Hello, future commanders! Welcome to the definitive guide to "Panzer," the game that will put you at the center of the most intense armored battles. Prepare to dive into a universe of strategy, tactics, and crucial decisions. Let's go!

Game Objective

In Panzer, you take on the role of commanders of armored formations in historical combat scenarios. The main objective is to overcome the opponent, whether through the destruction of their units, the conquest of strategic objectives, or the maintenance of cohesion and morale of your own troops under enemy fire. Victory in each scenario will depend on the specific conditions established, which may involve everything from eliminating enemy forces to occupying key territories.

Setup

The preparation for a game of Panzer involves carefully assembling the game board, allocating units, and organizing components according to the chosen scenario. Each scenario in the rulebook details the specific setup steps, including:

• Placement of the game board.
• Placement of initial units (Unit markers) on designated hexes.
• Distribution of cards, if applicable.
• Placement of various tokens and markers on the board or in control areas.
• Each player receives the necessary components for their faction or formation, as specified by the scenario.

For specific details on setting up a particular scenario, consult the rulebook.

Game Flow

The game progresses through a series of turns, each divided into distinct phases. The exact order of phases and the duration of each turn may vary depending on the optional rules employed and the specific scenario. Generally, the game flow follows a structure that allows players to perform actions, move their units, engage in combat, and manage morale and command aspects.

Consult the rulebook for details on the complete structure of turns, rounds, or phases, including the correct order of maintenance phases, global events, or enemy/environment turns, if applicable.

Actions and How to Play

During your turn, players have a variety of actions available that allow them to maneuver their forces, attack the enemy, and manage available resources. Specific actions and their restrictions are detailed in the rulebook. Some important mechanics that may influence your actions include:

• Morale: The Morale system is a crucial element that affects a formation's ability to fight. It is composed of the Numeric Cohesion Point and the Break Point. When the Numeric Cohesion Point is reached, units within a formation become more prone to breaking each turn. Breaking is not automatic; some units have a higher chance of breaking than others. A broken unit has its ability to function severely limited and needs to recover before returning to normal.
• Hesitation: A unit may not break, but still show uncertainty in its situation. Hesitation has a less severe impact than breaking, and units automatically recover from it.
• Cohesion Point: Represents the initial composition of a formation and is expressed in descriptive levels, from Superb to Poor. This information is translated into a Numeric Cohesion Point. Only Combat Units are counted to determine the Numeric Cohesion Point, but all units in a formation, combatant or not, are subject to Morale Checks.
• Determining the Cohesion Point: The Cohesion Point is calculated by rolling a 100-sided die and combining nationality/period modifiers with Formation Grade adjustments. The result is then checked against the Numeric Cohesion Point Table to determine the actual Numeric Cohesion Point.
• Hidden Units: Some optional rules may introduce the concept of Hidden Units, where opponent units may be concealed on the board until spotted or revealed.
• Command Control: A unit's ability to receive orders and operate effectively can be influenced by the proximity of command units.

Consult the rulebook for details on all available actions, card types, abilities, and specific choices.

End of Game and Scoring

The game ends when an end-game condition specified in the scenario is met. This may include the completion of a predetermined number of turns, the destruction of a certain amount of enemy units, the capture of specific objectives, or the fulfillment of other tactical goals.

Scoring and victory/defeat criteria are detailed in each scenario. Generally, scoring is based on:

• Units destroyed.
• Objectives captured or controlled.
• Maintenance of own units' morale and cohesion.

The player with the highest score, or who meets the scenario's victory conditions, is declared the winner.

Consult the rulebook for EXACT details on how the game ends, how points are tallied (each scoring criterion), and the specific victory and defeat conditions for each scenario.

Tips for Winning

Based on the rules presented, here are some tips to help you dominate the battlefield:

• Manage Your Morale Carefully: Morale is a critical factor. Pay attention to the Numeric Cohesion Point of your formations and avoid situations that could lead to Hesitation or breaking. The loss of combat units directly affects cohesion.
• Understand Formation Composition: When determining the Cohesion Point, remember that only Combat Units count towards the Numeric Cohesion Point calculation. However, all units are subject to Morale Checks.
• Adapt to Conditions: Optional rules, such as Hidden Units, Terrain, Time of Day & Weather Conditions, and Camouflage, can significantly impact how you play. Be aware of these variables and adjust your tactics accordingly.