So there are figures that can use surges to increase damage by 1 or increase pierce by 1. I understand the intent of both of these abilities, but aren't they almost effectively the exact same thing. One cancels a block while the other increases the damage (effectively cancelling a block).

So yea, if the player rolls a defense die that does not have a block or surge cancel on it (very low chance), the damage would do more. But right off the bat there seems to be very little difference between these two abilities, not enough to warrant separation to me unless I am missing something? Maybe there are scenarios later where pierce has different application?

Thanks!

It's possible to roll 2 or more surges. In that case both the pierce and the damage boost are valuable.

Thanks for the response. So you can only use one surge on an ability per attack? For example if you roll two surges, you can't spend them both on damage?

Thanks for the response. So you can only use one surge on an ability per attack? For example if you roll two surges, you can't spend them both on damage?

That is correct

"Each (surge) ability can be triggered only once per attack" (Page 24, RRG).

Ok, thanks for pointing that out!

If the pierce and +damage values are the same then yes, damage is better unless you get 2 surges. But often, the pierce option will be higher than the damage option, like with Vader (who has pierce 3 and damage +2). In that case, pierce may be better depending on the defense result.

In terms of balance surge is also cheaper value.

Thanks for the response. So you can only use one surge on an ability per attack? For example if you roll two surges, you can't spend them both on damage?

That is correct

"Each (surge) ability can be triggered only once per attack" (Page 24, RRG).

I was wandering the exact same thing, and hadn't seen that rule (have only played through the Learnng to Play tutorial and first mission, haven't had time to read the whole rule book yet). You'd think they'd menion that in Learning to Play!