Mechwarrior: Dark Age is played on a 36" x 36" game surface with each player taking turns giving his units 'orders' that involve moving and/or attacking opposing units. A measuring tape and three-six sided dice are used while executing these orders. Frequently miniaturized 'terrain', such as buildings (blocking terrain), forests (hindering terrain) or lakes (shallow water), is placed on the game board. The victor is determined after one or more 'victory conditions' have been achieved by a player or when the predetermined time limit for the game has been reached, depending on the game scenario that is being played.