StarCraft: Core Rules Book

StarCraft: Core Rules Book is the printed rulebook for StarCraft: Tabletop Miniatures Game, Archon Studio's wargame officially licensed by Blizzard. Its 128 softcover pages cover everything you need to play Terran, Zerg and Protoss, from a walkthrough of your first game to points tables and ready-made army lists.

• 128 pages, softcover, approx. 21 x 27 cm
• step-by-step first-game tutorial
• unit and tactical card points for all three races
• example armies from the starter sets and map layouts
• English edition with artwork from the StarCraft games

What's in the StarCraft Core Rules Book

• Learn to Play - a worked example of the first two rounds, phase by phase
• Core concepts - models, units, bases, dice, measuring and movement, unit cards
• The Supply system - how many units can be on the table at once
• The battlefield - line of sight, cover, high ground and flying units
• The game sequence - Movement, Assault, Combat and Scoring phases
• Preparing for battle - army building, mission selection and setup
• Reference - advanced rules, keyword glossary, quick reference, points, example armies and maps

The rules at a glance

Players alternate activating one unit at a time. Your army starts in reserve and enters the table as Supply allows, and every loss frees room for reinforcements. Armies are built from two budgets: Minerals for units and upgrades, Vespene Gas for tactical cards. Line of sight is checked top-down and terrain has height: a unit on high ground sees further and gains an Evade roll against fire from below. A game lasts 5 rounds.

Engagement scales

• Skirmish - up to 1000 minerals, 36 x 36 in table
• Standard - up to 2000 minerals, 36 x 54 in table
• Grand Offensive - over 2000 minerals, 36 x 72 in table

The Vespene Gas limit is always 10% of the mineral limit. Team games are covered too.

Who needs the rulebook

Starter sets such as the Protoss Starter Set or the Two Player Starter Set - Founders Edition only include a Rules Reference. The book is for when you start building your own lists, play at larger scales, or simply want the rules on paper at the table. The example armies chapter shows how to build 1000 minerals from each starter's contents.

Frequently asked questions

Are the rules available for free?
Yes, the publisher offers the rules as a PDF on the game's website. The Core Rules Book is the printed version.

What language is it?
English.

Can unit points change?
Yes. The publisher keeps a living rules document with points changes and adjustments.

Does it include miniatures or cards?
No, it is the book only. Miniatures and cards come in starter sets and expansions.

How long is a game?
According to the publisher, about an hour at Skirmish scale and about two hours at Standard.