Fearsome Wilderness Survival;Science Fiction;Horror;Rules Lite;Year Zero Engine;Low Prep;Environmental;Dark
At-a-glance: Year Zero Engine • d6 dice pools • 2–5 + GM • Medium prep • Rules-lite • 2–4h sessions
Theme and Setting
Convicted criminals awaken from hibernation aboard a crashed prison transport on an uncharted wilderness planet. Stranded with nothing but prison jumpsuits and crash wreckage, they must survive while something watches from the shadows. The game draws heavily from American lumberjack folklore, featuring 25 cryptids like the Hodag, Hidebehind, and Squonk. A darker twist emerges: the characters are unwitting stars of a dystopian reality show, broadcast live to an entertained galaxy.
Core Mechanics and Rules
Fearsome Wilderness uses the Year Zero Engine (same as Forbidden Lands, Alien RPG, and Mutant: Year Zero). Players roll pools of d6s based on attributes and skills, with 6s counting as successes. The system emphasizes player agency and narrative flow over crunchy simulation. Character creation offers 16 archetypes, each with unique starting advantages. Survival mechanics cover foraging, hunting, fishing, trapping, water filtration, and fire starting. The shelter system includes over 50 upgradeable projects, from basic crash-site fortifications to elaborate treehouses. Nightmare mechanics add psychological horror—characters suffer disturbing dreams that blur the line between sleep and waking.
What Makes It Unique
The fusion of wilderness survival with reality TV satire creates a distinct tone—part The Running Man, part The Revenant. The fearsome critters from American folklore provide fresh antagonists rarely seen in RPGs. The nightmare system mechanically reinforces psychological stress, while the shelter-building mini-game gives tangible progression. The included campaign structure spans a prologue, 12 location scenarios, and a climatic two-part finale with a major plot twist.
Target Audience and Player Experience
Best suited for groups who enjoy survival mechanics but want narrative flexibility. Fans of Free League's Year Zero Engine games will feel immediately at home. The horror elements work well for Halloween one-shots, while the campaign structure supports 6–12 sessions. The classless system and straightforward mechanics make it accessible to newer players, though the bleak themes and body horror nightmares suit mature audiences.
