Congratulations, you died…almost.
A Different Kind of Beginning
From the very outset, the game of Zweihander hands you a different feel to your game and a narrative choice, usually unseen in other ttrpg’s. You are not simply a character in a grimdark fantasy setting, you are a survivor. One who is coming to terms with their own mortality and how they come to terms with that defines how you will approach playing your character throughout their story.
Eschewing the usual “Farmhand done good/zero to hero” trope that is prevalent in so many fantasy games, you are instead a normal individual that has undergone a harrowing incident that leads you out of the humdrum and into the dark and gothic world of the setting.
Setting the Tone
The tone is one of grim reality. Magic is mysterious, unknowable and feared by the common folk. Fear and oppression are pervasive and all encompassing, while you try to avoid (or maybe embrace), the inexorable creep of darkness into the soul of a character living in a grim and perilous world.
Grounded Growth, Not Power Fantasy
Zweihander knows what kind of game it is, and what kind of game it is not. The mechanics of Zweihander are geared towards the setting, not a sandbox for simply any style of campaign. It also stays very grounded in the world of the game. This isn’t a power fantasy where the characters become God-like in their power, but rather they grow in a realistic way that fits the setting.
The Nine Truths and Lifepath Creation
At character creation you are introduced to the 9 truths. These are points you can hang your characters hat on and are very helpful, not just for your characters understanding of the setting, but for framing your entire campaign as a GM. The lifepath approach to character creation is reminiscent of many of the games that have done it before, but there is a freedom to explore outwards, or to remain on the path you choose from the beginning and follow that to its bitter end. You aren’t forced to branch out of your character concept simply for the expansion of the mechanics.
Mechanics That Fit the Mood
Speaking of the mechanics, while there is a certain amount of “crunch”, it isn’t overly crunchy, using a percentile roll under based dice comvention and has several mechanics that are elegant in their simplicity. Most obviously is the Flip to Succeed/Fail mechanic where you flip the results of your role to either the most advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the situation.
Combat Depth and Weapon Design
Combat can be a deadly affair, with exploding damage dice running the risk of throwing a very sudden wrinkle in your characters day. This does of course go both ways, so players and GM’s alike, beware.
To add to the feel of a deadly combat system is a vast array of weapons with which to assault your enemies. Where some systems suffer from having a long list of weapons, many of which essentially fulfil the same purpose, Zweihander presents weapons, each with at least 1 “quality”, to differentiate it from others in a similar category. This gives the players room to mix up their favourite weapon combinations to cause the most carnage and find fun ways of enjoying their combat. During combat the game switches to using action points, which allows you to split your turn up as much as you want so long as you have enough points remaining. You aren’t tied to one type of a certain move, but have flexibility to allow for “cinematic” descriptions of characters actions during the melee.
Visual Consistency in Design
Throughout the (over 550) pages of this hefty tome, the artwork is consistent and in keeping with the feel of the setting, with only the cover art using a separate artist from all interior illustrations. While the interior art style might feel simplistic to some, it definitely compliments the game with its consistency of tone.
The Seven Swords takeaway
Zweihander isn’t for everyone. It doesn’t try to be. But for those who want a grounded, merciless fantasy game that leans into fear, consequence, and survival, it delivers something far more substantial than another heroic sandbox. It knows exactly what kind of story it wants to tell and if you’re willing to bleed for it, it will let you tell it well.
Where to Buy Zweihander
If you’re ready to step into the mud, blood, and shadows of Zweihander, it’s widely available both in physical and digital formats:
- Grim & Perilous Studios: The official site often has direct sales, bundle deals, and supplements.
- DriveThruRPG: Offers the full rulebook in PDF and print-on-demand formats, along with expansions.
- Amazon: Stocks both hardcover and paperback editions.
- Local Game Shops: Many FLGS (Friendly Local Game Stores) carry Zweihander or can order it in.
- Bookshop.org and Waterstones (UK): Sometimes stock editions online, supporting independent retailers.
Whichever way you choose, it’s worth holding the weighty volume in your hands, it sets the tone before you even crack it open.
