RULE BOOK

CREDITS
Written by: Jack Caesar, Alessio Cavatore and Rob Stoddard
Internal Art: Björn Barends and Legendary
Miniatures: The Beholder Factory, Alessandro Depaoli and Luigi Terzi
Proofreading: Mark Pollard
Graphic design and Layout: Glenn Moore
Additional Layout: Chris Caesar
Thanks to: John Cadice, Zak Barouh, David Clark, Alberto Guisti, Criz Jamers, Hugo Pritchard-Law, Jamie Kampel,
Lisa Lilly, Kyle Cherry, and all of the playtesters
River Horse and River Horse Games are trading names of River Horse (Europe) Ltd. © River Horse (Europe)
Ltd 2019. River Horse and the River Horse logo are either ®, TM and/or © 2019.
LEGENDARY and its logo, PACIFIC RIM, and all related characters and likenesses are property
of Legendary and are used with permission. © 2019 Legendary. All Rights Reserved.

2
 INTRODUCTION COMPONENTS
Pacific Rim Extinction is a scenario-driven, table top strategy 1 1x Poster Mat
game of city wide destruction and chaos of epic proportions 2 1x Hex Gauge
for two or more players. 3 16x Combat Dice
4 1x Impulse Die
The game is played between two sides: the Pan Pacific 5 2x Terrain Pieces
Defense Corp (PPDC), and the Kaiju. 6 12x Building Hexes
7 6x Object Tokens
The goal of the game depends on which side you take 8 2x Charge/Rage Counters
up arms with. The invading Kaiju strive for destruction 9 2x Ammo/Kaiju Blue Counters
of all things and will stop at nothing until they achieve 10 6x Scenario Cards
their goal, while the Jaegers of the PPDC try valiantly to 11 6x Mission Cards
protect the cities and take down the immense invaders. 12 6x Quick Play Cards
13 1x Shrikethorn Kaiju Model
If this is your first time playing, we suggest setting up 14 1x Shrikethorn Kaiju Signature
using a quick play card as described on page 14. 15 6x Shrikethorn Action Cards
16 3x Offensive Kaiju Mutations
17 3x Defensive Kaiju Mutations
18 1x Gipsy Avenger Model
19 1x Gipsy Avenger Conn-Pod
20 6x Gipsy Avenger Action Cards
21 6x Jaeger Pilot Cards
22 4x Jaeger Upgrade Cards
23 14x Skill Tokens
24 2x Leader Tokens
25 1x Round Track and Round Counter
26 6x 3D Buildings

26
26
3
26
24 17 5
16

14 15
9
5 6

11

1
6

18 7
7
10
13
6

8
12 19

21 23 24
20
22
25

5 4
5
3

3
 COMPONENTS
MINIATURES/MODELS
Pacific Rim Extinction is played with pre-painted 80-100mm
Bases show three sides front arc, three sides rear arc.
tall models on hex bases. Every model has a front arc and
Hex is regular, 74mm diagonal, 37mm side. Buildings
a rear arc. Unless otherwise stated, models can only make use the same sized hexes, but do not have a facing.
attacks in their front arc. The center face of a model's front
arc has its name engraved on it, and the arrows on the base
point toward the front of the model.

Model front arc

Model rear arc

Gipsy Avenger.

4
JAEGER CONN-PODS
AND KAIJU SIGNATURES
Each model comes with a corresponding conn-pod
(for Jaegers) or Kaiju signature (for Kaiju), detailing the
stats and other special characteristics of that particular
model. At the top are the model’s stats.
JAEGER CONN-PODS
Conn-pods also show the Jaeger’s points cost, its slots
for pilots cards, as well as ammo and charge levels.
1 Pilot Slots
Selected pilot cards are placed side by side.

STATS 2 Upgrade Slot

Speed (SPD)
The number of hexes a model may advance
during a movement action.
Skill (SKL)
The skill of a model is the base number of
combat dice rolled during an attack or when
defending against an attack.
This is where the selected upgrade card is placed.
3 Points Cost (PTS)
The number of points the PPDC side must spend
in order to field the Jaeger in a constructed battle.
4 Charge
The charge level of the Jaeger. The shaded hex
shows the level at game start (normally on 1).

Power (POW) 5 Ammo

The power of a model is the number of The ammo level of the Jaeger. The shaded hex
additional combat dice rolled when attacking shows the level at game start (normally at full).
with the model.
6 Structure Points (SP)
Armor (ARM) Structure points represent the amount of damage
The armor represents how difficult a model or a model or building can sustain until being
building is to damage. The armor of a model destroyed. When a model loses its last SP, it is
is the number of additional combat dice rolled removed from the game.
when defending against an attack.

Jaeger conn-pod.
In the example on the 3
right, the conn-pod of
Gipsy Avenger, piloted
by Jake Pentecost and
Nathan Lambert.
6

4
2

5
 KAIJU SIGNATURES
Kaiju signatures also show the model’s category level, its
mutation card slots, and Kaiju blue and rage levels.

1 Mutation Slots
The mutation slots are where the selected
mutation cards are placed. Normally, Kaiju
have one offensive mutation (left slot) and one
defensive mutation (right slot).

2 Category Level (CAT-X)

The threat level of each Kaiju; this is important for
constructed battles so the PPDC side knows how
many points they can build their force with.

3 Rage
The rage level of the Kaiju. The shaded hex shows
the level at game start (normally at 1).

4 Kaiju Blue
The Kaiju blue level of the Kaiju. The shaded hex
shows the level at game start (normally at full).

5 Structure Points (SP)

Structure points represent the amount of damage
a model or building can sustain until being
destroyed. When a model loses its last SP, it is
removed from the game.

Kaiju signature.
In the example on the 3 3 4 4 4
2
right, the Kaiju signature
of Shrikethorn, a mighty
category IV.
5
3
4

1 1

6
CARDS
Pacific Rim Extinction uses seven types of cards:
action cards, pilot cards, upgrade cards, mutation cards,
scenario cards, mission cards, and quick play cards.

QUICK PLAY CARDS

Quick play cards drop you right into the action and are
a great way to let players focus on learning to play the
game. The poster mat setup, the terrain, the models
both sides play with, as well as the pilot, upgrade, and
mutation cards used have already been determined for
you. The only choices you will have to make will be in
the heat of battle!

1 Name
ACTION CARDS
2 Poster Mat Setup Each model comes with a set of 6 action cards specific
Details the Poster mat, terrain, building placement, to that model. Action cards are used to plan and
as well as where each model starts the game. complete the actions or attacks of the model during a
round. They are also used to track the damage a model
3 Jaegers/PPDC has suffered. Action cards represent a variety of things,
Details the Jaegers and pilot cards used. such as running into combat, making an attack with a
specific weapon, or preparing for an oncoming assault.
4 Kaiju/Invader Action cards can also have passive abilities in italic text;
Details the Kaiju and mutation cards used. these abilities are active while the card is in play, even if
it isn't that model's activation.

Quick play cards.

RAGE!

Gain full rage OR

Run

1 RAMPAGE

Jaeger: Pilots: Upgrades:

Gipsy Avenger Jake Pentecost One of a Kind
Nathan Lambert

3
Buildings: Terrain:
3 Skyscrapers 2 water

Objects: 3
Lose all rage.
2 Punctured lung:
Kaiju:
Shrikethorn
Mutations:
Furious
4
Armor Plated Skin DAMAGE

Action cards

7
 PILOT CARDS UPGRADE CARDS (Jaeger/PPDC Only)
Every Jaeger must start the game with a full Every Jaeger may start the game with one upgrade card.
complement of pilot cards. There are various levels of Some upgrade cards can be used by any Jaeger while
pilots, each bringing their own level of skill and unique others can only be used by a specific Jaeger.
abilities to any Jaeger they pilot.
Upgrade cards give Jaegers additional power through
1 Drift Compatibility improved stats or even special rules that can be used
When pilot cards are lined up side by side you will during the game.
be able to see how drift compatible the pilots are
with each other. The more drift compatibility the
pilots have with each other, the better their skill in
combat. The bonus SKL shown below is added to
the Jaeger’s base SKL.

Connections SKL Bonus

Jaeger upgrade card

0 +0
MUTATION CARDS (Kaiju Only)
Most Kaiju start the game with one offensive and
1 +1
one defensive mutation cards. There are a variety of
mutations available to the invading Kaiju, granting them
2 +2
special abilities when attacking or defending.
3 +3

2 Abilities
Some pilots also bring with them unique attacks
and abilities that can be used during the game.

3 Pilot Points Cost (PTS)

The number of points the PPDC side must spend
in order to add the pilot card to a Jaeger in a Offensive and defensive mutation cards
constructed battle.

Pilot Card Drift Compatibility.

As you can see here, rangers Jake
3 Pentecost and Nathan Lambert have
2 matching connections for drift
compatibility (D and C). Connections
must be in line to give a bonus.
This results in +2 SKL for any Jaeger
they are piloting together. Taking the
2 skill token and placing it on the conn-
pod helps you remember your bonus.
When an action card activates their
pilot abilities, all abilities on both pilots
activate. Abilities are described fully in
the ability reference on page 32.
1

8
SCENARIO CARDS
Scenario cards set the scene for the coming battle and
detail the setup and any special rules that should be
used during the game.

1 Scenario Name

2 Special Rules

3 Terrain
The number of terrain elements that must be used
during the game and any rules for setting them up.
1
4 Buildings 3 2
The number of buildings that must be used during
the game and any rules for setting them up.
4
5
5 Objects 6
The number of object tokens that must be used
during the game and any rules for setting them up. 7

6 Jaegers Scenario card

Rules for Jaeger deployment.

7 Kaiju
Rules for Kaiju deployment.

MISSION CARDS
Mission cards are used at the start of the game to set a
mission for both players. These cards change the basic
scoring of the game by adding bonus points for specific
objectives such as destroyed and intact buildings,
damaged or destroyed Jaegers and Kaiju, and any other
special scoring bonuses.

1 Mission Name

2 Additional Jaeger Victory Points

Additional victory points the Jaeger player can
score for buildings, terrain, or objects.

3 Additional Kaiju Victory Points

Additional victory points the Kaiju player can score 1
for buildings, terrain, or objects.
2

Mission card

9
 DICE
IMPULSE DIE
The impulse die is used to determine how
many models a side will activate during its
turn. The impulse die is a six-sided die with
two blank sides, three “1” sides, and one
“2” side.
COMBAT DICE
The combat dice are used for attacking
and defending, as well as a variety of
other special situations. Combat dice are
six-sided dice with two blank sides, one
“trigger” side, two “success” sides, and one
“critical success” side.
Blank
No effect for combat and special rules.
Trigger
When triggers are rolled, they can be used to
activate a variety of trigger special abilities or
additional effects on the model (often found
on mutation and upgrade cards).
Success
A success for combat and other rolls.
Critical Success
A success for combat and other rolls. When
a critical success is rolled, roll an additional
combat die adding any results to the previous
total. If the additional roll is also a critical
success, roll an additional combat die again.
Continue this until no more critical successes
are rolled.
HEX GAUGE
The hex gauge is a four-hex-long tool, used for
measuring movement, range, pivots, and half-pivots.
Hexes are measured from edge to edge rather than
from corner to corner. You may not
pre-measure movement or range.
Hex gauge
10
COUNTERS & TOKENS
AMMO AND KAIJU BLUE COUNTERS
The ammo and Kaiju blue counters are used to track the
number of times a specific attack can be made. These are
not normally replenished during the game.
The counters always start on the
Ammo and Kaiju faded hex on your Jaeger conn-pod
blue counters or Kaiju signature.
CHARGE AND RAGE COUNTERS
The charge and rage counters are used to keep track of
the model's current charge or rage levels. Charge and
rage can normally be replenished during the game.
The counters always start on the
Charge and rage faded hex on your Jaeger conn-pod
counters or Kaiju signature.
SKILL TOKENS
The skill tokens are placed on the SKL
stat of the conn-pod to show what is
the current skill level of the pilots. The
skill level of the pilots is determined by
their compatability (see page 8).
Skill token
LEADER TOKEN
Leader tokens are placed during setup to designate
the lead Jaeger and Kaiju. The lead Jaeger and Kaiju
gain access to the powerful command & control ability,
described on page 16.
Jaeger leader token Kaiju leader token
OBJECTS
Object tokens represent shipping containers, freighters,
and other large objects Jaegers and Kaiju can pick up
and use as an improvised weapon. See the buildings
section on page 26.
Crashed helicopter Wrecked train
TERRAIN
Additional terrain pieces can be placed on the poster
mat to create new and exciting zones of conflict.
These elements have special rules that affect the game.
TERRAIN AREAS
Difficult Terrain
Areas of terrain designated as difficult, like large bodies
of deep water, affect movement. Models cannot run
through these features.
Difficult terrain
Populated Terrain
Areas of terrain designated as populated, like intact
residential areas, affect the movement of Jaegers. They
cannot run through these features. Kaiju, on the other
hand, do not care and are therefore not affected.
Suburban area
BUILDINGS
Buildings can be represented either by a simple 2D
building hex or by a 3D building placed on top of a 2D
building hex, as shown in the pictures below. This makes
no difference in game terms.
Unless otherwise noted, all buildings have 5 armor and
1 SP. Some buildings may also have additional special
rules (see the buildings section on page 27).
3D building on top of a 2D
building hex
2D building hexes
For assembly instructions go to www.riverhorsegames.com
POSTER MAT
The Pacific Rim Extinction poster mat is a full color,
double sided mat detailing a variety of different visual
elements, such as a devastated city. These visual
elements have no effect on the game.
Sea floor poster
mat on reverse side
Urban poster mat
11
 BEGINNING A GAME
Pacific Rim Extinction can be played by two or more players.
If there is an odd number of players, make sure each player
will be able to control at least one Jaeger or Kaiju.

Players should agree whether they will use a quick play

card or want to take part in a constructed battle.

Decide which side each player will be part of. If all

players want to play the same side, each player rolls
three combat dice. The player with the most total
successes (remember to always include any additional
dice from criticals rolled), chooses which side they
will play. Then, the player with the second most total
successes chooses which side they will play. This
continues until all players are assigned to a side.

QUICK PLAY
In a two-player game, players can agree to use quick
play – shuffle the quick play cards, then randomly draw
one. Follow the diagram and setup instructions to create
the battlefield and forces shown on the card.

After setup has been completed, you can skip the game
setup section and proceed to the game round section.
CONSTRUCTED BATTLE
Once players have more experience with the game, or
just want more control over the forces they bring to
the fight or to experiment with unique combinations,
constructed battle is the perfect game mode.

With Kaiju waves breaking through the Breach, the

Kaiju side determines the size of the battle. They select
the Kaiju they are going to attack with, as well as the
mutation cards each Kaiju will be using. They add up the
category level (CAT) of all the Kaiju they are bringing to
the fight to establish the threat level. The CAT for each
Kaiju can be found on its Kaiju signature.

After the threat level has been established, the Jaegers

build their response force. For every 1 point of threat
level, the Jaegers can spend 2 points for Jaegers and
pilot cards. The points cost for each Jaeger can be found
on its conn-pod, while the points for each pilot can be
found on their cards. Pay special attention to your pilots'
drift compatibility and any special abilities as described
on page 8. Additionally, you choose a free upgrade card
for each Jaeger in your response force.

For example, the Kaiju player fields a CAT 3 and a CAT 4

Kaiju – for a total a threat level of 7. This means the PPDC
have 14 points to spend for their Jaegers and pilots.

14
ABOUT UNIQUENESS
Normally, you cannot include in your force copies of
any model and card. For example, you cannot have two
Gipsy Avenger, or two Jake Pentecost, nor you can have
two Otachi. This includes mutation and upgrade cards;
they are all unique.

The one exception is the Drone Kaiju models, of which

you can include several in the same force (but each
model's mutations must still be different).

'HISTORICAL' ACCURACY
When assembling a force, do not worry about mixing
together Jaegers, pilots, and Kaiju of different periods
(and movies!). Such mixed forces make very entertaining
'what if' formations. What if Jake Pentecost and his
father could have shared a Jaeger's conn-pod, for
example? What if Gipsy Avenger and Gipsy Danger
could have fought side by side!

'CIVIL WAR'
We assume that normal games are going to be played as
described above – Kaiju vs Jaegers. On the other hand,
it can be fun to try the game with strange battles where
Jaegers fight Jaegers or where Kaiju fight Kaiju.
Example: Criz decides he would like to play with 2 Kaiju.
He selects Shrikethorn (CAT IV) and Slattern (CAT V) for a
total threat level of 9 (4+5=9).

In terms of the story, these could represent training

exercises, or computerized simulations. They could even
be politically motivated battles where two factions of
the same side are fighting... imagine a Kaiju civil war!

In rules terms, simply pick two opposing forces that

are of the same threat level (for Kaiju) or of the same
amount of points (for Jaegers). You can even have forces
that include a mix of Kaiju and Jaegers fighting side by
side! Their value in points is the sum of their Jaegers and
pilots points, plus twice each Kaiju's category.

In any case, during the game, one side plays the role of
the attacker (i.e. the role of the Kaiju in a normal game).
This side will be using the Kaiju missions and scoring
system, as well as going first if both sides start the
round with an equal number of models, and so on.

Once both forces have been constructed, proceed to

the game setup section.

Example: With a threat level of 9 established by the Kaiju

Criz will be playing, Alessio now has 18 points to spend
building his Jaeger response team (1 point of threat level =
2 points of Jaeger response).

15
 GAME SETUP
After both forces have been constructed, it’s time to
determine the mission and scenario for the game.
The Kaiju side shuffles the mission cards and randomly
draws one revealing it to all players — this card assigns
a special mission to both sides. These special missions
generate additional victory points at game end.
The Jaeger side then shuffles the scenario cards and
randomly draws one, revealing it to all players.
Players then follow the instructions on the scenario
card to set up the battlefield, including all the buildings,
terrain, objects, and model deployment.
LEADER DESIGNATION
After scenario setup has been completed, the Jaeger
side must pick one Jaeger and designate it as the lead
Jaeger for the force by placing the leader token on its
conn-pod. The Kaiju side then designates the lead Kaiju
in the same way.
Leaders can use a special command & control ability
once per game, as long as the leader model still survives
and is on the poster mat. The player may flip the leader
token to the grayed-out side to ignore the result of an
impulse die they just rolled, and roll the impulse die
again. The second result stands and cannot be rerolled.
16
OBJECT OF THE GAME
The aim of the game is to either have the most victory
points at the end of the game or to completely destroy
your enemy. Victory points are earned by destroying,
buildings, enemies and through mission cards. More
information can be found in the scoring and victory
section on page 25.
SECRET MISSION VARIANT
If both sides agree, instead of drawing a single mission
card and revealing it to both sides, you can draw
one mission card per side, and keep the mission for
your side shown on the card secret until the end of
the game. This variant is fun, but as it adds a layer
of bluffing and guessing the enemy mission, it’s
recommended for expert players.
UNDERWATER BATTLE VARIANT
The reverse side of the poster mat depicts an
underwater area. If both sides agree, instead of
drawing a scenario and mission card, refer to the
underwater battle appendix on page 30 for setup,
mission, and other special rules that apply.
GAME ROUND
Each game round has at its core a series of turns,
alternating back and forth between sides until all models
on the table have each activated once.
During a game round follow the steps below in order.
1 Choose action cards
2 Reveal action cards
3 Turns – Impulse roll & activation
4 End of round – Moving the turn tracker, etc.
1: CHOOSE ACTION CARDS
At the beginning of each round, players select one card
from the remaining action cards for each of their models
currently in play and place it face down next to the
appropriate model. After placing the last card for your
side, you should declare “Ready!”.
Once a card has been placed face down for each model
and both sides have announced they are ready, it is time
to reveal.
2: REVEAL ACTION CARDS
After both sides are ready, all face down action cards
are turned face up and read aloud. Face up cards are
considered in play until they are returned to hand or
removed by damage.
3: TURNS
The side with the fewest models on the table at the
beginning of the round decides which side will take the
first turn. In the case of a tie, the Kaiju players decides.
That side rolls the impulse die. A result of 1 or 2 equals
the number of models they can activate this turn before
passing the impulse die to their opponent. If they roll
a blank, they cannot activate any models this turn and
must pass the impulse die to their opponent. Models
are activated one at a time. Only models with a face up
action card can be activated.
These turns continue until one side has activated all
models they have in play, at which point the other side
takes the last turn of this round – finishing to activate all
of their yet un-activated models.
During activation, a model makes a free move, then
may use its action card. After a model has completed
its activation, remove the action card, even if it wasn't
used, and return it to its deck for use in later rounds.
It is possible for a model to lose its face up action card
(because of an enemy attack, for example) – this model
cannot activate for the current round. Models can only
be activated once in a round.
4: END OF ROUND
Once no more models can be activated, the round is
ended. Follow the steps described on page 24.
17
 MOVEMENT If you move forward and a
friendly model blocks your
If you move backwards
and a friendly model
During a model’s activation, it gets a free move before movement at any time, blocks your movement,
you must stop. you must stop.
using its action card. Movement is measured with the
hex gauge. Models may either move directly forward Starting
up to a number of hexes equal to their SPD, or directly location
backward 1 hex. During its movement, take each step
one at a time to ensure the model can clear any other
models or buildings in its path.

Model moving Model moving 1

forward three hexes backward one hex

Starting Starting location

3 location

When moving forward, if you cannot move completely

2 clear of an enemy model’s or building's base, you may
either stop before moving that hex or move to engage
the target enemy model or building. If you choose to
1 1 engage the target, move the model straight forward
until it touches the target's base and then pivot or slide
the moving model’s base so that the central front
side of its base is flush against the edge of the target.
You can only engage if there is enough clear space to
Starting location move to the new location.

RUNNING MOVEMENT If you move forward and The model is moved

One of the action cards available to every model is a an enemy model blocks forward, straight into
card that allows the model to run. When a model uses your movement, you can contact with the enemy
stop or move in to engage model’s base, and then
this card, it moves normally, including its ability to pivot
(see right). snaps into contact.
(pivots are explained opposite) and then immediately
can make a second move, including a second pivot. You
cannot move forward and backward in the same turn.
A
Charge!
If a running model moves to engage an enemy during
either of its moves, it can immediately make a melee
attack, after which its activation ends.
1
BLOCKED MOVEMENT B
Friendly Models
Friendly models (and the table edge) block movement.
If you cannot move completely clear of a friendly Starting location
model’s base, stop before moving that hex. If you move Starting
backward and location
Enemy Models an enemy model
blocks your
Enemy models (and buildings) block movement. When
movement, you
moving backward, if you cannot move completely clear must stop.
of an enemy model’s or building's base, stop before
moving that hex.

18
ENGAGED MOVEMENT
Models that are engaged, and/or whose movement
is blocked, by a model in their front arc cannot move
forward, but can move backward.
Models that are engaged, and/or whose movement
is blocked, by a model in their rear arc cannot move
backward, but can move forward.
If you are engaged by an enemy model in your rear
arc, you cannot move backward but you can still move
forward up to your SPD away from the enemy model if
you have space.
Starting location
1 2 3 In the example below there is enough room to circle
If you are engaged with an enemy model in your front
arc, you cannot move forward, but you can still move
backward 1 hex away from the enemy model if you
have space.
Starting location
1 around to the left side because the building is blocking
Immobilized
Models that are engaged, and/or whose movement is
blocked by any combination of enemies or buildings in
their front and rear arc cannot move (but can still pivot).
If you are engaged in both your front and rear arc you
are immobilized and cannot move at all.
A B
Building
Tactical Actions – Circling Around
Every model has an action card that allows it a tactical
action. A model can use a tactical action to shift a
single hex side along the target’s base, as long as:
1) their central front side is, and remains, flush with
another side of the enemy model, and:
2) there is enough space to move to the new location.
When playing a card with a tactical action, you
can circle one hex side around an enemy model
or building if there is enough room for you to keep
your central front side flush with that base.
around to either side.
Starting location
In the example below there is only enough room to circle
the right.
Building
Starting location
Pivoting while Engaged
Models that are being engaged, and/or whose movement
is blocked, can pivot as normal, but cannot make a half-
pivot (pivoting is explained on the next page).
19
 PIVOTS
A pivot allows a model to rotate one hex side per
move, with some additional restrictions. A pivot is free
and does not affect your SPD. Use the hex gauge to
execute a proper pivot. You can also make a half-pivot
as described on page 28.
When pivoting, place the hex gauge flush against your
base and rotate one hex side left or right.
Before pivot After pivot to the right
ACTION CARDS
After a model’s free move, you may resolve its action
card. There are a variety of different action cards,
allowing moves, attacks, and even special abilities to
take effect. If the text of an action card is different from
the normal rules, follow the text of the action card.
Some action cards have a cost to use, such as charge or
Kaiju blue. You must pay the cost of the special rule to
be able to use the effect. Additionally, some action cards
allow you to spend more to gain an advantage. Spend
effects are optional and are not required to be used.

MOVE
Some action cards allow the model to move again
during its activation. These moves are completed in the
same way as a free move.

• Jaegers can pivot left or right, one hex side, only after
completing a move.
• Kaiju can pivot left or right, one hex side, before
starting its move or after completing a move.
TACTICAL ACTIONS
Some action cards allow the model to execute a tactical
action. This represents a wide range of actions, such
as making a melee attack, picking up objects (page 26),
circling enemy models (page 19), and special scenario
specific actions.
COMBAT
Some action cards allow the model to make an attack,
there are two distinct attack types, melee attacks and
ranged attacks.

Both Jaegers and Kaiju may only pivot once per move.

Note that Kaiju can use their ability of pivoting before

the move to free their front/rear arc and then move
forward/backward.

RUNNING IN TERRAIN
Difficult Terrain
Models that are using their action card to run cannot
move into/through/out of difficult terrain in either their
free move or their second move during the activation.
A model that is running will immediately stop all of
its movement for the turn if its base contacts difficult
terrain (including during its free move). If a model
starts the activation in difficult terrain, it cannot run
during this activation, but it can take its free move and
then use any other option on the action card.

Populated Terrain
Jaegers treat populated terrain exactly the same as
difficult terrain (see above). Kaiju ignore it altogether. Melee and ranged action cards

20
MELEE ATTACKS
To make a melee attack, a model must be engaged with
a target (i.e. an enemy model or a building) by being
in base-to-base contact and have that target in the
model’s front arc. When making a melee attack, follow
the steps below:
1. DECLARE TARGET
Choose a target in contact and in the model’s front arc.
2. COMBAT ROLL 1. DECLARE TARGET
a. Attacker
The attacker rolls a number of combat dice equal to the
current SKL and POW of the model, plus any modifiers
from the action card, weapons, other cards, or bonuses.
b. Defender
The defender rolls a number of combat dice equal
to the current SKL and ARM of the model, plus any
modifiers from other cards, or bonuses. If the attacker is
completely within the defender’s rear arc, the defender
does not add the dice for its SKL.
c. Compare
Compare the total number of successes rolled, including
critical successes. If the defender rolls equal or more
successes than the attacker, no damage is done. If the
attacker rolls more successes than the defender, the
defender suffers damage, based on the difference in total
successes rolled, as shown in the chart on page 22.
3. APPLY DAMAGE
See the damage section on the next page.
RANGED ATTACKS
To make a ranged attack, a model must have line of
sight (LOS) to the target and have that enemy model or
building in the model’s front arc.
Note that you can make ranged attacks while engaged
with the target or even another enemy.
When making a ranged attack, follow the steps below:
Choose a target in LOS and in the model’s front arc.
2. CHECK LINE OF SIGHT
In order to make a ranged attack, the attacking model
must be able to “draw” a straight, uninterrupted line
from any point of its front arc to any point of the
target’s base.
You can use the straight edge of the hex gauge to help
you determine LOS.
In the diagram below, every target with ANY part of
its base in the green zone is in line of sight and can be
targeted with a ranged attack. Targets in the red zone (X)
cannot be attacked with ranged attacks as they are not
in line of sight.
 
Building
 Building

21
 3. CHECK RANGE 4. COMBAT ROLL
Some ranged weapons incur bonuses or penalties based This works as described for melee attacks. Note that
on whether the target is at short or long range. These defenders do not gain their SKL dice if the attacker's base
will be specified in their action card. is completely in their rear arc.

If the weapons being used requires you to, you must use 5. APPLY DAMAGE
the hex gauge to see if the declared target is in short or See the damage section below.
long range. Place one end of the hex gauge touching the
base of the attacking model and extend the hex gauge DAMAGE
in the direction of the target. When the attacker has rolled more successes than the
defender, the attack is successful and the target of the
a. Short Range attack suffers damage. Damage is determined by the
If the target’s base can be touched or overlapped by the difference between the number of successes rolled,
hex gauge while it is still touching the attacking model’s as shown in the chart below:
base, the attack is at short range.
SUCCESSES DAMAGE
b. Long Range. DIFFERENCE
If the target’s base cannot be touched or overlapped
by the hex gauge while it is still touching the attacking 1–3 1
model’s base, the attack is at long range. A target cannot
be out of long range. 4–6 2 *

7–9 3*

In the diagram below, every model whose hex base 10 – 12 4*

can be overlapped or touched by the hex gauge are at
short range (S). Any targets in line of sight that cannot
be overlapped or touched by the hex gauge are at long 13 + 5*
range (L). Model X is out of LOS. *Or take the face up card

L
For every 1 damage dealt to a model, the attacker
S randomly draws 1 action card from the defending

 model's deck. If more than one damage is dealt, the

attacker may instead choose to take a face up action
card as all of the damage dealt. Damage is dealt one
at a time. Check the bottom of the action card for any
S special damage effects and resolve it immediately.

Action card damage

22
After damage has been dealt, take the action card and
place it partially under the side of the model’s conn-
pod or signature, lined up with the SP slots to track the
amount of damage the model has taken (see diagram
below). When a model has taken damage equal to its
SP, it is destroyed and removed from the game.
If a model or building is destroyed by a melee attack,
the attacking model may step into the hex previously
occupied by the target, maintaining its current facing.
OTHER EFFECTS
Action cards have a wide variety of effects.
Some allow models to activate special abilities or
perform special attacks not normally available to them.
SLAM
Some action cards can slam enemy models (but not
buildings). If the original attack is successful, and the
target survives, the target is also slammed. When a target
is slammed, it is moved 1 hex, unless otherwise noted,
directly away from the attacker performing the slam.
If a slammed model cannot move into the destination
hex because its move is blocked by models, buildings
or the table edge (see rules for blocked movement),
the slammed model is not moved. Instead, the attacker
chooses one of the models/buildings that are blocking
the move and rolls one combat dice. For each success
rolled, the chosen model or building suffers 1 damage.
DAMAGE
Power core damaged:
No additional effects.
Gain full charge OR Run
SURGE
POWER
Damage. When an action card has
been removed as damage, be sure to
put it in line with the SP slots to track
the damage the model has suffered.
Then the attacker also rolls one combat die for the
model that was slammed. For each success rolled, the
model suffers 1 damage.
If the slammed model is moved, or destroyed by the
effects of the slam, the attacker can move into the space
previously occupied by the slammed model.
DEEP DRIFT
The deep drift action card activates pilot abilities.
When pilot abilities are activated, the Jaeger can use all
the abilities listed on each of its current pilots.
Many pilot abilities are in effect while drifting, even
before the Jaeger is activated that round. A Jaeger is
drifting while the deep drift card is face up. Note that
these effects are active even if the cost of the card is
not yet paid. The effects of these abilities are listed in
the reference section on page 32.
23
 END OF ROUND
Once no more models can be activated, the round is
ended. Follow the steps below:
RESERVES
Depending on the size of forces, in some scenarios, not
all models will start the game on the battlefield; some
will be in reserve. If there are no models in reserves, skip
straight to the end of game check below.
Each side with models in reserve makes a reserves roll,
starting with the side with the fewest models on the
table (in a tie, the Kaiju start).
Roll a number of combat dice equal to the round (at the
end of round 1, roll 1 combat die, at the end of round 2,
roll 2 combat dice, and so on).
For every success rolled, bring one model from your
reserves to the battle. Models deploying from reserve
are placed immediately on any table edge, except those
the enemy deployed from at the beginning of the game.
If the enemy deployed on every table edge or you can
otherwise not deploy, then you may place your model
on any table edge. Models deploying from reserve must
be placed with the model’s base flush against the edge
and, if possible, they must be placed more than 4 hexes
away from all enemy models.
Models deployed from reserve activate normally,
beginning with the very next round (a model that
deploys from reserve on round 2, can activate with all
other models in round 3).
END OF GAME CHECK
At the end of rounds 1, 2, and 3, you do not check for
the end of game.
Starting at the end of round 4, check for the end of the
game as follows.
24
Each side rolls 1 combat die, add all successes together. If
less than 4 total successes are rolled, the game continues.
Remember that criticals are successes too, and that any
time a critical is rolled, roll an additional combat die and
add any successes to the total.
At the end of each subsequent round, each side rolls 1
additional combat dice until the game ends.
For example:
End of round 5: Each side rolls 2 combat dice, adding all
successes together. If less than 4 total success are rolled,
the game continues.
End of round 6: Each side rolls 3 combat dice, adding all
successes together. If less than 4 total success are rolled,
the game continues.
Once 4 or more total successes have been rolled, move
to the scoring & victory section.
Alternatively, if during any round, all Jaegers or all Kaiju
are defeated, the game ends immediately. Move to the
scoring & victory section.
ROUND TRACKER
If the game continues, move the round counter to the
next space on the track. It is now the next round. After
round 5, you must flip the tracker to place the round
counter onto space 6.
Round tracker
Round counter
SCORING & ADDITIONAL
VICTORY SPECIAL RULES
Once 4 or more total successes have been rolled during
the end of game check, it’s time to total up each side's TRIGGER ABILITIES
victory points (VP). Some special abilities and rules only take effect when
the proper number of triggers are rolled.
BASIC SCORING
For example, Jaegers have optional upgrade cards.
JAEGERS SCORE FOR: Kaiju have offensive mutation (red) cards and defensive
mutation (blue) cards.
Per Kaiju damaged 1 VP
Some mutations and upgrades have the potential to
Per Kaiju destroyed 1 VP per category take effect when attacking or defending if the proper
number of triggers are rolled.
Per Building intact 1 VP
If the triggers rolled activate more than one ability, they
All buildings intact 3 VPs all activate, and the player can choose in which order to
resolve the effects of each triggered ability.

OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE

KAIJU SCORE FOR:
Per Jaeger damaged
Per Jaeger destroyed
Per Building destroyed
KAIJU MUTATIONS
Offensive Kaiju mutations can be recognised by the Skill
1 VP
symbol on the back of the card, and are placed on the
corresponding slot on the Kaiju signature. Defensive
3 VPs mutations have the Armor symbol on their back, and are
likewise placed on the corresponding slot.
2 VPs

All buildings destroyed 3 VPs

To count as 'damaged' a model must be suffering one or

more SP of damage at the end of the game.

MISSION SCORING
Check the mission card and add all VP bonuses to each
side’s basic scoring total.
Kaiju offensive mutation card

VICTORY
If the Kaiju side has scored more points than the Jaeger
side, they win the game. Otherwise the Jaeger side wins.

WIPEOUT!
If you manage to destroy all enemy models before the
game ends, without being completely destroyed yourself,
VPs are not calculated and you are automatically the
victor, regardless of any other consideration! If both sides
are simultaneously wiped out, the Jaeger side wins.

Kaiju defensive mutation card

25
 OBJECTS
The tactical action lets models use objects, picking them
up from the battlefield to be thrown at enemies or used
as improvised melee weapons on later activations.
Objects do not affect movement – models can move
freely over them. In order to pick up an object, the
model must end its move within one hex of an object
token on the battlefield and then use a tactical action.
Place the token on the model’s base, or its conn-pod or
Kaiju signature, to indicate it is now carrying it. Models
can only carry one object token at a time.
To use an object currently carried by the model, the
model must use a tactical action again. This allows the
model to use the object to make a short ranged or
melee attack using the object.
Once an object has been used to make an attack,
remove the object token from the game.
If the model carrying the object is destroyed and
removed from the table, the controlling player places
the object back on the table, anywhere in the space
formerly occupied by the model's base.
Unless otherwise noted, an attack with an object gives
the attacker +3 POW.
OBJECT RANGED ATTACK
If the target is not in short range, the attack
automatically fails.
OBJECT MELEE ATTACK
You can only use the object for a
melee attack if the model is
engaged with the target.
Subway train
Yacht
Tanker truck
26
PILOT DEATH
After a pilot has died, it becomes almost impossible to
keep a Jaeger functioning for an extended period of
time. When a Jaeger does not have its full complement
of pilots, a neural load test must be made at the end of
each of its activations.
NEURAL LOAD TEST
Roll 1 combat die, one at a time, for each remaining
pilot. If the roll fails, the pilot has survived and nothing
happens. If the roll is a success, the neural load has
become too much for the pilot to take. Remove that
pilot card from the Jaeger.
When a Jaeger has no remaining pilots, count the Jaeger
as destroyed and remove it from the game.
SOLO PILOT
There are a few pilots who have been able to pilot a
Jaeger for an extended amount of time and have the
solo pilot special rule.
If one such pilot fails a neural load test as described
above, it can re-roll the neural load test. The second
result cannot be rerolled.
THREE-PILOT JAEGERS
Some Jaegers (like Crimson Typhoon and Bracer
Phoenix) require three pilots to function instead of
the normal two. The maximum pilot SKL bonus even a
three-pilot Jaeger can receive is +3.
MULTI–PLAYER
You can play Pacific Rim Extinction with more than
two players by splitting control of the Jaegers or Kaiju
amongst the players. There can be any number of
players per side, up to the number of models on that
side. In these situations, it is best to make sure models
are split up among the players as equally as possible to
ensure no one is waiting too long to join the fight!
BUILDINGS
Buildings are important for scoring, and some have
effects during the game.
Buildings are normally treated as enemy models for all
game effects.
Unless otherwise stated, buildings have 5 ARM and 1
SP, however buildings do not have SKL. When a building
is attacked, an opposing player should roll the defense
for the building.
Some types of building have additional special rules, as
listed below:
KAIJU SHELTERS
These buildings are quite low compared with
skyscrapers, so they are ignored when determining
whether LOS is blocked.
In addition, they are armor 7.

Whenever a building suffers damage for any reason, it

is destroyed.

When a Kaiju destroys a building, it gains one rage, up

to its maximum.

Buildings cannot be moved or slammed, but suffer

damage for being slammed into as normal.

When a building is destroyed by a melee attack, the

attacking model can step into the hex previously
occupied by the destroyed building as normal.

Buildings with no additional special rules are normally

referred to as 'skyscrapers'. Kaiju Shelters

PPDC BASES
These buildings are quite low compared with
skyscrapers, so they are ignored when determining
whether LOS is blocked.

In addition, a Jaeger less than 1 hex away can, as a

tactical action, gain back 1 point of ammo previously
used in this game.

In addition, they are armor 7.

2D skyscrapers hexes and a 3D skyscraper PPDC bases

27
 APPENDIX A – NOTES
This section collects a series of notes and additional rules To verify this, you can simply use the hex gauge. Be
and clarifications that cover very specific situations. For the aware, however, that models move by sliding forward,
sake of simplicity, these have been left out of the main rules and not by jumping from one hex to the one in front.
as they can appear complex to the eyes of a beginner.
Because of that, the example below is incorrect.
HALF-PIVOTS
Whenever a model would pivot and the model is not A B C
engaged, the player can instead decide to do a half-
pivot, as shown in the diagram below. This gives you
extra flexibility, allowing you to finely maneuver your
model around terrain and other models.

When doing a half-pivot, place the hex gauge as shown

against your base and rotate half a hex side left or right.

Before pivot After half-pivot to the right

The second example, below, shows the correct way to

do things. The model slides forward and thus makes
contact with the enemy model and moves in to engage.

A B C

SLIDING VS HOPPING
When moving a model forward, it might occasionally be
difficult to tell whether another model or piece of terrain
is in the way of the move or not. Take, for example, the
case shown here: The hex gauge has been designed to make it easy to
verify this sliding movement. Position the hex gauge as
Can the Jaeger move shown in front of the moving model. This way, the long
straight forward and edge of the hex gauge shows you exactly the path that
engage the Kaiju? the base of your moving model is going to cover.

28
MEASURING DISTANCES
Sometimes during the game, you will be required to
measure the distance between two elements of the
game — like two models, two pieces of terrain, and
so forth. You may not premeasure distances before
choosing an action card or moving.
If a rule states that model/building A must be completely
within 2 hexes of model/building B, you can use the
Hex Gauge to make sure that the entirety of A's base is
within two hexes of B, as shown in the diagram below.

Distances are measured in hexes, using the Hex Gauge.

Note that hexes are measured edge to edge rather than
corner to corner, as shown below. Note as well that the
width of an action card is also one hex.

In the case of models, always measure the distance to the

hex base rather than any body part of the model itself.

Shrikethorn is completely within two hexes of Gipsy

Let's see a couple of examples of how this is done.
If a rule states that model/building A must be within
2 hexes of model/building B, you can use the Hex
Gauge to make sure that any part of A's base is within
two hexes of B, as shown in the diagrams below.
Avenger, while Slattern is not completely within two
hexes of Gipsy Avenger.
EXACT ENGAGEMENT
When moving a model forward, it might happen that
your model is an exact amount of hexes away from
a target, and perfectly aligned to it, as shown in the
picture below. Even though the target is not actually
blocking your move, you are allowed to engage it, as if
it was blocking your move.

Shrikethorn is found to be within

two hexes of Gipsy Avenger.

Gipsy Avenger is exactly three hexes away from

Shrikethorn. Gipsy can move forward three hexes,
ending its move perfectly flush with the Kaiju's base
to engage it in melee.

Shrikethorn is found not to be within two hexes of Gipsy

Avenger (as heads and other body parts are ignored).

29
 APPENDIX B – UNDERWATER BATTLE
During game setup, if both
players agree, you can
decide to play the special
underwater battle scenario
"Seal the Breach!" instead.

Sea floor poster mat

SEAL THE BREACH!

The Jaegers are attempting to seal the MISSION

Breach by dropping a nuclear bomb in it.
The Kaiju are emerging from the Breach in
order to protect it.
SPECIAL RULES
In underwater battles, Jaegers can't run and all ranged
weapons are limited to short range.
TERRAIN: 0
BUILDINGS: 12 (12 Sea floor formations)
OBJECTS: 5
Starting with the Kaiju side, take turns placing one
object or building at a time. Continue taking turns until
all objects and buildings have been placed. Buildings
must be placed more than 2 hexes away from any other
building. Objects and buildings must be placed more
than 1 hex away from all table edges or overlapping an
object or building.
In this game, no victory points are scored and you never
check for game end.
Instead, the game continues until the moment the Nuke
object is destroyed by the Kaiju (Kaiju victory!) or a
Jaeger carrying the Nuke object moves into contact with
the 'edge of the Breach' long table edge (PPDC victory!).
Note that in order to destroy the nuke object, a Kaiju
must destroy the Jaeger carrying it with a melee attack.
If the Jaeger is destroyed with a ranged attack, the Nuke
object is dropped on the sea floor as normal.
SEA FLOOR FORMATIONS HEXES
All buildings in underwater battles are sea floor
formations. They count as buildings with 8 armor
and 1 SP.

Kaiju: The Kaiju side deploys first. Place any number of

Kaiju on the 'edge of the Breach' long table edge.
Any Kaiju not deployed at this point are held in reserve.
Reserves can only arrive from the 'edge of the Breach'
long table edge.

Jaeger: Place any number of Jaegers on the opposite

table edge. Any Jaegers not deployed at this point are
held in reserve. Reserves must arrive more than 4 hexes
away from the 'edge of the Breach' long table edge.
The lead Jaeger cannot be left in reserve and carries the
nuke object at the start of the game.
Sea floor formations hexes

Suburban area.
30
INDEX
ITEM PAGE NUMBER
Accurate 32
Action card 7, 20
Activate 17
Ammo 5, 10
ARM 5
Armor 5
Attacks 21
Blank 10
Buildings 11, 27
Category level 6
Charge 5, 10
Command and control 16
Combat die 10
Conn-pod 5
Constructed battle 14
Cost 14
Critical success 10
Damage 22
Drift compatibility 8
End of game 24
End of round 24
Engaged 19
Game round 17
Game setup 16
Half-pivot 28
Hex gauge 10
Impulse die 10
Impulse roll 17
Kaiju Blue 6, 10
Kaiju shelter 27
Kaiju signature 6
Lead jaeger 16
Lead kaiju 16
Leader 16
Line of sight 21
Melee attacks 21
Miniatures 4
Mission card 9
Movement 18
Multi-player 26
Mutation 8
Mutation slots 6
ITEM PAGE NUMBER
Neural load test 26
Objects 11, 26
Pilot card 8
Pilot death 26
Pilot slot 5
Pivot 19, 20
Points cost 5
POW 5
Power 5
Poster mat 11
PPDC base 27
PTS 5
Quick play 14
Quick play card 7
Rage 6, 10
Range 22
Ranged attacks 21
Reserves 24
Run 18, 20
Scenario card 9
Scoring and victory 25
Seal the breach 30
Sea floor formations 30
Secret mission 16
Skill 5
Skill tokens 10
SKL 5
Slam 23
Sliding vs hopping 28
Solo pilot 31
SPD 5
Speed 5
Structure points 6
Success 10
Tactical action 20
Terrain 11, 20
Three-pilot jaegers 26
Trigger 10, 25
Underwater battle 30
Upgrade 8
Upgrade slot 5
Victory 25
31
ABILITY REFERENCE
ABILITY SPECIAL RULE

Accurate If your attack is successful, you may remove the model's face
up action card when dealing a point of damage.
Activate X After your activation, you may also play the named action card, paying all costs.
Brutal If your next melee attack in this activation is successful, you may spend
1 charge to make an additional melee attack.
Disengage After your activation, you may move directly backward 1 hex.
Drifting While the deep drift action card is in play, your Jaeger's pilots are drifting.
Dynamo Gain 1 charge.
Focus Gain +1 SKL on your next attack this activation.
Inspiring While drifting, all other Jaegers within short range gain +1 SKL.
Leadership Flip your leadership token to its original side.
Mark 1 While drifting, you may spend 1 charge to reroll 1 combat die.
Momentum Gain +1 POW on your next attack for each full hex you have moved this turn.
Run Move, as per a normal run. If you move into contact with a model, you may
make a melee attack against that model (see pg 20 for running through terrain).
Slam If your next melee attack in this activation is successful, you may spend
1 charge to slam the target 1 hex.
Solo Pilot This pilot may reroll his or her first failed neural load test (see page 26)
each round.
Tactical You may make a tactical action, this tactical action may not be used to attack.
Unbreakable If you take no damage from an attack while drifting, gain full charge.