System recommendations for a narrative-focused mystery campaign
I'm thinking of DMing a game and looking for recommendations for what system to use. I want something rules-light, with a greater focus on narrative and world building than combat.
The story is going to be a bit of a mixture of genres but most accurately described as a mystery first. It will also contain elements of sci-fi and supernatural. The setting will be in a small US town in a dystopian future (maybe 20-30 years from now), so oppressive government agencies and cover-ups will be a thing as well.
Getting a lot of inspiration from different genres and media, but in particular: Stranger Things, X-files, Umbrella Academy, Wednesday, etc.
Right now I'm gravitating most towards Kids on Bikes. I've not played it personally but I've seen it played (or variations of it) on Dimension 20. But I'm definitely open to other systems as well, if anyone has other suggestions, which is why I'm posting.
I'm terms of my experience, I've played and DMed DND 5e and a little 3.5e back in the day, and DMed a Star Wars rpg, but otherwise I've not had much experience with other systems.
Posted Jun 6, 2026, 9:40 PM UTC