Monte Cook Games has announced a new “evolved” edition of its flagship Cypher role playing game, set to launch in 2026.

The new edition of Cypher is intended to make the game easier to start playing, with more flexibility for gamemasters and players.  The updated system builds on the twelve-year history of the game originally launched in 2014 (see “‘The Cypher System Rulebook’”) without changing any of its core mechanics.  The new features will include a genre-based system for character creation, new rules for damage to player characters that allow more use of their abilities, new rules for armor, and expanded options for character abilities and “subtle cyphers” that form the default for most genres.  Since most of the changes target character creation and only a few game mechanics, existing Cypher System supplements will be compatible with the new rules.

The new edition leaves the “character sentence” creation method built on the descriptor-type-focus formula, the system for task resolution, and the format for creature stat blocks, though these have some adjustments to how damage is handled.  Stand-alone role playing games powered by the Cypher System are not affected by the rules changes. 

The new edition will be broken into two core rulebooks, the Cypher Character Rulebook and the Cypher GM’s Guide.  The Character Rulebook will include all the rules need to create and play characters in the game across a variety of genres.  The GM’s Guide will feature additional rules, advice, and genre details intended for gamemasters, as well as a guide to customizing the game for different play styles.

Next year, Monte Cook will launch a crowd-funding campaign to raise funds for the production, which will feature special upgraded books and accessories for gamemasters and players. Specific release dates and MSRP have not been announced.

Earlier this year, Monte Cook released Neon Rain, a cyberpunk setting for the Cypher System (see “Monte Cook Games Is Expecting ‘Neon Rain’”).