
Lancer TTRPG · Lancer TTRPG
Lancer
Lancer is a sci-fi mecha RPG. You play as skilled pilots in towering machines on missions that test teamwork and ideals. You pursue warlords, protect colonies, and decide whom to trust among corporations, rebels, and governments. Players appreciate the deep customisation, precise tactics, and narratives that range from tough military decisions to heartfelt cockpit moments. A professional Game Master shapes the world, sets clear objectives, and maintains tight pacing so every decision has impact.
A session feels like a briefing, character scenes, then a cinematic drop. You plan, coordinate roles, and hit the field as a squad. Positioning and teamwork are crucial, and the spotlight rotates so everyone has their moment to shine. It suits dedicated groups, game-night one-shots, birthdays, and corporate teams that enjoy problem-solving. It welcomes new players with guidance and rewards veterans who love tinkering with builds. Meet our Game Masters to find the right fit.
How to play Lancer
Outside the cockpit, you roll a d20 to determine if your pilot successfully completes a risky task. In mech combat, you roll a d20 to hit, then adjust Accuracy or Difficulty by rolling several d6s and taking the highest as a modifier. On your turn, you move on a square map and take actions such as firing, boosting, stabilising, or hacking, while managing heat and damage. Clear objectives guide each fight, from holding a zone to breaching a bunker.
You bring your pilot concept and play style. Choose a frame and gear, or select a prepared character. A pencil or a digital sheet will do. A professional Game Master provides the mission brief, tactical maps, tokens, teach-as-you-go rules, safety tools, and prebuilt enemies. Online, they run it on a virtual tabletop with voice chat. See supported options for online play.
In a one-shot, you dive straight into a focused mission with streamlined builds and quick decisions. Expect a complete arc in one session, followed by a thorough debrief. In a campaign, you unlock licences over time, upgrade your mech, and confront recurring rivals and factions. Political choices influence future operations, and your squad's reputation can either open doors or close them. Both styles accommodate 2 to 5 players.




Frequently Asked Questions
I’m new to Lancer. Can I learn while we play?
Yes. You do not need to read the book first. A professional Game Master will teach you the core turn flow, heat, and status effects as they arise. You can begin with a simple frame and a focused kit, or use a prebuilt pilot to dive straight in. Expect quick cheat sheets and reminders to help you make informed choices without feeling overwhelmed by the rules. If you prefer a coach-style table, browse GM playstyles to find someone who teaches while maintaining a steady pace.
How tactical is Lancer compared to D&D?
Lancer emphasises tactical combat. Battles utilise a square grid, clear objectives, and significant positioning. You manage heat, structure, and systems, rather than spell slots. Expect fewer encounters per session, but each is a carefully crafted scenario with terrain, cover, and relevant status effects. Outside of combat, roleplay is flexible and quick, meaning most rules are focused on the battlefield. If you enjoyed D&D with miniatures and maps, or appreciated the teamwork aspect of 4e, you will feel at home after a brief adjustment.
How many players are there, and how long does a mission last?
It works well with 2 to 5 players. The ideal number is 3 to 4, allowing turns to move swiftly and ensuring everyone has a distinct role. A one-shot mission typically lasts 3 to 4 hours. New groups might need an additional 20 to 30 minutes for onboarding. In campaigns, expect one significant combat along with scenes, or two shorter combats, per session. Briefing and debriefing frame the action, ensuring that choices have significance without slowing down the pace.
Can you assist me in constructing my mech and piloting it?
Absolutely. Share your concept and preferred role, such as artillery, support, or skirmisher. A professional Game Master can facilitate a brief build discussion, offer tailored options, or provide ready-to-play pilots at a specified licence level. You can respec between early missions if you wish to experiment with a different frame or talent focus. Printed sheets or a digital sheet both work. You bring the vibe, and the GM helps translate it into elements that shine at the table.
Is Lancer appropriate for children or teenagers?
Yes, with guidance. The game’s theme is war, but the tone can be set to hopeful heroics and kept free of graphic detail. The tactical rules are intricate, making it best suited for teens or focused younger players who enjoy turn-based games. Generally, ages 12 and up work well. A professional Game Master employs safety tools, checks lines and veils, and can tailor missions towards rescue, exploration, and teamwork rather than bleak military drama.
Do you use the latest rules or any custom rules?
Sessions utilise the current official Lancer rules. Your Game Master may propose minor, clearly defined adjustments to maintain a smooth pace, such as standardised objective timers or simplified ammunition tracking where appropriate. Any alterations are explained beforehand and noted on your sheet or mission brief, ensuring you are always aware of what is in play. If your group prefers to stick strictly to the rules, just let the GM know, and they will adhere to the core procedures.
Can we play online with proper maps and tools?
Yes. Online sessions utilise a virtual tabletop with grid maps, tokens, line-of-sight, and dice. Voice chat ensures coordination is smooth, and the GM manages assets and automation so you can concentrate on your decisions. If your team includes both in-person and remote players, a hybrid setup is also feasible with a clear camera on the map. See supported options on our online play platforms page.
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