Each HeroClix figurine has statistics associated with it: Attack Value, Defense Value, Speed, Damage, and Range. These statistics are all printed on a dial that serves as the base for the miniature. When a piece takes "damage," its base is twisted a number of "clicks" to the right, revealing changed (usually decreased) stats to correspond to the damage it has taken. Some characters actually get stronger with damage, though, to represent a transformation or rage.

Pieces have point values associated with them. Typically, the more powerful the character, the more costly it is to play. Opposing teams must consist of a total point value in pieces that is less than or equal to a pre-decided total, usually a multiple of 100. Battles are played out on maps, overlaid with a grid of 35mm x 35mm squares.

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Check out the dial

Pick up a character and look at the base. Turn the dial underneath and feel how it clicks into place with each turn. Turning the dial represents how your characters get hurt as they fight. Each click on the dial shows a set of numbers on the top of the base. These numbers change every time the character gets hit by an attack. The numbers usually get lower (worse), but sometimes they get higher (better). After all, Hulk gets stronger the madder he gets. You can see the numbers through the “L”-shaped window on the top of the base. The top number, next to the boot or wing symbol, is a character’s movement/speed number. The second number, next to the fist icon, is attack. The third number, next to the shield, is defense. The fourth number, next to the blast icon (on the crook of the “L”), is damage. The number next to one or more lightning bolts is your character’s attack range.

Set Up your characters

Find a friend and sit across from each other at a table or on the floor, about 3 feet apart. Next, choose the map you like and lay it between you and your friend. That’s the scene where your characters are going to duke it out. Look at the point values of the characters you’ve got. Each of you chooses characters that add up to 100 points, or as close as possible. Don’t worry about who should be on the same team right now. Just try to get as close to 100 points as possible using the characters available without going over. Set your characters up along your edge of the map. Make sure they’re no more than 2 squares away from your edge, and at least 4 squares away from the left and right edges. As shown on the right. Click the figure’s dial so the green line is on the left side of the “L”-shaped window. That’s the starting position.