# Perseverant

Perseverant is a rules-lite collaborative story game about surviving a brutal wilderness. GM-less, zero-prep, and playable in a single 2-4 hour session. Players co-create the environment and face mounting challenges where traits deplete over time, forcing desperate choices. Ideal for one-shots and narrative-driven groups.

## At a Glance

GM-less Story Game • Trait-based resolution • 2-5 players • Zero prep • Rules-lite • 2-4h sessions

## Why It Fits

A strong fit for groups that want fiction-first play and scene-level consequences, with narrative-Driven helping define the experience.

## Fit Facts

- Players: 2-5 players
- Session length: 120-240 minutes
- Prep: None

## Facets

- Mechanics: Narrative-Driven, GM-less / Cooperative, Rules Lite, Survival
- Decision tags: Low Prep

## Scores

- Complexity: 3/5
- New GM Fit: 5/5
- Roleplay Focus: 5/5
- Combat Focus: 2/5
- Tactical Depth: 1/5
- Campaign Depth: 3/5

## Best For

- Tables that want fiction-first play and scene-level consequences
- Tables that want quick onboarding and low mechanical drag
- Players who want character, atmosphere, or story to matter more than pure tactics

## Avoid If

- You want combat and action to drive most of the session
- You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table
- You want a much breezier tone than this game is built to support

## Directory Notes

Perseverant casts players as desperate travelers crossing an unforgiving wilderness of their own creation. Whether it is the arid Silk Road in 1257 AD, a derelict space station, or tunnels beneath a molten planet, the setting is defined collaboratively at the table.

## Theme and Setting

The tone can range from realistic and gritty to dramatic or even fantastical, but the core remains constant: survival is uncertain, sacrifice is inevitable, and betrayal lurks among companions. The game uses a trait-based resolution system where characters begin with a selection of abilities, skills, and connections.

## How Play Feels

When confronting challenges, players key relevant traits to succeed. The brilliant mechanic: once a trait is used, it cannot be immediately used again.

## What Makes It Distinct

As the game progresses, players must reach deeper for obscure or buried traits, perfectly mirroring the exhaustion and desperation of a survival story. No GM required—scenes are framed collaboratively with cues and inspiration provided by the system.

## Where It May Not Fit

You want combat and action to drive most of the session You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table.

## Links

- Directory page: https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/perseverant
- Agent JSON: https://www.ttrpg-games.com/api/games/perseverant.json
- Publisher or official site: https://www.sigilstonepublishing.com/perseverant-rpg/
- Reviews or retailer page: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/204755/perseverant-rpg?affiliate_id=1659151