Cyberpunk RED
How to play Cyberpunk RED
Beginner checklist
Say your action and intent (what you're trying to achieve).
Roll 1d10 + Stat + Skill vs a Difficulty Value (DV).
Track HP, armor ablation, and critical injuries when they happen.
Spend IP after sessions to improve skills and Role abilities.
How rolls work
Cyberpunk RED checks are Stat + Skill + 1d10 vs a Difficulty Value (DV). Your Role Ability defines your specialty, and cyberware adds power at a Humanity cost.
Pick Stat + Skill that matches what you're doing.
Roll 1d10, add Stat + Skill, and compare to the DV.
Resolve success/failure with concrete changes in the scene (access gained, alarm triggered, target down, etc.).
REF 7 + Handgun 6 + 1d10 vs DV 15: you need 3+ on the d10 to hit.
Key facts
10 Roles: Netrunner, Solo, Tech, Medtech, Media, Exec, Lawman, Fixer, Nomad, Rockerboy
d10 system: Roll Stat + Skill + 1d10 against Difficulty Value
Improvement Points (IP): Used instead of XP for advancement
Cyberware system: Enhance abilities but cost Humanity
Role Abilities: Unique powers for each Role
Combat system: Fast-paced action with armor, weapons, and cyberware
Play examples
DV check in a firefight
You take a shot at range. Roll REF + Handgun + 1d10 vs the DV. Success changes the situation (target down, pinned, forced to move). Failure changes it too (you lose position, you're exposed, the target escapes).
'Style' as a decision
If you can't beat the DV, change approach: close distance, change weapon, create advantage, or solve the scene without a roll.
Common mistakes
Rolling without a clear DV or stake.
Set the DV (or ask for it) and define what success changes in the scene.
Ignoring armor ablation and injury consequences.
Track them. They're what makes fights feel like Cyberpunk RED over time.
Character creation
Choose role (fixer, netrunner, solo, etc.).
Roll or choose Lifepath background (family, motivations, events).
Distribute STATs: 62 points (players may buy up to role limit). Each STAT, including Luck, must be 2-8 at creation.
Pick Role Ability rank (starts at 4 for Edgerunner mode; GM may vary).
Distribute Skills: 86 points (0-6 at creation, up to 10 in play, except Language and your Role ability).
Choose starting Gear package per Role.
Choose Cyberware (basic cyberware at start is free; chrome must respect Humanity Loss).
Calculate Derived Stats: Humanity, Hit Points, Death Save, Move, Carry, Armor.
Finalize Lifepath details (Style, Clothes, Contacts, Enemies, etc.).
What to track during play
What to open next
Start playing with RPG Stack
Create a character, keep rules handy, and roll fast without leaving the table.