You're interested in Lancer, but don't know where to start? This collection suggests which books and resources to start with to learn the rules, access more player options, and learn more about the game's setting. The content is provided in a precedence order for players, starting with the core rules and helpful 3rd party references, before it moves into useful additional content for players.
For many of the official books, you can download the player content LCP (Lancer Content Pack) files for free, and install them into COMP/CON (Lancer's free/open source online character sheet generator and campaign tool) to read up on the added player content.
The list of first party content here is very likely incomplete. There are additional first party modules that include free player content, and I recommend them as well. The only reason I haven't included all of them is to keep this list from becoming too overwhelming, but I highly encourage you to check out all of the first party content's free materials, at least for the additional frames and talents.
There is also excellent third party content (not published by Massif Press) available for Lancer, and several content creators in the community have written or contributed to first party modules too. However, if you're just dipping your toes into the game, don't bite off too much to start.
Valuable resources outside of itch.io:
If you're interested in the game, start with this.
It is free, has the core rules and mechs. What it lacks are chapters on worldbuilding and for running the game as a GM.
The player content is included in COMP/CON automatically.
PWYW. These cheatsheets/reference sheets are a great resource for learning and getting the hang of combat in Lancer.
I recommend printing them out if you are so inclined, so you can write your own notes on them or to highlight parts of the sheet, even if you play online.
Grab the free LCP file for this book. It includes several mech licenses that are now iconic for the game:
It also provides world building to Lancer's setting, and it provides some additional rules and resources for running Lancer, such as narrative actions, and an alternative leveling system for mercenary play
Grab the free LCP file for this mission module:
The first first-party adventure module for Lancer. Grab the free LCP file for COMP/CON, even if you aren't going to play this module:
If you are interested in reading up on the game setting and understanding its themes better, get the full book.
It also includes the GM chapters for running the game.
Why for getting started?
It also provides a lot of worldbuilding for one of the major non-corpro-state factions in the setting.
