Bite-Sized Mechanics is a series of article that focuses on a single mechanic each article, providing the core concept, the pros and the cons of using them and ways to make it your own.

Failure is often seen as a roadblock in tabletop roleplaying games, slowing (even stopping in certain cases) progress and reducing players enthusiasm.

This is probably why the Fail Forward mechanic has been created—a simple yet efficient design principle that make sure the story keeps moving even when the dice say otherwise.

Core Concept

Fail Forward is a mechanic that makes sure that a failure doesn’t stop the action. Instead, it drives the narrative forward by adding complexity or consequences.

Example: A rogue fails to pick a lock. Instead of being stuck outside, they open the door but trigger a noisy alarm, alerting nearby guards.

Components of Fail Forward

Most Fail Forward mechanics uses three possible outcomes to a check:

• Success with Consequences: The action succeeds, but at a cost.
  Example: You cross the chasm, but you drop your weapon into the abyss.
• New Challenges Arise: Failure introduces a twist that propels the narrative.
  Example: You fail to sneak past the guards, and now you must talk your way out of trouble.
• Partial Success: The character accomplishes part of their goal, leaving room for further effort or creativity.
  Example: Your hacking attempt reveals some files but corrupts the rest.

Where Does It Work?

• Narrative-Driven Games: Systems like Blades in the Dark and Powered by the Apocalypse thrive on Fail Forward because their mechanics focus on storytelling rather than binary outcomes.
• Improvisational Playstyles: Gamemasters who enjoy building tension and surprises on the fly can use this mechanic to great effect.
• Fast-Paced Scenarios: When time is of the essence, Fail Forward prevents bottlenecks and keeps the game moving.

Potential Pitfalls

• Dilution of Risk: If failure always results in progress, players may feel their decisions lack weight.
• Increased GM Load: Gamemasters must constantly improvise meaningful consequences, which can be exhausting without preparation.
• Player Buy-In: Some groups, especially those used to traditional systems, may resist non-binary outcomes at first.

While the Fail Forward mechanic is a great way to keep things moving in your game system, it does have its list of Pros and Cons:

The Pros

1. Player Agency

Fate Points allow players to take the reins of the narrative, making them active participants in shaping the story.

2. Enhanced Storytelling

By invoking aspects and creating advantages, Fate Points encourage collaborative storytelling and creativity.

3. Mitigation of Bad Luck

Players can offset streaks of bad rolls, ensuring that poor dice outcomes don't derail the game entirely.

4. Character Focus

Fate Points highlight a character's strengths and traits, emphasizing their role in the story.

The Cons

1. Resource Imbalance

Players who hoard or frequently earn Fate Points may dominate the narrative or conflicts.

2. Meta-Game Disruption

Using Fate Points can occasionally break immersion as players step out of character to negotiate narrative changes.

3. GM Challenge

Game Masters need to balance the availability and impact of Fate Points to avoid disrupting game tension.

4. Risk of Overuse

If not carefully managed, Fate Points can dilute the impact of challenges, reducing the stakes.

Hacking The Fail Forward Mechanic

Here are some of the ways this great mechanic was modified by creators over time or how they could be modified to fit your style/needs:

OPTION 1: Player-Defined Consequences

Modification
When a player fails a roll, they define the consequence of their failure (with GM approval).

What It Brings to the Game

• Player Agency: Players feel more invested in the narrative because they actively shape it.
• Surprising Outcomes: GMs get to react to player creativity, keeping the story fresh and unexpected.
• Shared Storytelling Burden: Reduces the pressure on GMs to constantly improvise consequences.

OPTION 2: Escalating Threats

Modification
Failure introduces a “threat counter” or clock that escalates dangers as it fills.

What It Brings to the Game

• Pacing Tool: Gradually builds tension without derailing the narrative.
• Tangible Stakes: Players see the results of repeated failures visually, heightening urgency.

OPTION 3: Alternate Success Metrics

Modification
Introduce secondary success metrics like time, resources, or allies lost. A failure doesn’t prevent success—it makes the cost more important.

What It Brings to the Game

• Nuanced Outcomes: Not all successes are equally satisfying or sustainable.
• Resource Pressure: Forces players to consider the long-term consequences of their choices.

OPTION 4: Temporary Setbacks

Modification
Failures introduce temporary penalties, such as reduced stats, conditions, or status effects (when narratively applicable). These penalties last until the players creatively overcome them.

What It Brings to the Game

• Adds Challenge: Players face short-term obstacles without derailing progress.
• Encourages Creativity: Players must think outside the box to resolve their setbacks.

OPTION 5: GM-Free Tables

Modification
Use random tables or charts for pre-defined failure outcomes, minimizing GM improvisation.

What It Brings to the Game

• Accessibility: Makes Fail Forward easier to implement for less experienced GMs.
• Unpredictability: Random outcomes can surprise everyone, including the GM.

Fail Forward is a powerful tool for TTRPG designers and gamemasters as it transforms failure into a narrative opportunity rather than a dead end.

It works best in games that emphasive on narrative over mechanics, and it requires a willingness to adapt on the fly.

What do you think of the Fail Forward mechanic?
Have you used it in your games or designs? Share your thoughts below!