Overview

BattleTroops is a tactical man-to-man infantry combat game set in the BattleTech universe, published by FASA in 1989. Players command squads of infantry soldiers in close-quarters urban and battlefield combat. The game bridges the gap between the MechWarrior RPG and BattleTech mech-scale combat, focusing on small unit actions. Combat is resolved instantaneously (not simultaneously) — damage affects a trooper’s future actions within the same turn. The rules are divided into basic combat (standard weapons and grenades), advanced rules (area-effect weapons, combat armor, support weapons), and optional rules integrating vehicles and BattleMechs.

Components

• Tactical game maps (urban and outdoor terrain)
• Trooper counters (individual soldiers)
• Reference sheets and charts
• Six-sided dice
• Rules booklet

Setup

1. Select a scenario or agree on force composition.
2. Each player assembles their platoon. A standard platoon consists of 28 soldiers in 4 squads of 7 soldiers each.
3. Place the tactical map(s) on the table.
4. Deploy troops according to scenario instructions.
5. Determine initiative for the first turn.

Turn Structure

Each game turn represents approximately 5 seconds of real time. The sequence of play consists of three phases:

1. Initiative Phase

• Both players roll dice. The winner of initiative acts first in subsequent phases.

2. Movement Phase

• Players alternate moving squads or individual troopers.
• Movement costs vary by terrain type.
• Troopers allocate movement points to various actions: moving between hexes, standing up, going prone, preparing weapons, preparing and throwing grenades, and managing stacking within hexes.

3. End Phase

• Resolve any end-of-turn effects.
• Check morale and leadership effects (optional rules).
• Prepare for the next turn.

Combat occurs during the Movement Phase as part of the action sequence, resolved instantaneously when triggered.

Actions

Movement

• Each trooper has a number of movement points per turn.
• Terrain modifies movement costs (open ground costs less than buildings, rubble, etc.).
• Troopers can go prone (harder to hit but costs MP to stand) or stand up.
• Entering buildings, climbing, and crossing obstacles have specific MP costs.

Ranged Combat

• Determine line of sight from attacker to target.
• Calculate the base to-hit number, then apply modifiers for range, target movement, cover, terrain, elevation, and weapon type.
• Roll dice against the modified to-hit number.
• Damage is applied immediately, potentially affecting the target’s remaining actions in the current turn.

Hand-to-Hand Combat

• Occurs when opposing troopers are in adjacent or the same hex.
• Both troopers roll; modifiers apply for weapons, training, and position.
• Resolved immediately.

Grenade Use

• Grenades must be prepared (costs movement points) before throwing.
• Thrown grenades affect an area, potentially hitting multiple targets.
• Different grenade types exist (fragmentation, smoke, etc.).

Area-Effect Weapons (Advanced Rules)

• LAWs (Light Anti-armor Weapons), SRMs, and Recoilless Rifles have blast areas.
• These weapons can damage buildings and vehicles in addition to personnel.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

• Victory conditions vary by scenario.
• Common objectives include: eliminating all enemy troops, capturing and holding positions, getting troops to the opposing map edge and retreating back, or holding an objective for a set number of turns.
• Body count alone does not typically determine victory — objectives matter.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

Buildings and Urban Combat

• Troopers can enter and fight inside buildings.
• Buildings have structural integrity; enough damage can collapse them.
• Firing from inside buildings provides cover bonuses.

Combat Armor (Advanced)

• Armored infantry have additional hit points and resistance to damage.
• Some weapons are more effective against armor than others.

Vehicle and BattleMech Integration (Optional)

• Vehicles and BattleMechs can be included using conversion rules.
• Infantry can engage mechs with anti-vehicle weapons.
• Mechs are devastating against unprotected infantry.

Jump Troops (Optional)

• Specialized infantry with jump packs can move over terrain obstacles.
• Landing in occupied hexes can trigger combat.

Leadership and Morale (Optional)

• Squads without leaders may fail morale checks.
• Routing troops flee toward their deployment zone.
• Rally checks can restore routing troops to action.

Mines and Fire

• Mines can be placed and triggered by movement.
• Fire can spread between hexes and force troops to evacuate.

Player Reference

Unit	Composition
Standard Platoon	28 soldiers (4 squads × 7)

Phase	Actions
Initiative	Determine acting order
Movement	Move, fire, throw grenades, go prone/stand
End	Morale checks, cleanup

Combat	Instantaneous — damage applies immediately
Ranged	Base to-hit + modifiers, roll dice
Melee	Adjacent hex, both roll + modifiers
Grenades	Prepare (MP cost) then throw, area effect