Mastering Marvel: Crisis Protocol Terrain – A Comprehensive Guide

In Marvel: Crisis Protocol (MCP), terrain is not just for decoration—it significantly impacts gameplay. Understanding how different terrain sizes function is essential for strategic planning and tactical execution. This guide breaks down the importance of terrain, its classifications, and how it shapes the battlefield.

The Role of Terrain in Marvel: Crisis Protocol

Terrain serves several crucial functions in MCP:

• Tactical Cover – Terrain pieces provide defensive advantages by blocking line of sight and offering cover.

• Obstacles and Movement Restrictions – Large terrain elements can alter movement paths and dictate strategic positioning.

• Interactive Gameplay – Many characters can throw, destroy, or manipulate terrain, adding dynamic elements to battles.

How Much Terrain Should Be on the Table?

A well-balanced game requires a thoughtful distribution of terrain. Here’s a recommended layout:

• Size 1: 2–4 pieces (e.g., mailboxes, street signs)

• Size 2: 3–6 pieces (e.g., cars, dumpsters)

• Size 3: 3–6 pieces (e.g., newsstands, shipping crates)

• Size 4: 1–2 pieces (e.g., trucks, billboards)

• Size 5: 0–1 piece (e.g., large buildings)

This mix ensures a dynamic battlefield with a balance of obstacles, interactive elements, and open spaces.

Terrain Size Categories and Their Impact

Size 1 Terrain – Small Obstacles

These pieces are minor battlefield elements that provide limited cover or minor obstructions. Examples include:

• Mailboxes – Small enough to be thrown by most characters but still useful for blocking movement.

• Streetlights – Can provide slight obstructions to movement and attacks but do not block line of sight significantly.

Size 2 Terrain – Medium Cover

This terrain category includes objects that characters can use for cover or as throwable objects:

• Cars – Common interactive elements that can serve as barriers or be hurled by stronger characters.

• Dumpsters – Useful for blocking movement and can also be utilized in attacks.

Size 3 Terrain – Large Structures

Mid-sized terrain elements that significantly impact line of sight and movement. Examples:

• Shipping Containers – Block vision and provide higher ground advantages.

• Newsstands – Offer strategic cover while being throwable by stronger characters.

Size 4 Terrain – Major Obstacles

Larger structures that have a serious influence on movement and gameplay. Examples:

• Trucks – Provide cover and act as barriers.

• Small Buildings – Offer elevation advantages and block major attack lanes.

Size 5 Terrain – Immovable Features

These are the largest structures on the battlefield, affecting movement and visibility but often being immovable. Example:

• Large Buildings – Serve as the central terrain piece, altering gameplay dynamics significantly.

Using Terrain to Your Advantage in Gameplay

Throwing Terrain

Many characters have the ability to throw objects at opponents, making terrain an offensive tool. The size of the object determines which characters can interact with it, with only the strongest being able to manipulate Size 4 or 5 terrain.

Blocking Line of Sight

Larger terrain pieces block visibility and force opponents to reposition. Understanding how terrain affects attack angles is crucial for both defensive and offensive plays.

Providing Cover

Smaller terrain can grant cover bonuses, reducing damage taken. Knowing where to position characters relative to terrain can be the key to surviving high-damage attacks.

Suggested Terrain Layout – Visual Representation

To better understand how to set up terrain, refer to this simple structure:

graph TD;

    A[Size 1: Mailboxes, Streetlights] --> B[Size 2: Cars, Dumpsters]

    B --> C[Size 3: Shipping Containers, Newsstands]

    C --> D[Size 4: Trucks, Small Buildings]

    D --> E[Size 5: Large Buildings]

A well-balanced terrain layout can create an engaging and strategic experience for both players. By incorporating a variety of terrain sizes, players can take advantage of different tactical opportunities, making every game of MCP unique and exciting.