Cast Away

Cast Away is a rules-lite survival RPG using Diminishing Dice mechanics to model deteriorating conditions after disaster. Classless and low-prep, it focuses on two stats (Mental and Physical) where dice shrink as survivors tire, starve, or freeze. The Haunting system keeps dead players involved. Ideal for shipwrecks, plane crashes, and wilderness survival one-shots.

At-a-glance

Rules Lite • 2-5 players • Needs GM • 3/5 complexity • Low prep

Decision Tags:
Low Prep
Cast Away

Theme and Setting

Cast Away is built around Cast Away is a rules-lite survival RPG using Diminishing Dice mechanics to model deteriorating conditions after disaster. Classless and low-prep, it focuses on two stats (Mental and Physical) where dice shrink as survivors tire, starve, or freeze. The Haunting system keeps dead players involved. Ideal for shipwrecks, plane crashes, and wilderness survival one-shots.

How Play Feels

Tables that want quick onboarding and low mechanical drag Rules Lite helps determine what gets emphasized in play.

What Makes It Distinct

Cast Away stands out because it is not trying to be an all-purpose genre game. Reviewers praise Cast Aways Diminishing Dice mechanic that elegantly models worsening survivor conditions without HP or injury tables.

Where It May Not Fit

You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table You want a much breezier tone than this game is built to support.

Decision guide

What this game is about

Key facts
Players
2-5 players + GM
Session
120-240 minutes
Prep
Low
Play profile
Complexity
3/5
New GM Fit
5/5
Roleplay Focus
3/5
Combat Focus
2/5
Tactical Depth
2/5
Campaign Depth
3/5
Who it suits
Best for
Tables that want quick onboarding and low mechanical dragGroups that want scarcity, logistics, or survival pressure to matter
Avoid if
You want the system to stay almost invisible at the tableYou want a much breezier tone than this game is built to supportYou want the rules to solve every table decision for you

A strong fit for groups that want quick onboarding and low mechanical drag, with rules Lite helping define the experience.

Agent data

Structured data and an explicit decision profile JSON document are available for remote agents.

Open agent JSON