Choose an edition and agree on the mission, points limit, and any house rules
Build your army list within the agreed points limit
Gather the required models, dice, measuring tools, tokens, and rulebooks
Set up the battlefield terrain and place objectives according to the mission
Deploy armies following the mission’s deployment rules
Roll off to determine first turn if required
Take turns in rounds, with each round consisting of both players taking turns
On your turn, move units according to their movement characteristics and rules
Use shooting attacks with eligible units and weapons
Declare and resolve charges with units that can reach enemy units
Fight in melee with units that are engaged in combat
Use psychic, special, and stratagem abilities when allowed by the rules
Score victory points by completing mission objectives
Remove destroyed units from play when their last model is destroyed
Continue until the battle ends at the mission’s specified round limit or end condition
Compare victory points to determine the winner
