I recently had a conversation about how people engage with TTRPGs. The obvious answers are playing them, just reading them, or simply expanding a (probably impressive) collection.

But my friend Josh suggested another way of engaging in the hobby: “imaginative play". This doesn't mean solo-playing the game, but rather "imagining what play would be like, dreaming up scenarios and situations, thinking of cool characters and scenes."

We all do this to some extent, but when a game really hooks me, I find myself drifting beyond imaginative play into “imaginative design": tweaking playbooks, customizing settings, maybe even hacking parts of the game.

And to my delight, this is already happening with HOME!

So let's explore what people are making, and how imaginative design can make HOME your own.

Meaningful Maps

When I announced HOME, one of the first things I heard was “I want to make a map of where I live!"

That is a terrifyingly good idea. What if the Rift was in the center of Lake Superior? What if you needed to protect Duluth, Marquette, Thunder Bay, Superior, and Sault Ste. Marie? That's what Bryan and his son did for their first game of HOME.¹

Maybe instead of making a map template, you use a real life map, ripped right from an atlas or stolen from the glove compartment (we still keep maps in there, right?).

Or maybe you take the map from a different TTRPG game and run through HOME at the start/middle/end of the campaign, just to add a little Kaiju destruction to the mix?

It's surprising how much the map changes the story of HOME. Does your map have islands or an underwater Rift entrance? Boats and beaches become important, Homes can feel distinctly separated, and epic Kaiju battles are in and under water. Or is your map a big single continent? Maybe mountains and landmarks are more important, Home boundaries could feel fluid or contested, and Kaiju battles may reshape the world around you.

Try making a very specific map template, and see what's left after a few Fronts of HOME.

Powerful Playbooks

Despite my preference for no-prep games where story emerges at the table, I've spent far too many hours dreaming up characters, builds, and loadouts for various games over the years.

I know that I'm not alone, because when Kiki played HOME, she came with a fully-fleshed out Playbook to build from.² She also graciously let me share it with you, so here you go:

Try making your own d6 lists for Mech names, Frames, Weapons, or Aux Systems. Lean into a unique theme with custom Homes full of Locations, Pilot names, and Things it is Known For. Heck, why not create your own Preparation Move and related Upgrade that are unique to your play style?

The story of your HOME should arise through play, but that doesn't mean you can have fun with some early imaginative design.

HOME Dice Box

(EDIT: I'm adding this late, because cool stuff always deserves a shout-out.)

Toss your dice bag into the Rift, and print out a stylish sci-fi dice box!

While a little different from maps and playbooks, gaming aids are still a part of the entire experience. Inspired design doesn't need to stay within the game itself, it can bleed onto the table and physical space. I know I would feel more like a mech pilot with one of these boxes.

Made by David to perfectly fit your HOME boon and bane dice, you can both carry your dice and be the envy of other pilots.

And if anyone has snuck a peek at my miniature painting hobby, you know I love everything 3D model related, and this is no exception.

Hacking Home

What if you want to make a full-on hack of HOME? Maybe you go the fantasy route, with Knights and Steeds who must defend their Kingdoms against Dragons? Or the Sci-fi route, with hulking Space Warriors defending their Homeworld against a flood of voracious aliens?

One day I'll write a proper SRD or guideline for games built from HOME, but until that date, consider this my blanket approval for HOME hacks with the following asks:

1. Please include the following text: “This game was inspired by HOME, created by Nick Gralewicz of Deep Dark Games. This game is not affiliated with Deep Dark Games".

2. Please share your game with me! I would love to see it.

Shared Designs

I'll reiterate that last part: please share your HOME-made creations with me! I would love to see the map templates, playbooks, or custom rules people come up with.

Until then, happy designing.