Dust Tactics (2010) Board Game

Dust Tactics is a tactical miniatures board game that was released in in 2010. It is set in an alternate history World War II where advanced technology and supernatural powers are present. The game was designed by David Kidd, Karl Kopinski, and Paolo Parente, and published by Dust Games and Fantasy Flight Games.

Game Components of Dust Tactics

Rulebook

Scenario book entitled “Victory Bridge”

Two folded terrain maps

Nine double-sided terrain tiles

Four 3D pieces of terrain cover

Six unique combat dice

Unit cards

A “loaded” token

Miniatures (including soldiers, mechs, and heroes)

How To Setup Dust Tactics

To set up Dust Tactics, players begin by assembling the modular board using the terrain maps and tiles. Each player selects their units and places them on the board according to the scenario being played. The rulebook and scenario book provide detailed instructions for setting up each specific mission. Players also need to prepare the combat dice and unit cards, which include all necessary information about unit capabilities and actions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Initiative Roll: Each turn starts with an initiative roll using three dice, where the player with the most successes (target symbols) goes first.

Unit Actions: Units can move and fire, fire and move, move twice, or perform a sustained attack without movement but with a reroll for missed dice rolls.

Line of Sight: Determined by the circle in the center of the map square or terrain tile.

Combat Resolution: Attacks are declared before rolling dice; each unit card specifies how many dice to roll and the damage each hit causes.

Winning Conditions: Players can win by completing mission objectives, eliminating their opponent, or scoring the most points based on casualties inflicted.

Player Experience

Dust Tactics offers a fast-paced and intense combat experience, blending traditional WWII elements with science fiction twists. The game is designed to be played within an hour or so, making it an engaging and quick tactical experience. Players appreciate the clear and simple rules, as well as the visually appealing miniatures and terrain components.

Pros

Fast-paced Gameplay: Games typically last around an hour.

Clear Rules: The revised edition ensures easy understanding of the rules.

Visual Appeal: High-quality miniatures and terrain components.

Variety in Units: Different units with unique abilities and weapons.

Cons

Limited Complexity: The game is not as complex as some other miniatures games.

No Morale Rules: Troops fight to the last man without morale considerations.

Dependence on Luck: Combat heavily relies on dice rolls.

Personal Thoughts on Dust Tactics

Dust Tactics is ideal for players who enjoy tactical combat with a mix of historical and science fiction elements. It’s a great choice for those new to miniatures games or looking for a game that can be played quickly without the complexity of more advanced systems. However, it may not satisfy players seeking highly complex strategies or detailed morale mechanics. Overall, it’s a fun and visually engaging game that combines the appeal of miniatures with the simplicity of a board game.

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