Build Fight System Rulebook 1.5
Build Fight System Rulebook 1.5
Build Fight System Rulebook 1.5
Build Fight System is a tabletop counterpart inspired by the popular ‘Gundam Build Fighters’
animated TV series and based on the ‘Gunpla’ series of plastic models. The game is designed for two
or more players and requires one Game Manager (GM) to assist in its running.
How to Play
Build Fight System is played through the Roll20 online tabletop gaming system and requires a free
profile to play. Before entering a match, the player is required to create a Gunpla sheet. A link to the
Build Fight System Gunpla Builder document can be found on the r/BuildFightSystem Reddit site,
which acts as a hub for the system.
It is also important to know some basic functions of Roll20 in order to play. These functions should be
typed into the Roll20 chatbox in order to perform them.
Roll a die, with X being the number of dice rolled and Y being the numbers upon each dice: /roll
XDY
Roll a die with a multiplier (E.G of +5): /roll XDY+5
Begin a sentence as a selected character (E.G: Amuro Ray pulls the trigger of the RX-78’s rifle!):
/me
Personally message another player (for use in planning, etc.): /w “Character name”
Once the Gunpla sheet has been created, the player is then ready to join the game The match takes
place in a specific Roll20 room (located here: X) which should be joined. Once two or more players
and a GM have been assembled, the match is ready to begin.
Starting a Match
Before any fighting commences, all players should roll 1d10. The match will then proceed in turns,
and the player with the highest roll will begin first- continuing downwards.
The player then calls a starting corner of their choice upon the map. After this, the GM places the
token correlating to each player’s mobile suit down onto the map and enters the HP (red circle), DR
(blue circle) and the total HP of any remaining shields (green circle). In addition, the range of each
player’s ‘main’ weapon (usually a rifle) is entered, and represented by an aura. Once all players are
confirmed and the player’s tokens have been placed upon the map, the game is ready to start.
Movement
Movement is performed by using the select/move tool in the Roll20 toolbar, located at the top left.
To move your Gunpla through the map, simply drag it hex by hex to its destination. Keep a track of
how many spaces you move. Each movement costs GP, of which 10 are allocated for every turn. This
cost is determined by the class of your Gunpla. Be careful! If you move too far, you may find that your
Gunpla is unable to attack your opponent or defend itself using a
shield!
Suits can also perform a jump function for a cost that varies depending upon the frame - 6GP for light
frames, 8GP for mediums. This ability sends the suit 5 hexes in any direction- and can pass them over
impassable terrain, as long as it is completely cleared. However, this function means that no other
movement can be made upon that turn. The jump must also occur before any other movement upon
that turn.
Attacking
There is only one way to win a match of Build Fight, and it isn’t through diplomatic skills. Defeating an
opponent in Build Fight requires a combination of tactical decisions and wise building to create the
perfect Gunpla. With a wide variety of long range, short range and melee weapons, the player can
create a loadout of weapons to accurately represent a mobile suit of their preference.
To begin an attack against another player or NPC, declare an attack. An enemy target must be in the
line-of-sight to have a chance of hitting them- Roll20’s ruler tool can be used to check if an attack has
line-of-sight. Simply state in the chat where you wish to strike; for example “/me points their rifle at
the enemy Zaku and pulls the trigger!”. To begin an attack, the target must be in the weapon’s range.
This can be found in the weapon table, found in the Build Fight System Gunpla Builder.
Once an attack has been declared, the player must then roll to see if the attack hits. This ‘Attack’ roll
is affected by the type of weapon, as well as the abilities of the Gunpla firing the weapon. An attack
roll begins at D20, but is modified by the user’s melee or ranged score. In order to have the attack hit,
the attack roll must be higher than a defender’s ‘Defense’ number. If the attack hits, reduce the HP of
the enemy mobile suit by the damage number of the weapon in use, while taking into account any DR
or shields that the suit may have equipped.
Weapon Clash
When melee fighters meet, a clash of blades is inevitable. If an attacking suit makes a melee attack
following a melee attack by the defending suit, the two suits engage into a melee clash. During a
melee clash, both suits roll D20 plus their melee skill. Following this, the the suit with the lowest score
will receive 5 damage to the body. Both suits are then pushed back 1 hex in opposite directions. This
damage is not affected by DR and cannot crit.
Multi-Weapon Firing
Seperate
The separate attack rules are used when a Suit attack with multiple weapons in separate attacks. You
may take other actions in between rapid attacks, such as moving, assuming you have enough GP left
to do so. When you have made an attack during a turn but want to attack again you can do so.
However the GP cost for multiple attacks increases. The slot cost of the weapon you want to use as a
second attack is added to the GP cost for that attack, and subtracted from this from your attack roll.
When making multiple attacks in this way you cannot inflict critical hits. DR is only reduced by 1 in a
seperate attack.
Multi attacking is a good way to simulate wild attacks with multiple weapons, where you put
everything into one wild swing or shot, aiming all at the same point in an all or nothing attempt.
Weapons
Weapons are an essential part of every Build Fight match. Many different styles of weapon are
available to use through those included in Bandai’s Gunpla line, separately sold accessories, or even
scratchbuilt rifles, swords and axes made through pla-plate. To use a weapon in Build Fight System, it
must be included on your Gunpla sheet- and therefore, must be represented in some fashion.
The complete list of weapon categories is available in the Builder Document, and should be used to
create your Gunpla sheet. While most weapon’s functions are explained in the ‘Attacking’ section of
this guide, some weapons have more complex features, which will be explained below. As the
Gundam metaverse contains many unusual, confusing and strange weapons, any queries can be
directed to the Build Fight System’s moderators, found on the Build Fight System Discord Channel.
Weapons listed can only be used once per turn. To ensure fairness throughout a match, suits that
have multiple forms, can transform or combine must have these qualities listed in each weapons
‘Notes’ section.
Weapon Shields
Weaponised shields function in a similar vein to regular weapons, except that they can be destroyed.
A single weapon (per suit) attached to shields cost no carry slots, if they are are noted as ‘Shield
Weapon’ in the note section of the profile sheet. Once the weapon shield’s hits are reduced to zero it
is destroyed.
Combining weapons
Combining weapons should be marked upon the Gunpla Sheet as all possible forms. However, only
the weapons that individually form the combining weapon counts towards the weight cost. In order
to combine weapons, a cost of 5GP must occur. De-combining the weapons comes with no cost,
however.
Combining weapons cannot be variable or switching.
Variable Weapons
Weapons such as the F91’s VSBR cannons, the Build Strike Gundam’s enhanced beam rifle and the
AGE DODS Rifle can operate with multiple levels of power behind their shots. These variations in
power can be used in by declaring a change before an attack is declared (For example, “/me changes
the power level mode of the VSBRs!”).
To achieve variable weapon use, a weapon must be modified through scratchbuilding. This means the
development of custom mechanics for a weapon. In order to claim this function you must have
pictures showing both modes in your album.
Two different power levels are currently available in Build Fight System- Puncture and Precision.
Puncture is a more powerful shot, but less accurate (Gaining a +2 to damage dealt). Precision is a
more accurate shot, but less powerful (Gaining +2 on attack roll). In order to allow for variable
weapons, a weapon must have a mechanism that represents a shifting mechanic- for example, an
opening muzzle break or a fold out mechanism. This may not be accomplished by switching parts.
Switching Weapons
Some weapons such as the Cherudim Gundam’s GN Sniper Rifle ll or the GN Long Barrel Beam Rifle
have attachments or features that can switch between firing types. To represent this on the sheet,
simply list both types of firing the weapon can perform as standard weapons on the profile sheet,
then note both forms as ‘Switching’ in the notes section. Only include the carry cost for the heaviest
weapon +1. A cost of 4GP must be paid to switch a weapon’s form. Once switched, a weapon stays in
its form until it is switched again.
Variable weapons cannot be switching or combining.
Funnels
Funnels work in a similar fashion to IVs, which are detailed below. Each funnel binder releases a single
group of funnels, which are represented by a token upon the map. Upon a funnel attack being
declared, the funnel icon is placed by the GM and can be deployed for a limited number of turns. A
funnel group can attack once per turn, but can also be destroyed. Only shield funnels break LOS, and
can only be passed over by the deployer.
Funnels do not gain the benefit of any style, class or other equipment unless specifically noted so.
Bombardment and sniping deals heavy damage to enemy suit, but is not without its drawbacks. In
order to hit an opponent with a giant rifle or sniper weapon, two turns of preparation must take place.
During these turns, the attacking mobile suit must not move. If hit, the attacking suit will be knocked
out of its preparation stance and cannot fire. As such, it is recommended that the player finds a
secure place at a long distance before attempting a sniping action. Preparation time can be reduced
by selecting a suitable Suit Style during profile creation. Entering preparation does not cost GP and GP
only is paid when firing the weapon.
Once a shot is ‘Prepared’, the suit may move again, but he must pay a cost of 4gp at the start of each
turn to keep the weapon charge stored. Any damage dealt to the suit will remove this charge.
During turns while a suit is preparing a shot, any non-handheld weapons may be fired at a -2 attack
penalty.
Giant Rifles
Giant Rifles may only be fired once per game, requiring preparation before firing. However, this attack
lasts for two turns- and can damage an opponent during both turns. A giant rifle automatically
destroys all orange hexes between you and the target, and may pierce (but not destroy) one red hex
as well. If you continue to fire during your second turn you may only fire at a target within a limited
arc from your first attack. This arc spreads in a V, following the path of hexes from the mobile suit. If
you have the overcharge system you may continue to fire for a third turn, assuming you do not move
and the third attack must be within the same arc
Sniper Rifles
Sniper rifles may be fired more than once per game, but must prepare as described above each time.
A sniper rifle may pierce through one orange and one red hex when drawing line of sight towards its
target.
Nuclear Weapons
Ah, the nuclear weapon. End of all ends- and now supported in Build Fight System. The nuclear
weapon can be equipped in any weapon that has nuclear capabilities. Like an artillery weapon, the
nuclear weapon must be prepared for two turns before it can be used, in which a suit cannot move.
While a suit can only be fired upon once it is in range, if the attack misses then the warhead continues
on and bursts upon the first filled hex that it comes into contact with- or the edge of the stage. Base
damage occurs here, if the warhead hits an enemy mobile suit.
Once a warhead detonates, it creates a 8x8 nuclear fireball that grows at a rate of 2X2 hex per turn. If
a suit is in a hex covered by the fireball, it takes 4 damage- without considering DR and shields. A
mobile suit can only launch on nuclear weapon per game.
Throwing
Some players may choose to take the ‘Throwing Arm’ perk, allowing them to throw weapons at one
another in the heat of battle! The range of a throwing weapon is determined at a cost of 1GP per 1
hex travelled. Normal GP use for the weapon is subtracted when the weapon is thrown. Once the
weapon is thrown, a melee roll is use for the hit and damage is applied as normal. Following a
successful or unsuccessful attack, the thrown weapon becomes an item upon the field placed in front
of the target. It can then be picked up by either combatant, if they have the carry slot for it.
Systems
Systems are one of the best ways to make a mobile suit more personal. Be it through including
experimental power systems like EXAM or ZERO, operational A.I such as A.L.I.C.E or even to defence
systems such as the Chobham armour- there are plenty of options to provide builders with innovative
ways to win. Systems are activated through three different methods. They can be either Passive:
meaning that they are always active, Triggered: meaning that they are activated by being declared, or
Timed: meaning that they operate on a turn-based timer. A full list of systems can be found in the
Gunpla Build Sheet document, though some specifics are mentioned here.
Transforming suits
Transforming suits are highly popular, and for good reason. A suit can transform once per turn into an
alternate form. This move comes at a cost of 2GP, and can grant either a +2 free hexes movement per
turn or +3 to defense. This choice must be specified upon the Build Sheet. Transformed suits also gain
the movement style of a ‘Mach’ class suit. They are able to move forwards continuously, moving one
hex diagonally left or right per turn. Turning course has a turn cost of 4GP.
Only the weapons that can be seen upon the supplied images of the Gunpla in its transformed state
can be used- for example, a Wing Gundam would not be able to use its beam saber in a transformed
state. Melee weapons (Excluding unarmed melee) cannot be used in a transformed state unless they
are positioned in a way where they can logically be used (Forwards facing, able to be activated).
Independent Vehicles
Independent Vehicles, or IVs, are machines that move of their own accord from the Mobile Suit that
deployed it. Some examples of independent vehicles could be seen with the Mega Shiki’s Mega Ride
Launcher, the Re-GZ’s BWS and the 00’s Raiser. An IV’s most important feature is that it must NOT be
essential for the mobile suit to run- as such, a core fighter is not an IV. The IV must begin the match
connected to the Gunpla.
At any given point in the match, the IV may disconnect for a cost of 8GP. A GM will then place down a
token for the IV and enter its stats (1/4 of the parent mobile suit’s HP; defense, ranged and melee
from parent) at which point it can be controlled by the player.
The IV is able to reconnect with its owner for a cost of 4GP- though any damage taken by it does not
heal. The IV can also use one weapon per turn, and is not affected by any other systems.
Core Fighters
Core fighters are distinguishable from IVs in that the suit cannot function without them. A Core
Fighter is generally perceived as a ‘last ditch’ escape vehicle, lightly armed and with little armour. A
Core Fighter is activated when the parent suit reaches 0 HP- at which point the CF is activated by a
GM in a similar manner to an IV.
The Core Fighter moves at the same speed as a light mobile suit frame, and has a standardised 6HP. A
Core Fighter must be either physically present on a mobile suit, or listed in the features of the mobile
suit.
Shields
Not all mobile suits need shields, but they can be instrumental in a difficult fight. Shields can also be
used to mount weapons by skilled builders. Shields are only effective once they have been raised for
the turn at a cost of GP. Different sized shields can absorb different amount of damage, but all must
be raised before they can be used.
In order to be protected by a shield a suit needs to pay the GP cost, at which point all damage is taken
by the shield before it goes through to the main suit. This protection lasts until the beginning of the
suits next turn. DR is NOT applied to shield hits.
If any damage is left over after destroying a shield it carries through to the main suit, at which point
DR does apply. Example: a heavy rifle does 10 damage to a shield which has 3hp left. The shield is
destroyed and 7 damage is applied to the suit, with the suits DR reducing the damage and getting
lowered by 1 as normal.
DR
Damage Reduction or ‘DR’ refers to the armour that inevitably surrounds all mobile suits. DR is a
number that reduces the damage applied to a mobile suit which is determined on its frame. DR does
not block damage to shields. When a suit has been hit and DR is activated, it is reduced by one. For
example- a small-frame mobile suit begins with a DR of 3. A Zaku ll hits with a bazooka round for 6
damage. DR is taken into account, and the damage of 6 is reduced down to 3. However, the DR is now
reduced to 2 for the next hit.
Combat Cards
Combat Card List
A deck of combat cards is used to add an extra layer of unpredictability and tactics to the game.
Players begin the game without any cards in their hand unless they are equipped with a Pilot Quality.
At the end of each of their turns, a player draws one card. You may have a max of 3 cards in your
hand at a time. If you draw a card and have 4 (or more) cards you must discard a card. All cards
explain what their effect is, and when they can be played. After use cards are discarded.
ATTACK CARDS
Glancing Blow
When you miss with an Attack Roll by 3 or less; Inflict damage to your Opponent equal to the slot cost
of your Current Weapon. DR is applied and reduced as normal. You can only play this card once per
Attack Roll.
Close Enough
When you roll a Natural 19 on an Attack Roll; you score a Critical Hit. Roll 2D12 (/roll 1t[CH] x 2) and
your opponent decides which of the 2 Results to use.
Knockback
When you Damage your Opponent with an Attack or Card effect; your Opponent is moved a number
of Hexes away from you equal to your Current Weapon’s Slot Cost. You can only play this card once
per Attack Roll.
When you roll a Natural 16 – 19 during an Attack Roll and Hit your Opponent; Inflict damage to your
opponent equal to your Current Weapon’s Slot Cost. You can only play this card once per Attack Roll.
Pinpoint Strike
When you roll a Critical Hit; roll 2D12 (/roll 1t[CH] x 2) and select which result to apply. You can only
play this card once per Attack Roll.
During either player’s turn, If you are Attacked; you may also declare an attack using an appropriate
Weapon (selected weapon must be in range.) by paying GP equal to the Weapon’s GP cost + Slot Cost;
This GP cost is taken from your next turn and cannot exceed your GP limit.
When you roll a Natural 10 or higher on an Attack Roll and hit your opponent: Ignore Damage
Reduction calculation for the attack, DR is not reduced.
DEFENSE CARDS
Blade Bind
When you lose a Weapon Clash Roll: Instead of taking 5 damage from the Weapon Clash, your
Current Weapon is destroyed instead.
Speed Boost *RARE*
When you spent at least 6GP on movement or movement abilities; you may move 2 additional Hexes
for free.
Momentum
When you spent at least 3GP on movement or movement abilities; you may move 1 additional Hex for
free.
Sidestep
When your Opponent misses an Attack roll on you; you may move 2 Hexes away from your Opponent.
You can only play this card once per Missed Attack.
Roll with It
When you are Damaged by an Attack, Attack Card, or Environment; You may move 1 Hex in any
direction.You can only play this card once per Hit.
Defense Tactics
You may activate this card when you Raise your Shield; If you do, your shield remains raised until the
beginning your 2nd turn after this card’s activation.
UTILITY CARDS
Combat Optimization
At the start of your turn if your HP is less than half of your total HP; your total GP pool is increased by
+1 until the end of the turn.
At the start of your turn if your HP is less than half of your total HP; your total GP pool is increased by
+2 until the end of the turn.
Feint Maneuver
Play When you roll a Natural 3 or lower during an Attack Roll; You may Steal 1 random card from your
opponent. You can only play this card once per Attack Roll.
Critical Hits
When rolling for attack, one D20 is used. Occasionally, this will produce a natural roll of 20 (Without
any additional modifiers). Upon this roll, a critical hit can be declared! These are large, game-changing
effects that are dictated solely by luck. Once a natural roll of 20 has occured, roll D12 to determine
the effect of the critical hit. This is applied on top of the effects of the original attack. If you roll an
effect that can’t be applied move one cell up the table. For instance, if you roll a 10 (system hit), but
the defender has no systems or shields you move back up to Weapon overload and destroy the last
used weapon.
Roll Effect
Knockback: Suit is pushed back two hexes away from attacker. If pushed into a wall, the
1-2
defending suit takes 5 damage (Bypassing DR).
3-4 System overload: Lose a currently active system. (defender decides if multiple active)
Weapon overload: Defender loses the last-used weapon of their suit. Unarmed Melee cannot
5-6
be removed.
7-8 Shield surrender: Defender loses a shield of the attacker’s choice.
9 - 10 System hit: Defender loses one system or equipment of the attacker’s choice.
Weapon Sunder: Defender loses one weapon of the attacker’s choice. Unarmed Melee
11
cannot be removed.
12 Vital area: Double damage
Terrain
There are many different types of terrain in Build Fight System- and a successful Build Fighter must
learn to deal with all of them. Use of cover is important in fighting well, especially in close-combat
urban encounters.
Uncoloured Hexes
Denotes a free space. Nothing special about this one!
Blue Hexes
Refer to an aquatic tile. Aquatic tiles cost 3GP. You may not use “Free moves” to cross blue hexes,
with the exception of those gained from the Aquatic class. Aquatic suits are in their element in
aquatic tiles. Through a standard move action, the Aquatic suit can enter and submerge the water-
gaining a +3 bonus to their defense.
Red Hexes
Red hexes are inaccessible tiles. Mobile suits cannot enter the space that red hexes fill, nor can they
shoot through them.
Orange Hexes
Orange hexes are destructible terrain. Destructible terrain blocks line of sight only on sections of the
map in which the hex is completely filled with terrain. Once a piece of destructible terrain is
destroyed, 4 damage is inflicted upon all mobile suits within a 1-hex radius. Destructible terrain takes
1 attack of any kind to destroy. An attack roll of 8 must be passed to engage in a terrain roll. Orange
hexes can be thrown at opponents if the attacker’s melee is above 2. This attack has a range of 8 and
deals 6 damage for a 4GP cost.
Yellow Hexes
Yellow hexes show an interactive space. This implies that a mobile suit can interact with an object or
scenery piece upon this tile. For example, this could be a large, fallen tree that a mobile suit is able to
swing for an attack, or a battleship cannon that could be interacted with for a free shot at an
opponent. Interaction costs 3GP and standard weapon cost applies to using the object. The specifics
of these interactions are up to the GM- however, a general rule of thumb can be found below:
Battle Reports
Once you have finished a match, it is recommended that you complete a write up of the match and
post it upon /r/buildfightsystem to summarise your experiences. This can help give personality to
your pilot, or prove your tactical abilities to others. Of course, embellishments should be included
too- a reason for you and your opponent’s meeting, battle damage and dialog are all fun things to
consider when completing a battle report. They may be as long as the writer desires- but the most
important thing is to have fun with them!
Glossary
Action Description Cost
Movement Drag Player token using Varies by suit class.
Select/Move tool.
Attacking Declare attack: rolld20 Varies by weapon.
+(ranged/melee number) + (any
additional modifiers)
Shield Raises a shield to block damage 3/4/5/6GP
on the next turn.
Weapon Combine Combine Weapons together. 5GP. De-Combination = 0GP.
Boost One time use. 5 free hex in one No cost.
direction.
Jump Move 5 hexes in one direction. 6GP (Light frames). 8GP
Can pass any terrain. Heavy (Medium frames).
frames cannot jump.
Throwing Weapon Throw a weapon. Weapon 1GP per hex travelled + regular
becomes icon on field after use. attack cost.
Requires throwing perk.
Orange Terrain Throw Throw orange terrain. 8 range, 4GP
6 damage.
Yellow Terrain Interaction Interact with yellow terrain - 3GP + standard weapon use
See specifics above. cost.
Transformation System Transform a suit to gain +3 to 2GP
defence or +2 free movement
per turn. Gives the Mach class.
Independent Vehicle Release Release an IV onto the field. 8GP
Independent Vehicle Dock Connect an IV back onto a suit. 4GP
‘Improved’ System Activation Begin Improved Output/Mental. 5GP on turn before activation
(Output), 5GP/HP on turn after
duration (Mental).
Energy Shield Activation Activate Energy Shield. 2GP. One time use.
Funnel Activation Deploys a set of Funnels. 6GP (Funnel), 8GP (Heavy), 5GP
(Shield), 5GP - 2GP per turn
active (Orbiting), 7GP (Fangs)
Nitro, Hero, Johann, Mao and Major Kurn for laying the Build Fight System framework.
Doctor Minovsky, Sly, Ham, SGJin, Sord and Chew for their inputs and inspiration.