Tabletop RPG · since 2019 · #18 most discussed

Lancer

Pilots command customizable mechs in tactical battles across a far-future setting, with d20 rolls and downtime between missions.

Tactical gridMechad20tactical griddowntimeclasslesstokensCampaignsNeeds a GM

6.4

Geek rating

From 22 firsthand play reports in 4 r/rpg threads. The threads alone average 6.9.

Player rating— / 10

No visitor ratings yet.

Discussion7.3 / 10

400 r/rpg posts named it, October 2023 to October 2026.

Rules weight

Heavy. Hype 6.1 for its age.

Have you played it?

Rate Lancer from 1 to 10. One rating per browser and device; you can change it any time.

Didn't work for usOne of our best

What players say

At the table

Lancer is a tactical mech combat game with a lot of loadout customization. The tables that reported back are mostly warm about it. Narrative and skill rules are lighter and mainly set up the fights. Tables disagree on how long combats run and how much crunch they want.

What works

Mechs feel distinct and support many combat strategies. Fights reward communication and teamwork between players. (thread)
Swapping loadouts and licenses before each mission gives build variety. Some players who bounced off 4e say Lancer's mech-loadout framing made the design click. (thread)
GMs can design encounters around objectives and terrain. Bonus goals drive attrition, and it is easier to run than older number-heavy mech games. (thread)
Casual and new players managed with GM guidance on builds. One group had a smooth time with the Solstice Rain starter module. (thread)

What tables struggle with

Combats run long, from about 2 hours to two 4-hour sessions per fight, even with Foundry automation. (thread)
The volume of abilities, conditions and NPC options is heavy for casual players and for a GM running enemies. (thread)
Out-of-combat rules feel barebones, and non-combat play and bonds can feel disconnected from play in the mech. (thread)
The post-scarcity setting lowers the stakes of losing a mech, so consequences have to come from narrative goals. (thread)
One player left after about a year because PCs climbed to superpowered very quickly. (thread)

Who it suits

Groups who enjoy tactical crunch and buildcraft, and will plan a full session or more around a fight.
GMs who are happy to supply narrative hooks and objectives themselves.

In players' words

"Honestly, I bounced off 4e, but Lancer made me appreciate the design." (thread)
"we still had single combats lasting ~2 sessions of 4 hours each." (thread)
"I can't think of a time I've ever needed to give a pilot money outside of pocket change." (thread)

The threads behind it

Each thread is rated for the play it describes, from the firsthand reports in it. Load one here or read it on Reddit.

7.0

Would I like Lancer?

People who have played Lancer mostly describe a very good tactical, 4e-like mech combat game with a lot of loadout customization. The complaints are thin out-of-combat play, fast power escalation for some groups, and downtime between turns. Much of the thread is hype, comparisons to 4e, and recommendations for other games (Beacon, Icons, Draw Steel), which I ignored. 7 firsthand · 39 comments

Open on Reddit

6.5

Lancer, but narrative. Does it exists?

People who actually played Lancer say it's a fun, deep tactical mech game, but combats run long, from about 2 hours up to two 4-hour sessions per fight. Casual groups got it working with some GM guidance on builds, though one found it a bit underwhelming. Most of the thread is speculation and recommendations for other games, which were ignored. 6 firsthand · 103 comments

Open on Reddit

7.0

Lancer not for me?

The OP hasn't played Lancer and is reacting to the book. The few people who have run or played it describe a tactical-combat and mech-building game with a separate, light narrative system. Their reports are mildly positive and sparse. Most of the thread is reading impressions and advice about whether the game suits the OP. 5 firsthand · 14 comments

Open on Reddit

7.5

Mecha-TTRPG Alternatives to Lancer

The thread is mostly a hunt for alternatives to Lancer, and most of it covers other games (Beam Saber, Salvage Union, MechWarrior, MekBorg). The few firsthand Lancer reports are warm: mechs feel distinct and combat is tactical, but the post-scarcity setting, archetype-based enemies and weak link between non-combat play and mech play bother some players, and one group found it too crunchy. 4 firsthand · 146 comments

Open on Reddit