Three Die Engine

A simple, flexible, d6-based role-playing engine

Three Die Engine (3DE) is a rules-light tabletop RPG system built for fast, cinematic play. Using only six-sided dice and a straightforward task resolution method, 3DE keeps the focus on the story rather than the rulebook. It works with any genre: fantasy, sci-fi, cyberpunk, horror, post-apocalyptic, military, or anything you want to run.

What Is 3DE?

3DE is a universal tabletop role-playing engine built around clear scene-based play and simple mechanics. The Gamemaster describes a scene, the players say what they want to do, and the rules get out of the way so the story can move quickly. The SRD provides a complete baseline system you can use as-is or modify to build an entire game.

Get the 3DE SRD FREE HERE!

  

How the System Works

Task Rolls

Whenever a character attempts something uncertain, they make a Task roll.

  • Untrained: Roll 3d6 + Attribute, drop the highest die.

  • Trained: Roll 3d6 + Attribute + Skill.

  • Focus: Roll 3d6 + Attribute + Skill and the dice explode! 💥

  • Advantage/Disadvantage: Traits or circumstances may increase or decrease the difficulty of the test. 

Difficulty levels are simple: Easy, Tough, Risky, Deadly, and Insane.

Attributes, Skills, and Traits

Characters are defined by:

  • Six Attributes: Brawn, Agility, Intellect, Charisma, Resolve, Ingenuity.

  • Skills: Specific training, such as Fight, Computers, Stealth, Survival, etc.

  • Focuses: Specialized expertise within a skill.

  • Traits: Knacks, Crutches, Circumstances, and equipment Specs that tie narrative elements directly into gameplay.

Edge

Players earn Edge during play for clever ideas, character moments, risky decisions, and engaging with their Crutches. Edge can help during play or be saved for character advancement.

Games & Settings

Hollowspire
A fantasy RPG built on 3DE

Hard Boiled
A pulp noir RPG for 3DE

Teenage Mutant Dirtbags
A coming-of-age (with mutants!) RPG running on 3DE
 

Join Our Patreon!

The FREE System Reference Document will allow anyone to pick up the game and play. If you want to support our project, you can get additional content (including exclusive access to our campaign settings!) through our Patreon!

It's easy (and FREE) to join - just hop over to:

https://patreon.fatgoblin.games

Why Play 3DE?

For Gamemasters

  • Easy to teach in minutes.

  • Player-facing rolls let you focus on pacing and description.

  • Scene-based structure keeps things moving.

  • Circumstances and Traits make adjusting difficulty quick and intuitive.

For Players

  • Fast character creation using Archetypes, Knacks, and Crutches.

  • Simple mechanics supported by meaningful choices.

  • Works with any genre.

  • Encourages creativity, teamwork, and bold ideas.

What You Need to Play

  • Three six-sided dice per player.

  • Paper or character sheets.

  • One Gamemaster and at least one other player.

  • The free 3DE SRD PDF.

Everything else—miniatures, maps, props—is optional. The system supports theater-of-the-mind or tactical play equally well.

For Publishers & Designers

The 3DE SRD is open for third-party creators. You may reuse or modify the system text under the Three Die Engine RPG Reference Document Third-Party License included in the SRD.

Preferred Partner Program!

Another option is to join our Patreon as a Preferred Partner! From there, you'll be able to use our 3DE PPP logo on your products, build content for our settings, and enjoy collaboration with the Fat Goblin team on your publications!

Get Started

Download the free SRD, gather a few friends, and start playing. 3DE is built to support one-shots, convention games, or full campaigns with minimal prep and maximum player creativity.