The levels of gameplay in the game will range from the broad scope strategic level (large scope, low detail) to the narrowly focused roleplaying level (small scope, high detail). Not all games will include all levels of detail, and some games may actually require more than just the four default levels.

It is also important to understand that not all levels of gameplay will be utilized in every game session, even in games that routinely include four or more levels.

Common Levels of Gameplay

• Strategic: Strategic is normally the highest level of gameplay, in that it covers the broadest view of the game world that is included in the game. This level of gameplay is dominated by the actions and influence of groups, typically governments and organizations. It is also where most resource management takes place. In terms of groups and units, their relative location is an important factor at the strategic level, but movement of units is not typically handled at this level and the distance between locations is less relevant.
• Operational: This level of gameplay is where the majority of unit movement takes place, with particular attention paid to movement over large distances. Operational play pays more attention to group and unit locations relative to on another, especially with regard to the distance between locations. Large-scale combat – battles which players want to resolve relatively quickly – also take place at this level.
• Tactical: The tactical level of gameplay emphasizes precise positioning and unit/character movement within a small area (relative to the operational level of play). This is the level at which detailed unit battles take place. At an even finer level of detail, detailed combat involving individual characters can also be resolved using the rules for tactical play.
• Roleplaying: The most detailed level of play focuses on the actions of individual characters. Groups and units can certainly influence events at this level, but characters take center stage when roleplaying.