Swade Savage Worlds Hardness

2 min read 01-01-2025

Savage Worlds, with its streamlined ruleset, offers a surprisingly nuanced approach to combat. A key element often misunderstood is the concept of hardness. While seemingly simple at first glance, understanding hardness unlocks a deeper appreciation for the system's damage mechanics and tactical possibilities.

What is Hardness?

Hardness, in Savage Worlds, represents the target's resistance to damage. It's a single numerical value that modifies how much damage a successful attack actually inflicts. Unlike many other RPGs with complex armor systems, Savage Worlds uses hardness to represent both armor and the structural integrity of an object. A higher hardness means a target is more resistant to damage.

How Hardness Works

When an attack hits, the damage is compared to the target's hardness. If the damage equals or exceeds the hardness, the target takes the difference as damage. If the damage is less than the hardness, the attack does no damage. This all-or-nothing mechanic is a core element of Savage Worlds' fast-paced combat.

Example: A creature has a hardness of 4. An attack deals 6 points of damage. The creature takes 2 points of damage (6 - 4 = 2). If the attack only dealt 3 points of damage, the creature takes no damage at all.

Hardness and Different Targets

The application of hardness varies depending on what is being targeted:

Creatures

Hardness for creatures often represents their natural toughness, the protection offered by their hide, scales, or armor. A heavily armored warrior will have a higher hardness than a lightly clad rogue.

Objects

Objects like doors, vehicles, and fortifications also possess hardness, representing their structural integrity. A sturdy wooden door will have a higher hardness than a flimsy window. This allows for a consistent and intuitive system for destroying objects in the game.

Strategic Implications

The hardness mechanic encourages tactical decision-making. Choosing targets wisely and considering the relative damage output of your weapons becomes crucial. Against high-hardness targets, focusing on attacks that deal higher damage is vital. Conversely, against lower-hardness targets, even weaker attacks can prove effective.

Modifying Hardness

While base hardness is determined by the creature or object's characteristics, various factors can modify it. These include environmental effects, special abilities, and even certain types of weaponry. These modifiers add another layer of complexity and tactical depth.

Conclusion

Understanding hardness in Savage Worlds is vital for players and Game Masters alike. It's a deceptively simple yet effective mechanic that contributes significantly to the system's overall balance and engaging gameplay. By grasping its nuances, players can make more informed decisions during combat and utilize the system's unique strengths to their advantage.