Dirtside II

About this board game

Dirtside II is a science-fiction battle game for 2–4 players, with sessions lasting about 120 minutes. Released in 1993, it provides a comprehensive set of generic rules for simulating battles in virtually any science-fiction setting or “future history.”

The system supports combined-arms actions ranging from a few platoons to a full battalion combat group. This broad scale allows battles to include a varied mix of units and battlefield capabilities rather than focusing on a single troop type.

Rules cover a wide range of science-fiction forces and operations, including:

• Infantry and AFVs of all types
• Artillery and aerospace support
• Aerospace landings
• Combat walkers

Dirtside II is designed for use with 1:300 or 1:285 scale miniatures, while also functioning with 1:200 scale and other miniature scales. This makes the rules suitable for players working with different miniature collections and battlefield scales.

Its flexible integrated game sequence is paired with a chartless combat system, keeping the rules framework adaptable while avoiding reliance on combat charts. The game also includes vehicle design and a points value system, giving players tools for creating and organizing forces within the system.

With its generic approach, Dirtside II can support a wide variety of science-fiction battle backgrounds without requiring one specific setting. Its combination of scalable engagements, diverse unit coverage, miniature flexibility, and customizable forces makes it a broad rules system for science-fiction tabletop battles.