I bought the starter set and it is absolutely excellent. The solo adventure that introduces the system and the setting really primed me to be able to go right into GMing the game. It really is all a group might need to enjoy their first few sessions with very little investment.
It's funny because I'm not really a horror fan in any other setting, but I absolutely LOVE Call of Cthulhu. I am a huge mystery fan and like the 20s noir setting so I think thats what sells it for me. Normal horror? Nah. Eldritch Lovecraftian old ones space between spaces? Absolutely.
I got the starter set last Christmas and some of my friends and I started playing it. I'm the keeper and they are loving it to the point that I already purchased the investigators book and the Core rule book to be able to expand campaigns. another group of friends we are waiting to have some time to play 7th sea. (which I played the previous version before). but yes Call of Cthulu is a brilliant game I'm hooked.
Of all the Basic Role Playing System based games in the current Chaosium catalogue, it can certainly be argued that Call of Cthulhu is the one that is the easiest to get started with, whether through the Starter Set or through the Keeper's Rulebook. (Then, everyone should absolutely try a RuneQuest game)
The starter set is wonderful. However the first session of COC I ran the Dead Boarder scenario. An interesting story focused on a singular room. Had to make changes to cater my one player but we had fun.
Hi! Question for you: I just purchased the 2023 starter set. I have the 2018 starter, which is sadly unplanned. BUT! I've convinced my game group to finally give CoC a go - are the sets compatible, meaning can I use the starter adventures from both sets to string together a campaign? Thanks for your time!
The contents of both versions of the Starter Set are the same; the current version, released for Call of Cthulhu's 40th anniversary, has new box and cover art, and fixed some minor typos etc, but is essentially the same the older version with the same scenarios. There are more adventures styled towards beginners in Gateways to Terror and Doors to Darkness.
A small handgun deals 1d8 damage and an average player has 10 HP, so if you aren't already hurt you'll likely survive one shot, but you won't survive many
