ONLY WAR RPG PDF: A Comprehensive Guide (Updated 12/10/2025)

Today, December 10th, 2025, this guide offers a detailed exploration of the ONLY WAR RPG in PDF format, covering acquisition, content, and usage․

Welcome to the grim darkness of the far future! ONLY WAR, presented extensively in PDF format, plunges players into the brutal reality of the Astra Militarum – the Imperial Guard․ This tabletop role-playing game, readily available as a digital download, focuses not on heroic feats, but on the relentless grind of war against overwhelming odds․

The PDF versions offer convenient access to the core rules, character creation, and expansive lore․ Players embody soldiers, facing constant threats and moral compromises․ The digital format allows for easy searching and portability, crucial for long campaigns․ Expect a challenging experience demanding tactical thinking and a willingness to sacrifice everything for the Imperium․ Prepare for a war without end!

II․ What is ONLY WAR? ⎯ Core Concepts

ONLY WAR, best experienced through its comprehensive PDF resources, is a tabletop RPG centered around gritty realism and the horrors of war within the Warhammer 40,000 universe․ Unlike games focusing on elite heroes, ONLY WAR emphasizes the expendability and struggles of the common soldier․

Core concepts include a challenging, percentile-based system, detailed combat rules reflecting the brutal nature of Imperial warfare, and a strong emphasis on command structure and logistical concerns․ The PDF format facilitates easy access to these rules․ Expect limited resources, psychological trauma, and the constant threat of death․ It’s a game about survival, duty, and the bleakness of existence․

III․ The Setting: The Imperium of Man

The ONLY WAR RPG, readily explored via its PDF resources, is firmly rooted in the grim darkness of the far future – the Imperium of Man․ This setting is characterized by constant warfare, religious fanaticism, and technological decay․ Humanity clings to survival amidst a galaxy teeming with hostile aliens, daemonic entities, and internal threats․

The Imperium is a vast, bureaucratic empire ruled by the immortal God-Emperor․ Life is cheap, and individual freedoms are nonexistent․ The PDF provides detailed lore about this oppressive regime․ Expect a world of unending conflict, where faith in the Emperor is paramount, and hope is a rare commodity․ It’s a setting of desperate struggle and unwavering devotion․

III․a․ A Grimdark Future

The ONLY WAR RPG’s PDF materials immerse players in a truly grimdark future․ This isn’t a heroic fantasy; it’s a brutal, unforgiving universe where victory is often pyrrhic and survival is a daily struggle․ The Imperium faces threats on all sides, and its citizens live under constant oppression․ Expect pervasive corruption, widespread poverty, and a complete lack of individual agency․

The setting’s darkness isn’t merely aesthetic; it’s integral to the gameplay․ Characters are expendable cogs in a vast war machine, and their actions have limited impact on the grand scheme․ The PDF emphasizes the bleak realities of life within the Imperium, fostering a sense of desperation and moral ambiguity․

III․b․ The Role of the Astra Militarum

The ONLY WAR RPG PDF centers on the Astra Militarum – the Imperium of Man’s vast, unwavering army․ Players embody soldiers, officers, and support personnel within this colossal force, experiencing the horrors of war firsthand․ They aren’t heroes, but rather individuals caught in a galaxy-spanning conflict, fighting for a regime that often disregards their lives․

The PDF meticulously details the Militarum’s structure, from individual squads to entire armies․ Characters navigate a rigid hierarchy, facing constant pressure from superiors and the ever-present threat of enemy fire․ Their role is to obey orders, endure hardship, and contribute to the Imperium’s endless war effort, even at great personal cost․

IV․ Acquiring ONLY WAR PDFs

Obtaining ONLY WAR RPG PDFs is straightforward, offering several convenient options for players․ The primary source is the official Cubicle 7 Store, guaranteeing legitimate and up-to-date versions of the core rulebook and supplements․ Alternatively, DriveThruRPG serves as a major digital distributor, providing a wide selection and often featuring sales or bundles․

Players should exercise caution with other online retailers, ensuring they are purchasing from authorized sources to avoid pirated or incomplete files․ Legal considerations are paramount; supporting the creators ensures continued development and quality content for the ONLY WAR experience․

IV․a․ Official Cubicle 7 Store

The Official Cubicle 7 Store represents the most direct and reliable avenue for acquiring ONLY WAR RPG PDFs․ Purchasing directly from Cubicle 7 ensures you receive the latest versions, complete with all errata and updates, supporting the game’s continued development․ They frequently offer exclusive bundles and promotions, potentially saving players money on multiple core rulebooks and expansions․

Furthermore, buying directly contributes directly to the creators, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for the ONLY WAR tabletop role-playing experience․ The store interface is user-friendly, and downloads are typically immediate upon purchase, providing instant access to your digital library․

IV․b․ DriveThruRPG

DriveThruRPG stands as a prominent marketplace for digital tabletop role-playing games, including a comprehensive selection of ONLY WAR RPG PDFs․ This platform offers convenience and a vast catalog, often featuring sales and discounts that can make acquiring the game more affordable․ DriveThruRPG’s robust system allows for easy organization of your purchased PDFs within their dedicated reader․

The site also supports various file formats, ensuring compatibility across different devices․ It’s a popular choice due to its accessibility and the sheer volume of RPG content available, making it a one-stop shop for many gamers․

IV․c․ Other Online Retailers & Legal Considerations

Beyond the official Cubicle 7 store and DriveThruRPG, ONLY WAR PDFs may appear on other digital storefronts; however, verifying legitimacy is crucial․ Always ensure the retailer is authorized to sell Cubicle 7 products to avoid pirated or illegally distributed copies․ Supporting official channels directly benefits the game’s creators․

Regarding legal considerations, respect copyright laws․ Purchasing a PDF grants a license for personal use, not redistribution․ Sharing PDFs with non-purchasers constitutes copyright infringement․ Prioritize ethical acquisition to sustain the RPG community and future development․

V․ Core Rulebook PDF Contents

The ONLY WAR Core Rulebook PDF comprehensively details the grim realities of service in the Astra Militarum․ Expect extensive character creation rules, outlining various backgrounds, skills, and specializations available to Imperial Guardsmen․ A detailed combat system, covering weapon characteristics, ballistic skill, and injury, forms a core component․

Furthermore, the PDF elucidates the intricate command and control structures within the Imperium, detailing how orders are given, followed, and potentially disobeyed․ It’s a vast resource, providing everything needed to forge compelling narratives within the 40k universe․

V․a․ Character Creation Overview

ONLY WAR character creation begins with selecting a homeworld, profoundly impacting starting skills and traits․ Players then define their character’s background – from humble laborers to scions of noble families – influencing their initial capabilities․ Attribute generation utilizes a dice pool system, determining core stats like Strength, Toughness, and Intelligence․

Crucially, players choose a Command Rank and specialization, dictating their role within the Astra Militarum․ Skill selection is vital, focusing on areas like Ballistic Skill, Awareness, and Tech-Use․ Finally, characters receive starting wargear, preparing them for the horrors of war․

V․b․ Combat System Breakdown

ONLY WAR’s combat system emphasizes brutal realism and the overwhelming odds faced by Imperial Guardsmen․ Actions are resolved using a dice pool mechanic, comparing the number of successes rolled by the attacker and defender․ Critical hits inflict severe wounds, potentially crippling characters․

Cover provides crucial protection, while suppression hinders enemy actions․ The system meticulously tracks ammunition, fatigue, and morale, reflecting the strain of prolonged warfare․ Different weapon types possess unique characteristics, influencing range, damage, and rate of fire․ Tactical positioning and coordinated fire are essential for survival․

V․c․ Command & Control Rules

ONLY WAR’s command structure mirrors the rigid hierarchy of the Astra Militarum․ Officers issue orders to squads, utilizing a chain of command․ Effective communication and clear directives are vital, as misinterpretations can lead to disastrous consequences․ The PDF details rules for issuing orders, managing initiative, and reacting to changing battlefield conditions․

Commanders must balance tactical objectives with the preservation of their troops․ Morale plays a significant role; units can break under fire or become emboldened by success․ The system incorporates rules for rallying troops, issuing inspiring speeches, and maintaining discipline amidst chaos․

VI․ Character Options & Specializations

ONLY WAR allows players to embody various roles within an Astra Militarum regiment․ The PDF extensively details character creation, focusing on specialization․ Players can choose from Officer, Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), or Specialist paths, each offering unique skills and responsibilities․

Officers lead and command, requiring strategic thinking and leadership abilities․ NCOs are the backbone of the regiment, providing experience and discipline․ Specialists, like Medics and Tech-Priests, offer crucial support functions․ The PDF outlines advancement options, allowing characters to gain experience and unlock new abilities, reflecting their service and dedication․

VI․a․ Officer Ranks & Responsibilities

The ONLY WAR PDF meticulously details the hierarchical structure of officer ranks within the Astra Militarum․ From freshly commissioned Lieutenants to seasoned Colonels, each rank carries specific command responsibilities and expectations․ Officers are tasked with strategic planning, troop deployment, and maintaining morale under immense pressure․

The PDF outlines the skills and attributes crucial for success at each level, including Leadership, Command, and various tactical proficiencies․ Officers must navigate complex political landscapes and make difficult decisions with far-reaching consequences, embodying the Imperium’s unwavering resolve․

VI․b․ Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)

The ONLY WAR RPG PDF highlights the vital role of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) as the backbone of the Astra Militarum․ Sergeants, Corporals, and other NCO ranks are responsible for the day-to-day training, discipline, and combat effectiveness of their squads․ They bridge the gap between officers and enlisted personnel, ensuring orders are carried out efficiently․

The PDF details unique skills and specializations available to NCOs, focusing on practical expertise and battlefield leadership․ NCOs are often veterans with extensive combat experience, providing invaluable guidance and mentorship to newer recruits, embodying resilience and unwavering duty․

VI․c․ Specialist Roles (Medics, Tech-Priests, etc․)

The ONLY WAR RPG PDF extensively covers specialist roles crucial to the Astra Militarum’s functionality․ These include dedicated Medics, vital for battlefield triage and sustaining troop morale amidst horrific injuries․ Tech-Priests, representing the Adeptus Mechanicus, maintain and repair the Imperium’s vast arsenal of weaponry and vehicles, often possessing unique abilities․

Other specialists detailed within the PDF encompass Munitorum Logisticians, ensuring supply lines remain open, and Interrogators, tasked with extracting information․ Each specialist role features unique skills, wargear options, and narrative opportunities, adding depth and tactical flexibility to character creation․

VII․ Equipment & Wargear in the PDF

The ONLY WAR RPG PDF provides a comprehensive catalog of equipment available to the Astra Militarum․ It details Standard Issue Equipment, encompassing lasguns, flak armor, and basic survival gear, forming the foundation of any guardsman’s loadout; Beyond this, the PDF showcases Rare & Valuable Wargear, like plasma weapons and advanced targeting systems, reserved for veterans and specialists․

Furthermore, extensive coverage is given to Vehicle & Support Weaponry, including tanks, artillery, and heavy bolters․ Detailed statistics, modifications, and logistical considerations for each item are included, enabling players to realistically equip their characters and squads․

VII․a․ Standard Issue Equipment

The ONLY WAR RPG PDF meticulously details Standard Issue Equipment, representing the bulk of gear utilized by the Astra Militarum․ This includes the ubiquitous lasgun, a reliable if unspectacular ranged weapon, alongside flak armor offering basic protection against shrapnel and small arms fire․ Essential survival tools like mess kits, bedrolls, and basic medical supplies are also comprehensively listed․

The PDF provides detailed stats for each item, including weight, range, damage, and reliability․ It also outlines logistical considerations, such as ammunition requirements and maintenance procedures, grounding the equipment in the grim reality of the Imperium;

VII․b․ Rare & Valuable Wargear

The ONLY WAR RPG PDF expands beyond standard kit, detailing Rare & Valuable Wargear coveted by soldiers and officers alike․ This section showcases items like plasma guns – powerful but volatile weapons – and master-crafted power swords, symbols of prestige and battlefield prowess․ Advanced optics, grav-chutes, and specialized protective gear also feature prominently․

Acquiring such equipment often requires exceptional service, connections, or sheer luck․ The PDF outlines the acquisition methods, potential costs (both monetary and otherwise), and the risks associated with utilizing these potent, yet often temperamental, assets within the Imperium’s war machine․

VII․c․ Vehicle & Support Weaponry

The ONLY WAR RPG PDF dedicates significant detail to Vehicle & Support Weaponry, crucial for large-scale engagements․ Expect comprehensive stats for iconic Imperium vehicles – Leman Russ tanks, Chimera transports, and Sentinels – alongside their variants․ Detailed rules govern vehicle combat, maintenance, and crew roles․

Beyond vehicles, the PDF covers heavy weapons teams: Lascannons, Multi-Lasers, and Mortars․ It outlines deployment tactics, ammunition types, and the logistical challenges of supplying these powerful assets․ Furthermore, it details support options like artillery barrages and orbital bombardments, adding strategic depth to gameplay․

VIII․ Campaign Design & Gamemastering

The ONLY WAR RPG PDF provides robust guidance for Gamemasters crafting immersive campaigns․ It emphasizes creating realistic scenarios reflecting the grim darkness of the 41st Millennium, focusing on attrition, logistical nightmares, and moral compromises․ The PDF details managing large-scale battles, suggesting methods for abstracting combat while maintaining tension․

Crucially, it stresses incorporating narrative elements beyond simple combat – political intrigue, investigations, and the psychological toll of war․ Advice covers balancing player agency with the overarching Imperium narrative, ensuring campaigns feel both epic and personal․ Expect tools for generating compelling NPCs and planetary settings․

VIII․a․ Creating Realistic Scenarios

The ONLY WAR RPG PDF champions scenario realism, moving beyond heroic fantasy․ It advocates for campaigns mirroring the Imperium’s brutal efficiency and constant struggle․ Expect detailed guidance on resource management – ammunition, fuel, rations – impacting player choices․ The PDF stresses the importance of logistical challenges, forcing players to prioritize and improvise․

Furthermore, it encourages incorporating ambiguous morality and the consequences of failure․ Victories should feel pyrrhic, and even successful missions carry a cost․ The document provides tools for generating believable planetary conditions, hostile fauna, and desperate civilian populations, enriching the narrative․

VIII․b․ Managing Large-Scale Battles

The ONLY WAR RPG PDF acknowledges the scale of Imperial warfare, offering tools beyond individual squad tactics․ It introduces abstracted combat rules for representing larger engagements – artillery barrages, orbital bombardments, and armored assaults – without bogging down in minutiae․ Command and control become crucial, with rules governing communication delays and the potential for orders to be misinterpreted․

The PDF emphasizes the importance of terrain and morale, impacting unit effectiveness․ Players may command platoons or companies, issuing broad directives while relying on subordinate officers to execute them․ Success hinges on strategic positioning, exploiting enemy weaknesses, and accepting inevitable casualties․

VIII․c․ Incorporating Narrative Elements

The ONLY WAR RPG PDF stresses that conflict isn’t solely about tactical maneuvers; it’s about the human cost․ Gamemasters are encouraged to weave compelling narratives around battles, focusing on individual soldier experiences – fear, duty, and the grim realities of war․ Utilize the setting’s lore to create morally grey scenarios, forcing players to make difficult choices with lasting consequences․

The PDF suggests incorporating elements of investigation, intrigue, and political maneuvering alongside combat․ Explore themes of corruption, fanaticism, and the Imperium’s oppressive nature․ Remember, even victory can be pyrrhic, leaving scars on both the characters and the galaxy․

IX․ Supplements & Expansions (PDF Availability)

The ONLY WAR RPG ecosystem extends beyond the core rulebook, with numerous supplements available in PDF format․ These expansions delve into specific theaters of war, introduce new unit types, and expand character options․ Cubicle 7 and DriveThruRPG are primary sources for these digital additions, offering everything from campaign settings to specialized wargear lists․

Players can find PDFs detailing the perils of the Koronus Expanse or the brutal conflicts on the Eastern Fringe․ Ensure purchases are from legitimate sources to support the creators and avoid pirated content․ Regularly check online retailers for new releases and sales․

X․ Utilizing ONLY WAR PDFs with Virtual Tabletops (VTTs)

The PDF format of ONLY WAR lends itself well to integration with Virtual Tabletops (VTTs), enhancing the online gaming experience․ Foundry VTT boasts strong community support for ONLY WAR, with modules automating combat and character sheets․ Roll20, another popular choice, allows for PDF uploads and dynamic character sheets, though requires more manual setup․

Other VTT options exist, but compatibility varies․ Converting PDFs to image formats may be necessary for some platforms․ Utilizing VTTs streamlines gameplay, manages dice rolls, and provides a shared visual space for collaborative storytelling․

X․a․ Foundry VTT Compatibility

Foundry VTT stands out as the most robust platform for running ONLY WAR digitally․ A dedicated community has developed comprehensive modules automating key game mechanics․ These include character sheet integration, ballistic calculations, and command & control procedures, significantly reducing Gamemaster workload․

Importing the ONLY WAR PDF is straightforward, allowing for easy reference during play․ Modules often feature drag-and-drop functionality for weapons and wargear․ Foundry’s dynamic lighting and token system further immerse players in the grim darkness of the far future, enhancing the tabletop experience․

X․b․ Roll20 Integration

Roll20 offers a readily accessible option for playing ONLY WAR, though its integration isn’t as seamless as Foundry VTT․ Players can upload the ONLY WAR PDF for reference, utilizing Roll20’s built-in tools for character sheets, dice rolling, and map management․ However, automating the complex combat and command systems requires more manual effort․

Dynamic lighting and token features are available, aiding in visual representation of engagements․ While dedicated ONLY WAR modules are less prevalent than on Foundry, resourceful GMs can leverage Roll20’s macro system to streamline certain processes, creating a functional, albeit less automated, experience․

X․c․ Other VTT Options

Beyond Foundry VTT and Roll20, several other Virtual Tabletops (VTTs) can accommodate ONLY WAR PDF gameplay, though setup demands greater customization․ Platforms like Fantasy Grounds Unity and Tabletop Simulator offer flexibility, allowing GMs to import assets and build bespoke rule implementations․

These options necessitate a steeper learning curve and potentially more manual data entry, as dedicated ONLY WAR content is less common․ However, they provide a viable alternative for players preferring those VTT interfaces or seeking unique customization possibilities․ Success hinges on GM initiative and willingness to adapt the PDF content․

XI․ Common Issues & Troubleshooting with PDFs

ONLY WAR PDFs, while convenient, can present technical hurdles․ PDF reader compatibility is crucial; Adobe Acrobat Reader is generally recommended․ Large file sizes may cause performance issues on older devices – try splitting the PDF or using a faster processor․ Printing & formatting problems often arise due to incorrect printer settings; ensure scaling is set to ‘actual size’․

Corrupted downloads can also lead to errors․ Re-downloading the file from the official source usually resolves this․ If issues persist, consult the Cubicle 7 forums for community solutions and troubleshooting advice․

XI․a․ PDF Reader Compatibility

Ensuring ONLY WAR PDFs function correctly hinges on PDF reader compatibility․ While many viewers exist, Adobe Acrobat Reader remains the most consistently reliable option for complex RPG documents․ Alternative readers, like Foxit Reader or built-in browser viewers, may exhibit rendering errors, especially with layered PDFs or advanced formatting․

Always update your chosen reader to the latest version for optimal performance and security․ If encountering display issues, try a different reader or temporarily disable any PDF-related browser extensions․ Compatibility issues rarely stem from the PDF itself, but rather the software interpreting it․

XI․b․ File Size & Performance

ONLY WAR PDFs, due to their extensive content and detailed artwork, can be quite large․ Larger file sizes naturally demand more processing power, potentially leading to performance issues on older or less capable devices․ Expect slower page loading times and increased strain on system resources․

Optimizing PDF viewing involves closing unnecessary applications and ensuring sufficient RAM․ Consider using a dedicated PDF reader instead of a browser․ If performance remains poor, explore options for splitting the PDF into smaller, more manageable sections, if feasible, for smoother gameplay․

XI․c․ Printing & Formatting Issues

Printing ONLY WAR PDFs can present challenges․ The detailed layouts and artwork often require significant printer resources, potentially leading to slow printing speeds and high ink consumption․ Formatting discrepancies may occur, such as text truncation or image distortion, depending on your printer settings and the PDF viewer used․

To mitigate these issues, experiment with different printer settings – grayscale, draft quality, and reduced resolution can help․ Always preview the print job carefully before committing to a full print run․ Consider professional printing services for high-quality results if needed․

XII․ The Importance of the PDF Format for ONLY WAR

The PDF format is crucial for ONLY WAR, offering unparalleled accessibility and portability․ Players and Game Masters can easily access the rulebooks on various devices – laptops, tablets, and even smartphones – facilitating gameplay anywhere․ Searchability and indexing within PDFs streamline rule lookups during sessions, saving valuable time․

Furthermore, PDFs represent a cost-effective solution compared to physical copies, reducing production and shipping expenses․ Digital distribution also allows for quicker updates and errata corrections, ensuring players always have the most current version of the rules․

XII․a․ Accessibility & Portability

ONLY WAR PDFs excel in accessibility, breaking down barriers to entry for players worldwide․ Unlike physical books, they aren’t limited by geographical location or shipping costs․ This digital format grants instant access to the grim darkness of the far future, regardless of where you are․

Portability is another key advantage․ A Game Master can carry an entire campaign – core rulebook, supplements, character sheets – on a single tablet․ Players can easily reference rules during sessions without lugging around heavy books, enhancing the overall gaming experience and convenience․

XII․b․ Searchability & Indexing

The searchability of ONLY WAR PDFs is a game-changer for both Game Masters and players․ Quickly locate specific rules, equipment details, or character options with a simple keyword search, eliminating endless page-flipping․ This feature dramatically speeds up game preparation and in-game rulings․

Furthermore, well-created PDFs include interactive indexing, allowing for direct navigation to relevant sections․ Hyperlinks within the document connect related content, fostering a seamless and efficient research experience․ This is particularly valuable during complex scenarios or when resolving intricate rules interactions․

XII․c․ Cost-Effectiveness

ONLY WAR RPG PDFs represent a remarkably cost-effective way to engage with this immersive tabletop experience․ Compared to physical copies, PDFs eliminate shipping costs and often offer lower price points, making the game more accessible to a wider audience․ Digital distribution also reduces production expenses, benefits passed onto consumers․

Moreover, investing in PDFs allows players to build a comprehensive library without significant space constraints․ The ability to store numerous rulebooks and supplements on a single device offers substantial long-term savings and convenience, solidifying the PDF format’s value․