In Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE), the concept of Hardness plays a significant role in shaping combat dynamics and enhancing storytelling. Hardness refers to the measure of resilience or durability that an object or vehicle possesses, defining how much damage it can withstand before being compromised. While the concept is straightforward, understanding how it affects gameplay can lead to more nuanced tactics, immersive battles, and strategic decision-making for both players and Game Masters (GMs).
Understanding Hardness in SWADE Savage Worlds
In SWADE, hardness functions as a fixed number that acts as damage reduction for objects, armor, or vehicles. When damage is inflicted on an object or vehicle, its hardness value reduces the incoming damage by a set amount, which can be particularly relevant for things like armored vehicles, fortified doors, or even magical shields. For example, if a door has a hardness of 10 and is hit with a force that deals 15 points of damage, only 5 points go through to actually damage or weaken it. This allows for creative storytelling where players must adapt to barriers or fortified targets that can’t simply be broken down with brute force.
Hardness differs from Toughness, which is used to measure how much damage a character can withstand. Characters generally don’t have hardness, but items, vehicles, and structures do. This distinction is critical because it forces players to approach each scenario differently depending on whether they are dealing with other characters or inanimate obstacles.
Impact on Combat and Strategy
- Enhanced Tactical Choices: Hardness in SWADE Savage Worlds introduces additional layers of strategy. Players must evaluate whether their weapons or powers are potent enough to bypass the hardness of a target or if they need to find alternative solutions. For instance, when dealing with a heavily armored vehicle, players might strategize to aim for weak points, deploy high-damage explosives, or find ways to outmaneuver it rather than attack head-on.
- Increased Role for Equipment and Abilities: Equipment choices and abilities can take on a new level of importance. Characters equipped with armor-piercing rounds or high-damage weapons will find that they have an edge against high-hardness objects. In contrast, characters without such gear might be forced to collaborate with teammates or think creatively to overcome obstacles. This elevates the value of specialized equipment and abilities, as they enable characters to bypass or reduce the effectiveness of hardness.
- Immersive World-Building: Hardness allows GMs to introduce realistic and varied environments. In a setting where players encounter fortified bunkers, industrial machinery, or magical barriers, the hardness mechanic reinforces the idea that some things are simply tougher and require more effort or ingenuity to defeat. This realism can make the world feel more grounded and immersive, especially when players encounter objects they cannot easily destroy.
- Promoting Teamwork: In encounters where players face high-hardness obstacles, teamwork can be essential. Characters with complementary skills—such as a demolitions expert or a powerful magic user—can contribute in ways that surpass raw combat ability. For example, a wizard might use magic to weaken a fortified structure, enabling a fighter to break through it more effectively. Hardness-based challenges encourage players to work together, amplifying both camaraderie and the sense of accomplishment when they finally overcome a tough obstacle.
Practical Examples of Hardness in SWADE
- Vehicle Combat: A high-hardness vehicle in SWADE might take minimal damage from small arms fire. To effectively disable such a vehicle, players may need to use armor-piercing rounds, grenades, or target vulnerable areas. This adds excitement and realism to vehicle encounters, making them more than just a simple exchange of damage.
- Fortified Structures: When players come across a fortified structure, such as a dungeon door or a reinforced bunker wall, its hardness can set the tone for the encounter. They might try different approaches, such as attempting to pick a lock, using explosives, or finding an alternate path to avoid spending excessive time chipping away at the door.
- Magical Barriers: Some magical barriers might have hardness, allowing them to withstand mundane attacks but remain susceptible to certain types of magic or damage. This adds an extra layer of complexity, as players may need to think about which character’s skills or powers can break through, creating a dynamic encounter.
Tips for GMs Using Hardness
For Game Masters, incorporating hardness into SWADE Savage Worlds gameplay can add depth to encounters and make obstacles feel more meaningful. Here are some tips for effectively using hardness in your game:
- Plan Around Player Capabilities: Ensure that there are ways for players to overcome or bypass obstacles with hardness, but don’t make it too easy. Encourage creativity and exploration rather than straightforward brute force.
- Use Hardness to Set the Scene: High-hardness objects can set the stage for tense moments. A fortified bunker or enchanted barrier can heighten suspense, making it clear that players are dealing with formidable forces or defenses.
- Encourage Alternative Solutions: Players may attempt to bypass hardness-based obstacles in unconventional ways, like sneaking around, using magical solutions, or outsmarting opponents. Reward these creative approaches to show that there are multiple solutions to every problem.
Conclusion
Hardness in SWADE Savage Worlds is a key mechanic that affects strategy, immersion, and storytelling. It challenges players to think critically, make strategic equipment choices, and work collaboratively to overcome obstacles. For GMs, hardness can be a powerful tool to add realism, build tension, and enhance the game’s narrative. When used thoughtfully, hardness deepens the complexity and enjoyment of any SWADE campaign, creating memorable and meaningful gameplay experiences.
