Call of Cthulhu Starter Set

The Call of Cthulhu Starter Set is designed for beginners who want to try a horror-themed tabletop role-playing game. It’s a good choice if you’re curious about the genre but don’t want to invest in a full rulebook right away. This set includes everything you need to start playing, but it’s not perfect for everyone. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide if it’s right for you.

At a Glance


Best for	Beginners interested in horror and investigation
Rules weight	Medium
GM required	Yes
Solo play	No
Session length	2–4 hours per adventure
Players	3–5

Who This Is For (Read This First)

This starter set is ideal for complete beginners who are interested in horror, mystery, or storytelling-heavy games. If you’ve never played a tabletop RPG before, this is a solid introduction. The rules are simpler than many other RPGs, and the focus is on investigation and role-playing rather than complex combat mechanics. It’s also a good fit for fans of H.P. Lovecraft’s stories or anyone who enjoys eerie, unsettling atmospheres.

The set is particularly well-suited for small groups of 3–5 players, including one person who acts as the Game Master (GM). The GM runs the game, controls the story, and plays the non-player characters (NPCs). If you’re willing to take on the GM role, this set makes it easier to get started with pre-written adventures and clear guidance.

Finally, this is a good option for budget-conscious players. It’s cheaper than buying the full core rulebook, and it includes enough material to run several sessions. If you’re unsure whether you’ll enjoy Call of Cthulhu, this set lets you test the waters without a big financial commitment.

Who Should Skip It

If you’re looking for action-packed gameplay, this might not be the right choice. Call of Cthulhu is heavily focused on investigation, storytelling, and horror. Combat is rare and often deadly, so if you prefer games with frequent battles or heroic action, this could feel slow or frustrating.

This set is also not ideal for experienced RPG players who already know they love Call of Cthulhu. The included rulebook is a simplified version of the full rules, so you’ll likely outgrow it quickly. If you’re already familiar with the game, you’re better off investing in the full core rulebook and supplements.

Additionally, if you’re not interested in horror or Lovecraftian themes, this might not appeal to you. The game revolves around investigating sinister mysteries, encountering eldritch horrors, and facing the psychological toll of uncovering forbidden knowledge. If that doesn’t sound fun, you might want to look for a different RPG.

Finally, if you’re uncomfortable with mature themes, be aware that Call of Cthulhu often deals with dark, disturbing content. The included adventures touch on themes like insanity, death, and cosmic horror. While the set handles these topics tastefully, it’s worth considering whether your group is okay with that kind of material.

What’s In the Box

The Call of Cthulhu Starter Set includes a simplified rulebook, two pre-written adventures, a Keeper screen, pre-generated characters, dice, and handouts.

Rulebook — is it complete?

The rulebook is a simplified version of the full Call of Cthulhu rules. It covers the basics of character creation, skill checks, combat, and sanity mechanics. The rules are explained in clear, beginner-friendly language, with plenty of examples to help you understand how things work.

However, the rulebook is not complete. It omits some advanced rules and optional systems found in the full core rulebook. For beginners, this isn’t a problem—the included rules are enough to run the adventures in the set. But if you decide to continue playing Call of Cthulhu, you’ll eventually need to upgrade to the full rulebook.

One standout feature is the Quick-Start Rules, which condense the essentials into just a few pages. These are perfect for players who want to dive in quickly without reading the entire rulebook.

Adventure — how long, how hard?

The set includes two pre-written adventures: The Haunting and Dead Light. Both are designed for beginners, with clear instructions for the GM.

The Haunting is the most famous adventure in the set and a classic introduction to Call of Cthulhu. It’s a short investigation into a haunted house, lasting about 2–4 hours. The adventure does a great job of introducing key mechanics like skill checks and sanity rolls, and it’s easy to run even for inexperienced GMs.

Dead Light is a shorter, atmospheric scenario that takes place on a lonely road. It’s designed to be completed in 1–2 hours, making it a good option for a quick one-shot session.

Both adventures are well-written and easy to follow, but they do require some preparation from the GM. If you’re new to running games, you’ll need to spend time reading the adventure and understanding the NPCs and plot points.

Extras included

The set includes a few extra materials to help you get started. These include:

Pre-generated characters: Six ready-to-use characters with detailed backstories and stats.
Blank character sheets: For players who want to create their own characters from scratch.
Dice: A set of polyhedral dice, including the percentile dice needed for Call of Cthulhu’s skill checks.
Handouts: Maps, letters, and other documents that add immersion to the adventures.
Keeper screen: A folding screen with useful reference tables.

These extras are useful, especially for beginners who might not already own dice or know how to create characters.

How Long Does It Last?

The Call of Cthulhu Starter Set provides 6–10 hours of gameplay, depending on how quickly your group moves through the adventures. You can stretch this further by adding your own twists to the scenarios or running them multiple times with different groups.

If you enjoy the game and want to continue playing, you’ll need to invest in additional materials. The included rulebook is enough to run the adventures in the set, but it’s not sufficient for long-term play. You’ll eventually need the full core rulebook and additional adventures or campaigns.

That said, the starter set is a great way to test the waters and see if Call of Cthulhu is right for you.

What to Buy After This

If you enjoy the starter set and want to keep playing Call of Cthulhu, here are the next steps:

Call of Cthulhu Core Rulebook: This is the full rulebook, including all the rules and systems omitted from the starter set. It’s essential for long-term play.
Adventures and Campaigns: Look for standalone adventures like Masks of Nyarlathotep or Horror on the Orient Express.
Supplements: Books like Pulp Cthulhu add new rules and options to enhance your game.

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the core rulebook and one or two adventures, then expand your collection as you gain experience.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Call of Cthulhu Starter Set doesn’t sound like the right fit, here are some alternatives to consider:

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set: A classic fantasy RPG with more focus on combat and adventure.
Monster of the Week: A lighter RPG inspired by supernatural TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Delta Green: A modern-day spin on Call of Cthulhu, focusing on government agents investigating paranormal threats.

Each of these games has its own strengths and weaknesses, so consider your group’s preferences before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I play Call of Cthulhu solo?

No, the game requires a Game Master (GM) to run the adventures and guide the story.

Q: Is the Starter Set enough for long-term play?

No, the Starter Set provides enough material for a few sessions, but you’ll need the full core rulebook and additional adventures for long-term play.

Q: Is this set appropriate for kids?

The Call of Cthulhu Starter Set deals with mature themes like horror and insanity, so it’s better suited for older teens and adults.

The Call of Cthulhu Starter Set is a solid choice for beginners who want to explore horror-themed RPGs. It’s affordable, easy to learn, and includes enough material to run several sessions. However, it’s not perfect for everyone, especially if you’re looking for action-heavy gameplay or already familiar with Call of Cthulhu.