While most RPG fans are probably familiar with the classic high fantasy genre, RPGs cover every genre from modern noir to sci-fi to even mecha anime. In fact, mechs are a surprisingly popular topic among independent RPG designers. Heavily inspired by shows like Mobile Suit Gundam and Evangelion, as well as video game franchises like Armored Core and Titanfall, these games tackle the mecha genre from all angles.
Some mecha TTRPGs cast the players as heroic or gritty pilots pushing their mechs towards victory, like Plot ARMOR. Others interrogate the genre’s themes around war, exploitation and bodily autonomy, like Last Shooting. Fans of the mecha genre have a cornucopia of role-playing games to choose from and should be able to find something that fits their taste no matter what they’re looking for.
Updated on March 8, 2025, by Natasha Elder: RPGs provide players a fantastic opportunity to take part in a world other than the normal. For fans of mech anime in particular, there are a plethora of mech-focused RPGs that give gamers the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be the pilot of such an impressive machine. We wanted to include information about more mech RPGs, including a few new ones, like the second edition of Lancer and Dreams and Machines. We have also added more imagery to give a better idea of what the games entail.
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Dreams and Machines Follows Humanity After a Brutal War Against Machines
With a Variety of Character Archetypes, There Is Something to Appeal to Everyone
In Dreams and Machines, sci-fi combines with fantasy to provide an enjoyable gaming experience. The main setting of Dreams and Machines is Evera Prime, a planet that has been left in ruin due to a war between humans and machines. With five distinct factions, players can choose a variety of ways in which to engage with the world around them. Whichever faction is chosen, though, still has to contend with danger.
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Rumors of a “Dark City,” complete with still-active mechs, provide both intrigue and peril for players brave enough to seek it out. The expansive world is wonderful to explore, with a lot of complex lore to keep everyone immersed in the setting. There is also a simple XP system that makes it easy for even newer players to manage how to improve their players over time.
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Lancer by Miguel Lopez and Tom Bloom Is Set in a Utopia Rather Than a Dystopia
The Creators Wanted to Present an Optimistic Rather Than Pessimistic View of the Future
First published in 2019, Massif Press collaborated with Dark Horse Comics to release an updated edition of Lancer in 2024, making it one of the more recent entries in the mecha TTRPG genre. Standing in stark contrast to other mecha TTRPGs, Lancer isn’t set in a dystopian setting. While Lancer is still set in a post-apocalyptic time period, it is actually a utopia. Despite being a utopia, though, the society isn’t problem-free.
With a fair amount of character customization, and options to further upgrade mechs when leveling up, players have a lot of control over how their mech is designed. Additionally, Lancer tries to have an ultimately optimistic view of the world, which also stands in contrast to grittier stories. That is not to say the combat is lacking, though, as it is quite exciting. Additionally, Lancer still engages in the complicated questions that reflect real-world social and political issues that is so common to the sci-fi genre.
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Jovian Chronicles by Dream Pod 9 Is an Established Mech TTRPG
As Such, It Has an Expansive Setting That Allows for Many Sci-Fi Elements
Published in 1997 by Dream Pod 9, Jovian Chronicles is perfect for players that want to participate in large-scale space battles. Not only are there mechs fighting, but also spacecraft. In 2003, the second edition of Jovian Chronicles was released, adding more information on the vehicles and compiling information from a variety of books into one source.
In Jovian Chronicles, residents of Earth have managed to branch out and settle on other planets in the Solar System. Each planet has a different form of government, as well as different cultures. This leads to intriguing interactions with residents of other planets. This is particularly true between residents in the area surrounding Jupiter and Earth’s government. Backed by reasonably technical language, Jovian Chronicles provides a realistic depiction of how the colonization of the Solar System could happen, and the problems that would arise.
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CthulhuTech by Wildfire LLC Introduces Horror Elements to the Mech Genre
The Accompanying Artwork Expertly Influences the Mood of the TTRPG
Sci-fi and horror are not unfamiliar genre companions, with movies like Alien and games like Dead Space immediately coming to mind. CthulhuTech is another excellent addition to this genre combination, but this time in the form of a TTRPG. CthulhuTech is set in 2085 during the “Aeon War,” with players able to choose between one of five races, including those included in the companion book Vade Mecum, and many different factions. The factions in particular matter, as different factions have different ways of fighting.
While several factions, such as the Tagers and Children of Chaos, use suits of alien flesh to enhance their strength and shapeshifting super-soldiers, respectively, the New Earth Government provides players with the options to use mecha technology. This variety of choices brings together players with different interests. The ability to do so is why CthulhuTech is an excellent choice for those looing to play a mecha TTRPG.
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Robotech by Strange Machine Games Is Directly Inspired by an Anime
After a Rocky Start, Robotech Solidified Itself as a Noteworthy Entry in the TTRPG Mech Genre
While many mecha TTRPGs take inspiration from anime, Robotech has a more direct link than most. Based on the anime series of the same name, as well as the sequel series, Robotech II: The Sentinels, the Robotech TTRPG brought the show into a playable format, much to the delight of fans. Given that Robotech was initially published in 1986, it is not surprising that the rule system closely resembles that which is used for Dungeons & Dragons.
However, Robotech also introduces new mechanics, such as super hit-points. New mechanics such as this were made in order to mirror the additional armor and strength in mechs. Despite being released in 1986, and a change in ownership, Robotech has had a new entry released as recently as 2023. Thus, this TTRPG doesn’t only appeal to long-term fans, but newer players also have an easy entry point.
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MekTeks by Loren Peterson Is Focused on Repairing Mechs
This Offers a Nice Alternative to More Action-Focused RPGs
Pilots take a backseat to the mechanics and repair squads in MekTeks. This mecha TTRPG uses a deck of playing cards to guide a squadron of mech mechanics as they assess the damage done to their machines during combat, refit the mechs to ready them for combat, and try desperately to get some sleep somewhere in the middle. This makes for an intriguing new angle on the mecha TTRPG genre.
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As MekTeks shifts the focus away from the front lines of battle, it engages players in a new aspect in a fun way. Moreover, throughout the gameplay, MekTeks invites some of the same thought-provoking questions that mecha anime asks about whether or not to save on resources at the cost of risking a pilot’s life. These complex questions ensure that players can easily engage in the roleplaying aspects.
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Plot ARMOR by Orion D. Black Is Ideal for Single Players
This Game Guides Players Through an Entire Season of an Anime
Solo journaling games are growing in popularity, and with good reason. Scheduling is one of the hardest things about getting an RPG group together, so playing alone is a great solution for those that still want to play TTRPGs. Orion D. Black’s plot ARMOR walks the player through a 32-episode season of a mecha anime all by themself. The great extent of this content is one of the game’s advantages, as is the easily sectioned portions. Players are able to stay involved for a significant length of time, but still achieve the satisfaction of completing a given plot while working toward an overall goal.
Along the way, plot ARMOR gives the player prompts to help them flesh out each episode, until the finale, when the doomed protagonist dies. Solo games are a great way to really get in touch with a character and try out a new RPG format, and plot ARMOR offers plenty of exciting opportunities for storytelling. Controlling the narrative completely also offers its own appeal, as there is no compromising with other players about what actions should be taken.
8
Armour Astir: Advent By Briar Sovereign Combines Fantasy with Sci-Fi
With a Demo Version, Armour Astir: Advent Is Easy to Try
Fans of the more mystical side of the mecha anime genre like Visions of Escaflowne will find themselves right at home in Armour Astir: Advent. This Powered by the Apocalypse game blends fantasy and sci-fi to create a wonderfully compelling setting and storyline. In Armour Astir, rebellious pilots do battle against a hegemonic authority with their giant steel-clan mechs, known as Astirs.
Armour Astir features an interesting split, with some playbooks giving access to robots and others serving as support personnel, like mechanics, scouts and officers. Players interested in a variety of aspects inherent to the mecha TTRPG genre will find what they’re looking for in Armour Astir. A fully playable demo version is available to download absolutely free, so players who are curious about Armour Astir can give it a try before they buy.
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Beyond Reach by Annie Johnston-Glick Has Players Communicate Indirectly
Neither of the Two Players See the Other’s Messages
Not every roleplaying game requires players to actively talk back and forth. Beyond Reach is “a play by post-game about falling in love with someone unattainable to you.” Two players take turns writing blog posts, letters or chat messages to explore the relationship between a war machine and their pilot. This unique messaging system immediately makes Beyond Reach stand out among other mecha TTRPGs.
However, to reflect the distance between the two parties, the players in Beyond Reach do not show each other their messages. Instead, they interact in short sentences describing their emotional reaction to whatever they just wrote, easily engaging the players psychologically. The game can end with one or the other tragically dying, resulting in the letters remaining secret forever and creating a lasting impression on players.
Participants Aren’t Expected to Win
This GMless storytelling game quickly dispenses with any illusions about victory. Dusk to Midnight opens with “you are a squad of mecha pilots, the only ones left on your side of a long-standing war you’re about to lose.” Knowing about an impending loss puts players in a different mindset than if they thought they had a chance of winning, guiding their focus in a different direction.
Rather than follow pilots on their journey to victory, Dusk to Midnight follows these losing pilots as they either grow disillusioned with the war effort or double down in their loyalty to their faction, crew, and/or mech. Dusk to Midnight’s centering on these aspects rather than on battles is an excellent choice. Overall, it is a somber game that captures the more tragic aspects of mecha anime that fans know and love.
5
Maharlika by Makapatag Mixes Cyberpunk Into the Mech Genre
This Blend Works Perfectly to Provide an Exciting Experience
Billing itself as “technomystic Science Fantasy mecha RPG inspired by Filipino Mythology,” Maharlika is a flashy and exciting mix of cyberpunk and mechs. The Filipino inspiration makes the mech designs in this TTRPG particularly unique. The plot of the game follows the spirit-warrior pilots of Mekanized Weapons, or Meka, as they swear loyalty to a mega-corporation to protect the galaxy.
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Maharlika features crunchy, tactical combat and cites Battletech and Lancer among its design influences. It also draws heavily from “the neo-feudal and neo-colonial trappings of the modern-day Philippines.” Maharlika is just one of many games from the thriving Southeast Asian RPG design community, and it is perfect for any mecha fans.
4
Mobile Frame Zero: Firebrands by Meguey and Vincent Baker Improves Upon a Tactical Wargame
In This Mech RPG, Players Form Alliance or Become Rivals Throughout a Series of Mini-Games
The Mobile Frame Zero universe, created by Joshua A. C. Newman, started as a tactical wargame using homemade LEGO mecha models to simulate large-scale mecha battles. But Mobile Frame Zero: Firebrands takes that world and adapts it into a cooperative and compelling GMless storytelling game. Given that it has a solid foundation, being an extension of an already existing universe, it is no surprise that Mobile Frame Zero: Firebrands is a notable entry into the mecha TTRPG genre.
Players take turns initiating mini-games with their fellow players to tell the story of rival pilots engaging in battle, making alliances and falling in love. Firebrand‘s structure is sure to appeal to both experienced mecha fans and newcomers alike. The tagline says everything there is to say: “Fight with your friends. Ally with your rivals. Fall in love with your enemies.”
3
Last Shooting by My Name Is Grant Focuses on a Single Battle
This Laser-Sharp Focuse Makes the RPG an Invigorating Event
Some games follow the arc of an entire war from battle to battle. Other games, like Last Shooting, follow a single, climactic showdown. While there is something to be said about playing through an entire war, there is also something compelling about focusing in on a single, defining moment. This two-player RPG pits two rival mech pilots against one another in their final fated battle.
First, players walk through three scenes together to build up information about the pilots and set the stakes for the battle. Next, an Ante system allows players to put their resources on the line. Finally, the pilots clash and someone loses. Last Shooting offers a great opportunity to zoom in on one set of characters at the conclusion of their story in a thrilling and emotional manner.
2
ECH0 by Role Over Play Dead Is About a Pilot After Death Rather Than Mech Battles
The Pilot Learns of the Present Through Children, Which Is a Unique Perspective
Rather than focusing on the actions of daring mecha pilots, Ech0 instead features a long-dead pilot interacting with a group of children. The game’s premise is that a group of young kids stumble upon the digital ghost of a long-dead mecha pilot centuries after their war was won or lost. This conversation provides an interesting opportunity to re-contextualize the events that often occur in mecha TTRPGs and mecha anime alike, as well as what may come after.
Players acting as the children take turns showing the pilot their world while the pilot reflects on how the war has changed the environment and community around them. The game ends when the children finally find the ruined remains of the pilot’s mech, at which point the ghost’s power fails and they are finally laid to rest. This emotional last moment is sure to stay with players long after they leave the table.
1
Iron Edda Accelerated by TheOtherTracy Takes Place in the Past
Iron Eda Reforged Adds an Entirely New Environment and Scenario
Most mecha shows take place in some far-flung future, but Iron Edda Accelerated trades this setting for the ancient past of Norse mythology, complete with Vikings, frost giants and gods. Players pilot giant bone mechs made from the skeletons of long-dead giants to save their world from Ragnarok and build a new reality. Combined with the stunning artwork, Iron Edda Accelerated is an enthralling setting accompanied by an equally gripping story.
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A new installment in the Iron Edda series, Iron Edda Reforged was developed after a successful Kickstarter campaign. Iron Edda Reforged trades the original’s fantasy setting for a unique fusion of mythology and cyberpunk that will surely appeal to fans of both mythology and of cyberpunk. This natural extension from the original game ensures that the fun keeps going.
