
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 chase warlords, protect colonies, and choose whom to trust among corporations, rebels, and governments. People love the deep customisation, precise tactics, and stories that range from tough military choices to heartfelt cockpit moments. A professional Game Master shapes the world, sets clear objectives, and maintains tight pacing so every decision counts.
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 matter, and the spotlight rotates so everyone gets their moment to shine. It suits dedicated groups, game-night one-shots, birthdays, and company 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 see if your pilot clears a risky task. In mech combat, you roll a d20 to hit, then add or subtract Accuracy or Difficulty by rolling a few d6s and taking the highest as a modifier. On your turn, you move on a square map, take actions like firing, boosting, stabilising, or hacking, and manage heat and damage. Clear objectives drive each fight, from holding a zone to breaching a bunker.
You bring your pilot idea and play style. Pick a frame and gear, or grab a prepared character. A pencil or a digital sheet works. 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 jump straight into a focused mission with streamlined builds and fast choices. Expect a full arc in one session, with a clean debrief. In a campaign, you unlock licences over time, upgrade your mech, and face recurring rivals and factions. Political choices shape future ops, and your squad's reputation opens doors or closes them. Both styles support 2 to 5 players.




Common questions
I’m new to Lancer. Can I pick things up as we go?
Yes. You don’t 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, check out GM playstyles to find someone who teaches while maintaining a steady pace.
How tactical is Lancer compared to D&D?
Lancer focuses heavily on 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 one is a set piece with terrain, cover, and relevant status effects. Outside of combat, roleplay is flexible and quick, so most of the rules are centred around the battlefield. If you enjoyed D&D with miniatures and maps, or appreciated the teamwork aspect of 4e, you will feel right at home after a brief adjustment.
How many players are there and how long does a mission take?
It works well with 2 to 5 players. The ideal number is 3 to 4, allowing for quicker turns and clear roles for everyone. A one-shot mission typically fits within 3 to 4 hours. New groups might need an extra 20 to 30 minutes for onboarding. In campaigns, expect one major combat plus scenes, or two shorter combats, per session. Briefing and debriefing frame the action, ensuring choices have significance without slowing things down.
Can you help me construct my mech and pilot?
Absolutely. Share your concept and preferred role, such as artillery, support, or skirmisher. A professional Game Master can facilitate a brief build chat, offer curated options, or provide ready-to-play pilots at a specified licence level. You can respec between early missions if you want 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 on the table.
Is Lancer appropriate for kids or teens?
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 detailed, so it is best suited for teens or focused younger players who enjoy turn-based games. Generally, ages 12 and up work well. A professional Game Master uses 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 home rules?
Sessions use the current official Lancer rules. Your Game Master may introduce minor, clearly stated adjustments to maintain a smooth pace, such as standardised objective timers or simplified ammo tracking where appropriate. Any changes will be explained upfront 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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