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Rules reference

Combat in Shadowrun 6th Edition

Turn flow, actions, and common combat rules. Shadowrun, Sixth World is the current edition of the classic cyberpunk-fantasy RPG. It is the 2080s: the Awakening brought magic back, metahumanity (elves, dwarfs, orks, trolls) walks the streets, dragons sit on megacorporate boards, and shadowrunners do the deniable dirty work the corps cannot be seen doing. You play a runner: part criminal, part specialist, part survivor, taking jobs from anonymous Mr. Johnsons in a world where the real power holds an extraterritorial charter.

Key points

Combat rules matter most when they keep scenes moving. This page focuses on decision points and the system’s core resolution loop.

Copyable facts
  • 5 metatypes: Human, Elf, Dwarf, Ork, Troll
  • d6 dice pools: Attribute + Skill, hits on 5s and 6s
  • Edge economy: earn and spend tactical advantage every combat round
  • 19 consolidated skills covering combat, Matrix, magic, and social play
  • Five paths: Mundane, Magician, Adept, Aspected Magician, Technomancer
  • Glitches: half or more 1s complicates the roll, with no hits it turns critical
Roll loop reminder

Shadowrun 6E rolls d6 dice pools: Attribute + Skill dice, counting 5s and 6s as hits against a threshold. Glitches (half or more 1s) complicate even successes, and Edge lets you reroll, add dice, or bend outcomes.

  • Build your pool: relevant Attribute + Skill (plus modifiers), one d6 each.
  • Roll and count hits: every 5 or 6 is a hit; meet the threshold (or beat the opposing roll) to succeed.
  • Check for glitches: half or more of the dice showing 1s is a glitch (a critical glitch if you also scored no hits). Spend Edge to reroll failures or add dice when it matters.
Example: Agility 5 + Firearms 4 = 9 dice vs threshold 3: rolling three 5s and a 6 gives 4 hits, a clean success unless five or more dice came up 1s.
Examples
Example: Declare intent, not just an action

Instead of “I attack,” state the goal: “I push them back from the door” or “I buy time for the escape.” This makes outcomes clearer.

Example: End scenes early

Once the winner is clear, wrap it. Don’t grind out the last 10% if it doesn’t change the story.

Common mistakes (smallest fix)
  • Mistake: Unclear turns and slow decisions. Fix: State intent, pick one action, resolve fast, and move on.
  • Mistake: Grinding after the outcome is obvious. Fix: End scenes early and narrate the final advantage.
Character creation
Step-by-step checklist.
Cheat sheets
Quick lookup while you play.
Build guides for Shadowrun 6th Edition
Street samurai
Chromed combat specialist: guns, blades, and wired reflexes.
Decker
Matrix infiltration, data theft, and cracking the host.
Combat mage
Spellslinger and astral scout with summoning on tap.
Adept
Magic burned inward: a body tuned past human limits.
Face
The team’s voice: negotiation, cover identities, and contacts.
Rigger
Drones, vehicles, and overwatch from the back of the van.
Technomancer
The Matrix without a deck: sprites, threading, and Resonance.

Shadowrun 6th Edition FAQ

How do dice pools work in Shadowrun 6E?
What are metatypes?
How does Edge work in SR6?
What is the difference between a decker and a technomancer?

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