Kids on Bikes

You don’t need to know the rules or purchase anything. A professional Game Master will teach you the basics in just a few minutes and keep the game flowing. Character creation is quick, based on simple traits and a few quirks. The group collaborates to build the town, so your ideas are important from the start. The dice are easy to read. If kids are playing, explanations remain straightforward and visual. If you’re already familiar with the game, the GM will adjust to your pace and skip what you don’t need.

You play ordinary people, not classes, and there are no levels. Teamwork and choices shape the story more than combat. You create the town and relationships, then pursue rumours and strange clues. Rolls use different die sizes for traits, with exploding highs and Adversity Tokens when things go awry. Maps are minimal. Scenes feel like a mystery show, not a dungeon crawl. One-shots can conclude a complete story, while campaigns develop the town over time.

Most tables use Kids on Bikes 2nd Edition by default. It streamlines play and provides helpful guidance for players and the GM. If your group prefers 1st Edition or already has characters there, please mention it when you book. A professional Game Master can run either version and convert light elements as needed. The feel remains the same, a blend of heart, friendship, and the uncanny. You only need a character idea and a willingness to collaborate.

The tone is adaptable. Aim for warmth, humour, and a relaxed atmosphere, tailored to your group. Before starting, the GM checks comfort levels and establishes clear lines and veils. If you're aiming for a Saturday-morning mystery vibe, keep threats off-screen and make victories feel uplifting. If your teens prefer more tension, the GM can adjust the intensity with care. Safety tools are employed throughout. To find a GM whose style aligns with yours, explore GM playstyles.

The Powered Character is an optional figure with unique abilities, such as a psychic child or an extraordinary stray. The table shares control. Players determine when it assists and what it can do, within agreed-upon limits. The GM depicts how the world responds, maintains clear stakes, and ensures the focus remains on your characters. For very young players, the GM can simplify or omit this element, keeping the story centred on bikes and bravery.

Kids on Bikes shines with 3 to 5 players, and works well with 2 for a more intimate vibe. A one-shot typically lasts 2 to 3 hours, which is sufficient for town setup and a complete mystery. Campaign sessions fall within the same timeframe, allowing time to revisit locations and NPCs. Larger groups are possible, but the tone is more subdued than action-heavy games, so smaller tables tend to provide everyone with more space.

Online play is seamless. The game encourages conversation, so all you need is video chat and a dice roller. Your GM might include a simple map or handouts when necessary, but there’s no grid to manage. Our Game Masters are familiar with popular tools and can adapt to what your group already uses. Discover typical setups and options on our online play platforms page.