Log out of the virtual Wild West world of Desperados III and saddle up into its roleplaying tabletop counterpart with the free official Desperados Pen & Paper RPG. Published by Pegasus Spiele with support from Mimimi Games and THQ Nordic, the Desperados Pen & Paper RPG is free to download now from DriveThruRPG.

Released a couple of days after the launch of Desperados III, the tabletop RPG version seeks to combine the best of both gaming genres: the challenging tactical encounters of Desperados III with the immersive and imaginative roleplaying freedom that can best be experienced in tabletop RPGs.

Related: Gaming Detail: Red Dead Redemption 2’s Case Shows The Ending

For gamers who have yet to adventure into the world of tabletop roleplaying games, THQ Nordic has released an excellent video on their YouTube channel. Desperados Pen & Paper RPG - How to Game is hosted by the wonderful Becca Scott (Geek & Sundry, Good Time Society), and details how the Desperados RPG works.

If you’d like to jump right into the Desperados Pen & Paper RPG, you can download the free 64-page illustrated PDF rulebook directly from DriveThruRPG. The official sourcebook includes a printable character sheet, tokens, and maps, and covers all the aspects of roleplaying in the realm of Desperados.

The countryside passes by without the least sign of change, accompanied only by the wheels’ monotonous rattle on the rails. Noon has come; relentlessly the sun is blazing down from high above. Then, the eye distinguishes a solitary horseman on the horizon, and only a few seconds later a second one. From both sides, more and more horsemen are heading towards the train.

The Desperados RPG is a d6 system, meaning it uses the standard 6-sided die for all gaming decision rolls. The rules include an introduction to the Wild West setting of Desperados, along with an overview of the history of the late 1800s when the game takes place. So even if you’ve never played any of the Desperados video games, you’ll have no problem getting started with the tabletop version.

Desperados Pen & Paper RPG cover image
Desperados Pen & Paper RPG cover image

You can choose to play as one of five Character Templates: Gunslinger, Trapper, Gambler, Mountebank, and Voodoo Priest. Gunslingers are the classic Wild West characters who automatically receive Ranged Combat and Horsemanship skills. Trappers come with Athletics and Survival skills, and are experts at hunting and setting traps. Gamblers excel at Empathy and Perception skills which help improve their professional poker playing, business owner, or thieving lifestyles. Mountebanks employ their Medicine and Science skills to provide honest or dishonest medical care across the rugged Wild West. Voodoo Priests, with their Humanities and Conceal skills, are the only class with access to spells, including Mind Control, Divination, Hands of Healing, and more.

The Desperados RPG comes with a simple yet engaging combat system with rules covering tactical combat and classic duels, a basic equipment list with many standard Wild West items, and a posse of adversaries and NPCs. There’s even a five-scene introductory adventure titled "Desperados Don’t Forgive" that takes place in the sleepy little Western town of Genoa, and involves train robbers, a desert canyon, a local saloon, and more.

Desperados Pen & Paper RPG back cover image
Desperados Pen & Paper RPG back cover image

Mosey on over to DriveThruRPG right now to download the free Desperados Pen & Paper RPG.

Next: How Long Does It Take To Beat Red Dead Redemption 2?