If you're a Marvel Crisis Protocol (MCP) fan, you know the game is more than just a tabletop skirmish—it’s an epic cinematic experience. The thrill of watching your favorite superheroes and villains clash in dynamic battles is unparalleled. What makes MCP truly stand out is its intricate terrain system. Imagine Hulk tossing cars like toys, Spider-Man swinging through the streets of New York, or Hawkeye perched atop a building. These moments are brought to life by the landscape these characters inhabit. Terrain not only enhances the visual spectacle but also adds a layer of strategic depth that makes every game unique and unforgettable.
Here at Tabletop Terrain, we carry a wide variety of terrain pieces that are fully compatible with MCP or any urban game – check them out here, or read on and learn more about the role terrain plays in your games:
How Much Terrain Do I Need for Marvel Crisis Protocol?
In MCP, the amount of terrain you use can significantly impact the gameplay experience. The Core Rules recommend having “12 terrain features ranging from Size 1 to Size 5, with the majority being sizes 2 to 4.” This setup offers a balanced mix of obstacles and interactive elements, allowing for both tactical movement and epic combat moments. However, Atomic Mass Games, the creators of MCP, have suggested on their blog that up to 20 pieces of terrain can be used for a more dynamic battlefield.
Some players prefer a more thematic approach, aiming to recreate a fully populated city block to make their game feel like a scene straight out of their favorite comic. This can add a new level of immersion but requires buy-in from your opponent, as it deviates from the standard setup. Too much terrain can clutter the board and potentially disrupt the flow of the game. Therefore, communication and agreement with your gaming partner are crucial for ensuring a fun and balanced experience.
The Importance of Terrain Sizes
Terrain in MCP is categorized by size, ranging from Size 1 to Size 5. Each size has distinct features and gameplay implications. Characters also have a size, which determines their interactions with terrain elements. For example, a Size 2 character can't see over a Size 3 building, but a Size 5 character can. Similarly, only characters with sufficient strength can throw larger terrain pieces, adding another layer of strategy to your gameplay.
Understanding Terrain Sizes
Size 1 Terrain
Size 1 terrain includes small, easily overlooked objects that add realism and detail to your board. These could be trash cans, crates, and small electrical units scattered around the streets. While they might seem insignificant, these pieces can be crucial for providing cover or obstructing line of sight during gameplay.
Size 2 Terrain
Size 2 terrain steps up in complexity, often encompassing items like small vehicles, dumpsters, cargo crates, and lampposts. These elements serve as both obstacles and interactive objects, perfect for characters who excel at using their environment to their advantage.
We have an awesome variety of Size 1 and 2 terrain available in our Urban Scatter Set, including some vending machines, phone booths, and street lamps:
Size 3 Terrain
When you think of Size 3 terrain, imagine billboards, large shipping containers, and bigger vehicles like food trucks and ambulances. These mid-sized structures offer more substantial cover and can be thrown or interacted with by stronger characters, creating dramatic shifts in the battlefield.
Looking for more vehicles? Look no further than our Urban Vehicle Collection! Grab yourself a taco truck, an ambulance, or pick up a big bundle of vehicles and save on the whole collection:
Size 4 Terrain
Size 4 terrain includes trucks, market stands, construction equipment, trailers, and smaller buildings. These are some of the more substantial pieces that can dominate sections of the board. Interacting with these terrains requires significant strength, adding a layer of tactical decision-making to your game.
Size 5 Terrain
Finally, Size 5 terrain is the most imposing. These are large buildings and thematic structures that can drastically shape the battlefield. While they are harder to interact with due to their size, they add immense flavor and strategic depth to your game. Characters who can manipulate these large elements can turn the tide of battle in spectacular ways.
If you're interested in Size 4 and 5 terrain, we have tons of fun buildings from our Donut Shop and Noodle Bar to our Hell's Kitchen block!
Enhancing Your Game with MCP-Compatible Terrain
At Tabletop Terrain, we understand the importance of high-quality, compatible terrain for MCP. We offer a wide variety of third-party solutions that perfectly integrate with MCP or any other modern urban miniatures game. Whether you're looking for detailed trash cans, towering skyscrapers, or anything in between, our selection ensures you can create the perfect battlefield for your superhero skirmishes.
Investing in high-quality terrain enhances both the aesthetic and tactical aspects of your game. Detailed and durable pieces not only look great but also stand up to the rigors of gameplay. Quality terrain can transform your board, making each game feel like a fresh, cinematic experience.
One of the joys of MCP is the ability to customize your battlefield to suit your narrative and strategic preferences. At Tabletop Terrain, we offer modular pieces that allow you to create unique setups for every game. From bustling city streets to abandoned industrial complexes, the possibilities are endless.
We pride ourselves on our customer-focused approach. Your feedback helps us continually improve and expand our product offerings. Join our community of tabletop enthusiasts to share your experiences and get tips on maximizing your MCP terrain setup.
Check out our entire Comic Book Collection here.
Conclusion
Terrain in Marvel Crisis Protocol is more than just a backdrop—it’s a crucial element that brings the game to life. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the MCP universe, understanding and utilizing terrain effectively can elevate your gaming experience. From small, scattered objects to towering buildings, each piece adds tactical depth and visual appeal to your board.
Ready to transform your MCP battles? Explore our extensive range of MCP-compatible terrain at Tabletop Terrain and start creating unforgettable gaming moments today. Visit our website to learn more and join our community of passionate gamers.
Happy gaming!