Hardened

Hardened Trait
XCOM	MEC Trooper S.H.I.V. Alloy S.H.I.V. Hover S.H.I.V.
Aliens	Berserker Chryssalid Cyberdisc Drone Ethereal Mechtoid Sectopod Uber Ethereal

Hardened is a trait of numerous units that cannot take cover in XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

“	Hardened units receive extra protection against critical hits.	”
– In-Game Description, XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Effect

Reduces the chance of suffering a critical hit by 60%.

Notes

• Berserkers, Chryssalids, Cyberdiscs (in "closed" form), Drones, Ethereals, Sectopods, and the Uber Ethereal all benefit from the Hardened trait.
  • Mechtoids also have this trait in XCOM: Enemy Within.
• All varieties of S.H.I.V.s, as well as MEC Troopers ^EW, are Hardened on the human side.
• Note that in terms of conceptual design, the Hardened trait is intended solely to compensate for the increased chance of critical hits against targets that are not presently benefiting from Cover (i.e. Exposed or Flanked), on units that are unable to take cover. In other words, the trait is present solely on units (both XCOM and Alien units) that cannot take cover, and would otherwise constantly have a heightened vulnerability to critical hits.
• The Second Wave option "Absolutely Critical" increases the reduction to -100% to compensate for the increased critical chance against exposed or flanked opponents. This does, however, mean that the Hardened unit does not negate a weapon's base critical chance, like the 10% of assault rifles or 20% of shotguns.