Lancer

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.

Double-exposure portrait of a smiling person seated in front of bookshelves
Double-exposure portrait of a smiling person seated in front of bookshelves
Top-down view of a purple twenty-sided die with the gold number 16 visible. Twenty-sided dice are best known from dnd.
Top-down view of a purple twenty-sided die with the gold number 16 visible. Twenty-sided dice are best known from dnd.

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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Genres you can play in Lancer

  • Mecha

    Climb into the cockpit and take control of a colossal machine. Mecha play combines fierce battles, ingenious engineering, and faction…

    View genre: Mecha
  • Space Opera

    Epic sci-fi melodrama set among the stars, featuring daring pilots, noble rebels, tyrants wielding planet-destroying weapons, and a crew…

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  • by Amber

    Anime

    Big emotions, striking archetypes, and dynamic battles. Assemble your team, exchange witty banter, and progress through narratives that…

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  • Dystopian

    Struggle to survive in a world that monitors your every action, reminiscent of 1984. Conceal yourself, hack systems, and resist as you…

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  • Military

    Close-knit teams under fire, difficult decisions, maps laid out, and the struggle of supply lines. Imagine Band of Brothers, but you give…

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  • Rebellion

    Whispered schemes, audacious raids, and tough decisions as you stand up to authority. Imagine the intensity of The Hunger Games brought to…

    View genre: Rebellion
  • Futuristic

    Adventures set in the near to far future where technology influences every decision, from vibrant megacities to remote space outposts…

    View genre: Futuristic

What players think

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a really good job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot and yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His attitude was fantastic, and he made the game enjoyable for all. I particularly appreciated how he could clearly explain what was required from our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a wonderful time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thank you!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I arranged a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very enthusiastic about it, and he was thoroughly pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • A very good GM, Baptiste adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. One issue was with the character sheets provided, which were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. For instance, our cleric was missing spells (no healing spell) even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they'd ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach enabled the players to fully immerse themselves in the game by allowing them to control how they wanted their actions to be carried out. I would certainly work with her again.

    John

  • A pleasant and straightforward introduction to D&D. Amber was adept at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the rhythm and concentrate on the narrative. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack strategies was an enjoyable experience and provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly brilliant as a DM! Cheerful, adaptable, and exceptionally experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in an enjoyable manner and engaged every player in the story, regardless of whether they were vocal or reserved. If you embark on an adventure with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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