Gammarauders

Overview

Gammarauders is a tongue-in-cheek post-apocalyptic combat game for 2-6 players published by TSR in 1987. Players each control a bioborg – a giant cybernetically enhanced mutant animal – along with an army of soldiers, hovertanks, and gammajets. The game is set in a radioactive science fiction landscape where factions called Cryptic Alliances vie for control of what remains after nuclear war. Players build up their bioborgs by collecting energy pods and drawing equipment cards, then attempt to destroy opponents’ bases. The modular hex map creates a different world each game.

Components

12 bioborg cards (each with unique abilities and equipment slots)
Modular hex map tiles (assembled differently each game)
200 counters (soldiers, hovertanks, gammajets, fortresses, energy pods, ruined cities)
108 playing cards (weapons, army reinforcements, special abilities)
Turn order cards (numbered 1-6)
12 pages of rules

Setup

Assemble the modular hex map tiles to create the game world.
Each player selects a bioborg card (e.g., Elvin the Tyrexian, Kizaro the Chimpanzero).
Each player places their base on the map at a designated starting location.
Place energy pods, ruined cities, and other terrain features on the map.
Distribute starting units (soldiers, hovertanks, gammajets) to each player.
Shuffle the card deck and deal starting hands.

Turn Structure

Each round:

1. Determine Turn Order

Shuffle and deal Turn Cards numbered 1-6 to determine the order of play this round.

2. Trading and Reinforcement

Players may trade cards with each other and deploy reinforcement units from their hand.

3. Movement

In turn order, each player moves their units:

Bioborgs: Move up to 6 hexes
Infantry/soldiers: Move up to 3 hexes
Hovertanks: Move up to 5 hexes
Gammajets: Unlimited movement
Only bioborgs can pick up energy pods.

4. Combat

If opposing units occupy the same or adjacent hexes, combat occurs. Players play combat cards and resolve attacks.

5. Base Attacks

If a player’s bioborg or army reaches an opponent’s base, they may attack it.

6. Card Draw

Players draw cards from the deck to replenish their hand.

Actions

Bioborg Enhancement

Energy pods collected by bioborgs are used to power equipment cards. Each bioborg has a limited number of slots for weapons and shields. Equipping the right combination of gear is essential for combat success.

Unit Types

Combat

Combat involves comparing attack values (from unit stats and equipment cards) against defense values. Special ability cards can modify combat outcomes. Each bioborg has a unique special ability that provides an advantage.

Energy Pods

Energy pods are scattered across the map. Only bioborgs can pick them up. Pods fuel bioborg equipment and are essential for powering special weapons.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Win (3 players): Destroy both opponents’ bases.

Win (4-6 players): Destroy 3 opponents’ bases.

There is no point scoring. Victory is achieved purely through base destruction.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

Unique Bioborg Abilities

Each of the 12 bioborgs has a unique special ability:

Some have enhanced movement
Some have extra equipment slots
Some have defensive abilities
Some have special attack powers

Modular Map

The hex map tiles assemble differently each game, ensuring varied terrain and strategic options.

Card Management

The 108-card deck includes weapons (for bioborg slots), army reinforcements, and special abilities. Managing your hand and timing card plays is critical.

Base Defense

Players can station units at their base for defense. Fortresses provide static defense but cannot move.

Ruined Cities

Ruined cities on the map provide tactical benefits when occupied (cover, resources).

Player Reference

Turn Order: Deal turn cards -> Trade/reinforce -> Move units -> Combat -> Base attacks -> Draw cards