Mantic confirms Ghost in the Shell for tabletop gamers in 2026. Here’s what we know so far, and what we want to see.
One of the most iconic science fiction anime franchises ever made is officially headed for the hobby table. Ghost in the Shell is coming to the tabletop in 2026, and it is being handled by Mantic Games. That combo alone is enough to get both anime fans and tabletop regulars paying attention, because this is not some tiny one-and-done license grab. It has the potential to be a real, supported game line.
The hook is exactly what it should be: Major Kusanagi, Section 9, and a near-future world of cybernetics, espionage, and existential mystery. The only question is the one everyone is already asking.
Is it a miniatures game, or a board game? Right now, who knows?
Ghost In the Shell Game: What’s Confirmed So Far
The Ghost in the Shell – coming to tabletop in 2026!
Experience one of the most iconic science fiction worlds ever created. Explore the world of Major Kusanagi and the iconic Section 9. Live, think and fight in a near-future world of cybernetics, espionage, and existential mystery.
The announcement points to a Ghost in the Shell tabletop game in 2026 and leans hard into the setting’s core identity: covert operations, intelligence work, high-tech upgrades, and philosophical tension baked into the action. The mention of Major Kusanagi and Section 9 suggests the focus will be tactical teams and missions rather than a generic “cool robots fight” situation.
That’s a good sign.
Miniatures Game or Board Game: Why It Matters
If It’s a Ghost in the Shell Miniatures Game
This is the version that hobbyists will latch onto fast.
- Small team tactics make the most sense. Section 9 screams elite operators, specialists, and gear-driven loadouts.
- Terrain will be a huge part of the experience. Cyberpunk skirmish games live and die on dense tables with vertical play, sightlines, and cover.
- Painting opportunities would be ridiculous. Hard armor plates, glowing optics, urban grime, and sleek tech finishes are basically the franchise’s love language.
If It’s a Ghost in the Shell Board Game
This is the format that can quickly pull in a wider crowd.
- Scenario-driven missions. That would fit perfectly: investigations, extractions, and escalating objectives.
- Character-focused mechanics. This could mean asymmetric play, unique ability kits, and cybernetic upgrades that change how each operative works.
- Lower hobby barrier. If it comes with pre-assembled minis, standees, or simplified modeling requirements.
Why Mantic Games Makes This Announcement More Than Hype
A big license only matters if the company behind it actually supports the game. Mantic Games has the scale and track record (like the new Halo miniatures game) to keep a line alive with ongoing releases, expansions, and community support.
That is the difference between a cool collector box and a tabletop game that actually grows a player base.
What a Ghost in the Shell Tabletop Game Needs to Nail
Clean Rules With Smart Choices
Ghost in the Shell is complex in theme, not because it needs clunky rules. The best outcome is a system that stays fast at the table while still rewarding positioning, timing, and clever play.
Missions That Feel Like Section 9
Deathmatch only would be a miss. The franchise is built for objectives: extraction, sabotage, escort, intel grabs, interrogations, and messy moral complications that twist a mission midstream.
Premium Models or Premium Components
If it is a miniature game, the sculpts need to be sharp and dynamic. If it is a board game, the components need to be clean, readable, and high-quality. Ghost in the Shell has style baked in. The tabletop version has to match that energy.
Bottom Line For Ghost In the Shell Miniatures
A Ghost in the Shell tabletop game landing in 2026 is already a headline. The fact that Mantic Games is attached makes it feel less like a novelty and more like a project that could get proper support.
Now the hobby world just needs the one detail everyone is waiting on: miniatures game or board game. Either way, it is smart to start prepping the table now, because when Section 9 shows up, plenty of players are going to want in.
See a Ton of Alternative Games to Play!
