Overview

Galacta: Star Commandos is a science fiction miniatures skirmish game published by Heritage Models in 1979 as part of the Galacta 25 line. The game simulates futuristic combat during the great Rebellion against the interstellar Galactan Empire. Players choose their troops and weapon types, then control the action in daring commando raids set in the far future. The game is played directly on a tabletop (no board) using metal miniature figures, making it a hybrid of traditional miniature wargaming and a boxed board game.

Components

• Metal miniature figures (25mm scale, various troop types including Assault Marines, Psi-Knights, Sorcerer Knights)
• Paints (for painting the miniatures)
• Paint brush
• 12-sided die (d12)
• Adventure game rules booklet
• Reference cards/charts

Setup

1. Set up a tabletop playing area. Terrain can be improvised using books, boxes, or dedicated miniature terrain pieces.
2. Each player selects their force:
   • Empire player: Galactan Empire troops (soldiers, heavy weapons specialists)
   • Rebel player: Freedom-fighting Rebel commandos (including specialized units like Psi-Knights)
3. Place figures at opposite ends of the playing area or according to the scenario being played.
4. Agree on a scenario (assault mission, defense, raid, etc.) and victory conditions.

Turn Structure

Players alternate turns:

1. Movement Phase

Move each of your figures up to their movement allowance. Movement is measured in inches on the tabletop. Terrain affects movement speed.

2. Shooting Phase

Figures with ranged weapons (laser rifles, blasters, etc.) may fire at enemy figures within range and line of sight. Roll the d12 and compare to the shooter’s skill and target’s cover/armor to determine hits.

3. Close Combat Phase

Figures in base-to-base contact with enemy figures engage in melee combat. Special melee weapons (phasic swords for Psi-Knights and Sorcerer Knights) provide combat bonuses.

4. Morale Phase

Units that have taken casualties may need to check morale. Roll against the unit’s morale value – failure may cause figures to retreat or flee.

Actions

Ranged Combat

Roll d12 + shooter’s skill vs. target number (modified by range, cover, armor). Weapons include laser rifles, blasters, and heavy support weapons.

Melee Combat

When figures are in base contact, both players roll d12 + combat skill. The higher result wins. Losers may be wounded or eliminated.

Psi Powers

Psi-Knights have special psychic abilities that can affect combat, providing bonuses in melee or allowing special actions like mind control or force projection.

Movement and Terrain

Figures move a set distance in inches per turn. Open ground allows full movement; rough terrain, walls, and obstacles reduce movement. Figures may take cover behind terrain for defensive bonuses.

Special Weapons

Heavy weapons (support guns, explosives) have longer range and greater damage but may have restrictions on movement while carrying them.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Victory depends on the scenario being played:

• Elimination: Destroy all enemy figures or force them to flee.
• Objective-based: Capture a specific terrain feature, rescue prisoners, or destroy a target.
• Raid: Successfully infiltrate and extract with intelligence or supplies.

The scenario booklet provides specific victory conditions for each mission.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

Psi-Knights vs. Sorcerer Knights

The Galacta universe features both Psi-Knights (Rebel psychic warriors) and Sorcerer Knights (Empire dark psychics). When they face each other in combat, special rules for phasic sword duels apply, with psychic powers adding modifiers.

Line of Sight

Figures can only shoot at targets they can see. Terrain blocks line of sight. Players may need to physically check sight lines from a figure’s perspective.

Cover and Armor

Cover from terrain provides defensive bonuses. Armor on figures reduces incoming damage. Heavy armor slows movement but increases survivability.

Companion Game

Galacta: Star Commandos is part of the Galacta 25 line, which also includes “Galacta: Galactic Rebellion” – a companion game that expands the rules with additional unit types, vehicles, and campaign rules.

Tabletop Scale

All measurements are in inches on the tabletop. The game requires a flat surface of at least 3’ x 3’ for basic scenarios.

Player Reference

Turn: Movement -> Shooting -> Close Combat -> Morale

Combat: Roll d12 + skill vs. target number

Key Numbers: | Item | Value | |——|——-| | Players | 2 | | Scale | 25mm miniatures | | Die | d12 | | Publisher | Heritage Models (1979) | | Setting | Galactan Empire vs. Rebels | | Companion game | Galacta: Galactic Rebellion |