SWADE includes official reference charts for combat options, chase maneuvers, injury outcomes, and GM screen tables. Pinnacle Entertainment Group offers free downloadable PDFs featuring combat modifiers, situational rules, bennies reminders, and vehicle damage references. These charts speed up gameplay by consolidating core rulebook tables into quick-reference formats for table and virtual play.
What Reference Charts Does SWADE Include
SWADE provides multiple chart types that organize game rules into accessible formats. The core rulebook contains tables spread across 200+ pages, but official reference charts compress this information into single-page documents.
You’ll find charts covering combat mechanics, chase sequences, injury determination, and general gameplay modifiers. Each chart type serves a specific game situation. Combat charts help during fight scenes. Chase charts handle vehicle pursuits. Injury tables determine wound consequences.
The official charts from Pinnacle Entertainment Group went through multiple revisions. The September 2019 update fixed font issues and improved readability. These revised versions remain the current standard for SWADE gameplay.
Official Combat and Chase Charts from Pinnacle
Pinnacle’s Combat & Chase Maneuvers Quick Reference Charts bundle the most-consulted rules into a two-page spread. You can download these charts free from the official Pinnacle website.
Combat Options and Situational Rules Summary
The combat chart includes all standard and optional actions available during fights. You’ll see aim bonuses, called shots, defense actions, and disarm attempts listed with their modifiers.
Situational rules appear on the same page. Cover modifiers range from -2 for light cover to -8 for near-total protection. Range penalties apply based on weapon type. Illumination modifiers affect attack rolls in dim or dark conditions.
The chart also displays the bennies system. Players spend bennies to reroll dice, soak wounds, or draw new action cards. The visual reminder helps new players remember this resource exists.
Damage calculation sits at the bottom. When an attack succeeds, you compare the damage total to the target’s toughness. Every 4 points above toughness inflicts one wound. Wild cards can take three wounds before incapacitation. Extras drop after one wound.
Chase Maneuvers and Vehicle Damage Table
Chase rules use playing cards to track relative positions. Participants draw cards each round. Higher cards mean better positions. The chart shows how card values translate to range bands.
Available maneuvers include changing position, evading pursuers, ramming opponents, and holding steady. Each maneuver lists its skill requirement and success conditions. Critical failures cause complications like losing control or taking damage.
Vehicle damage works differently from character wounds. When a vehicle takes damage equal to or exceeding its toughness, the driver makes a maneuvering roll. Failure means the vehicle goes out of control. The chart specifies modifiers for different damage amounts.
Chase charts handle foot pursuits and vehicle chases identically. The same card mechanics apply whether you’re running through alleys or racing motorcycles. Range determination changes based on chase type—shorter ranges for foot chases, longer for vehicles.
The SWADE Injury Table and Damage Reference
The injury table determines wound consequences when characters suffer significant damage. Wild cards roll on this table when incapacitated. The result can cause permanent effects.
Standard injuries include attribute reductions, new hindrances, or physical impairments. A character might lose a die type in Strength or gain the One Arm hindrance. These injuries stick unless healed through advancement or setting-specific rules.
Gritty damage rules make injuries more frequent. Under this optional rule, wild cards roll on the injury table whenever they take any wound, not just at incapacitation. This creates grittier, more dangerous campaigns where every fight carries long-term risk.
The chart version of the injury table includes all outcomes with probability weights. You roll 2d6 and consult the result. Lower rolls generally produce worse injuries. Rolling a 2 can cause death or “bleeding out” status.
Wound penalties stack with injuries. A character with two wounds suffers -2 to all trait rolls. If they also gained an attribute reduction from an injury, that compounds the difficulty. The reference chart shows how these modifiers combine.
GM Screen Inserts and Quick Reference Sheets
SWADE-compatible GM screen inserts contain the most important tables in a three-panel format. These screens stand behind the GM and display rules visible only to them.
The inserts include combat options, test types, fear effects, hazard damage, and situational modifiers. You’ll also find tables for determining random outcomes—like weather, NPC reactions, or treasure quality.
Screen inserts differ from the standalone combat charts. Screens provide broader rule coverage, including non-combat systems. The combat charts offer deeper detail on fighting and chases specifically. Many GMs use both—screens for general reference, separate charts for combat encounters.
Pinnacle released updated screen inserts in January 2019 alongside the initial SWADE launch. These match the Adventure Edition rules exactly. Earlier screens from Savage Worlds Deluxe contain outdated information and shouldn’t be used for SWADE games.
Custom screen inserts exist from third-party creators. Some focus on specific settings like Deadlands or Rifts. Others reorganize information based on GM preference. The official inserts remain the most comprehensive general-purpose option.
Where to Download Free SWADE Charts
Official Sources
Pinnacle Entertainment Group hosts free chart downloads on their website. Visit peginc.com and navigate to the SWADE product page. The combat and chase charts appear in the free downloads section.
DriveThruRPG also carries the official charts. You’ll find them under Savage Worlds Adventure Edition products. The listing shows “Pay What You Want” pricing—you can download for free or support Pinnacle with a voluntary payment.
Both sources provide identical PDFs. The files include two pages—one for combat, one for chases. Print them double-sided for a convenient reference sheet. The dimensions fit standard letter paper without scaling.
What’s Included in Downloads
When you download the official chart pack, you get:
- Combat options summary showing all standard and optional actions with modifiers
- Situational rules reference covering, range, and illumination penalties
- Chase maneuvers the table with card-based positioning mechanics
- Vehicle damage rules, including maneuvering roll requirements
- Ben’s reminder explaining how to spend this resource during play
Third-Party and Custom Charts
Third-party chart compilations exist on GitHub and fan sites. These often include custom layouts or additional homebrew tables. Verify that any unofficial charts match the current SWADE rules before using them. The game went through multiple editions, and unofficial resources may reflect outdated mechanics.
Character sheets come bundled with chart downloads. Pinnacle revised its official character sheet in May 2025 for better readability. This latest version includes improved field layouts and clearer section labels.
Using SWADE Charts During Your Game Sessions
Best Practices for Table Reference
Keep combat charts visible to all players. Place them in the center of the table or provide individual copies. When players know available actions, they make decisions faster.
Reference the injury table only when needed. Wild cards check this table at incapacitation or under gritty damage rules. Keep it behind your GM screen to maintain surprise about injury severity.
Chase charts require more explanation during first use. Walk players through the card-dealing process before starting a chase. Show them how cards translate to positions. After one chase sequence, most groups internalize the system.
Quick Tips for Chart Management
Follow these strategies to keep your game flowing smoothly:
- Tab your core rulebook, even with charts available—charts summarize rules, but don’t include every edge case
- Laminate frequently-used charts to protect against spills and wear during sessions
- Print on cardstock as a cheaper alternative to lamination that still adds durability
- Keep page references handy so you can quickly find expanded rules when disputes arise
- Review chase mechanics with players before starting their first pursuit sequence
Digital Charts for Roll20 and Foundry VTT
Setting Up Roll20 Charts
Roll20’s SWADE compendium includes rollable tables matching official charts. Clicking a button rolls on the injury table automatically. The system calculates results and displays outcomes in chat.
The Roll20 marketplace sells the SWADE compendium with tables and macros bundle. This includes pre-configured versions of all major charts. You can also build custom rollable tables using free Roll20 accounts.
Foundry VTT Configuration
Foundry VTT users access SWADE Item Tables through the module system. This presents edges, hindrances, skills, and equipment in table formats matching the rulebooks. The official SWADE system for Foundry includes built-in chart references.
Both platforms let you share chart visibility with players. You can keep the injury table private while making combat options visible to everyone. This matches physical table practices digitally.
Keeping Digital Resources Current
Virtual tabletops update faster than printed materials. When Pinnacle releases errata or clarifications, digital versions incorporate changes quickly. Physical charts require reprinting. Check official Pinnacle announcements for rule updates affecting your charts.
Organizing Your SWADE Reference Materials
Physical Organization Systems
Create a reference binder for physical play. Use page protectors to hold charts, screen inserts, and frequently-used rulebook pages. Tab sections by type—combat, chases, character creation, and advancement.
Store one complete set of charts with your GM materials. Print a second set for players to share. This prevents bottlenecks when multiple people need the same reference simultaneously.
Many GMs use a standing file folder system. Charts go in labeled folders that stand upright on the table. You can grab what you need without shuffling through piles.
Digital File Management
Follow these organizational principles for digital charts:
- Bookmark official download pages so you can grab updates when Pinnacle releases revisions
- Use descriptive file names like “SWADE_Combat_Chart_2019-09.pdf” instead of generic names
- Include version dates in filenames to track which revision you’re using
- Sort files by type with folders for combat, chases, injuries, and setting-specific content
- Keep backup copies on cloud storage so you can access charts from any device
Specific Additions
Setting-specific charts supplement core SWADE references. If you run Deadlands, print the weird science invention chart. Rifts campaigns need the mega-damage conversion table. Keep setting charts with your general SWADE references for complete coverage.
Consider a quick-start rules summary separate from detailed charts. New players benefit from a one-page “how to play” guide before diving into comprehensive reference materials. Start simple, then introduce detailed charts as players gain experience.
