The Star Wars D6 system is beloved for its cinematic action and fast, pulpy gameplay. Yet, even this streamlined ruleset can suffer from slowdowns in combat, especially with larger groups or more complex encounters. Fortunately, a few practical methods—both mechanical and procedural—can help keep the action flowing as quickly as a speeder bike chase on Endor.
Clarify Actions Before Rolling
Before dice hit the table, ask each player to declare their intended actions for the round. This can be as simple as “I shoot at the stormtrooper,” or as complex as “I dive for cover, draw my blaster, and return fire.” Not only does this help the GM assign appropriate multiple action penalties (MAPs), it allows you to batch dice rolls and keep everyone focused.
Tip: Go around the table quickly, or have players write down actions if your group gets easily distracted.
Group NPC Rolls
Rolling separately for each of a dozen stormtroopers is fun for the GM but tedious for players. Instead, group similar NPCs together and make a single attack or dodge roll for the group, applying the result to all. This not only keeps things moving, but also reflects the uniform training of Imperial forces.
Example: “The four stormtroopers fire as a unit: [rolls once]. What’s everyone’s dodge?”
Use Average Damage
Rather than rolling damage dice for every blaster shot, offer the option to use average damage (e.g., for a Blaster Pistol, 4D = 14). This is especially useful for NPCs, mooks, or mass battles, and speeds up result calculation. Save full rolls for critical moments or PC actions.
Simplify Initiative
By default, D6 initiative is determined each round. To save time:
- Roll once per encounter for initiative order, unless the situation changes dramatically.
- Alternatively, have players always act before NPCs unless surprised or outmaneuvered.
- For very fast-paced groups, just go clockwise around the table.
Track Wounds Publicly
Use a visible tracker (whiteboard, tokens, index cards) for PC and major NPC wounds. This avoids repeated “How hurt am I?” or "Which ones of them are injured?" questions and keeps everyone aware of the stakes.
My group uses 3d printed status rings that get placed on the PC or NPC's miniature.
Pre-Roll Dice Pools
Encourage players to roll multiple dice pools in advance—for instance, three attack rolls or a batch of damage rolls—and record results for quick reference. This is especially handy for characters with high multiple action counts.
Limit Rules Debates to Downtime
When a rules question comes up, make a quick ruling (“rule of cool” or “fastest answer wins”) and keep the session moving. Table deeper rules discussions for after the session, when everyone can research and agree on how to handle similar situations in the future.
Delegate Math
Assign a “math captain” at the table to help total up dice quickly, or use a dice-rolling app if everyone’s comfortable with it. The less time spent adding, the faster the next blaster bolt flies.
Streamline Non-Critical Rolls
Not every action needs a roll. For mook-vs-mook or obviously one-sided situations, narrate outcomes instead of rolling for every shot. Focus rolls on moments with real consequences.
Use Quick Reference Sheets
Prepare handouts for common weapons, actions, and wound levels. This cuts down on flipping through the rulebook and helps new players participate more confidently.
Bonus:
Fast D6 Combat House Rule
If your group consistently wants even quicker combats, try the following optional rule:
“Mooks Go Down”—Any NPC with fewer than X dice (say, 3D) in Dodge or Strength is defeated if hit by a PC’s successful attack, no rolling for damage.
This keeps the focus on cinematic heroics and makes PCs feel like true Star Wars protagonists.
Conclusion
Fast-paced combat is part of the Star Wars cinematic feel. By prepping a little and using these simple methods, your D6 battles will stay focused, intense, and fun for everyone at the table. Remember, if the dice ever slow down the action, the rule of cool always trumps the rulebook—just as it should in a galaxy far, far away.
Got your own tips for speeding up D6 combat? Share them in the comments below or send us a comm!
