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Character Creation Spotlight: Picking the Perfect Playbook in Zoo Mafia

In Zoo Mafia, your Playbook defines your character’s skills, strengths, and place in the criminal underworld. Whether you’re a fast-talking Grifter, a sharpshooting Button, or a hard-hitting Goon, your choice impacts not only your playstyle but how your gang operates as a team.

So, how do you pick the best Playbook? Let’s break it down by playstyle, group dynamics, and the tone of your campaign.

Step 1: Understanding Your Playstyle

Each Playbook in Zoo Mafia caters to a different kind of player. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which suits you best:

• 🎭 The Grifter (Magnetism) – Love social manipulation and making deals? The Grifter is your go-to con artist, able to talk their way out of (or into) any situation.
• 🎯 The Button (Precision) – If you prefer action-packed moments and solving problems with bullets, the Button is your specialist in firearms and high-stakes violence.
• 🛠️ The Safecracker (Sly) – Want to play a rogue-like character? The Safecracker is an expert in breaking into vaults, lockpicking, and escaping tight situations.
• 🚗 The Driver (Moxie) – Like high-speed chases and vehicular mayhem? The Driver is a wheelman with guts, a knack for getting out of trouble, and a love for explosives.
• 💪 The Goon (Wild) – Prefer brute strength? The Goon is the muscle, perfect for intimidation, brawling, and taking a punch as well as they throw one.
• 👀 The Lookout (Awareness) – Want to be the team’s eyes and ears? The Lookout spots trouble before it arrives, keeping the crew one step ahead of danger.

Step 2: Balancing the Crew

A well-rounded gang ensures you can handle heists, shootouts, and police raids without a hitch. Some combos work better than others:

 Balanced Crew: A mix of social, combat, and stealth roles works well in any game. A Grifter, Goon, and Safecracker provide the perfect combo of persuasion, muscle, and break-in expertise.

 Action-Oriented Crew: If your group leans into combat and chaos, a Button, Driver, and Goon will keep the bullets flying and the engines revving.

 Heist Crew: For a more stealthy and strategic gang, try a Lookout, Safecracker, and Grifter—perfect for infiltrations, distractions, and getting rich without getting caught.

 Moxie Overload: A gang full of Drivers and Goons will be wild, relying on guts and brute force rather than finesse. It can work—but expect a lot of explosions and broken doors.

Step 3: Matching Playbooks to Your Game’s Tone

Zoo Mafia RPG Chicks Don’t Mess Around.

The way your gang operates depends on whether your Zoo Mafia game is:

🔹 A Noir Crime Drama – Heavy on intrigue, betrayal, and power struggles. Playbooks like the Grifter and Lookout shine in a setting where deception matters as much as action.

🔹 A Chaotic Heist Game – If your group is here for high-stakes robberies and getaways, a mix of Safecracker, Driver, and Goon keeps the job moving (hopefully without too many broken bones).

🔹 A Wacky Cartoon Crime Caper – A more humorous tone? Pick Playbooks that lean into absurd situations, like a Driver with a need for reckless speed or a Goon who solves problems by throwing things.

Final Tips: Making the Best Choice

Still unsure? Consider:
 How do you want to solve problems? (Talking, fighting, sneaking, or speeding away?)
 What role fits best in your group? (Avoid overlapping too much unless it fits your game’s style.)
 What sounds like the most fun to play? (It’s a crime game—so pick something exciting!)

If you are a fan of Zoo Mafia and want to be notified when we go live on Kickstarter make sure you head over to the follow page to get notified. If you want to be on the newsletter to get all the details as we release them you can sign up here.

In Zoo Mafia, every Playbook brings a unique flavor to the gang. Whether you’re a slick con artist, a brutal enforcer, or a getaway master, your choices shape your rise through the underworld. So grab your fedora, light up a cigar (or a peanut), and get ready to make a name for yourself in Furton City.

Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!!