Quick answer
To play Combat Zone, build a small gang from your starter, set up a dense 2x2 or 3x3 foot board with scatter terrain, then alternate activating models to move, shoot, and fight. The core loop is: activate one model, spend actions, then pass to your opponent. Start with the quick-start scenario in the box before adding advanced rules.
What you need before your first game
Cyberpunk RED: Combat Zone is a skirmish miniatures game set in Night City, 2045. You lead a cyber-enhanced gang in brutal clashes. The core box includes everything two players need: miniatures, dice, tokens, and a quick-start rulebook. You will also want a 2x2 to 3x3 foot play area and some scatter terrain to block line of sight. The Tire Set is a cheap, thematic way to add rough terrain and clutter—ideal for a street fight or scrapyard showdown.
Setting up the battlefield
Place terrain so that there are firing lanes and cover, but not so dense that models cannot move. A good rule of thumb: no more than one-third of the board should be covered by terrain footprints. Leave open zones for objective markers if your scenario uses them. The Tire Set gives you 1 big pile, 2 tall stacks, 3 double sets, and 4 single tires—enough to create line-of-sight blockers without overwhelming the table.
Building your gang and choosing a faction
Each player picks a faction and assembles a gang from the models in the starter. The core rules limit gang size based on the scenario—typically 3 to 6 models for a quick game. You can customize weapons and gear using the cards provided. If you are new, stick with the pre-built gangs in the quick-start guide. Once you are comfortable, try swapping one or two models to learn how different roles interact.
The core gameplay loop: activation and actions
Combat Zone uses alternating activation. On your turn, choose one model that has not activated this round. That model gets two actions: move, shoot, fight in melee, take cover, or use a special ability. After resolving both actions, play passes to your opponent. A round ends when all models have activated. Then you check objectives and start a new round. The key mistake new players make is spending both actions on movement and leaving models exposed. Move into cover, then shoot—or shoot from cover and stay put.
Shooting, fighting, and damage
Ranged attacks roll a number of dice based on the weapon's rate of fire. Compare the result to the target's defense value. If you meet or beat it, the target takes damage. Melee works similarly but uses close-combat stats. Damage reduces a model's health; when health hits zero, the model is down and removed. Cover imposes a penalty on incoming shots, so always try to position your models behind terrain. The Tire Set's stacks and piles are perfect for this—they block line of sight and give you a defensive edge.
Winning the game
Most quick-start scenarios are won by completing objectives, not just by eliminating the other gang. Objectives might be holding a zone, retrieving an item, or surviving a set number of rounds. Read the scenario before you deploy so you know what matters. A common mistake is ignoring objectives to chase kills—you can lose even if you wipe out your opponent's gang if you forget the mission.
Step-by-step: your first Combat Zone game
- Assemble and prime your miniatures: Clip, clean, and glue your models to their bases. Prime them so paint adheres. You do not need to paint before playing, but fully assembled models prevent confusion during gameplay. Checkpoint: every model stands upright and is clearly identifiable.
- Set up the battlefield: Use a 2x2 to 3x3 foot mat or table. Place terrain like the Tire Set to create cover and firing lanes. Leave open areas for objectives. Avoid overcrowding: leave at least half the board open for movement.
- Choose your gang and deploy: Pick a faction from the starter. Deploy your models within your deployment zone, typically 6 inches from your table edge. Keep heavy hitters behind cover. Common mistake: deploying in the open. Use terrain to shield your leader.
- Play a round: activate one model at a time: On your turn, activate one unactivated model. Give it two actions: move, shoot, fight, take cover, or use a special ability. Then your opponent activates one model. Continue until all models have activated. Checkpoint: after each activation, ask if you left that model in a safe spot.
- Resolve attacks and damage: Roll dice for shooting or melee. Compare the total to the target's defense. If you hit, apply damage. Remove models that reach zero health. Remember cover penalties. Common mistake: forgetting cover. Always declare if your target is in cover before rolling.
- Check objectives and end the round: After all models have activated, check scenario objectives. Score points or conditions. Then start a new round with the same sequence. Checkpoint: read the scenario's victory condition—do not assume it is just elimination.
Key products for Combat Zone
- Cyberpunk RED: Combat Zone: Cyberpunk RED: Combat Zone is a skirmish miniatures game set in Night City, 2045, where you lead a cyber-enhanced gang. This is the core box you need to start playing. It includes the rules, miniatures, and dice for two players.
- Tire Set: Tire Set includes 1x Big Pile of Tires, 2x Tall Stacks of Tires, 3x Double Tire Sets, and 4x Single Tires. These pieces are ideal for blocking line of sight and creating rough terrain, which are key tactical elements in Combat Zone.
