For veterans of Shadowrun, Third Edition
(and the first and second editions!), here’s the
lowdown on important mechanical concepts
that have changed:
• Dice pools no longer exist in their SR3 form.
They are now attribute + skill +/– modifiers.
• The target number for dice rolls is now always
5. Yes, all target numbers. Modifiers
add or subtract from dice pools, not the target
number.
• Each roll of 5 or 6 is a “hit” rather than a
“success.” Success is determined by the
number of hits scored.
• The Rule of One is triggered more frequently,
and may be triggered even when the roll
is successful. See Glitches, p. 55. We feel
your pain.
• The Rule of Six no longer applies, except
when you are using Edge. See p. 67.
• Open Tests no longer exist.
• A new type of test—Extended Tests—has
been added.
• The maximum for natural, unaugmented
Physical and Mental attribute ratings is now
6 (plus metatype modifiers).
• Intelligence is divided into two new attributes:
Intuition and Logic.
• Quickness is divided into two new attributes:
Agility and Reaction (Reaction is no
longer a derived attribute).
• Initiative is now a derived attribute
(Reaction + Intuition).
• Two new attributes have been added: Edge
(luck) and Resonance (for technomancers).
• Magic no longer starts at 6; it must be purchased
just like other attributes.
• Bioware and cyberware both reduce Essence,
but they are tracked separately and the
lesser value counts at half.
• Exclusive Actions no longer exist.
• You may now purchase skill groups—groups
of related skills with a cheaper bundled cost.
• All types of combat are now handled as
Opposed Tests.
• Condition Monitors are no longer fixed at 10
boxes (see Condition Monitors, p. 65).
• Wound Levels are gone and Damage Codes
were changed to a single Damage Value (see
p. 152) and an Armor Penetration modifier
(see p. 152).
• Matrix attributes and ratings are radically
different (see The Wireless World, p. 205).
• Street Index, Legality, Concealability, and
Weight have been removed from gear statistics
in favor of simplified systems.