Complete Beginner Guide

What is Tabletop Tavern?

Tabletop Tavern is a roguelike real-time strategy game on Steam. You build an army from scratch, fight tactical battles on a tabletop battlefield, and navigate a branching campaign map. Every run is different — new units, gear, and challenges await.

Think of it as Total War combat meets Slay the Spire progression. Battles are fought in real time with hundreds of miniature units, while between fights you make strategic choices about recruitment, shops, and events.

Your First Campaign — Step by Step

Follow this sequence for your first successful run on Easy difficulty.

• Pick Iron Legion with Marshal Aldric — the most forgiving faction for beginners
• In your first battle, group infantry (Ctrl+1) and archers (Ctrl+2) separately
• Place spears in front, archers behind on any high ground available
• After winning, visit the shop if you have 200+ gold; otherwise take a battle node
• Always heal damaged units at Rest nodes before elite battles
• Complete the act boss with your full army — do not skip recruitment opportunities

Understanding the Campaign Map

The map presents branching paths with different node types. Battles give gold and recruitment options. Shops sell unit card packs. Events are D20 skill checks with shown outcomes. Rest nodes heal or upgrade units.

You cannot visit every node — choose paths that give you shops before tough fights and rest stops after elite battles. Rushing straight to the boss without preparation is the most common beginner mistake.

Battle Basics

Press Space to preview unit positions before committing orders. Use right-click to move, right-click enemies to attack. Hold H to make units hold position — essential for spear walls against cavalry.

Morale matters more than raw stats. Units with low leadership will rout when flanked or when allies die nearby. Protect your flanks and never let archers get charged by cavalry.

When You Lose

Losing a campaign is normal and part of the roguelike loop. Units lost in battle are gone permanently for that run. Learn from each defeat — was it bad positioning, wrong unit counters, or poor economy management?

Each failed run teaches you a faction's strengths and weaknesses. After 2-3 attempts you will have a clear picture of what works.