It’s the end of the world as we know it—and the party’s still arguing about who’s carrying the rations. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we prepare for the Fall of Humanity the only way we know how: by taking notes, rolling dice, and arguing about whose apocalypse prep list includes “50 feet of rope” and whose just says “vibes.” Whether your campaign ends with zombies, eldritch gods, or a total collapse of civilization, we’re here to help you face the end times like true heroes—confused, underprepared, and hilariously optimistic.

Fall is in the air, and that means two things: pumpkin spice and impending doom in your campaign notes. But before the frost settles and your dice freeze in place, don’t forget—the annual RPGBOT.net Christmas Gift Recommendations are just around the corner. We’ve scoured the multiverse to find the best gifts for your favorite gamer, GM, and dice-hoarding friend, so keep an eye on RPGBOT.net for the upcoming list!

In this episode, the RPGBOT crew explores how to prepare for the fall of humanity in tabletop RPGs—and how to do it with style, panic, and at least one functioning flashlight. We dive into post-apocalyptic campaign design, survival mechanics, and how to create compelling worldbuilding after the apocalypse that still leaves room for hope, laughter, and player chaos.

We discuss how to run post-apocalyptic campaigns in D&D, Pathfinder, or other TTRPG systems, how to integrate survival challenges and resource scarcity into storytelling, and how to design meaningful player choices in settings where civilization has completely collapsed. Expect dark humor, dramatic flair, and at least one debate about whether your cleric can purify canned beans.

This episode is packed with game master advice on creating factions, managing tone in grimdark worlds, and finding emotional balance between despair and determination. We’ll also talk about how to keep your players invested in a setting that’s literally falling apart around them—because even after the world ends, you still need teamwork, trust, and a good initiative roll.

Topics Covered:

• How to run post-apocalyptic campaigns in D&D or Pathfinder
• Preparing players for civilization collapse and survival challenges
• Building believable factions after the fall of humanity
• Integrating scarcity, resource management, and desperation into storytelling
• Balancing tone and tension in grimdark and survival RPGs
• Creating hope and emotional stakes in despair-driven worlds
• Using worldbuilding to reinforce narrative consequences
• Why the end of the world is the perfect time to make new friends (and enemies)

• Survival is more than hit points. Post-apocalyptic storytelling shines when moral dilemmas and emotional endurance matter as much as physical survival.
• Factions are the new nations. The fall of humanity gives rise to new power structures, ideologies, and conflicts that define your worldbuilding.
• Hope matters. Even in despair-driven worlds, small acts of kindness or faith can make your campaign unforgettable.
• Tone is everything. Knowing when to inject humor—or withhold it—keeps players engaged and the story grounded.
• Scarcity drives creativity. Limiting resources forces inventive problem-solving and adds depth to gameplay.
• Player agency is crucial. The choices your characters make when everything is lost reveal who they truly are.

While you’re thinking about the perfect gifts for your favorite gamers, don’t overlook Randall’s novella Malecon—a thoughtful, evocative story about identity, reflection, and finding light in the darkness. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who loves a good narrative arc—and it pairs nicely with a warm drink and the quiet hum of a dying generator. Pick up Malecon today, and remind yourself that even after the end of the world, good stories endure.