Resting is how characters recover from the dangers of the Wasteland. During rest, characters heal wounds, mend Injuries, maintain equipment, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Rest is not free — it requires time, food, water, and safety. Managing these resources is a core part of Wasteland survival.
Types of Rest
There are two types of rest:
| Type | Duration | Frequency | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Rest | ~1 hour | Once between Long Rests | Eat/drink, minor activities only |
| Long Rest | ~8 hours | Once per 24 hours | Full rest activities, ability resets |
Short Rest
A brief pause to catch your breath, eat, and tend to minor needs. You cannot Sleep, Repair, Read, or Scavenge during a Short Rest. See Short Rest for details.
Long Rest
A full rest period with camp setup, activity selection, and ability resets. This is the primary recovery mechanic. See Long Rest for details.
Food and Drink
Regardless of rest type, characters should eat 1 food item and drink 1 drink item during each rest period.
Different foods and drinks provide different effects — some restore HP, some grant temporary buffs, and some may have negative side effects (RADS from irradiated food, sickness from polluted water).
Characters with the Wasteland Survivor milestone (Survival +5) can cook food that grants improved recovery and temporary buffs.
Not Eating or Drinking
Characters who do not eat or drink during rest risk gaining Exhaustion. Even consuming harmful food or drink (irradiated, spoiled, polluted) is enough to avoid Exhaustion — though the side effects may be unpleasant.
See Exhaustion for full details on the cumulative effects of neglecting basic needs.
”Once per Long Rest” Abilities
Many abilities, perks, traits, and milestones specify “Once per Long Rest.” These abilities reset and become available again after completing a Long Rest.
These abilities do NOT reset after a Short Rest.
Ability Resets on Long Rest
The following reset after a Long Rest:
- All “Once per Long Rest” abilities (perks, traits, milestones, Book Perks)
- Luck Points (if the GM decides to replenish them at this milestone)
- Book Perk slots (can reassign Book Perks from Comprehension)
- Any other resources or effects that specify Long Rest as their reset condition