CY_BORG: A Rules-light Anarchic Cyberpunk RPG

The cyberpunk genre has always been about rebellion, technology, and the grimy underbelly of society. But no RPG embodies that chaotic, dystopian energy quite like CY_BORG. This punk-infused, rules-light RPG is a fast, brutal, and glitchy descent into a world of cybernetic horror, corrupt megacorporations, and nihilistic survival. Whether you’re new to the game or wondering if it’s the right fit for your group, this guide will break down CY_BORG’s mechanics, atmosphere, and what makes it stand out in the world of tabletop RPGs.

What is CY_BORG?

CY_BORG is a cyberpunk RPG from Free League Publishing, built on the same system as MÖRK BORG, its dark fantasy sibling. This game doesn’t just offer a cyberpunk setting—it is cyberpunk in its design, attitude, and aesthetics. The book itself looks like a corrupted data file, filled with glitchy visuals, chaotic layouts, and an in-your-face DIY style that sets the tone for the world you’re about to enter.

Set in the sprawling, decayed metropolis of CY, you play as cybernetic outcasts, rebels, and criminals struggling against an oppressive system where every corporation, hacker collective, and cultist gang wants a piece of you. Expect fast, violent gameplay, a brutal world that punishes the unprepared, and an overall sense of beautiful, neon-drenched doom.

CY_BORG doesn’t play like your standard cyberpunk RPG—it rips up the rules and reshapes them in its own anarchic image. Some of its standout features include:

• Rules-Light, Fast-Paced Gameplay: Unlike crunch-heavy cyberpunk games, CY_BORG prioritizes fast, deadly action. Combat is resolved quickly, hacking is streamlined, and brutal consequences keep players on edge.
• A World That’s Always Changing: The game includes a Doomsday Clock mechanic—every session brings the world closer to collapse, with randomized cataclysmic events affecting the setting.
• Random Character Generation: Your cybernetic outcast is built in minutes using a mix of class templates, randomized cybernetic implants, and glitches. No two characters are ever the same.
• Brutal Consequences: Death is common, resources are scarce, and if the system doesn’t kill you, the megacorps will. CY_BORG thrives on high stakes and no safety nets.
• Gonzo, DIY Aesthetic: From its layout to its attitude, CY_BORG feels like a game written by a rogue AI with a grudge against society.

If Blades in the Dark is a heist movie and Cyberpunk RED is a polished AAA sci-fi thriller, then CY_BORG is a hacked-together VHS tape of punk riots, glitched-out code, and underground cyber-grunge zines. The game leans into anarchy, nihilism, and rebellion, making every session feel like a last-ditch attempt to survive in a world that wants you dead.

Expect a setting where:

• Neon-lit dystopia meets body horror. Your cyberware might be the only thing keeping you alive, but it’s also corrupting your flesh.
• Megacorporations and street gangs clash. You’re caught between the soulless corporations and the criminals trying to burn it all down.
• The world is against you. The Doomsday Clock ticks down, and there’s no saving the city—just a question of how long you can last before it all falls apart.

Basic Gameplay and Mechanics

At its core, CY_BORG is built on a rules-light d20 system, making it easy to pick up but deadly to master. Here’s how it works:

• Attribute Tests: Players roll a d20, add their attribute modifier, and try to beat a set difficulty.
• Brutal Combat: Weapons are deadly, armor degrades quickly, and even minor injuries can be fatal. The game’s combat system prioritizes quick, cinematic violence.
• Hacking & Glitches: Cybernetics and hacking are core to gameplay, but each enhancement comes with risks—viruses, system crashes, and corporate countermeasures keep tech dangerous.
• The Doomsday Clock: Each session pushes the world closer to collapse. Events like city-wide blackouts, riots, or full-on AI takeovers create a dynamic, ever-changing setting.
• Character Death is Inevitable: You will die. A lot. But character creation is fast, and the world is ruthless, encouraging players to embrace the chaos.

Who Should Play CY_BORG?

• Fans of Chaos and Anarchy – If you like rule-breaking, high-stakes survival, and unpredictable world-building, CY_BORG is your game.
• Players Who Love Minimal Rules – If crunch-heavy systems slow you down, CY_BORG keeps things simple, fast, and brutal.
• Cyberpunk Enthusiasts Looking for Something Different – If traditional cyberpunk RPGs feel too polished, CY_BORG delivers a raw, punk-fueled experience.
• Game Masters Who Like Reactive Worlds – The Doomsday Clock and event tables mean that no two campaigns unfold the same way.

Final Thoughts

CY_BORG isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. It takes everything you love about cyberpunk and cranks it up to eleven, injecting it with glitchy energy, brutal consequences, and an atmosphere dripping with rebellion. If you want an RPG where the world is collapsing, the system is against you, and survival is a question mark, this is the game for you.

And if you’re interested in more unique RPGs, keep reading our blog for deep dives into the most innovative and unforgettable tabletop games out there!