Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel Planet of the Apes and Franklin J. Schaffner’s 1968 film adaptation launched one of science fiction’s most enduring franchises.
For decades, fans have explored its world through films, books, and comics. Now, they can step inside it themselves.
Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, Magnetic Press is bringing the franchise to tabletop gaming with The Role-Playing Game of the Planet of the Apes.
The official RPG arrives on February 3, 2026.
A New Way to Experience the Franchise
Magnetic Press, the Eisner Award-winning publisher known for global graphic novels since 2013, developed the game for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The core rulebook features a cover by legendary artist Bill Sienkiewicz (New Mutants, Elektra Assassin) and a wide range of interior illustrations.
The game places players on a planet where humans rank lowest in the social order. Apes rule society. Survival depends on intelligence, strategy, and adaptability.
Play as Apes, Astronauts, and Survivors
Players can take on a wide range of roles in the Apes universe.
“As you play you can become an intellectual Chimpanzee who seeks to better apekind through science and exploration,” said Magnetic Press founder and publisher Mike Kennedy.
“Choose an Orangutan statesape whose weapons are philosophical debate, political savvy, and the power of the Sacred Scrolls themselves. Perhaps a Gorilla soldier is more your style, honor-bound to protect Ape City and lead aggressive expansions into new territories.”
Kennedy says players can also step into human roles.
“Be a time-lost astronaut struggling to grasp a world gone insane. Become a mute tribal human forced to scavenge for resources as you are hunted by murderous gorillas on horseback,” he said. “The rules even allow you to play mutant survivors who use the power of their minds to turn their enemies against each other.”
Exploring a World of Ruins and Secrets
The game invites players to travel through iconic locations from the franchise.
“Your adventures in this world of madness will take you to the ruins of a world destroyed,” Kennedy said. “See what remains of the Statue of Liberty, the ostentatious Ape City, the foreboding Forbidden Zone, and the mysterious mutant undercity.”
He added, “It is a world defined by the stark contrasts of brutality and civility. Are you ape enough to handle the truth about the world you live in or will you lose your mind to it?”
Rules Built for Accessibility and Depth
The RPG uses the Magnetic Variant D6 system, also known as D6MV. The rules are based on the classic D6 System created by West End Games.
Designers built the system to be easy for new players to learn while offering depth for experienced gamers.
The rulebook includes all the tools needed to run campaigns in the Apes universe.
A Veteran Creative Team
Science fiction novelist Andrew E.C. Gaska (Alien RPG, Death of the Planet of the Apes) leads the writing team alongside E.L. Thomas (Terminator RPG, Choose Your Own Adventure).
They are joined by writers Rich Handley, Dayton Ward, Dave Semark, Greg Cox, David Avallone, Jim Beard, David F. Walker, Kim Perrone, and Vidar Edland.
The art team includes Runa I. Rosenberger, Chris Scalf, Shane Molina, Chandra Free, Andrew Probert, Chris Moeller, Barron Storey, Erik Gist, Dan Dussault, and Colo.
Together, the team brings decades of experience in licensed storytelling and game design.
Additional Books and Campaign Sets Coming in 2026
Magnetic Press will release three major products on February 3, 2026.
Alongside the Core Rulebook, the publisher will launch Planet of the Apes RPG: The ANSA Files Sourcebook and Planet of the Apes RPG: Into the Forbidden Zone: Campaign Boxed Set.
Inside The ANSA Files
The ANSA Files focuses on characters from the films.
The sourcebook includes Caesar, Taylor, Zira, Hasslein, Dr. Zaius, and other major figures. Each character receives full biographies and game statistics.
The book also presents a detailed timeline shaped by key human and ape decisions across the franchise.
A Complete Campaign Experience
Into the Forbidden Zone provides a guided campaign for players and game masters.
The boxed set includes two 24-by-36-inch map posters, 64 reference cards, seven preprinted character sheets, and a Game Master screen.
It also features punch-out markers and tokens, twelve custom dice, and a 96-page adventure module.
The set is designed to help groups begin playing immediately.
A New Era for Planet of the Apes Fans
With its official license, veteran creative team, and expansive product line, The Role-Playing Game of the Planet of the Apes aims to redefine how fans engage with the franchise.
Beginning in February 2026, players will no longer just watch the rise of the apes. They will help shape it.
