The Star Wars D6 roleplaying system—originally published by West End Games—remains one of the most beloved ways to experience the galaxy far, far away. Whether you’re using the classic 2nd Edition or the Revised & Expanded rulebook, running a campaign is about more than dice rolls and stats—it’s about telling your own Star Wars story.
If you’re looking to craft a memorable Star Wars D6 campaign, this guide will walk you through the process, from core ideas to detailed adventure hooks.
1. Start with a Theme and Era
Every great Star Wars story has a central theme. Is your campaign about rebellion, redemption, smuggling, or Imperial intrigue? Deciding on the campaign’s focus will help you choose the right era:
- The Rebellion Era: Classic Original Trilogy adventures—perfect for battles with stormtroopers and secret rebel missions.
- The Clone Wars: Jedi, clones, and political intrigue.
- The Rise of the Empire: Play as agents, bounty hunters, or rebels during the Empire’s ascent.
- Post-Endor: Explore the galaxy in the uncertain years after Return of the Jedi.
Tip: Let your players help choose the era and theme. Shared excitement always leads to better sessions!
2. Build Your Player Characters into the Story
Star Wars D6 shines when characters are connected to the galaxy. Collaborate with your players on their character backgrounds—do they have old debts, Imperial records, or unfinished business? Use these details to generate story hooks, recurring NPCs, and personal quests.
Character Questions to Ask:
- Who (or what) do they care about?
- Why are they working together?
- What’s one thing from their past that could catch up with them?
3. Structure Your Campaign: Arcs, Episodes, and Scenes
A classic Star Wars D6 campaign works best in arcs, just like the films and shows.
The Three-Act Structure
- Introduction: The party comes together and faces a shared problem (a Rebel cell needs supplies, a crime boss has a bounty out, a mysterious artifact is discovered).
- Escalation: The stakes rise, and the party uncovers secrets, betrayals, or larger threats. They travel between planets, infiltrate bases, or survive ambushes.
- Climax and Resolution: The heroes face their greatest challenge—escaping the Death Star, rescuing a friend, or thwarting a Sith plot.
Break arcs into “episodes” or sessions, each with its own objective and cliffhanger.
4. Build Compelling Locations
Star Wars is a galaxy of exotic places. Don’t be afraid to go beyond Tatooine and Hoth—design your own outposts, starships, and spaceports.
Tips for Memorable Locations:
- Give every location a distinct vibe (sleazy cantina, Imperial fortress, jungle temple).
- Include at least one “signature” feature (giant statue, bottomless chasm, sentient droids).
- Add encounter tables or random events for extra flavor.
5. Create Dynamic NPCs and Factions
Populate your world with memorable allies, rivals, and antagonists. Give NPCs distinct personalities, motives, and secrets.
Factions: The Empire, Rebel Alliance, Hutt Cartel, Black Sun, local militias, droid-rights groups—the galaxy teems with organizations for the players to join, fight, or outwit.
Recurring NPCs: These are the heart of an ongoing campaign. Let them grow and change, develop grudges, or even become unexpected allies.
6. Mix Adventure Types
The best Star Wars D6 campaigns mix action, investigation, intrigue, and personal moments.
- Heists and Smuggling Runs: Tense escapes and creative problem-solving.
- Diplomacy and Negotiation: Political maneuvering or tense stand-offs.
- Mystery and Exploration: Ancient ruins, Jedi lore, lost technology.
- War and Rebellion: Large-scale battles, sabotage, covert operations.
7. Use the D6 System to Heighten Drama
The D6 system is fast, cinematic, and perfect for improvisation. Lean into dramatic moments—let players attempt wild stunts, use character Points and Force Points for big plays, and don’t be afraid to bend the rules for epic scenes.
8. Adapt and Improvise
Your players will surprise you. Embrace it! Let the story evolve based on their choices, failures, and unexpected victories. The best Star Wars stories are full of twists and turns.
9. Tools and Resources
- Stat Block Libraries: Maintain a database of common NPCs, vehicles, and starships. Digital stat block libraries (see our tutorial here) make prepping much easier.
- Maps and Handouts: Visuals help immerse your players. Use or create maps for starships, bases, and cantinas.
- Session Notes: Track key NPCs, player choices, and unresolved storylines between sessions.
10. Make It Feel Like Star Wars
Play the soundtrack. Add cinematic “wipes” between scenes. End sessions on cliffhangers. Encourage players to think and act like heroes (or villains!) in a galaxy of endless possibility.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a Star Wars D6 campaign is about capturing the energy and wonder of the films—while giving your group their own saga to tell. Whether you’re a new GM or a veteran, remember: in the Star Wars galaxy, the Force will always be with you.
