There's A New Edition of Savage Worlds Coming!

Next month Pinnacle Entertainment Group will be launching a brand new edition of their popular game system, Savage Worlds. In a project which was previously codenamed "Savage Worlds Black", the new edition will simply be named "Savage Worlds", and will appear on Kickstarter in October.

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What is there to know about it at this stage? Shane Hensley (the creator) revealed all over on Peginc's website:

First off, we want you to know that Savage Worlds “Black” is officially just “Savage Worlds.” The “Black” in the title was just a code name and a reference to an original cover concept, which was going to be solid black except for the Savage Worlds logo. We now have a very cool illustrated cover we’re using instead that ties it into all the Savage World Companions.

Second, the Kickstarter is currently planned for Tuesday, October 16th. That might change for a number of reasons—a big competitor launches something in the same time period, a component isn’t quite ready for us to show, personnel issues, etc.—but right now we are on track.

Third, the price will be $39.99 for the 192-page Limited Edition hardback while the softcover will be $29.99. (The price of the PDF has yet to be determined.) There will be other offerings during the Kickstarter as well.

Fourth, rest assured that the game is very compatible with previous editions and settings and we will publish a FREE conversion and update guide.

Finally, some of the changes we’ve already let slip are new Chase rules, tweaks to lots of Edges and Hindrances, Tests and Tricks, some skill, core rules, and Power Modifiers changes first previewed in The Savage World of Flash Gordon, the inclusion of Quick Combat (now called Quick Encounters as it handles more than combat!), and quite a few NEW sections, including new Setting Rules we think you’ll love.

The core book does not include the GM’s “advice” chapter found in previous editions. That will be released separately.

Much of this and more will be previewed leading up to and during the Kickstarter, along with many other great surprises as well.

Thanks for your patience amigos, and we look forward to you all experiencing the next exciting iteration of Savage Worlds!

So, Tuesday October 16th is the date to mark in your diaries. I suspect this'll be a big'un!

 

[HawaiiSteveO]

Very exciting! I dabbled in SW last summer, and really liked it!

 

[Ed Laprade]

Yeah, I just might get this.

 

[Superchunk77]

excellent!

 

[jimmifett]

I'll likely pick up, tho Genesys is now by far the superior system for multi-setting rpgs

 

[Dr. Bull]

I ll likely pick up, tho Genesys is now by far the superior system for multi-setting rpgs

I have no desire to get into a debate with jimmifett about Savage Worlds v. Genesys (because I have never played Genesys). I've read a lot of good things about Genesys, so I'll probably check it out. However, I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciate and enjoy Savage Worlds.

In past years, I've taught newbies how to build a character and start playing within 15 minutes. Character generation in SW is the most flexible I've ever seen. Within 5 minutes, I can build a Warforged Battle-Tank, a Jedi Knight, AND an Elf Sorcerer. Within that 5 minute time limit, I would probably still have time to walk to the fridge and grab a beer...

Best of all, the combats are super efficient, clear, and realistic. I love how it can simulate gritty modern warfare or high fantasy equally well. In fact, a game master could easily match a platoon of high-tech special forces against a tribe of goblin necromancers (commanded by a Hobgoblin Shaman) without a single pause in the action.

In the course of playing a 3-4 hour session, my old group hardly ever consulted the rules (unless it was a rare situation such as underwater combat). I love it when the rules get out of the way of having fun.

I am very excited to hear about the new edition and I am very grateful to hear that it is fully compatible with older versions of the game. Well done, Shane!
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Update for jimmifett: Just so you know, I ordered a copy of Genesys (because you inspired me). If I have to wait for the new Savage Worlds, I need something to read until it gets released!

 

[The Crimson Binome]

I don't really understand the point. Savage Worlds was already everything that it needed to be. I could understand with a heavier system, that sometimes things just don't work out, so you need to replace inefficient mechanics with better-designed ones.

Is this just a light polish of the existing system, like the change from D&D 3.0 to D&D 3.5?

 

[VengerSatanis]

I don't really understand the point. Savage Worlds was already everything that it needed to be. I could understand with a heavier system, that sometimes things just don't work out, so you need to replace inefficient mechanics with better-designed ones.

Is this just a light polish of the existing system, like the change from D&D 3.0 to D&D 3.5?

I believe they're interested in fleshing out one rule in particular: monetization.

 

[Gull]

I'm looking forward to his, but I really wish they had gone with a different title. It's hard enough for people to tell the difference between all these similarly named editions.

For those of you not keeping track:

• Savage Worlds (2003)
• Savage Worlds (2004) *
• Savage Worlds Explorer's Edition (2007)
• Savage Worlds Deluxe (2011)
• Savage Worlds Deluxe Explorer's Edition (2012)
• Savage Worlds (2018)

I can't wait until they release a Deluxe version of Savage Worlds (2018). I've got the perfect title!

* The 2004 release was technically the "Revised Second Edition," but the cover simply read, "Savage Worlds"... which makes this new edition the third book released under the title.

 

[TrippyHippy]

I did buy the last version of Savage Worlds, and even a few supplements. The reason was the low cost of entree. I recognise that they need to do a new edition to raise revenues (as with any other company) but I can't really see the incentive for me to buy a new edition when the settings I like are all for the old edition I have.