Hardness in Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE)

Hardness in Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) is a key mechanic used to determine the resilience of inanimate objects, such as doors, walls, and armor, against damage.

This mechanic, separate from the “Toughness” stat used for characters, enhances gameplay by adding a realistic layer to combat and environmental interactions.

What is Hardness?

Hardness represents how much damage an object can absorb before being destroyed or compromised. It applies only to objects or materials, not living creatures. For example:

• A wooden door might have a hardness value of 5, making it easier to break.
• A steel barrier could have a hardness value of 15, requiring specialized tools or high-damage weapons to penetrate.

Using Hardness in Gameplay

1. Damage Calculation:
   To damage an object, the attack’s damage roll must exceed its hardness value. If the damage is lower, the object remains unaffected.
2. Combat Scenarios:
   Hardness often comes into play during battles involving fortified enemies or barriers. For instance, a tank with reinforced armor might require players to use armor-piercing weapons or spells to overcome its defenses.
3. Environmental Challenges:
   Outside combat, hardness is used to resolve actions like breaking down doors or traversing fragile structures. It forces players to strategize and adapt based on the environment.

Hardness Decay and Modification

In some scenarios, hardness can decay over time due to environmental factors or repeated attacks. For example:

• Weathering: A stone wall exposed to acid rain may lose hardness gradually.
• Damage Over Time: A wooden gate may weaken after multiple hits, eventually becoming easier to breach.
  Game Masters (GMs) can adjust hardness dynamically to match the narrative or campaign setting.

Strategies for Players and GMs

• Players: Select weapons and tools suited to bypass hardness, such as explosives or armor-piercing rounds. Consider teamwork and alternative routes when encountering highly durable objects.
• GMs: Use hardness strategically to introduce puzzles, enhance storytelling, or create high-stakes combat encounters. Balance is crucial to avoid frustrating players with overly resistant objects.

Impact on Gameplay

Hardness introduces variety and realism to Savage Worlds by making interactions with objects more dynamic. It challenges players to think creatively and encourages diverse problem-solving strategies, enriching the role-playing experience.