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Old-School Essentials is a role-playing game of fantastic adventure, monsters, and magic!

Simple, robust rules: Old-School Essentials has light, easily modified rules, putting the focus of play on shared imagination, improvisation, and fun.

Easy to learn and reference: Old-School Essentials is meticulously edited and laid out, with the aim of maximizing ease of reference during play. Everything is logically organised and presented in a quick-to-read format based on “control panels” — side-by-side pages presenting a single topic in its entirety.

Compatible with decades of material: Old-School Essentials is based on the classic 1980s Basic / Expert rules (B/X), the most popular edition of the game among connoisseurs of old-school RPGs. All material written for the B/X rules over the last four decades can be used with Old-School Essentials, without any conversion effort whatsoever!

100% old-school rules, 100% modern design!

About the System Reference Document

This online document provides a full reference for the Old-School Essentials Classic Fantasy rules (a complete rendition of the classic Basic / Expert game).

The Essential Old-School Fantasy RPG

Old-School Essentials is an award-winning role-playing game of fantastic adventure, monsters, and magic. Players delve into forbidden crypts and forsaken ruins, explore haunted forests and perilous mountain ranges, sail the high seas in search of lost lands, recover fabulous treasures, and unearth secrets of ancient magic.

Simple, Robust Rules

Light, easily modified rules put the focus of play on shared imagination, improvisation, and fun. The game’s core rules cover the essentials of fantasy gaming: delving into dungeons, exploring the wilderness, voyaging across the seas, and founding strongholds.

Easy to Learn and Reference

Modern formatting and layout make the game easy to learn and a breeze to reference during play. The game is designed around “control panels”, presenting each topic on two side-by-side pages. The rules are quick to reference, even in the heat of battle.

Deluxe Print Quality and Art

Deluxe quality hardcover books are filled with evocative art from leading old-school illustrators. Our books feature luxurious, high quality paper and stitched bindings for high durability. Ribbon markers and printed endpapers enhance quick reference.

Compatible With Decades of Material

Based on the beloved 1980s Basic/Expert rules, Old-School Essentials is compatible with decades of classic adventures and supplements. Material published for all 20th century editions of the world’s most popular fantasy RPG can be used with minimal conversion effort.