Setting up your first game

You don't need a dedicated games table or expensive terrain for your first game. Here's what you actually need.

1. 01

   Step 1

   Clear a table

   Spearhead is designed for a smaller battlefield than the full-size game, so a normal dining table is usually enough space. Check the size given in your battleplan.

2. 02

   Step 2

   Add some terrain — even improvised

   Spearhead uses exactly four pieces: two large and two small. Each player places one large and one small piece wholly in their own territory, more than 6" from other terrain, more than 3" from the long edges and from enemy territory, and never on an objective. Books, boxes, or upturned cups all work as stand-ins for a first game. They don't need to look good; they just need to give both players something to manoeuvre around. The setup screen in the Game Assistant walks you through it.

3. 03

   Step 3

   Check the objectives

   In Spearhead the objectives are printed on the battlefield map: each one is the whole circle, and a model contests it by standing on any part of it. If you're improvising the battlefield, cut out a circle the same size as the printed ones. A coin is far too small and makes objectives much harder to hold than they should be.

4. 04

   Step 4

   Deploy your armies

   First, roll off — the winner decides which of you is the attacker. Each player sets up inside their own territory, as defined by the battleplan — this is called deployment. In Spearhead the attacker sets up their whole army first, then the defender, with every unit more than 6" from enemy territory. Take your time here — it sets the tone for the whole game.

Once you're set up, see Tips for your first game before you roll your first dice.