Game Jargon Definition: “Armor Class”

Armor Class (noun) - ar · mor class /ˈärmər klas/

Armor class is typically defined as a numeric value that is used in many role-playing games to determine the level of difficulty of landing an attack on a player character, non-player character, or monster. Typically, when expressed as a numeric value, the armor class number is the number that must be rolled on a die (or higher or lower, depending on the exact game system) in order to score a hit. The armor class number may represent the actual armor or level of protection that a creature is wearing, the size of the creature (typically with smaller creatures being more difficult to hit), or the mobility of a creature (with more nimble or faster creatures being more difficult to hit). However, not all role-playing game systems use an armor class mechanic.