Quick answer

To set up Flick Wars, clear a flat table, unroll the 3D terrain mat, pick one of the six factions per player, and place each faction's units on its starting side. Keep the mat flat and give every player clear flicking space. The whole setup takes about five minutes once the mat relaxes.

What you need before the first flick

Flick Wars is a strategy and tactics dexterity game for 1-6 players, ages 12 and up, with a 30-60 minute play time. Each player controls one of six factions, from humans to mechs to alien races, and each faction has a unique set of units. The goal is to eliminate all enemy units, so setup is mostly about giving every faction a fair starting position on the terrain.

  • A flat, sturdy table with room for the mat plus elbow space
  • The 3D terrain play mat
  • Your chosen faction's units
  • Optional: the advanced scenarios if you want a specific battle setup

Prepare the table and terrain mat

Clear the table completely. Cups, dice, and phone chargers become obstacles once units start flying, and a cluttered table changes how the mat lies. Unroll the 3D terrain mat and let it settle. If it curls at the edges, weight the corners with books for a few minutes or roll it the opposite way. A flat mat is the single biggest factor in consistent flicks.

Choose factions and sides

Decide who plays which faction before placing anything. With six factions available, players can pick by preference or randomize for variety. Seat players around the table so each person has a clear line to the mat and enough room to flick without bumping a neighbor. For two-player games, sit across from each other; for larger groups, spread out evenly around the mat.

Place units and start playing

Place each faction's units on its starting side of the mat, keeping them inside the terrain boundaries. Spread units slightly rather than clustering them, so a single flick cannot wipe out a whole group. Once both sides are set, agree on who flicks first and begin. If you are playing the advanced game, set up the specific scenario before placing units.

Step-by-step Flick Wars setup

  1. Clear and level the table: Remove everything from the table and wipe it clean. Check that the surface is flat and stable. A wobbly table makes the mat shift and ruins flick accuracy. Checkpoint: press down on each corner of the table to confirm it does not rock.
  2. Unroll and flatten the 3D terrain mat: Lay the mat out with the terrain side up. If it curls, roll it in the opposite direction or weight the corners for a few minutes. Do not place units until the mat lies flat. Checkpoint: run your hand across the mat; you should feel no ridges or lifted edges.
  3. Pick factions and assign starting sides: Each player chooses one of the six factions. Seat players around the mat so everyone has a clear flicking lane. For two players, sit opposite each other; for more, space out evenly. Checkpoint: every player can reach the mat without leaning over another player's units.
  4. Place units on their starting sides: Put each faction's units on its own side of the mat, inside the terrain boundaries. Spread them out a little so one flick cannot take out several units at once. Checkpoint: no unit is touching another unit or hanging off the mat edge.
  5. Set up advanced scenarios if using them: If you are playing the advanced game, read the specific scenario setup and place units and terrain features exactly as described before the first flick. Checkpoint: compare your layout to the scenario diagram before starting.
  6. Agree on first player and begin: Decide who flicks first, then start playing. The goal is to eliminate all enemy units. Keep the mat flat throughout the game; re-flatten if it starts to lift. Next step: after a few games, try a different faction to see how its unique units change your tactics.

Flick Wars at a glance

  • Flick Wars - Tabletop Dexterity Combat Game with 3D Terrain: Number of Players: 1-6; Age: 12+; Time to Play: 30-60 Minutes; fast playing dexterity combat game on an awesome 3D terrain play mat. The player range and play time tell you how much table space and time to plan for. The 3D terrain mat is the centerpiece, so setup starts with getting it flat.
  • Flick Wars - Tabletop Dexterity Combat Game with 3D Terrain: Flick Wars is a strategy and tactics dexterity game with six factions that range from humans to mechs to alien races. Each faction has a unique set of units. Because each faction plays differently, choosing factions before setup helps you place units in a way that suits their strengths.