Into the Unknown is an OSR RPG that is (in the game’s word): “A simpler, easier, non-‘advanced’ rendition of the 5th Edition of the world’s most popular RPG, inspired by the 80s ‘basic’ and ‘expert’ rules.” It’s spread out over 5 books and is available on DrivethruRPG. As of 7/12/2026, pricing is: Books 1, 3, 5 pdf $4.99/softcover and combo $6.99; Book 2 pdf $2.99/softcover and combo $4.99; Book 4 pdf $5.99/softcover and combo $7.99.
Book 1 is Character Creation. First, they get into ability generation. Next is classes. You can play a fighter, rogue, priest, or magic-user, each with different abilities. You can also play non-humans as classes, each with unique abilities. There are also 9 backgrounds, including: Acolyte, Highborn, and Urbanite. Then pick alignment, equipment, yadda yadda.
Book 2 is how to play the game. It includes taking actions and using ability scores. It breaks adventuring into 4 segments: combat rounds, journeys, exploration, and down time. It breaks them down further and elaborate on what one typically does each segment. One mechanic I’ve not seen for a long time is the gold to XP exchange rate, and it only applies to gold and jewels (anything that can be offered as payment).
Book 3 is magic. It breaks the spells down into magic-user, elf, and priest spells. There are also cantrips available for each. There’s a nice broad spectrum of spells available for keeping things interesting.
Book 4 is Running the Game. It gives table after table of information to use during sessions and campaigns as one would expect.
Lastly is book 5: Monsters. As with spells, there’s a nice variety of monsters, beasts, and men to challenge players.
