Degenesis: Rebirth Survival;Post-Apocalyptic;Science Fiction;Primal Punk;Horror;Mutation;Political;Narrative-Driven;Character Customization
At-a-glance: Primal Punk post-apocalyptic • d6 dice pool (KatharSys) • 2-5 + GM • Low prep • Medium complexity • 3-5h sessions
Theme and Setting
Degenesis is set in 2595, more than 500 years after the Eschaton—a meteor fall that devastated Earth and unleashed the Primer, an alien entity that mutates life. The setting spans Europe and North Africa, where seven cultures have emerged from the ashes: the Borcan Protectorate, Franka, Pollen, Hybrispania, Purgare, Balkhan, and Africa. Each culture struggles against the Primer's influence, which creates the Homo Degenesis—mutated humans with primal characteristics.
The world is defined by 'Primal Punk': humanity clings to civilization while fighting for survival against alien threats and human conflict. Thirteen cults serve as both factions and career paths, ranging from the medical Spitalians and spiritual Anabaptists to the savage Scourgers and cerebral Chroniclers. The game explores themes of genetic horror, cultural clash, religious fervor, and the cost of survival in a world where humanity itself is evolving into something else.
Core Mechanics and Rules
Degenesis uses the KatharSys system, a d6 pool mechanic where players roll dice equal to their Attribute plus Skill. Characters have six attributes: Body, Agility, Charisma, Intellect, Psyche, and Instinct, with six skills each. The goal is to roll as low as possible under a target number determined by combining relevant stats.
Combat and action resolution use the same unified system. The game features Primal and Focus mechanics—Primal represents raw survival instinct triggered by danger, while Focus allows characters to push their limits. Characters can also gain Spore infestation from Primer exposure, leading to beneficial mutations or terrifying transformations. The game is classless; characters are defined by their Culture (origin), Cult (organization), and Concept (background).
What Makes It Unique
Degenesis stands apart through its 'Primal Punk' aesthetic—a blend of brutal survival, post-apocalyptic decay, and visionary art direction by Marko Djurdjevic and SIXMOREVODKA. The Primer is not simply an enemy but a transformative force that raises questions about humanity's future. The game's moral complexity avoids simple good-vs-evil narratives; each cult has valid perspectives and fatal flaws.
The free-to-play model makes this premium RPG accessible to all—since April 2020, all PDFs are free downloads supported by donations and physical merchandise. The two-volume core set (Primal Punk for setting, KatharSys for rules) contains over 700 pages of worldbuilding, art, and mechanics. The game won the 2015 German Role-Playing Game Special Jury Prize.
Target Audience and Player Experience
Degenesis appeals to players who appreciate deep worldbuilding, moral complexity, and stunning visual design. It's ideal for groups wanting post-apocalyptic survival with philosophical depth—exploring what humanity becomes under extreme pressure. The game rewards investment in lore and character backstory.
Players should be comfortable with character-driven narratives where survival is never guaranteed and mutation is a constant threat. The KatharSys system is straightforward but the setting's density may require session zero worldbuilding. Since the game line ended in 2021, there's no new official content, but the existing material provides years of campaign potential and the community remains active.
