A Beginner’s Guide to Savage Worlds

How to get into Savage Worlds

If you’re new to TTRPGs or Savage Worlds, it can be confusing to know where to start or how to proceed. But, once you figure this out, you’ll discover a treasure trove of amazing settings and games.

This guide will help you start your journey into the world of Savage Worlds and tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs).

Why choose Savage Worlds for tabletop roleplaying?

Savage Worlds stands out for several reasons:

1. Versatility: A generic system for any genre from fantasy to sci-fi.
2. Fast-Paced Action: Quick combat and skill checks keep the story moving.
3. Scalability & Accessibility: Handles small skirmishes to epic battles smoothly.
4. Character Customization: Create unique characters through Edges and Hindrances.
5. Wealth of Settings: From Weird West to post-apocalyptic, there's a world for everyone.
6. Community Support: Active fanbase providing resources and advice.
7. Cost-Effective: Just need the core rulebook and your chosen setting book.

Getting started

To play any setting, you need the core rules. There are two major versions:

1. Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE), the most current version.
2. Savage Worlds Deluxe, the previous version.

For most games, you'll only need SWADE. One exception is Savage Pathfinder, a standalone version that doesn't require the core rulebook.

You can find the book on Pinnacle's website, Amazon US, or Amazon Canada.

What is Savage Worlds?

Savage Worlds is a versatile TTRPG system, that can adapt to various genres and settings. It's a "generic system" that's neither "rules light" nor "crunchy". The current version, SWADE, is 212 pages covering everything from character creation to mass battles.

Core mechanics of Savage Worlds

• Classless game
• Skills/attributes range from d4 to d12+2, not d20-based
• A d6 called a "Wild Die" for player characters
• Initiative determined by drawing playing cards
• Character Traits include Edges (special abilities) and Hindrances (flaws or quirks)
• Characters usually have 3 Wounds before death

Choosing a setting

Savage Worlds offers a wide range of settings. Here are a few popular ones:

Deadlands

Links: Pinnacle's website | Amazon US | Amazon Canada | DriveThruRPG

Set in the "Weird West" in post-Civil War United States, Deadlands is an alternate history setting with demons, monsters, and all the bad guys from classic Spaghetti Westerns. Players can be Gunslingers, Voodoo Priests, Mad Scientists, and more.

Savage Rifts

Links: Pinnacle's website | DriveThruRPG Players | DriveThruRPG GM

Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth where magic and technology collide. Players can be Cyber-Knights, Glitter Boys, Juicers, Mystics, and even Dragon Hatchlings.

Big Apple Sewer Samurai

Link: DriveThruRPG

A radical homage to the action-packed cartoon heroes of the 80s and 90s. It offers a comprehensive toolkit for crafting your own underground adventures in a reimagined version of The Big Apple.

Savage Eberron

Links: itch.io | Immaterial Plane

A fan-made adaptation that brings the beloved Eberron setting to Savage Worlds. It's a perfect blend of high fantasy and pulp adventure, where magic and technology intertwine.

Other Settings

There are many more settings available, including Rippers (Victorian monster hunters), Savage Pathfinder, Crystal Heart (inspired by a webcomic), and Trailer Park Shark Attack (exactly what it sounds like).

Conclusion

While the choices may be intimidating at first, don't let them be. All you need is the Savage Worlds Adventure Edition core rulebook and a setting to play in. There's definitely something for everyone out there.

FAQ

1. Is Savage Worlds suitable for beginners? Absolutely. It's a perfect introduction to RPGs.
2. How does it compare to other TTRPGs? It has a smaller but thriving community and is highly adaptable to various play styles.
3. What do I need to start playing? The SWADE rulebook, a set of polyhedral dice (including an extra d6), pen & paper, and your imagination.
4. Can I use Savage Worlds for my favorite genre or setting? Definitely! There might already be a fan version, or you can create your own using the guidelines in the book.