Rust Never Sleeps: Creator's Kit
This creator kit is a system reference document (SRD) and design guide. It supplies the core rules and advice on how to create missions, mechas, and mission generators for Rust Never Sleeps.
My name is Asa Donald, and I am the creator of Rust Never Sleeps. I have created this document because I encourage you to create your own mission modules, mission generators, and rustbuckets for Rust Never Sleeps. I also implore you to create your own settings for Rust Never Sleeps and to adapt it for other settings.
The remainder of this document explains the rules for Rust Never Sleeps and includes some tips for these very things. You may use the materials in this document for your own creations, and I beg you to share those creations with me on social media or by email.
System Reference Document & License
Permission to use the Rust Never Sleeps: Creator Kit is granted solely through the use of the Rust Never Sleeps System Reference Document, version 1.0 license.
System Reference Document License. Rust Never Sleeps, version 1.0. Backwards Tabletop permits use of the game system, mechanics, rules, and setting described in this document. “Use” of these items includes copying, editing, adapting, translating, and distribution, specifically selling, publishing, and transmission.
Backwards Tabletop prohibits the use of products and product titles, artwork, and logos. Backwards Tabletop may publish updated versions of this system.
When distributing, sections or portions deriving from the Rust Never Sleeps system and creator kit must be identified as such, and the designated copyright notice must be included with the product:
Rust Never Sleeps, version 1.0. Copyright 2024, Backwards Tabletop.
Use of the Rust Never Sleeps system reference document indicates your acceptance of these terms.
This creator kit is a system reference document (SRD) and design guide. It supplies the core rules and advice on how to create missions, rustbuckets, and mission generators for Rust Never Sleeps.
What is Rust Never Sleeps?
Rust Never Sleeps is a solo ttrpg, in which you play as a doomed mech pilot fighting a hopeless war against an authoritarian. This tabletop roleplaying game is played with a standard deck of cards, a printed character sheet, coloring utensils, and a music playlist.
Rust Never Sleeps is a comprehensive solo rpg with mission modules and elements of solo journaling. In other words, Rust Never Sleeps…
- offers lite yet complete mechanics for gameplay and character creation;
- provides pre-written mission modules as well as mission generators for your pilot; and
- invites the player to record their stories in their pilot’s log .
The core principles:
- The deck of cards is your battery pack. Every time you use your mech, you take one step closer to burning out.
- Push your mech to the limit. PUNCH the big red button for a boost and an extra card. But don’t push your mech too hard. When you bust, you burn through your energy.
- Collect loot and spare parts to upgrade your mech. Connect the dots on your schematic sheet and then color in your upgrades for special effects.
- Grow weary with experience. After each mission, remove a card from your battery pack. Improve your odds while taking one step closer to burning out.
What do you need to play Rust Never Sleeps?
Rust Never Sleeps is a solo game. You play it alone and don’t need any other players.
To play, you need a standard deck of cards, a printed schematic sheet, coloring utensils, and a music playlist.
The schematic sheet is where you track the development of your pilot and their mech. It is similar to a character sheet in other tabletop roleplaying games. You’ll reference your schematic sheet regularly throughout a mission to see what you need to draw from your battery pack and to keep track of your mech’s equipment upgrades.
As you upgrade your mech’s equipment, you’ll color it in on your schematic sheet using coloring utensils.
The deck of cards is your battery pack. Your rustbucket runs on a BATTERY PACK, which is represented by a deck of playing cards. Remove the Jokers from your deck so that your battery pack contains only the standard 52 playing cards. You will use these cards for skill checks and equipment checks. Whenever you use your rustbucket’s equipment, your battery pack will dwindle.
When you use these cards, they go into either one of two card piles. Some cards are placed face up in your JUNKYARD, which is your discard pile. This pile represents expended energy.
Other cards are placed face down in your AUXILIARY RESERVE, which is your backup battery. When your battery pack expires, you will shuffle your auxiliary reserve and use those cards instead.
The journal is your pilot’s log. A pilot’s log is your electronic journal or
the document where you record your missions. Use a dictation app or voice recorder to record your pilot’s entries.
Alternatively, create a document using a word processor, like Google Docs or Microsoft Word. You can use their voice typing features or type your entries.
When your rustbucket inevitably burns out, your pilot’s log will be recovered via the suit’s black box or flight recorder. It will be all that’s left of you and your rustbucket.
How Do I Get Started?
The System
Read this overview of how to play Rust Never Sleeps.
Advice for Creators
Read advice on how to create content for Rust Never Sleeps.
