Mad Max is a cornerstone of the Post-Apoc aesthetic. How do you turn those vibes into an RPG session?

Max Rockatanksy has been around for 46 years, and it's no understatement to say his story has massively influenced post-apocalyptic media. With Fury Road and Furiosa bringing a new generation of fans to the table, we break down the pillars of this setting and storytelling and rebuild it for play at the table. Here's our cliff notes:

• Anchor the world in scarcities. Food, water, fuel, bullets, and good health are always limited. Whoever controls them has power, but also becomes a target.
• Vehicles are the one abundance. They’re kitbashed, stylised, and act like character classes (tanks, strikers, supporters, etc.) with their own abilities and roles.
• Vehicle combat is the core. Fights happen at speed with objectives, not static slugfests. Cars are ablative - bits fall off until they spectacularly explode.
• Characters should be scoundrels with a heart of gold. Like Max, they’re reluctant heroes pulled into conflicts by need or opportunity, then forced to choose between selfish survival and altruism.
• Structure sessions like the films: players get drawn into a settlement or faction’s drama, ride out a high-stakes mission, and then escape (with scars, resources, or regrets).
• Use trauma as a lever. If players walk away from suffering, mark it down. Bring it back later as guilt or compels, pushing them toward redemption arcs.
• Villains are warlords with resources and unique aesthetics. They ape civility (war medals, trade deals, contracts) but rule by violence. Lean into that imagery for strong vibes.
• Always sprinkle mysticism. The “Witness me” rituals and Valhalla chants show how religion binds gangs to leaders. It’s devotion as much as resource control.
• Alternate high-octane chases with quiet character beats to mirror the films’ rhythm and keep sessions from being just engine noise.

Systems suggested: Outgunned, OSR, or Fate depending on which aspects you want to lean into. Notably, not 5e (not just a hate-train, I have a lot of experience in this one!)

Did we miss anything? Drop your thoughts here or join us in our Discord, where the banter is thick and the debates are satisfying!