Shadowrun 6E Character creation cheat sheet
A checklist you can run during creation. At-the-table reference for Shadowrun 6th Edition.
Shadowrun 6E character creation: pick a metatype, prioritize your resources, choose a lifestyle, and gear up for the shadows.
Creation steps (Priority system)
- 1. Choose a Metatype (Human, Elf, Dwarf, Ork, Troll): each has attribute ranges, special abilities, and a racial adjustment point pool.
- 2. Set Priorities: assign A through E across 5 categories (Metatype, Attributes, Skills, Magic/Resonance, Resources). Each letter determines how many points or how much cash you get.
- 3. Assign Attribute points: distribute among BOD, AGI, REA, STR, WIL, LOG, INT, CHA. Each attribute has a racial min/max.
- 4. Assign Skill points: buy skill ranks (max 6 at creation). Specializations cost 1 point and add +2 dice to one specific use.
- 5. Choose Magic/Resonance (if applicable): Mage, Adept, Mystic Adept, Aspected Mage, Technomancer. Determines your Magic/Resonance attribute and abilities.
- 6. Spend Resources (nuyen): buy weapons, armor, cyberware, vehicles, fake SINs, and other gear.
- 7. Derived values: Initiative (REA + INT), Condition Monitors, Edge.
- 8. Choose Qualities (positive and negative): advantages and flaws with karma cost/benefit.
- 9. Contacts: spend remaining karma on contacts (Connection + Loyalty per contact).
- 10. Background: name, lifestyle, backstory, and runner alias.
Priority table (summary)
- A
- Best allocation (e.g., 24 attribute points, or full mage, or 450k nuyen)
- B
- Strong
- C
- Average
- D
- Below average
- E
- Minimal (e.g., no magic, 8,000 nuyen, or only Human metatype)
Common mistakes
- Priority E in Resources (8,000 nuyen) means almost no gear: plan your priorities carefully.
- Skill rank 6 at creation is the cap; higher ranks come from karma spending after creation.
- Cyberware reduces your Essence, which caps your Magic attribute. Mages should avoid heavy chrome.
- Contacts require karma: do not forget to budget for them.