There are many cards in Legends of Runeterra, and each have their own stats and effects to make them unique. It can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the card game genre, to learn all these effects. That’s why we’re dissecting all the keywords in a series of guides. In this one we’re taking a look at Tough.

Units that bear the Tough keyword have a protective layer around them, and one more permanent than the Barrier keyword provides. Through a thick layer of armor, Tough units reduce all incoming damage by 1. This means that, if your Tough unit is attacked by an enemy with one attack power, or is hit by a spell that deals one damage, your unit walks away unscathed. When combat seems even, the Tough keyword is there to give you a small edge over the opponent.

Only followers from Demacia have the Tough keyword. There are two niche cases among champions: Tryndamere becomes Tough upon reaching his second level, and Heimerdinger generates a 2/1 turret with Tough whenever you cast a two-cost spell. Below are some examples of cards that work with the Tough keyword.

Images via Riot Games.