Best GURPS Game Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 12, 2023

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GURPS game books are a series of role-playing game books that cover a wide range of topics and genres. From science fiction and fantasy to historical and contemporary settings, these books provide a comprehensive guide to creating your own unique characters and worlds. GURPS books offer detailed rules and mechanics for character creation, combat, and storytelling, as well as plenty of background information and setting details. Whether you're a seasoned RPG player or just starting out, GURPS game books are a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore the vast and exciting world of role-playing games.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The Game Master's Book of Traps, Puzzles and Dungeons: A punishing collection of bone-crunching contraptions, brain-teasing riddles and ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series) Cover #TOP 1
The Game Master's Book of Traps, Puzzles and Dungeons: A punishing collection of bone-crunching contraptions, brain-teasing riddles and ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Game Master's Book of Non-Player Characters: 500+ unique bartenders, brawlers, mages, merchants, royals, rogues, sages, sailors, warriors, weirdos ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series) Cover #TOP 2
The Game Master's Book of Non-Player Characters: 500+ unique bartenders, brawlers, mages, merchants, royals, rogues, sages, sailors, warriors, weirdos ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
The Game Master's Book of Random Encounters: 500+ customizable maps, tables and story hooks to create 5th edition adventures on demand (The Game Master Series) Cover #TOP 3
The Game Master's Book of Random Encounters: 500+ customizable maps, tables and story hooks to create 5th edition adventures on demand (The Game Master Series)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 GURPS Game Books

The Game Master's Book of Traps, Puzzles and Dungeons: A punishing collection of bone-crunching contraptions, brain-teasing riddles and ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series)

Ashworth, Jeff
Hilton, Kyle
Bhullar, Jasmine
Three Black Halflings
Jun 21, 2022
The Game Master's Book of Traps, Puzzles and Dungeons: A punishing collection of bone-crunching contraptions, brain-teasing riddles and ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series) Cover
The Game Master's Book of Traps, Puzzles and Dungeons: A punishing collection of bone-crunching contraptions, brain-teasing riddles and ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series)

The Game Master's Book of Traps, Puzzles and Dungeons is a comprehensive tool for Game Masters looking to add excitement and challenge to their RPG adventures. With over 60 puzzles, 60 traps, and 50 modular dungeon chambers, GMs have endless options to create unique and engaging scenarios. The technical illustrations and top-down location maps are beautifully rendered, and the addition of three one-shot adventures written by RPG influencers makes this book a must-have for any GM's collection. Overall, The Game Master's Book of Traps, Puzzles and Dungeons is a fantastic resource for GMs looking to take their game to the next level.

The Game Master's Book of Non-Player Characters: 500+ unique bartenders, brawlers, mages, merchants, royals, rogues, sages, sailors, warriors, weirdos ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series)

Ashworth, Jeff
Stanko, John
Kalle, Jasmine
Bhullar, Jasmine
Egloff, Ben
Oct 5, 2021
The Game Master's Book of Non-Player Characters: 500+ unique bartenders, brawlers, mages, merchants, royals, rogues, sages, sailors, warriors, weirdos ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series) Cover
The Game Master's Book of Non-Player Characters: 500+ unique bartenders, brawlers, mages, merchants, royals, rogues, sages, sailors, warriors, weirdos ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series)

The Game Master's Book of Non-Player Characters is a must-have addition to any dungeon master's library. With over 500 unique NPCs, this book is perfect for filling in the gaps in your campaign when your players take an unexpected turn or when a location needs more fleshed-out characters. Jeff Ashworth's book is well-organized, easy to navigate, and includes hand-drawn illustrations of select characters. The three bonus adventures and foreword by online influencer Jasmine Bhullar make this book an even more valuable resource. Overall, The Game Master's Book of Non-Player Characters is an excellent tool for any dungeon master looking to enhance their storytelling and provide a memorable experience for their players.

The Game Master's Book of Random Encounters: 500+ customizable maps, tables and story hooks to create 5th edition adventures on demand (The Game Master Series)

Ashworth, Jeff
Kalle, Jasmine
Shea, Michael
Media Lab Books
Sep 15, 2020
The Game Master's Book of Random Encounters: 500+ customizable maps, tables and story hooks to create 5th edition adventures on demand (The Game Master Series) Cover
The Game Master's Book of Random Encounters: 500+ customizable maps, tables and story hooks to create 5th edition adventures on demand (The Game Master Series)

The Game Master's Book of Random Encounters is a massive tome that offers a solution to every GM's problem of players choosing what they have not prepared for. The book is divided into location categories and features maps for 19 unique spaces, each with encounter tables that help GMs populate a given location on the fly. The book also includes a one-shot generator that features all the story hooks necessary for GMs to use these maps as part of an interconnected and contained adventure. With a Random NPC Generator and Party Makeup Maker, this book is a must-have for any GM looking to add spontaneity to their game.

The Game Master's Book of Legendary Dragons: Epic new dragons, dragon-kin and monsters, plus dragon cults, classes, combat and magic for 5th Edition RPG adventures (The Game Master Series)

Hübrich, Aaron
Dillon, Dan
Lewis, Cody C.
Haeck, James J.
Pinto, Jim
Gygax, Luke
Ashworth, Jeff
Oct 11, 2022
The Game Master's Book of Legendary Dragons: Epic new dragons, dragon-kin and monsters, plus dragon cults, classes, combat and magic for 5th Edition RPG adventures (The Game Master Series) Cover
The Game Master's Book of Legendary Dragons: Epic new dragons, dragon-kin and monsters, plus dragon cults, classes, combat and magic for 5th Edition RPG adventures (The Game Master Series)

The Game Master's Book of Legendary Dragons is an epic new addition to any tabletop RPG adventure. With more than two dozen dragons, including six exclusive to this edition, each creature comes with a complete backstory, history, motivations, and combat actions. The book also includes new dragon-kin, drakes, kobolds, and dragon races, along with new dragon-related organizations, skills, classes, and magic. Game Masters and players alike will find endless ideas and countless hours of epic-level fun. The book is a must-have for any RPG enthusiast looking to breathe new life into their games.

The Game Master’s Book of Villains, Minions and Their Tactics: Epic new antagonists for your PCs, plus new minions, fighting tactics, and guidelines ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series)

Hübrich, Aaron
Dillon, Dan
Pinto, Jim
Syrene, Vall
Lafort, Alexander
Henrickson, Hunter
Colville, Matt
Sikora, Ted
Oct 31, 2023
The Game Master’s Book of Villains, Minions and Their Tactics: Epic new antagonists for your PCs, plus new minions, fighting tactics, and guidelines ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series) Cover
The Game Master’s Book of Villains, Minions and Their Tactics: Epic new antagonists for your PCs, plus new minions, fighting tactics, and guidelines ... RPG adventures (The Game Master Series)

The Game Master’s Book of Villains, Minions and Their Tactics is a must-have for any Dungeons & Dragons game master. This deluxe edition from Jetpack7 includes over two dozen deadly BBEGs, including five new villains exclusive to this edition, and tactics for over 75 different minions and Big Bads. The book is reedited and redesigned, with exclusive guidelines for creating original villains and minions, as well as three exciting one-shot adventures. The book provides tips and strategies that readers can use to “drag and drop” a BBEG into a new or existing game, with full-color illustrations, lore, stats, combat tactics, and special abilities for each exciting entry. This book is an essential addition to any game master’s library.

The Game Master’s Handbook of Proactive Roleplaying: Guidelines and strategies for running PC-driven narratives in 5E adventures (The Game Master Series)

Fishel, Jonah
Fishel, Tristan
Di, Ginny
Ashworth, Jeff
Oct 17, 2023
The Game Master’s Handbook of Proactive Roleplaying: Guidelines and strategies for running PC-driven narratives in 5E adventures (The Game Master Series) Cover
The Game Master’s Handbook of Proactive Roleplaying: Guidelines and strategies for running PC-driven narratives in 5E adventures (The Game Master Series)

The Game Master's Handbook of Proactive Roleplaying is a must-read for any Dungeons & Dragons game master looking to break out of the predictable action/reaction cycle. This book provides guidelines and strategies for running player-driven narratives that put all the choices in the hands of the players. The proactive approach ensures every session is high-stakes and an absolute blast, putting the players and their characters in the driver's seat. The book also includes writer's block-breaking charts, case studies, and templates. Overall, this book is unique in its approach to TTRPG gameplay and is highly recommended for any game master looking to re-energize their players and their game.

The Düngeonmeister Cookbook: 75 RPG-Inspired Recipes to Level Up Your Game Night (Ultimate Role Playing Game Series)

Aldrich, Jef
Taylor, Jon
Apr 19, 2022
The Düngeonmeister Cookbook: 75 RPG-Inspired Recipes to Level Up Your Game Night (Ultimate Role Playing Game Series) Cover
The Düngeonmeister Cookbook: 75 RPG-Inspired Recipes to Level Up Your Game Night (Ultimate Role Playing Game Series)

The Düngeonmeister Cookbook is a must-have for every gamer group. With 75 game-friendly recipes, this cookbook is perfect for those looking for easy-to-follow recipes for snacks and meals to enjoy during game night. From the Goodberries Baked Cheese-wrapped dates to the Inspiration Points Peanut Butter White Chocolate Pretzels, this cookbook has it all. The wit and humor of the authors make this cookbook even more enjoyable. Jef Aldrich and Jon Taylor have done an excellent job of creating a unique cookbook that will level up your game night.

The Ultimate RPG Guide Boxed Set: Featuring The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide, The Ultimate RPG Gameplay Guide, and The Ultimate RPG Game ... Guide (Ultimate Role Playing Game Series)

D’Amato, James
Dec 28, 2021
The Ultimate RPG Guide Boxed Set: Featuring The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide, The Ultimate RPG Gameplay Guide, and The Ultimate RPG Game ... Guide (Ultimate Role Playing Game Series) Cover
The Ultimate RPG Guide Boxed Set: Featuring The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide, The Ultimate RPG Gameplay Guide, and The Ultimate RPG Game ... Guide (Ultimate Role Playing Game Series)

The Ultimate RPG Guide Boxed Set is a perfect collection for any Dungeons & Dragons lover who wants to level up their campaign. This set includes The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide, The Ultimate RPG Gameplay Guide, and The Ultimate RPG Game Master’s Worldbuilding Guide. Each guide is filled with interactive activities, advice, and tips to help you create immersive gameplay. James D’Amato, an expert game master, provides insightful advice and prompts to assist in building worlds for games in the fantasy, horror, and x-punk genres. Overall, this boxed set is a valuable resource for any beginner or experienced player and a must-have for any game master.

The Book of Random Tables: Quests: Adventure Ideas for Fantasy Tabletop Role-Playing Games (The Books of Random Tables)

Davids, Matt
dicegeeks
Aug 19, 2019
The Book of Random Tables: Quests: Adventure Ideas for Fantasy Tabletop Role-Playing Games (The Books of Random Tables) Cover
The Book of Random Tables: Quests: Adventure Ideas for Fantasy Tabletop Role-Playing Games (The Books of Random Tables)

The Book of Random Tables: Quests is a valuable resource for game masters of Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder. The book offers 1000 adventure ideas organized in random tables, allowing the GM to easily find inspiration for their next game session. The tables cover a range of topics, from story hooks to globe-spanning adventures, and even include meta-quests that can be used as micro-quests. The book is a time-saver for GMs looking to cut down on their prep time. Overall, the book is a must-have for any fantasy tabletop RPG GM.

The Book of Random Tables: Inns and Taverns: 25 D100 Random Tables for Fantasy Role-Playing Games (The Books of Random Tables)

Davids, Matt
Davids, Erin
Oct 10, 2022
The Book of Random Tables: Inns and Taverns: 25 D100 Random Tables for Fantasy Role-Playing Games (The Books of Random Tables) Cover
The Book of Random Tables: Inns and Taverns: 25 D100 Random Tables for Fantasy Role-Playing Games (The Books of Random Tables)

The Book of Random Tables: Inns and Taverns is a must-have for any Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder game master. With 25 D100 random tables, creating and populating an inn or tavern has never been easier. Each table includes a variety of options, from exterior and interior appearance descriptors to meals, owners, and patrons. The book also includes tables for encounters, rumors, and odd jobs, making it an invaluable resource for any game master looking to cut down on prep time. Overall, this book is a fantastic addition to any game master's library, and its comprehensive tables make it a unique and valuable resource for any fantasy role-playing game.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What books do you need for GURPS?

The only books required to play GURPS are Basic Set: Characters for the Game Master and players, and Basic Set: Campaigns for the Game Master.

2. What is the best edition of GURPS?

GURPS 4th edition is a better overall game than 3rd edition (and both editions are fairly simple, at heart), but they basically folded everything you'd ever need into the core. There's a staggering list of advantages, disadvantages, skills, and modifiers.

3. Will there be a GURPS 5th Edition?

Re: There will not be a Gurps 5th Edition It's the one where Phil Masters (of Steve Jackson Games) got a ban for explaining what the disadvantage "slave mentality" means in Gurps.

4. Does D&D use GURPS?

While Constitution in D&D determines Hit Points they are determined by ST in 4e GURPS but Strength has no effect on Hit Points in D&D. This is why D&D Constitution (its bonus) rather then D&D Strength relates to GURPS 4e's Extra Hit Points.

Editor's Notes

During our gurps game book research, we found 516 gurps game book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 18,304 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gurps game books list. We found that most customers choose gurps game books with an average price of $18.07.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.