Mecha TTRPG Systems: A Mechanical Overview

Comparative Reference by System

This document presents a mechanical overview of prominent mecha tabletop role-playing games.

Each system is described using the same criteria:

• Mechanical identity

• Player quality-of-life considerations

• GM quality-of-life considerations

• Typical use cases

The intent is reference and comparison, not recommendation.

Lancer

Tactical, grid-based mecha combat system paired with lighter narrative play outside the cockpit. Mechs are built using modular frames, licenses, and loadouts.

Player QoL

• Clear separation between pilot and mech mechanics

• High transparency in combat options

• Extensive customization without random generation

GM QoL

• Explicit encounter balance assumptions

• Well-defined combat roles and ranges

• Strong digital tooling support for prep and play

Common Use

Tactical combat-focused campaigns with structured encounters.

Beam Saber

Forged in the Dark–based mecha drama system emphasizing missions, stress, and interpersonal tension alongside combat.

Player QoL

• Characters defined by playbooks and stress economy

• Mechs abstracted through tags and loadouts

• Advancement tied to mission fallout and relationships

GM QoL

• Structured mission and downtime phases

• Clocks handle escalation and consequences

• Minimal numerical tracking

Common Use

Character-driven mecha campaigns with emphasis on pressure and consequences.

Mekton Zeta

Crunch-heavy mecha construction and combat system with detailed engineering and scale modeling.

Player QoL

• Extensive mech design freedom

• Granular control over performance characteristics

• Supports highly specific concepts

GM QoL

• Detailed combat resolution

• Requires familiarity with construction rules

• Best suited to tables comfortable with math-heavy systems

Common Use

Simulation-oriented mecha campaigns emphasizing design and customization.

MechWarrior / A Time of War

Role-playing layer for the BattleTech universe, integrating personal-scale action with large-scale mech combat handled by BattleTech rules.

Player QoL

• Clear distinction between pilot and mech play

• Strong setting grounding

• Supports military and mercenary narratives

GM QoL

• Extensive setting and faction material

• Integration with BattleTech tactical systems

• Higher coordination between subsystems

Common Use

Campaigns combining political, military, and mech-scale conflict.

Heavy Gear

Real-robot–style mecha system blending tactical combat with role-playing and military simulation.

Player QoL

• Gears function as extensions of character skill

• Emphasis on maneuver, terrain, and combined arms

• Clear distinction between vehicle and infantry play

GM QoL

• Detailed combat modeling

• Supports mixed-scale encounters

• Strong setting cohesion

Common Use

Military-focused campaigns with combined arms and tactical realism.

Armored Trooper VOTOMS RPG

Mecha system emphasizing mass-produced units, attrition, and pilot vulnerability.

Player QoL

• Mechs treated as replaceable assets

• Focus on pilot survival rather than machine optimization

• Supports gritty, low-heroics play

GM QoL

• Simple mech replacement model

• Reinforces attrition and resource pressure

• Supports high-lethality scenarios

Common Use

Gritty mecha campaigns emphasizing survival and tactical disadvantage.

Comparative Snapshot

System	Rules Weight	Narrative Emphasis	Tactical Detail	GM Prep Load
Lancer	Medium–High	Medium	High	Medium
Beam Saber	Low–Medium	High	Low	Low
Mekton Zeta	High	Low–Medium	High	High
MechWarrior / AToW	High	Medium	High	High
Heavy Gear	Medium–High	Medium	High	Medium–High
Armored Trooper VOTOMS	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium