| 1). Choose Armies: | Both sides choose their armies up to an agreed points value in accordance with their chosen army. | |
| 2). Terrain Generation: | Terrain is fully laid out as described on pages 8-10 of the main Rule Book. | |
| 3). Draw Cards: | Both sides choose cards (no particular order): Strategy Cards- See page 27, Dark Millennium. If either player has chosen one or more bunkers/fortifications (see WD# 169) do not draw strategy Cards until step five (5) below. Mission Cards- see page 12, main Rule Book. Psychic Powers- See page 5-6, Dark Millennium. | |
| 4). Game Length:* | Determine how many turns the game will last (page 13, main Rule Book). | |
| 5). Deploy:* | Both sides deploy their troops, as well as any bunkers/fortifications they may have: 1. Determine deployment zones for both sides (page 10, main Rule Book); 2. Any bunkers/fortifications are now placed, starting with the side with the lower strategy rating. Skip this step if neither side has any bunkers/fortifications. Once all fortifications/bunkers are set-up players now choose Strategy cards as normal. 3. Player's now deploy the remainder of their forces as normal, starting with the side with the lower strategy rating (page 10-11, main Rule Book). | |
| 6). Iniative:* | Determine iniative and begin play (page 11, main Rule Book). |