Green Ronin Publishing has launched the Kickstarter for Mutants & Masterminds 4th Edition, bringing the long-running superhero roleplaying game back for a new generation. Designed by Steve Kenson, who has steered the ship since the game’s inception in 2002, this new edition promises to streamline the classic system while keeping the depth that fans expect.
The campaign is live now and has already smashed its funding goals.
A New Era for Capes
The 3rd Edition of Mutants & Masterminds was released in 2011 and became the longest-running iteration of the game. For 4th Edition, the Seattle-based team is keeping the core “d20” mechanic, where a single 20-sided die resolves attacks, checks, and damage, but has refined the engine under the hood.
Key updates include:
- Reactions: A new action option available each round, opening up fresh tactical choices for speedsters and counter-attackers.
- Streamlined Creation: While the granular Power Points system remains, the game now includes fifteen base hero archetypes to help players get started in minutes.
- Refined Powers: The superpowers system has been modified and playtested to be more robust, allowing for virtually any power imaginable.
- New Format: The books are returning to the standard 8.5” x 11” size, moving away from the slightly narrower format of the previous edition.
The visual overhaul is led by Art Director Hal Mangold and features a wraparound cover by comic artist Sean Izaakse, known for his work on Avengers, Fantastic Four, and Justice League Unlimited.
Rewards and Tiers
The campaign offers a variety of entry points, from digital-only options to a full “Campaign Starter” box.
- Pledge $25 (approx. £19): Hero’s Handbook PDF. The complete 256-page core rulebook in digital format.
- Pledge $40 (approx. £30): Hero’s Handbook and GM’s Kit PDFs. Adds the Game Master’s Kit (screen, reference cards, and journal) to the digital bundle.
- Pledge $50 (approx. £37): Hero’s Handbook Print & PDF. The physical hardcover rulebook plus the digital copy.
- Pledge $80 (approx. £59): Hero’s Handbook and GM’s Kit Print & PDF. The physical core book and the physical GM’s Kit.
- Pledge $140 (approx. £103): Campaign Starter. A comprehensive set including both books in print/PDF, plus a Condition Deck, Hero Point tokens, and a Reaction Point token.
A Note on Shipping
Green Ronin has issued an unusually candid advisory regarding international shipping. Citing the current “shambles” of the US business environment and global logistics, they strongly advise international backers to consider digital rewards.
If you are a non-American supporter of Green Ronin, your safest bet will be to back the campaign with PDF rewards only. If you really want to get the books… just understand that it could be a bumpy road.”
The project is all-or-nothing and must reach its goal by Thursday, March 5th, 2026, to be funded. The estimated delivery for physical rewards is November 2026.
