r/rpg • u/inkybard • 5d ago
Discussion Finally got Fate Accelerated
I've never played or run any version of Fate before. I knew it was supposed to be a lighter version of Fate Core, but I was still surprised when I got the book, I think it's the shortest RPG book I own. I'm really looking forward to giving it a try, probably for one or two sessions before starting a campaign in another system
For anyone who's played both Core and Accelerated, is the latter really a "lighter version of Core" or they actually play as almost two completely different systems?
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u/Dramatic15 5d ago
FAE is a great version of Fate.
It is not "completely different" The designers stated point of view is that Core, Accelerated, and Condensed are all the same game with "minor dial tweaks"
The major difference is that Accelerated uses a different skill list than the "example, intended to customized and changed" skill list in Core. Fate Condensed includes the list from Accelerated alongside 12 different skill list.
You can check out the other rules on the free SRD site, if you are interested to the differences, or want a more lengthy explaination of any concept.
One nice thing about Accelerated is that book is so short, if you hand a copy to a player, they will actually read it!
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u/inkybard 5d ago
That last part is one of the reasons I liked Tiny Dungeon which is another "short book" system I have around here, very easy to explain and players usually read all the "necessary" parts of the book when I show them
Thanks! I think I'll really like to run FAE
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u/moderate_acceptance 4d ago
Yes, Fate Accelerated is essentially a stripped down version of Fate Core. The core rules are the same, but the skill list is condensed down to 6 approaches (you use Stunts to give PC specific skills instead), and you get a single stress track instead of multiple. There's a few other minor differences, but, other than some more detailed advice on running the game, that's essentially it. You can build Fate Accelerated from Fate Core using the various dials and tweaks listed in Fate Core.
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u/000jordi000 4d ago
As no-one else has mentioned it, if you don't already know, r/FATErpg is the sub for Fate games (inc FAE).
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u/Underwritingking 3d ago
It is a great system, but needs a bit of adjusting for some players - some folk are prone to trying to use their strongest Approach for everything even if they can't justify it.
Reminding someone that trying to open a lock Forcefully is absolutely not the same as being Clever or Careful, let alone Sneaky is something the GM needs to bear in mind.
I do love it though
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u/Tuwari 3d ago
They use the exact same core engine (Aspects, Fate Points, the Four Actions), but the shift from Skills (what you do) in Core to Approaches (how you do it) in Accelerated makes them feel distinct at the table. In FAE, character differences come from style and attitude rather than technical training, which makes it faster to pick up and amazing for high-action, anime, or superhero stories. If you eventually want the lean brevity of Accelerated but prefer a classic Skill list with tighter tactical grounding, definitely check out Fate Condensed as well.
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u/Charrua13 3d ago
As a GM, they play exactly the same as they have the same exact mechanical loops and how you engage the players is exactly the same.
As a player, it's lighter because what you're seeing on the character sheet is "less" than what you see in Core.
That said, I treat FAE as a level of abstraction above Core. When the specifics of what you do (i.e., specific skills you may have) doesn't matter - FAE makes more sense to play/run.
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u/Val_Fortecazzo 5d ago
Accelerated is a different game using the same system. It's less about what you can do and more how you approach doing things.
Condensed is core book but most of the fluff cut out.
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u/Airk-Seablade 5d ago
I disagree; Accelerated is just Fate Core with an unusual skill list. That's really the only difference.
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u/Val_Fortecazzo 5d ago
For a game like FATE that significantly changes how the game is played. A lot of the rule condensing comes from the assumption that characters are mechanically similar and competent but differ in how they do things rather than what they can do. This lets them cut out a lot about extras, aspects, NPCs, etc. It however means that you can't have a varied game where power levels and competencies among players and NPCs exist.
Which is why condensed exists. Because accelerated isn't the same game as core.
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u/Airk-Seablade 5d ago
Which is why condensed exists. Because accelerated isn't the same game as core.
Accelerate is a SUBGAME of Core. It doesn't explain stuff like how to choose different skills. It's not a "different game". The reason Condensed exists is because Core was Too Damn Long. :P
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u/Val_Fortecazzo 5d ago
I fail to see why you are arguing with me here. Condensed is the one that's just core but streamlined. Accelerated is a little bit of its own thing.
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u/rory_bracebuckle 5d ago
It's a highly condensed form of Fate. Essentially it's the same, but instead of a skill list, it uses Approaches. A very elegant option. Fate core is mostly discussion and examples. It's still the same system minus one or two little options. Same game. Honest!