Rules reference

Equipment in Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition

Gear basics and how equipment impacts play. Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition is a tabletop RPG where you play as Garou—werewolves fighting against the corruption of the Wyrm. As warriors of Gaia, you balance your human side with your wolf nature, tracking Renown, wielding Gifts, and maintaining your connection to the spirit world.

Key points

Equipment changes what’s possible in the fiction: access, leverage, and risk management. This page focuses on the gear that matters most.

Copyable facts
  • 5 Auspices: Ahroun, Galliard, Philodox, Ragabash, Theurge
  • 3 Breeds: Homid (human-born), Metis (Garou-born), Lupus (wolf-born)
  • Renown system: Glory (combat), Honor (tradition), Wisdom (spirit)
  • 5 Forms: Homid, Glabro, Crinos, Hispo, Lupus
  • Gift system: Auspice-based powers
  • Rage mechanics: Fuels transformations and combat
Roll loop reminder

VTM V5 uses d10 dice pools: roll Attribute + Skill, count successes on 6+, and watch for criticals on 10s. Hunger dice add personal-horror volatility (messy criticals and bestial failures).

  • Build your pool (Attribute + Skill).
  • Roll d10s and count successes (6+).
  • Interpret 10s (critical) and Hunger outcomes (messy critical/bestial failure) as story-forward complications.
Example: If Hunger dice contribute to a critical, the success is messy: you win, but the Beast shows.
Examples
Example: Gear as leverage

The best gear changes what’s possible: access, safety, speed, and options. Track what lets you do something you couldn’t do before.

Example: Use equipment to reduce risk

If a roll is dangerous, gear can change position: better tools, better cover, better information.

Common mistakes (smallest fix)
  • Mistake: Tracking too many tiny items. Fix: Track gear that changes options, safety, speed, or access.
  • Mistake: Buying gear without a use case. Fix: Ask: what scene does this gear make easier or safer?
Character creation
Step-by-step checklist.
Cheat sheets
Quick lookup while you play.

Werewolf FAQ

What are Auspices in Werewolf 5e?
How does Renown work in Werewolf 5e?
What's the difference between Breed and Tribe?
How does Rage work?
What are the five forms?

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