Sword World is Japan’s most iconic tabletop RPG - played by generations of fantasy fans and featured across video games, novels, and pop culture. For the first time, we're bringing an official, full-English release to the West. This crowdfunding campaign will fund the complete localization, design, and printing of the Sword World 2.5 Core Rules.

Let's roll to see what can be found in this campaign.

Roll 2d6, or as we call it 2d, for a Perception Check.  Oh, you have a Class Level in Ranger? Excellent, add your modifier (+2) as well! The Target Number is a 7. If you roll a 7 or higher you succeed!

Success? Let’s see what you find.

Failure? Odd, why is this page suddenly blank? Might as well continue to see what else can be found.

Let's roll to see what you know about Sword World!

Roll 2d6 for an Insight Check. The Target Number is a 10. 

Success? Amazing! You could teach me a thing or two it seems

Failure? Whew, it is a good thing your Sage companion is here to help.

To ensure the highest quality translation possible, we are working closely with Sword World's original Japanese creators at Group SNE. With careful translation of cultural elements and game terms, guidance from the original developers, and collaboration with Japanese translation and TTRPG experts, this localization aims to set a new gold standard. We are putting in the time and effort to get every detail right so you can enjoy playing Sword World the way it was always meant to be.

Sword World is not a new TTRPG - it's one of the oldest. Its rules have been refined for decades. Sword World uses a fast, intuitive 2d6 system: easy to learn, but rich in storytelling and tactics. The simplified combat system feels like classic JRPGs, and its side-based combat skips the grid for smooth, cinematic battles that stay focused on the action. Looking for more depth? Use the advanced combat system for more tactical depth when you want it.

The open multiclass system lets you spend experience to grow in any role - mix magic, swordplay, and more to play a character that grows as you do. No rigid classes, just evolving heroes.

With a world built around adventurers' guilds, quests, and dungeons created by swords and magitech, every session feels like an episodic anime arc - complete quests, build your legend, and come back for more. 

 
The popularity of Record of Lodoss War is what encouraged Group SNE to make their own game system based in and around the series, that game system being the original Sword World RPG. Written from an RPG campaign playthrough, the Record of Lodoss War novels inspired more books, anime, and games. Their legacy has led to the Critical Role Actual Play, their Vox Machina and Mighty Nein shows, and more. 

Sword World is a 2d6 system where the dice are used for skill checks and combat. Character creation is a highlight for players due to many options to choose from 12 ancestries, 16 classes, and tons of backgrounds, equipment, and roll tables to help decide your backstory. As you level up in Sword World it is easy, and designed to multiclass! This all allows you to create the exact character you envision.

Combat is an intuitive, easy-to-learn system which is amazing for first time TTRPG players. However, Sword World comes with options for advanced combat for the most seasoned player that wants more difficulty.

First, you pick your class! Do you want to be a melee or ranged character? Do you want to rely on magic or just a weapon and your own might?

Second, you pick your ancestry and roll the dice to determine your experiences in life. This determines who you are, where you came from, and what your backstory entails. Your ability scores for your character are determined by these choices and rolls. 

After this you can obtain your starting equipment and begin your journey.

Skill checks are one of the primary interactions a player has in Sword World. Skill checks are used by the player to perform any type of action that has a chance of failure. Every check has a Target Number that you need to reach to succeed. There are exceptions though, if you roll 2d and get two 6’s it is automatically a success regardless of the Target Number! However, if you get two 1’s it is automatically a failure. 

Combat begins! Before combat there are some steps that you need to take. First is preparation, such as pulling out your weapon, throwing down your torch, or seeing what you know about the creature! Next is rolling Initiative and then placing everyone on the battle map!

Initiative is allies versus enemies. For initiative you roll 2d and add your initiative modifier. Whoever gets the highest initiative result, their side goes first!

When you are setting up for combat, the winners of initiative get to pick where they go first and then the losers second. In simple combat there is the Frontline, which is where melee characters tend to go, and the Rearguard areas, for casters and ranged characters.

You are ready for battle! Combat is a series of 2d rolls. Everyone in the group that won initiative goes first and everyone in the group that lost initiative goes second. When you attack you do a 2d Accuracy Check. If your value exceeds the enemies Evasion it hits! When determining damage and effects, Power Tables are often used. You look up your 2d roll on the value and find the corresponding damage!

You won! After combat has ended you roll for loot! Loot tables are on each Monster Data card and you roll 2d to determine what you get. Let's take a look at all of the options available in this campaign.

Dive deep into your adventures with the complete Sword World set. This campaign contains everything you need to learn the game, have fun, and keep track of all the important information you need.

Sword World includes three tomes with over 900 pages to help guide your journey and give you the information you need. The Core Rulebook has everything a player needs to create a character and play the game. The Gamemaster's Guide has rules specifically meant for GMs to help them run a game successfully and guide them in times of doubt. And last, the Monster Manual has over 300 creatures and monsters for your party to fight in their epic adventures! 

You can get the books individually or in a set housed in a beautiful slipcase with GM Screen included!

Everyone needs reference materials at times! For the players and GMs, we have Card Packs with all the reference material you need for your weapons, spells, armor, and more. Character Cards are perfect for the player that wants a pre-built character or a GM who needs an NPC Fellow companion. These also include some dry erase blank character cards for you to fill out yourself! Monster Cards are necessary for any GM to quick reference their stats and share with the table when someone succeeds at their Monster Knowledge Check. Armor, Weapon, Spell, and Equipment Cards are all perfect for any player that likes to have quick reference material on hand while they play. 

Need some place to store everything together? We have designed a full compartment box where the books, slipcase, GM screen, and cards all fit together. There is even storage for dice and other accessories! This box comes with a magnetic wrap-around gridded battle map for use at your table as well! The box features beautiful art by Shunsuke Nakashige.

Upgrade to S-Tier loot with the Limited Run Collector's Set. This Deluxe Compartment Box has the Collector's GM Screen, each card pack in a deluxe slide box, and Collector's Covers featuring gorgeous art from Hitoshi Yoneda. These will be produced at a limited quantity, so this is your chance to ensure one ends up on your shelf. You can also get your Collector's cover signed by Hitoshi Yasuda, Kei Kitazawa, and Miyuki Kiyomatsu at our signed Swords of Genesis tier.

Get started on your own grand adventures with the Sword World Starter Set: Labyrinth that Catches the Stars. This starter set contains everything you need to run a short form campaign of Sword World including premade characters spanning multiple levels, tokens, map tiles, scenario books, cards, standees, and more! 

Explore the depths of a labyrinth through three separate scenarios. Work with your party through various puzzles and dangers until you reach the end to discover a most priceless artifact. Beware though! The labyrinth is a very tricky and dangerous place. 

Theme your entire table with Sword World dice and accessories. In this campaign you can find the official Sword World dice, a pack of 10d6 resin dice themed with the Sword World colors. Maybe you can carry and store those dice (or your Sword World pencils!) in a dice scroll that rolls out to be the perfect mat to roll your dice on. You can also roll your dice in one of three dice trays, two of which will be manufactured with premium materials. 

Upgrade your experience and your look with some premium designed dice. Each with its own unique shape, these dice will elevate any table. There are four diamond sets, three have inclusions of Cardia, Ignis, and Lumiere and the other is a liquid core set. In the other box are the cylindrical dice which each have a sword inclusion and the kanji pendant set. You can also go all out, and get all eight premium dice sets in a beautiful collector's case.

Take a chance with the Sword World mystery packs! Each bag contains two random pins, one set of dice, and a random Fellow card. Every ancestry and class has a designed pin, there is even one for the GM! Each class also has its own set of unique dice with the class symbol on the 6 face. 

Collect your ancestry and classes to build out your character and roll the dice that best fits them! 

Gameplay accessories help the ease of gameplay at the table. With things like d6 pencils and erasers, tear away character sheets, and two-sided neoprene battle mats, you can ensure you have everything you need to maximize your experience. 

Sometimes you just need a friend to go along with you on your journey. Kobold, Dorn, or Tabbit... there is no incorrect choice on whom you bring along to help you succeed! (It is up to you to see if Dorn will join your journey)

In addition to all the other amazing items in this campaign, we are offering art prints of each of the full cover arts and two other pieces that we really think would make a statement up on any wall.

We are excited to announce that as part of this campaign we are working with Roll20, Foundry, and Alchemy to ensure Sword World is brought to these systems so it can easily be played in the virtual space. The Core Rulebook, Monster Manual, and Gamemaster's Guide will all have compendiums built out to ensure you and the GM have everything needed to start your grand adventure from wherever you are. 

As part of our crowdfunding campaign, we’re creating an official Sword World Nexus: a digital home for discovering and playing the game online, exploring its rules, and building adventurers.

Sword World Nexus will bring Sword World’s books to life through a searchable digital compendium and interactive character building tools, making it easier to learn the system, create characters, and jump into the action!

Our Backers will unlock each of the digital Sword World titles on Sword World Nexus as a part of this campaign following the platform's launch. 

For this campaign we are trying something new! Instead of having stretch goals that unlock at various funding amounts, we have put our all into this campaign to include everything from the start!

However, there are some cool things we would love to make if enough people are interested, so for this we will be doing Unlock Goals instead. We have several amazing items for sale that will be produced if enough backers are interested in purchasing them. These range from a Sword World Cookbook all the way up to a Sword Replica of Lumiere!

If you are interested in an unlock goal item, simply add it to your pledge. If the item gets enough backers and is unlocked by the end of the campaign, you will be charged and we will produce that item. If the item is not unlocked, it will be removed and you will not be charged.

Did we mention there is an option to potentially make a Sword World Anime Pilot?

Important Note: These are not included in the Swords of Genesis Tiers.

Support our campaign with greater flexibility! BackerKit's Pay Over Time option allows backers pledging $150 or more to split their payment into four monthly installments after our campaign ends.

Here's how it works: When you pledge $150+, you'll see the Pay Over Time option at checkout. Once our campaign successfully funds, you'll be charged 25% of your total pledge monthly over four months. Your pledge is confirmed immediately, and you'll receive all rewards alongside other backers once fulfillment begins.

This payment flexibility makes it easier to support at higher tiers while managing your budget effectively. 

There's no interest or additional fees, just a more accessible way to back the projects you love! Look for the Pay Over Time option during checkout when pledging $150 or more.

If you are a verified retailer and are interested in carrying Sword World books or products in your stores, please reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We would be happy to work with you and arrange your order. 

At Mugen Gaming, we're committed to making the most accurate and highest quality version of Sword World possible. Our production timeline has a goal of printing Sword World by the end of 2027, but we remain committed to taking the time necessary to meeting the standards of ourselves and Group SNE and that may extend our estimated production date. We will provide updates as major milestones occur to ensure transparency and timing for our fulfillment of this project. 

 

We want to extend a huge thanks to our entire team who has contributed to this project so far and will continue to do so moving forward. Especially to Group SNE and our entire art team who have done so much work and allowed us to do such amazing work with Sword World.

And we would also like to thank QuasiReal Publishing House for editing all current and future text content for the primer, starter set, and all books. 

Lastly, we thank Vala Marketing for all their work designing this campaign, consulting with us on ideas and products, and all our marketing efforts. 

Mugen Gaming was launched in order to find the best games of Japan and bring them to the US market and beyond. With business experience and connections in both the Japan and the US, Mugen Gaming can help bring the infinite possibilities of gaming to life.

Founded in 1987, Group SNE is a group of creators who specialize in the translation, writing, planning and designing of roleplaying games, trading card games, board games, card games, and scenario writing. From its foundation (and to this day) the company, led by Hitoshi Yasuda, was a base of activity for many talented Japanese writers and designers including Ryo Mizuno, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Miyuki Kiyomatsu, Kei Kitazawa, Koji Tanaka, and Yuri Kurosaki.

Group SNE has been creating works like Sword World RPG simply for the fun, and enjoyment they have for the gaming experience.

“We are creating our works hoping many people discover the enjoyment of games. It is our pleasure if you will find your favorite game among our products.”

© Group SNE © Mugen Gaming LLC