with unpredictable malfunctions or guarded by automated defenses․ The universe is steeped in decaying tech, requiring skilled adaptation․
The PDF details how to scavenge, repair, and utilize these technologies, emphasizing the risks involved․ From ancient starships to bio-engineered weaponry, technology defines the setting․ Your ship itself is a vital piece of tech, constantly needing maintenance․ Mastering technological interaction is key to survival and uncovering the secrets of the fallen empires․

Availability and Formats
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds is readily available as a PDF download from DriveThruRPG for $20, providing instant access to the game’s content․
PDF Version Details
The Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF version represents a cost-effective entry point into this expansive solo roleplaying experience․ Currently priced at $20 on DriveThruRPG, it delivers the complete game directly to your device, eliminating shipping costs and wait times․
This digital format allows for easy portability and accessibility, enabling you to embark on interstellar journeys wherever you go․ The PDF includes all the core rules, character creation guidelines, world-building details, and the crucial Player Reference Handbook, streamlining the solo gameplay process․
Players consistently praise the clear, step-by-step procedures detailed within the PDF, making even this complex RPG surprisingly approachable․ It’s the perfect option for those eager to explore the dying universe of ATDW without immediately investing in the physical hardcover edition․
Hardcover Edition Information
For those desiring a premium, tactile experience, Across a Thousand Dead Worlds is also available as a beautifully crafted hardcover edition․ Priced at $64 on DriveThruRPG, this physical copy includes a complimentary PDF version with your purchase, offering the best of both worlds․
The hardcover boasts a durable construction, designed to withstand countless expeditions across desolate worlds․ Its high-quality paper and professional layout enhance readability and immersion, elevating the solo roleplaying experience․
Many fans appreciate having a physical copy for ease of reference during gameplay, particularly when navigating the game’s intricate systems and detailed procedures․ The included PDF provides a convenient digital backup and allows for play on the go, complementing the tangible nature of the hardcover․
Purchasing Options (DriveThruRPG)
DriveThruRPG serves as the primary digital storefront for Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, offering convenient purchasing options for both PDF and hardcover editions․ The PDF version is readily available for immediate download at a price of $20, providing instant access to embark on your solo journey․
If you prefer a physical copy, the hardcover edition is also offered on DriveThruRPG for $64, and thoughtfully includes the PDF version as a bonus․ Shipping costs are approximately $4․50, ensuring a relatively affordable way to obtain the tangible game․
DriveThruRPG’s platform provides a secure and reliable purchasing experience, with options for various payment methods and easy account management․ It’s the recommended destination for acquiring this critically acclaimed solo RPG․
Kickstarter Campaign Success
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds experienced a remarkably successful Kickstarter campaign, demonstrating significant community interest and support for this innovative solo RPG․ Alex, the writer and designer from Blackoath Entertainment, noted the campaign’s impressive scope and positive reception, indicating a strong demand for the game even before its widespread release․
The campaign’s success facilitated the production of both the PDF and hardcover editions, ensuring a high-quality product for backers and future purchasers alike․ The funding allowed for detailed development and refinement of the game’s mechanics and setting․
This initial support paved the way for the game’s availability on platforms like DriveThruRPG, bringing the experience to a wider audience․

Solo Play Experience
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds is specifically designed for solo roleplaying, featuring clear, step-by-step procedures and a readily accessible player reference handbook within the PDF․
Designed for Solo Roleplaying
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds truly shines as a dedicated solo roleplaying experience․ Unlike many RPGs adapted for single-player use, this game was conceived from the ground up with the solitary adventurer in mind․ The core gameplay loop – venturing from Karum Station, navigating the cosmos, exploring strange worlds, and returning – is streamlined for one player․
The readily available PDF format enhances this accessibility, providing everything needed for immediate play․ Players benefit from detailed instructions at each stage, ensuring a smooth and engaging journey․ A comprehensive player reference handbook, included with the PDF download, minimizes rulebook diving, allowing for focused exploration and immersive storytelling․ Even those new to complex RPGs will find the system surprisingly approachable, thanks to its clear structure and intuitive design․
Step-by-Step Procedures
The Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF excels in providing exceptionally clear, step-by-step procedures for gameplay․ Beginning at Karum Station, the process is remarkably straightforward: board a ship, navigate to a randomly determined location, and then thoroughly explore the arrived-at world․ Each phase – travel, arrival, and exploration – is meticulously detailed within the game’s ruleset․
This structured approach, readily accessible within the PDF, eliminates ambiguity and fosters a seamless solo experience․ The included player reference handbook further simplifies play, offering quick access to essential rules and procedures․ Players consistently praise the game’s ease of entry despite its complexity, directly attributable to these well-defined, sequential steps․
Player Reference Handbook
A crucial component of the Across a Thousand Dead Worlds PDF is the comprehensive Player Reference Handbook․ This invaluable resource consolidates essential rules, tables, and procedures, minimizing the need to constantly consult the core rulebook during play․ It streamlines the solo experience, allowing players to focus on exploration and narrative rather than rule look-up․
The handbook’s inclusion is frequently highlighted as a key strength, particularly for a game of its complexity․ It’s designed for quick access, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted gameplay loop – starting at Karum Station, traveling, exploring, and returning․ Players consistently commend its clarity and effectiveness in supporting solo roleplaying․
Complexity and Accessibility
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, despite its depth, is surprisingly accessible, particularly with the included Player Reference Handbook within the PDF․ While initially appearing complex, the game boasts clear, step-by-step procedures that guide players through each stage of the core loop: departing Karum Station, navigating the void, exploring alien worlds, and returning․
Reddit discussions acknowledge the game’s intricacy, but emphasize that it’s manageable․ The structured gameplay and detailed instructions mitigate the learning curve․ Players transitioning from simpler solo RPGs find it a rewarding challenge, praising the game’s immersive setting and engaging mechanics, making it a worthwhile step up․

Community and Resources
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds’ dedicated community thrives on Reddit (r/Solo_Roleplaying, r/soloboardgaming), discussing strategies and sharing experiences with the PDF version․
Reddit Discussions (r/Solo_Roleplaying, r/soloboardgaming)
The Reddit communities of r/Solo_Roleplaying and r/soloboardgaming are vibrant hubs for players of Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, particularly those engaging with the PDF version․ Discussions frequently highlight the game’s surprisingly accessible complexity, despite its expansive scope․ Users share their initial impressions, praising the clear, step-by-step procedures that guide players through the core gameplay loop – starting at Karum Station, embarking on ship travel, exploring alien worlds, and ultimately, returning home․
Many express excitement about transitioning to Across a Thousand Dead Worlds after enjoying simpler solo RPGs, finding it a rewarding challenge․ The availability of the PDF allows for immediate play and fosters a constant stream of feedback, questions, and shared narratives within these online spaces․ Players often assist each other with rules clarifications and offer tips for navigating the game’s intricate systems․
Blackoath Entertainment Insights
Blackoath Entertainment, the creators of Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the game, including the PDF version, through consistent engagement with the community․ Alex, the writer and designer, participated in a GMshoes Office interview, detailing the game’s ambitious scope and the successful Kickstarter campaign that brought it to life․
Blackoath’s focus on clear procedures within the game, as highlighted by players, reflects a deliberate design choice to make the complex systems approachable․ The PDF format allows for rapid iteration and updates based on player feedback․ Their dedication extends to providing resources and answering questions, fostering a positive experience for those exploring the dying universe within Across a Thousand Dead Worlds․
GMshoes Office Interview with Alex
During a GMshoes Office interview on January 21, 2022, Alex from Blackoath Entertainment discussed Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, his largest project to date․ He highlighted the game’s expansive scope and expressed excitement regarding the successful Kickstarter campaign․ The interview offered insights into the design philosophy behind the game, including the intention to create a complex yet accessible solo RPG experience․
Alex emphasized the detailed step-by-step procedures, making the game loop – Karum Station, ship travel, exploration, and return – easy to grasp, even within a vast universe․ This approach is particularly beneficial for players engaging with the game through the readily available PDF version, allowing for convenient access and exploration of its intricate systems․
Further Exploration of “Across” Usage in Language
The preposition “across” demonstrates versatile usage, ranging from static location (“across from our house”) to dynamic movement (“running across the grass”)․ In the context of Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, “across” evokes a journey through a vast, desolate expanse – a universe littered with forgotten worlds․ This linguistic nuance mirrors the game’s core mechanic: traversing the void between star systems․
Accessing the game’s narrative through the PDF version allows players to mentally visualize these journeys, interpreting the “across” in the title as a personal odyssey․ The phrase “across the way” or “across the sea” hints at distance and separation, themes central to the solo RPG’s isolating and exploratory nature․
















































































