Leviathan Mission Deck⁚ A Comprehensive Guide

The Leviathan Mission Deck is a deck of cards designed to create exciting and varied missions for Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition. It provides a fast and simple way to generate balanced matched play missions, offering plenty of variety for both pick-up-and-play games and competitive events.

What is the Leviathan Mission Deck?

The Leviathan Mission Deck is a core component of the Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition matched play experience. This deck of 66 cards provides a structured system for generating unique and balanced missions, replacing the more traditional mission packs and Chapter Approved books of previous editions. It’s essentially a “mission generator,” offering players a diverse range of deployment zones, primary objectives, mission rules, secondary objectives, and gambits to customize their games.

The deck is designed to be used in conjunction with the Warhammer 40,000 Core Rules. It’s intended for Incursion and Strike Force battle sizes, offering a streamlined approach to competitive play. The deck’s popularity is evident in the numerous online discussions and resources dedicated to it, including printable PDFs and 3D-printed storage solutions.

Key Features and Components

The Leviathan Mission Deck is comprised of six distinct card types, each contributing to the overall mission setup. These cards offer a high degree of customization, allowing players to create unique and balanced scenarios. The deck includes⁚

• Deployment Cards⁚ These cards dictate the starting deployment zones for both players, introducing variations like symmetrical or asymmetrical setups.
• Primary Mission Cards⁚ These cards define the core objective of the game, such as capturing objectives, eliminating enemy units, or controlling specific areas of the battlefield.
• Mission Rules Cards⁚ These cards introduce special rules that modify the game’s dynamics, adding elements like terrain manipulation, reinforcement phases, or unique victory conditions.
• Secondary Mission Cards⁚ These cards provide optional objectives for players to pursue, offering additional points and strategic opportunities. They are divided into Attacker and Defender sets, tailoring objectives to each side.
• Gambit Cards⁚ These cards offer a unique twist to the game, allowing players to perform special actions or gain advantages during certain stages of the game. Gambits are also divided into Attacker and Defender sets.

The combination of these cards creates a vast array of mission possibilities, ensuring that each game offers a fresh and engaging experience.

How to Use the Deck

Using the Leviathan Mission Deck is straightforward and designed for a quick and engaging mission setup. Here’s the general process⁚

1. Shuffle the Deck⁚ Combine all the cards and shuffle the deck thoroughly.
2. Draw Cards⁚ Draw one card from each of the following categories⁚ Deployment, Primary Mission, and Mission Rules.
3. Select Secondary Missions⁚ Each player chooses three Secondary Mission cards from their respective Attacker or Defender decks.
4. Choose Gambits⁚ Each player draws one Gambit card from their respective Attacker or Defender decks.
5. Set Up the Mission⁚ Follow the instructions on the drawn cards to set up the battlefield, deploy your forces, and establish the primary and secondary objectives.

The Leviathan Mission Deck provides a simple yet robust system for creating custom missions, allowing players to tailor their games to their desired level of complexity and focus.

Deployment Cards

Deployment cards are the foundation of the Leviathan Mission Deck, establishing the initial battlefield layout and player deployment zones. These cards offer diverse configurations, ranging from symmetrical to asymmetrical, and can influence the flow of the game significantly.

Here’s a breakdown of typical deployment card elements⁚

• Deployment Zones⁚ These areas indicate where players must place their units at the start of the game. They can be rectangular, circular, or even shaped to create unique tactical challenges.
• Objective Markers⁚ Some deployment cards specify the placement of objective markers, which can be points of control, strategic locations, or key areas to capture during the game.
• Terrain Features⁚ Certain deployment cards may include pre-defined terrain features such as ruins, craters, or obstacles, adding an extra layer of tactical complexity.

Deployment cards are essential for shaping the narrative and tactical possibilities of each mission, encouraging diverse strategic approaches and dynamic battles.

Primary Mission Cards

Primary Mission cards define the core objective of the game, setting the overall strategic direction for both players. These cards introduce a variety of goals and challenges, adding depth and intrigue to each mission.

Here are some examples of common primary mission card objectives⁚

• Capture and Control⁚ Players compete to control specific objective markers on the battlefield, gaining victory points for holding them throughout the game.
• Eliminate Enemies⁚ The mission objective focuses on eliminating a certain number of enemy units, promoting aggressive tactics and direct combat.
• Secure the Objective⁚ Players race to reach and secure a specific objective marker, rewarding speed and strategic positioning.
• Destroy Key Targets⁚ The mission requires players to target and destroy specific enemy units, emphasizing tactical planning and coordination.

Primary Mission cards introduce a sense of purpose and direction to each match, driving players to achieve specific goals and challenging them to adapt their strategies accordingly.

Mission Rules Cards

Mission Rules cards introduce unique gameplay twists and special conditions that affect the flow of the game. These cards add an element of unpredictability and strategic depth to the mission, forcing players to adapt their tactics and plans based on the card’s effects.

Some examples of common Mission Rules card effects include⁚

• Deployment Zones⁚ These cards limit deployment areas for units, forcing players to adapt their strategies based on the available space and terrain.
• Reinforcements⁚ Certain rules cards allow players to introduce new units onto the battlefield throughout the game, adding a dynamic element to the combat.
• Special Objectives⁚ Some Mission Rules cards introduce secondary objectives that players can complete for additional victory points, adding another layer of strategic considerations.
• Terrain Modifications⁚ Certain rules cards alter the terrain, introducing obstacles, cover, or other environmental effects that impact unit movement and combat.

These cards provide a unique flavor to each mission, creating exciting and unexpected challenges for players to overcome.

Secondary Mission Cards

Secondary Mission cards offer players a chance to earn additional victory points throughout the game by accomplishing specific objectives. These objectives are designed to be achievable through different strategies and tactics, encouraging players to think outside the box and explore various approaches to victory.

Secondary Mission cards can provide players with a variety of opportunities to earn points, including⁚

• Control⁚ Securing and holding specific objectives on the battlefield, rewarding players for territorial dominance.
• Destruction⁚ Eliminating enemy units or objectives, emphasizing aggressive combat tactics and strategic planning.
• Actions⁚ Completing specific actions, such as charging, shooting, or deploying units, rewarding players for proactively engaging the enemy.
• Special Conditions⁚ Completing objectives based on specific conditions, such as having a certain number of units in a specific zone, encouraging players to think strategically about their army’s composition and deployment.

These cards encourage tactical diversity and reward players who adapt their strategies throughout the game, adding an engaging element to the overall gameplay.

Gambit Cards

Gambit cards introduce a thrilling element of risk and reward to the game. These cards offer players the chance to gain a strategic advantage but come with the potential for a significant setback if their gamble fails. They add a layer of unpredictability and strategic depth to each game, requiring players to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks before committing to a particular gambit.

Gambit cards often involve⁚

• Conditional Benefits⁚ Offering a bonus if a specific condition is met, such as successfully completing a charge or eliminating a certain number of enemy units.
• Strategic Maneuvers⁚ Allowing players to manipulate the battlefield by repositioning units or deploying additional forces in unexpected locations.
• Tactical Advantages⁚ Granting temporary bonuses or abilities to specific units, empowering them to perform actions they wouldn’t normally be able to achieve.

The use of Gambit cards encourages players to be bold, take calculated risks, and adapt their strategies to capitalize on unexpected opportunities, making each battle even more dynamic and engaging;

Creating a Mission

The Leviathan Mission Deck empowers players to construct unique and balanced games by combining a diverse array of cards. To create a mission, players begin by selecting a Deployment card, which sets the initial battlefield layout and defines the starting positions for both armies. Next, they choose a Primary Mission card, which establishes the overarching objective for the game, such as capturing key points or eliminating enemy units.

The next step involves drawing a Mission Rules card, which adds additional conditions and stipulations to the game. These rules can impact the deployment of units, alter the flow of combat, or introduce unique gameplay mechanics. Once the basic framework is established, players can then add depth and complexity by selecting Secondary Mission cards, which offer additional scoring opportunities for players who can achieve specific objectives.

Finally, players can add an element of unpredictability and strategic depth by incorporating Gambit cards into their mission. Gambit cards offer opportunities for players to gain a tactical advantage, but they also come with the risk of a significant setback if their gamble fails. This process allows players to create balanced and engaging missions tailored to their preferences and desired level of complexity.

Playing a Mission

Once a mission has been created, players can begin the game by deploying their armies according to the specified deployment card. The Primary Mission card sets the overall objective for the game, outlining the conditions for victory. Players then take turns, moving their units, engaging in combat, and attempting to achieve the objectives laid out by the mission cards. Throughout the game, players can earn victory points by achieving the objectives set by the Secondary Mission cards, while also striving to fulfill the Primary Mission objective.

Gambit cards, if included in the mission, can be played at strategic moments, offering opportunities for players to gain a tactical advantage or disrupt their opponent’s plans. However, Gambit cards also come with risks, as unsuccessful attempts can lead to negative consequences. As the game progresses, players must constantly adapt their strategies to the changing battlefield conditions, the objectives of the mission, and the actions of their opponent.

The game continues until one player has achieved the victory conditions outlined by the Primary Mission card, or until both players agree to end the game. The player with the most victory points at the end of the game is declared the winner.

Variations and Expansions

The Leviathan Mission Deck offers a solid foundation for creating dynamic and engaging games of Warhammer 40,000, but its versatility can be further enhanced with various modifications and additions. Players can experiment with different combinations of cards, creating unique mission scenarios tailored to their preferences and playstyles. For instance, they can choose to exclude certain types of cards, such as Gambit cards, or introduce additional cards from other sources, like custom-made or fan-created content.

The deck’s flexibility allows for the incorporation of specific rules or scenarios, allowing for the development of unique and challenging mission experiences. Some players might choose to introduce additional objectives, complications, or even entirely new game mechanics, enriching the gameplay with new strategic dimensions. The possibilities for customization are vast, allowing players to mold the game to fit their individual desires and create truly memorable gaming experiences.

Furthermore, the Leviathan Mission Deck can be expanded upon through the inclusion of additional cards from future releases or community-developed resources. As the Warhammer 40,000 community continues to evolve, new mission cards are sure to emerge, providing fresh content and challenges for players to explore. This constant influx of new material ensures that the Leviathan Mission Deck remains relevant and engaging, keeping the game exciting for both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike.

Where to Find the Deck

The Leviathan Mission Deck is readily available for purchase from various retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Games Workshop, the publisher of Warhammer 40,000, is the primary source for the official deck, and it can be found on their website and through authorized retailers. Additionally, numerous online marketplaces and hobby shops carry the deck, allowing players to choose the most convenient option for their needs.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, or perhaps a digital alternative, numerous online resources offer printable PDFs of the Leviathan Mission Deck. These PDFs are often created by dedicated members of the Warhammer 40,000 community who have painstakingly transcribed the cards from various sources, making them freely available for download. While these PDFs might not have the same physical quality as the official deck, they provide a viable and cost-effective way to enjoy the game’s diverse mission options.

Furthermore, the growing popularity of digital tabletop gaming platforms has led to the development of mods and expansions specifically designed for the Leviathan Mission Deck. These digital versions offer an immersive and convenient way to experience the deck’s content without the need for physical cards. Platforms like Tabletop Simulator (TTS) have become popular hubs for Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts, offering a virtual space to play and experiment with various mission scenarios.

Printable PDFs

For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative to purchasing the physical Leviathan Mission Deck, or perhaps a digital option for convenience, numerous online resources offer downloadable PDFs of the deck. These PDFs are often created by passionate members of the Warhammer 40,000 community who have meticulously transcribed the cards from various sources, making them freely available for download. While these PDFs might not match the physical quality of the official deck, they provide a viable and cost-effective way to access and enjoy the game’s diverse mission options.

These printable PDFs can be found on various platforms, including forums, dedicated Warhammer 40,000 websites, and even file-sharing websites. It’s important to note that the quality and completeness of these PDFs can vary depending on the source and the effort put into their creation. Some PDFs might only contain a subset of the cards, while others might offer the entire deck. It’s always recommended to check reviews and comments from other users to assess the reliability and accuracy of a particular PDF before downloading and printing it.

Once downloaded, these PDFs can be printed on standard card stock or even heavier paper for durability. Players can then cut out the cards and sleeve them for added protection, creating a personalized and functional set of mission cards. This DIY approach allows players to create a custom set of cards that fit their specific needs and preferences, while also saving on the cost of purchasing the official deck.