Terrain Placement
Under Scenario and Battlefield Setup · Section 83 of 608
Board sizes, terrain placement, alternating deployment, and reserves.
The Rule
Battlefield sizes: Skirmish (500) 3' × 3'; Standard (1000) 4' × 4'; Battle (2000) 44" × 60". Before deployment: place objectives, place terrain, determine deployment zones, roll Initiative, deploy fleets.
Explanation
Recommended terrain is 4–6 pieces on a Standard table and 6–8 on a Battle table. Each player deploys by entering on their board edge, and no unit may move on from outside this zone unless a special rule allows it. The player without Initiative deploys first, then players alternate placing units. Multi-base units deploy the Squad Leader first with remaining bases placed in legal cohesion. Units with Launch Bays, Deep Strike abilities or scenario reserve rules must begin off the battlefield and enter according to their rules.
Example
A 1000 point Standard game is played on 4' × 4' with 4–6 terrain pieces and 5–8 objectives.
Designer Commentary
Board edge entry replaces deployment zones, so the first two rounds are a real approach.