SWURPG Leveling Up – Character Progression

Leveling Up

As your character experiences the dangers and triumphs of the galaxy, they grow stronger. Leveling up represents this growth, unlocking new traits, stronger abilities, better survivability, and a greater impact on the story.

How Leveling Works in SWURPG

SWURPG does not use experience points (XP). Instead, the Game Master (GM) decides when the group levels up based on story progress, significant accomplishments, or major milestones within the campaign.

This system keeps the focus on narrative pacing and cinematic storytelling, not grinding or kill-counts. Discuss your campaign’s pacing with your GM so everyone shares the same expectations.

GMs are welcome to revert back to using XP, if that proves easier.

What You Gain When You Level Up

When your character gains a level, you receive several benefits depending on your class:

Increased Hit Points (HP)
Improved Proficiency Bonus (at specific levels)
New or upgraded class traits
Ability Score Improvements (ASI) or alternate traits
Additional Force Powers (if Force-sensitive)

Increasing Hit Points

Each time you level up, your Hit Point maximum increases. You can either:

Roll your class’s Hit Die and add your Constitution modifier
OR take the average result (rounded up) and add your Constitution modifier

Example: A Jedi Guardian (Hit Die: d10) reaches level 2. The player rolls a 6 and adds +2 from Constitution, gaining 8 HP. Or they can take the average (6) +2 = 8 HP automatically.

Proficiency Bonus Progression

Level 1–4: +2
Level 5–8: +3
Level 9–12: +4
Level 13–16: +5
Level 17–20: +6

This bonus applies to attacks, saves, skills, and other rolls you’re proficient in.

Class Trait Progression

Each class has a progression table that outlines what traits or upgrades you gain at each level. These may include subclass powers, extra attacks, damage scaling, or special combat features. Check your class page for details.

Ability Score Improvements (ASI)

At levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19, you choose one of the following:

Increase one ability score by +2
Increase two ability scores by +1 each
Select an approved alternate trait (like Force Training, Defensive Training, etc.)

ASI Alternatives

Not every hero chooses to boost their stats — some unlock powerful traits instead. These ASI alternatives include unique combat moves, Force training, defensive upgrades, and other customizable features designed to match your character’s journey.

📜 View the full list of ASI Alternative Traits →

Force Training

If your class grants access to Force Training, you may gain additional Force Powers as you level. Each time you take Force Training, you learn:

1 + your Wisdom modifier number of Force Powers
You also gain additional Force Points according to the Force Point formula

Retraining

At GM discretion, you may retrain a single Force Power, skill, or trait upon leveling up. This helps characters evolve with the story or adjust to party needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do characters level up in SWURPG?

Characters level up when the GM decides the story has reached a major milestone. SWURPG does not use XP by default.

What do I gain when I level up?

You gain hit points, an increased proficiency bonus at certain levels, new class traits, ASI or alternate traits, and Force powers if applicable.

How are hit points calculated at each level?

You roll your class's Hit Die and add your Constitution modifier, or take the average result (rounded up) instead.

What are ASI alternatives?

Instead of boosting ability scores, you can take alternative traits like Force Training, Defensive Training, or unique combat upgrades.

Can I retrain powers or skills when leveling up?

Yes. At GM discretion, you may retrain one Force power, skill, or trait when you gain a level to reflect character growth or story evolution.