Quick Start Guide

This guide will help you get started with games of Warhammer 40,000. For more information, see the Core Rules. Warhammer 40,000 battles are played in a series of battle rounds. In each of these, both players have a turn, broken into different phases that must be completed in order.

1. COMMAND PHASE
Command: First, both players gain 1 Command point (these can be spent on Stratagems at different points in the battle round). Then resolve any rules you have that are used in your Command phase.

Battle-shock: For every unit in your army that has lost more than half of its models (or more than half of its wounds for single-model units), roll 2D6. If the result is lower than the LD (Leadership) shown on the unit’s datasheet, the unit is Battle-shocked until the start of your next Command phase. Battle-shocked units have an OC (Objective Control) of 0, and cannot be affected by friendly Stratagems.

2. MOVEMENT PHASE
Units that are not within 1" of enemy models (Engagement Range) can either stay still (Remain Stationary), make a Normal move or make an Advance move:
  • Normal moves: Move the unit a distance in inches up to its MV (Move) characteristic, without ending within Engagement Range of enemy models.
  • Advance moves: As above, but roll one D6 and add the result to the unit’s Move. Units that Advance cannot shoot this turn (except with Assault weapons) and cannot charge this turn.

Units that are within Engagement Range of enemy models can only Remain Stationary or Fall Back:
  • Fall Back moves: Like a Normal move, but units that Fall Back cannot shoot or charge this turn.

3. SHOOTING PHASE

One unit at a time, your models can fire their ranged weapons at enemy units that are within range and visible. Models with more than one ranged weapon can shoot each one at a different target, but you must declare all targets at the same time.

Weapons are presented as follows:

RANGED WEAPONS
RANGE
A
BS
S
AP
D
Bolt pistol [pistol]
Bolt pistol [pistol]
12"
1
3+
4
0
1
MELEE WEAPONS
RANGE
A
WS
S
AP
D
Astartes chainsword
Astartes chainsword
Melee
4
3+
4
-1
1

Range: How far a weapon can shoot. If an enemy unit is within this range and visible to your model, it can be targeted.

A (Attacks): The amount of shots or strikes your weapon gets, represented by the number of D6 you roll for your attack.

BS (Ballistic Skill): How accurate your attacks are. If a Hit roll equals or beats this number, the attack hits!

S (Strength): Any attack that hits then needs to be strong enough to wound its target.

AP (Armour Penetration): This represents how effective the attack is against armour.

D (Damage): If the enemy unit fails its saving throw, the attack inflicts this much damage.

MAKING ATTACKS
Use the following sequence to make attacks one at a time:

1
HIT ROLL
Roll one D6 per attack, aiming to equal or beat the BS. An unmodified Hit roll of 6 is called a Critical Hit and is always successful.

2
WOUND ROLL
Compare the attack’s Strength with the target’s Toughness, as shown below. An unmodified Wound roll of 6 is called a Critical Wound and is always successful.

WOUND ROLL
ATTACK’S STRENGTH VS TARGET’S TOUGHNESSD6 RESULT REQUIRED
Strength is TWICE (or more than twice) the Toughness.
+
Strength is GREATER than the Toughness.
+
Strength is EQUAL to the Toughness.
+
Strength is LESS than the Toughness.
+
Strength is HALF (or less than half) the Toughness.
+

3
ALLOCATE ATTACK
Your opponent chooses which model in their unit the attack might wound (if any of those models are already wounded, the attack must be allocated to them).

4
SAVING THROW
Your opponent rolls one D6, subtracting the attacking weapon’s AP. If the result equals or beats their model’s SV, the attack fails. Otherwise, damage is inflicted.

5
INFLICT DAMAGE
Inflict damage – a model loses a number of wounds equal to the attack’s Damage characteristic.
4. CHARGE PHASE
Your units can now charge in to assault the enemy in melee.
  • One at a time, select any units you wish to charge with and follow the sequence below. Units that Advanced or Fell Back this turn cannot charge, nor can any that are within Engagement Range of the enemy.
  • Select one or more enemy units for your unit to charge at.
  • Roll 2D6. The result is the total distance in inches your unit can charge – if this is enough to move within 1" of every enemy unit you selected, the charge is successful – move each model towards one of those enemy units, ending in base-to-base contact if possible.

5. FIGHT PHASE
Every unit in each player’s army that is within Engagement Range of any enemy units now fights. Units that charged this turn fight before all others. Then, starting with the player not currently taking their turn, players alternate fighting with their units.

1
PILE IN
First, you can move each model in the fighting unit up to 3" towards the closest enemy model.

2
MAKE ATTACKS
Each model that is within Engagement Range of the enemy (or in base-to-base contact with a friendly model that is) fights with one melee weapon of your choice from those it is equipped with. To do so, follow the same Making Attacks sequence used for ranged attacks (except that melee weapons have a WS – Weapon Skill – rather than a BS).

3
CONSOLIDATE
After all of the fighting unit’s models have fought, you can move each model that is not in base-to-base contact with an enemy model up to 3" closer to the closest enemy model.

Listed below are a selection of abilities common to many units and weapons. For a full explanation of how these and other universal abilities work, see the Core Rules.

DEADLY DEMISE
Deadly Demise x: When this model is destroyed, roll one D6. On a 6, each unit within 6" suffers ‘x’ mortal wounds.

DEEP STRIKE
  • Unit can be set up in Reserves instead of on the battlefield.
  • Unit can be set up in your Movement phase, more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models.

FEEL NO PAIN
Feel No Pain x+: Each time this model would lose a wound, roll one D6: if the result equals or exceeds ‘x’, that wound is not lost.

FIGHTS FIRST
Units with this ability that are eligible to fight do so in the Fights First step of the Fight phase.

INFILTRATORS
During deployment, if every model in a unit has this ability, then when you set it up, it can be set up anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" horizontally away from the enemy deployment zone and all enemy models.

LEADER
Some CHARACTER units have ‘Leader’ listed on their datasheets. Such CHARACTER units are known as Leaders, and the units they can lead – known as their Bodyguard units – are listed on their datasheet.
  • Before the battle, CHARACTER units with the Leader ability can be attached to one of their Bodyguard units to form an Attached unit.
  • Attached units can only contain one Leader.
  • Attacks cannot be allocated to CHARACTER models in Attached units.

LONE OPERATIVE
Unless part of an Attached unit, this unit can only be selected as the target of a ranged attack if the attacking model is within 12".

SCOUTS
  • Scouts x": Unit can make a Normal move of up to x" before the first turn begins.
  • If embarked in a DEDICATED TRANSPORT, that DEDICATED TRANSPORT can make this move instead.
  • Must end this move more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models.

ANTI
[ANTI-KEYWORD X+]: An unmodified Wound roll of ‘x+’ against a target with the matching keyword scores a Critical Wound.

ASSAULT
Can be shot even if the bearer’s unit Advanced.

BLAST
Add 1 to the Attacks characteristic for every five models in the target unit (rounding down).
Can never be used against a target that is within Engagement Range of any units from the attacking model’s army (including its own).

DEVASTATING WOUNDS
Saving throws cannot be made against Critical Wounds scored by this weapon (including invulnerable saving throws).

HEAVY
Add 1 to Hit rolls if the bearer’s unit Remained Stationary this turn.

IGNORES COVER
Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, the target cannot have the Benefit of Cover against that attack.

INDIRECT FIRE
  • Can target and make attacks against units that are not visible to the attacking unit.
  • If no models are visible in a target unit when it is selected, then when making an attack against that target with an Indirect Fire weapon, subtract 1 from that attack’s Hit roll and the target has the Benefit of Cover against that attack.

LETHAL HITS
Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, a Critical Hit automatically wounds the target.

PISTOL
  • Can be shot even if the bearer’s unit is within Engagement Range of enemy units, but must target one of those enemy units.
  • Cannot be shot alongside any other non-Pistol weapon (except by a MONSTER or VEHICLE).

RAPID FIRE X
Increase the Attacks by ‘x’ when targeting units within half range.

SUSTAINED HITS X
Each Critical Hit scores ‘x’ additional hits on the target.

TORRENT
Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, that attack automatically hits the target.

TWIN-LINKED
Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, you can re-roll that attack’s Wound roll.
CORE STRATAGEMS
Command points can be spent during the battle to use Stratagems. All players can use the Core Stratagems presented here. Additional Stratagems can be found in Codexes and other publications.

COMMAND RE-ROLL
1CP
Core – Battle Tactic Stratagem
A great commander can bend even the vagaries of fate and fortune to their will, the better to ensure victory.
WHEN: Any phase, just after you make an Advance roll, a Charge roll, a Desperate Escape test or a Hazardous test for a unit from your army, or a Hit roll, a Wound roll, a Damage roll or a saving throw for a model in that unit, or a roll to determine the number of attacks made with a weapon equipped by a model in that unit. If you are using fast dice rolling, this Stratagem can still be used after rolling multiple rolls or saving throws at once.

TARGET: That unit or model from your army.

EFFECT: You re-roll that roll, test or saving throw. If you are using fast dice rolling, select one of those rolls or saving throws to re-roll.
COUNTER-OFFENSIVE
2CP
Core – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
In close-quarters combat, the slightest hesitation can leave an opening for a swift foe to exploit.
WHEN: Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has fought.

TARGET: One unit from your army that is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units and that has not already been selected to fight this phase.

EFFECT: Your unit fights next.
EPIC CHALLENGE
1CP
Core – Epic Deed Stratagem
The legends of the 41st Millennium are replete with deadly duels between mighty champions.
WHEN: Fight phase, when a CHARACTER unit from your army that is within Engagement Range of one or more Attached units is selected to fight.

TARGET: One CHARACTER model in your unit.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, all melee attacks made by that model have the [PRECISION] ability.
INSANE BRAVERY
1CP
Core – Epic Deed Stratagem
Indifferent to their own survival, these warriors hold their ground against seemingly impossible odds.
WHEN: Battle-shock step of your Command phase, just before you take a Battle-shock test for a unit from your army.

TARGET: That unit from your army.

EFFECT: Your unit automatically passes that Battle-shock test.

RESTRICTIONS: You cannot use this Stratagem more than once per battle.
GRENADE
1CP
Core – Wargear Stratagem
Priming their hand-held projectiles, these warriors draw back and hurl death into the enemy’s midst.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.

TARGET: One GRENADES unit from your army (excluding units that Advanced, Fell Back or have shot this turn) that is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.

EFFECT: Select one GRENADES model in your unit and one enemy unit that is not within Engagement Range of any units from your army and is within 8" of and visible to your GRENADES model. Roll six D6: for each 4+, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound.
TANK SHOCK
1CP
Core – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Ramming the foe with a speeding vehicle may be an unsubtle tactic, but it is a murderously effective one.
WHEN: Your Charge phase, just after a VEHICLE unit from your army ends a Charge move.

TARGET: That VEHICLE unit.

EFFECT: Select one enemy unit within Engagement Range of your unit, and select one VEHICLE model in your unit that is within Engagement Range of that enemy unit. Roll a number of D6 equal to the Toughness characteristic of the selected VEHICLE model. For each 5+, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound (to a maximum of 6 mortal wounds).
RAPID INGRESS
1CP
Core – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Be it cunning strategy, potent technology or supernatural ritual, there are many means by which a commander may hasten their warriors’ onset.
WHEN: End of your opponent’s Movement phase.

TARGET: One unit from your army that is in Reserves.

EFFECT: Your unit can arrive on the battlefield as if it were the Reinforcements step of your Movement phase, and if every model in that unit has the Deep Strike ability, you can set that unit up as described in the Deep Strike ability (even though it is not your Movement phase).

RESTRICTIONS: You cannot use this Stratagem to enable a unit to arrive on the battlefield during a battle round it would not normally be able to do so in.
FIRE OVERWATCH
1CP
Core – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
A hail of wildfire can drive back advancing foes.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Movement or Charge phase, just after an enemy unit is set up or when an enemy unit starts or ends a Normal, Advance, Fall Back or Charge move.

TARGET: One unit from your army that is within 24" of that enemy unit and that would be eligible to shoot if it were your Shooting phase.

EFFECT: If that enemy unit is visible to your unit, your unit can shoot that enemy unit as if it were your Shooting phase.

RESTRICTIONS: You cannot target a TITANIC unit with this Stratagem. Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack, an unmodified Hit roll of 6 is required to score a hit, irrespective of the attacking weapon’s Ballistic Skill or any modifiers. You can only use this Stratagem once per turn.
GO TO GROUND
1CP
Core – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Seeking salvation from incoming fire, warriors hurl themselves into whatever cover they can find.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One INFANTRY unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, all models in your unit have a 6+ invulnerable save and have the Benefit of Cover.
SMOKESCREEN
1CP
Core – Wargear Stratagem
Even the most skilled marksmen struggle to hit targets veiled by billowing screens of smoke.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One SMOKE unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, all models in your unit have the Benefit of Cover and the Stealth ability.
HEROIC INTERVENTION
1CP
Core – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Voices raised in furious war cries, your warriors surge forth to meet the enemy’s onslaught head-on.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Charge phase, just after an enemy unit ends a Charge move.

TARGET: One unit from your army that is within 6" of that enemy unit and would be eligible to declare a charge against that enemy unit if it were your Charge phase.

EFFECT: Your unit now declares a charge that targets only that enemy unit, and you resolve that charge as if it were your Charge phase.

RESTRICTIONS: You can only select a VEHICLE unit from your army if it is a WALKER. Note that even if this charge is successful, your unit does not receive any Charge bonus this turn.

Stratagems Key
EITHER PLAYER’S TURN
YOUR TURN
OPPONENT’S TURN
2. Battle-shock
In this step, you must take a Battle-shock test for each of your units on the battlefield that is Below Half-strength. To do so, roll 2D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the best Leadership characteristic in that unit, the test is passed; otherwise, the test is failed and, until the start of your next Command phase, that unit is Battle-shocked.

While a unit is Battle-shocked:

Once you have taken Battle-shock tests for all of your units that require them, your Command phase ends and you progress to your Movement phase.

In this step, if for any reason a unit is forced to take a Battle-shock test for being below its Starting Strength, unless otherwise stated, that unit does not also have to take a Battle-shock test for being Below Half-strength. While a unit is Battle-shocked, all models in that unit are also Battle-shocked.

  • Take a Battle-shock test for each unit from your army on the battlefield that is Below Half-strength.
  • Roll 2D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the unit’s Leadership, the test is passed. Otherwise, the unit is Battle-shocked until the start of your next Command phase.
  • Battle-shocked units have an OC of 0 and their controlling player cannot use Stratagems to affect them.
  • Battle-shocked units must take Desperate Escape tests if they Fall Back.
Engagement Range
Engagement Range represents the zone of threat that models present to their enemies. While a model is within 1" horizontally and 5" vertically of an enemy model, those models – and their units – are within Engagement Range of each other.

Models cannot be set up or end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within Engagement Range of any enemy models. If for any reason a model cannot meet this condition, that model is destroyed.

  • Engagement Range: Within 1" horizontally and 5" vertically.
  • Models cannot be set up or end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
Remain Stationary
If a unit Remains Stationary, none of its models can be moved for the rest of the phase.
Normal Moves
When a unit makes a Normal move, each model in that unit can move a distance in inches less than or equal to its Move (M) characteristic, but no model can be moved within Engagement Range of any enemy models.

  • Normal Move: Models move up to M".
  • Cannot move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
Advance Moves
When a unit Advances, make an Advance roll for that unit by rolling one D6. Add the result in inches to the Move characteristic of each model in that unit until the end of the phase. Each model in that unit can then make an Advance move by moving a distance in inches less than or equal to this total, but no model can be moved within Engagement Range of enemy models. A unit cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn that it Advanced.

  • Advance Move: Models move up to M+D6".
  • Cannot move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
  • Units that Advance cannot shoot or charge this turn.
Assault

Assault weapons fire so indiscriminately that they can be shot from the hip as warriors dash forward.

Weapons with [ASSAULT] in their profile are known as Assault weapons. If a unit that Advanced this turn contains any models equipped with Assault weapons, it is still eligible to shoot in this turn’s Shooting phase. When such a unit is selected to shoot, you can only resolve attacks using Assault weapons its models are equipped with.

  • Can be shot even if the bearer’s unit Advanced.
Fall Back Moves
When a unit Falls Back, each model in that unit can make a Fall Back move by moving a distance in inches less than or equal to its Move characteristic, and when doing so you can move it within Engagement Range of enemy models, provided it does not end that move within Engagement Range of any enemy models – if this is not possible, that unit cannot Fall Back.

A unit cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn that it Fell Back.

Desperate Escape Tests
Unlike when making other types of move, models can move over enemy models when making a Fall Back move as if those enemy models were not there, but you must take a Desperate Escape test for each model that will do so (excluding models that are TITANIC or can FLY) before any models in that unit are moved. In addition, if a unit is Battle-shocked when it is selected to Fall Back, you must take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit before any are moved.

Each time you take a Desperate Escape test for a model, roll one D6. For each roll of 1-2, one model from the unit that is Falling Back is destroyed (selected by you). The same model can only ever trigger one Desperate Escape test per phase.

  • Fall Back Move: Models move up to M".
  • Units that Fall Back cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn.
  • Models can move over enemy models when Falling Back, but you must take Desperate Escape tests for them before they do so (excluding models that are TITANIC or can FLY).
  • If a Battle-shocked unit is selected to Fall Back, take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit.
  • Desperate Escape Test: Roll one D6. On a 1-2, one model from that unit is destroyed.
Hit Roll
When a model makes an attack, make one Hit roll for that attack by rolling one D6. If the result of the Hit roll is greater than or equal to the attack’s Ballistic Skill (BS) characteristic (if the attack is being made with a ranged weapon) or its Weapon Skill (WS) characteristic (if the attack is being made with a melee weapon), then that Hit roll is successful and scores one hit against the target unit. Otherwise, the attack fails and the attack sequence ends.

An unmodified Hit roll of 6 is called a Critical Hit and is always successful. An unmodified Hit roll of 1 always fails. A Hit roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.

  • Hit Roll (Ranged Attack): A hit is scored if the D6 result equals or exceeds that attack’s BS.
  • Hit Roll (Melee Attack): A hit is scored if the D6 result equals or exceeds that attack’s WS.
  • Critical Hit: Unmodified Hit roll of 6. Always successful.
  • An unmodified Hit roll of 1 always fails.
  • A Hit roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
Saving Throw
The player controlling the target unit then makes one saving throw. By default, this will be an armour saving throw using their model’s Save (Sv) characteristic, but some models have invulnerable saves that can be used instead (see below). To make an armour saving throw, roll one D6, then modify the result by the Armour Penetration (AP) characteristic of the attack. For example, if the attack has an AP of -1, then 1 is subtracted from the saving throw.

If the result is greater than or equal to the Save characteristic of the model the attack was allocated to, then that saving throw is successful and the attack sequence ends. Otherwise, that saving throw fails and that model suffers damage.

An unmodified saving throw of 1 always fails. A saving throw can never be improved by more than +1.

  • Saving Throw: Roll one D6 and modify by the attack’s AP. If the result is less than the Save of the model being rolled for, the saving throw is failed and that model suffers damage. Otherwise, that attack is saved.
  • An unmodified saving throw of 1 always fails.
  • A saving throw can never be improved by more than +1.
Before selecting targets for this weapon, select one of its profiles to make attacks with.
Pistol

Pistols can be wielded even at point-blank range.

Weapons with [PISTOL] in their profile are known as Pistols. If a unit contains any models equipped with Pistols, that unit is eligible to shoot in its controlling player’s Shooting phase even while it is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units. When such a unit is selected to shoot, it can only resolve attacks using its Pistols and can only target one of the enemy units it is within Engagement Range of. In such circumstances, a Pistol can target an enemy unit even if other friendly units are within Engagement Range of the same enemy unit.

If a model is equipped with one or more Pistols, unless it is a MONSTER or VEHICLE model, it can either shoot with its Pistols or with all of its other ranged weapons. Declare whether such a model will shoot with its Pistols or its other ranged weapons before selecting targets.

  • Can be shot even if the bearer’s unit is within Engagement Range of enemy units, but must target one of those enemy units.
  • Cannot be shot alongside any other non-Pistol weapon (except by a MONSTER or VEHICLE).
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
1st Company Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerency of the Adeptus Astartes, combined with their transhuman physiology, makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Anvil Siege Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerency of the Adeptus Astartes, combined with their transhuman physiology, makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
Sustained Hits

Some weapons strike in a flurry of blows, tearing the foe apart with relentless ferocity.

Weapons with [SUSTAINED HITS X] in their profile are known as Sustained Hits weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if a Critical Hit is rolled, that attack scores a number of additional hits on the target as denoted by ‘x’.

Example: A model makes an attack with a melee weapon with the [SUSTAINED HITS 2] ability. If the Hit roll is an unmodified 6 (a Critical Hit), then that attack scores a total of 3 hits on the target (1 from the successful Hit roll of 6, and 2 from the [SUSTAINED HITS 2] ability).

  • [SUSTAINED HITS X]: Each Critical Hit scores ‘x’ additional hits on the target.
BATTLE DRILL RECALL
1CP
Anvil Siege Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Space Marines train for countless hours to master their weapons and in the heat of battle can trigger mnemonic patterning to recall their ritual drills and ensure the foe’s destruction.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability. If your unit Remained Stationary this turn, then until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack, a successful unmodified Hit roll of 5+ scores a Critical Hit.
Wound Roll
Each time an attack scores a hit against a target unit, make a Wound roll for that attack by rolling one D6 to see if that attack successfully wounds the target unit. The result required is determined by comparing the attack’s Strength (S) characteristic with the target’s Toughness (T) characteristic, as shown below.

WOUND ROLL
ATTACK’S STRENGTH VS TARGET’S TOUGHNESSD6 RESULT REQUIRED
Strength is TWICE (or more than twice) the Toughness.
+
Strength is GREATER than the Toughness.
+
Strength is EQUAL to the Toughness.
+
Strength is LESS than the Toughness.
+
Strength is HALF (or less than half) the Toughness.
+

If the result of the Wound roll is greater than or equal to the required number shown in the table above, then that Wound roll is successful and scores one wound against the target unit. Otherwise, the attack fails and the attack sequence ends.

An unmodified Wound roll of 6 is called a Critical Wound and is always successful. An unmodified Wound roll of 1 always fails. A Wound roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.

  • Critical Wound: Unmodified Wound roll of 6. Always successful.
  • An unmodified Wound roll of 1 always fails.
  • A Wound roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
NO THREAT TOO GREAT
2CP
Anvil Siege Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
To combat an entrenched force of Space Marines, foes resort to armoured vehicles or packs of murderous monstrosities. Even the greatest of behemoths has a chink in its armour and the Adeptus Astartes are well versed in exploiting such weaknesses.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack that targets a MONSTER or VEHICLE unit, you can re-roll the Wound roll.
Destroyed
Throughout a battle, models will suffer damage and be destroyed. When a model is destroyed, it is removed from the battlefield. When every model in a unit has been destroyed, that unit is destroyed.
HAIL OF VENGEANCE
2CP
Anvil Siege Force – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Space Marines' incredible battlefield awareness enables them to instinctively identify the origin of any enemy fire and punish their attackers.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase, just after an enemy unit has resolved its attacks.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that had one or more of its models destroyed as a result of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Your unit can shoot as if it were your Shooting phase, but must target only that enemy unit when doing so, and can only do so if that enemy unit is an eligible target.
Objective Markers
Objective markers represent objects of tactical or strategic import that both sides are attempting to secure, such as valuable artefacts, vital supplies or communications nodes. If a mission uses objective markers, it will state where they are located on the battlefield. These can be represented using any suitable marker, but we recommend using round markers that are 40mm in diameter.

When setting objective markers up on the battlefield, place them so they are centred on the point specified by the mission. When measuring distances to and from objective markers, measure to and from the closest part of them. Models can move over objective markers as if they were not there, but they cannot end a move on top of an objective marker.

At the start of the battle, each objective marker on the battlefield is said to be contested, and so is not controlled by either player. To control an objective marker, a player will first need to move models within range of it. A model is within range of an objective marker if it is within 3" horizontally and 5" vertically of that objective marker.

Every model has an Objective Control (OC) characteristic listed on its datasheet. To determine a player’s Level of Control over an objective marker, add together the OC characteristics of all the models from that player’s army that are within range of that objective marker. A player will control an objective marker at the end of any phase or turn if their Level of Control over it is greater than their opponent’s. If both players have the same Level of Control over an objective marker, that objective marker is contested.

  • A model is within range of an objective marker if within 3" horizontally and 5" vertically.
  • Level of Control: Add together the OC characteristics of all of a player’s models within range of the objective marker.
  • An objective marker is controlled by the player with the highest Level of Control over it (in a tie, it is contested).
  • Models cannot end a move on top of an objective marker.
RIGID DISCIPLINE
1CP
Anvil Siege Force – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Cleaving to duty, the Adeptus Astartes refuse to be drawn out of position. Instead they secure ground to establish new fire lines to the enemy.
WHEN: End of the Fight phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.

EFFECT: Your unit can immediately make a Fall Back move of up to 6".

RESTRICTIONS: When making that move, your unit must end that move either wholly within your deployment zone or within range of an objective marker.

The KILL TEAM keyword is used in the following Space Marines datasheets:

FUROR TACTICS

When the enemy horde grows close, the Deathwatch will be tasked with the decimation of their core. Aiming not for clinical kills but for maximum destruction over a wide area, they tear the heart from the enemy army.

While this Mission Tactic is active, weapons equipped by ADEPTUS ASTARTES units from your army have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability.

Lethal Hits

Some weapons can inflict fatal injuries on any foe, no matter their resilience.

Weapons with [LETHAL HITS] in their profile are known as Lethal Hits weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, a Critical Hit automatically wounds the target.

MALLEUS TACTICS

When the giants of war lumber forth, the Deathwatch will adopt Malleus tactics. Even the largest behemoth has a weak point, and the archives of the Deathwatch number them all.

While this Mission Tactic is active, weapons equipped by ADEPTUS ASTARTES units from your army have the [LETHAL HITS] ability.

Precision

Precision attacks can pick high-value targets out in a crowd, whether through the unerring aim of a sniper or the pinpoint accuracy of a blade-master’s strike.

Weapons with [PRECISION] in their profile are known as Precision weapons. Each time an attack made with such a weapon successfully wounds an Attached unit (see Leader ability), if a CHARACTER model in that unit is visible to the attacking model, the attacking model’s player can choose to have that attack allocated to that CHARACTER model instead of following the normal attack sequence.

  • When targeting an Attached unit, the attacking model’s player can have the attack allocated to a CHARACTER model in that unit visible to the bearer.

PURGATUS TACTICS

By adopting Purgatus tactics, the Deathwatch focus their deadly ire upon the commanders of the enemy host, assassinating them one after another with pitiless head shots and killing thrusts of the blade.

While this Mission Tactic is active, each time an ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army makes an attack, if a Critical Hit is scored, that attack has the [PRECISION] ability.

ADAPTIVE TACTICS
1CP
Black Spear Task Force – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Only a truly versatile approach to warfare allows the tactical genius of the Deathwatch to best the myriad xenos foes they face.
WHEN: Your Command phase.

TARGET: Up to two KILL TEAM units from your army, or one other ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit your army.

EFFECT: For each unit targeted, select the Furor Tactics, Malleus Tactics or Purgatus Tactics. Until the start of your next Command phase, that Mission Tactic is active for that unit instead of any Mission Tactic that is active for your army.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Black Spear Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerency and transhuman physiologies of the Adeptus Astartes make them unyielding foes.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
Bolt Weapons
The following are bolt weapons:
  • Absolvor bolt pistol
  • Assault bolters
  • Auto boltstorm gauntlets
  • Bolt carbine
  • Bolt pistol
  • Bolt rifle
  • Bolt sniper rifle
  • Boltgun
  • Boltstorm gauntlet
  • Centurion bolters
  • Combi-bolter
  • Combi-weapon
  • Deathwatch twin boltgun
  • Forge bolter
  • Heavy bolt pistol
  • Heavy bolt rifle
  • Heavy bolter
  • Hellfire Extremis
  • Infernus heavy bolter – heavy bolter profile
  • Instigator bolt carbine
  • Long Vigil ranged weapon
  • Marksman bolt carbine
  • Master-crafted bolt rifle
  • Master-crafted boltgun
  • Master-crafted heavy bolt rifle
  • Master-crafted scoped bolt carbine
  • Master-crafted special issue bolt pistol
  • Occulus bolt carbine
  • Special issue bolt pistol
  • Sternguard bolt pistol
  • Sternguard bolt rifle
  • Sternguard heavy bolter
  • Storm bolter
  • Twin bolt rifle
  • Twin boltgun
  • Twin heavy bolter
  • Vigil spear
Ignores Cover

Some weapons are designed to root enemy formations out of entrenched positions.

Weapons with [IGNORES COVER] in their profile are known as Ignores Cover weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, the target cannot have the Benefit of Cover against that attack.
DRAGONFIRE ROUNDS
1CP
Black Spear Task Force – Wargear Stratagem
Dragonfire rounds are designed to explode just before contact, saturating foes in cover with searing gas and flames.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.

TARGET: Up to two KILL TEAM units from your army that have not been selected to shoot this phase, or one other ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army (excluding VEHICLES) that has not been selected to shoot this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, bolt weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [ASSAULT] and [IGNORES COVER] abilities

RESTRICTIONS: You cannot select any units that have already been targeted with either the Kraken Rounds or Hellfire Rounds Stratagems this phase.
Devastating Wounds
Weapons with [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] in their profile are known as Devastating Wounds weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if that attack scores a Critical Wound, no saving throw of any kind can be made against that attack (including invulnerable saving throws). Such attacks are only allocated to models after all other attacks made by the attacking unit have been allocated and resolved. After that attack is allocated and after any modifiers are applied, it inflicts a number of mortal wounds on the target equal to the Damage characteristic of that attack, instead of inflicting damage normally.

Example: An attack made with a Devastating Wounds weapon with a Damage characteristic of 2 scores a Critical Wound. Instead of allocating the attack and making saving throws normally, the target suffers 2 mortal wounds.

  • A Critical Wound inflicts mortal wounds equal to the weapon’s Damage characteristic, instead of any normal damage.
Anti

Certain weapons are the bane of a particular foe.

Weapons with [ANTI-KEYWORD X+] in their profile are known as Anti weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon against a target with the keyword after the word ‘Anti-’, an unmodified Wound roll of ‘x+’ scores a Critical Wound.

Example: An attack made with an [ANTI-VEHICLE 4+] weapon will score a Critical Wound against – and so successfully wound – a VEHICLE unit on an unmodified Wound roll of 4+, while an attack made with an [ANTI-PSYKER 2+] weapon will score a Critical Wound against – and so successfully wound – a PSYKER unit on an unmodified Wound roll of 2+.

  • [ANTI-KEYWORD X+]: An unmodified Wound roll of ‘x+’ against a target with the matching keyword scores a Critical Wound.
HELLFIRE ROUNDS
1CP
Black Spear Task Force – Wargear Stratagem
Hellfire rounds douse their targets in voracious acids that are utterly lethal to organic life.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.

TARGET: Up to two KILL TEAM units from your army that have not been selected to shoot this phase, or one other ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army (excluding VEHICLES) that has not been selected to shoot this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, bolt weapons (excluding Devastating Wounds weapons) equipped by models in your unit have the [ANTI-INFANTRY 2+] and [ANTI-MONSTER 5+] abilities

RESTRICTIONS: You cannot select any units that have already been targeted with either the Kraken Rounds or Dragonfire Rounds Stratagems this phase.
KRAKEN ROUNDS
1CP
Black Spear Task Force – Wargear Stratagem
Kraken rounds utilise adamantine cores and improved propellants to penetrate the thickest hide.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.

TARGET: Up to two KILL TEAM units from your army that have not been selected to shoot this phase, or one other ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army (excluding VEHICLES) that has not been selected to shoot this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of bolt weapons equipped by models in your unit by 1 and improve the range characteristic of those weapons by 6.

RESTRICTIONS: You cannot select any units that have already been targeted with either the Dragonfire Rounds or Hellfire Rounds Stratagems this phase.

SAGA OF THE WARRIOR BORN

  • This Saga is completed if one or more ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER models from your army destroyed one or more enemy CHARACTER models during that turn.
  • Benefit Once Completed: Melee weapons equipped by ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability.

RELENTLESS ASSAULT
1CP
Champions of Russ – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Once their blades and claws run red with the enemy’s blood, nothing will hold the savage sons of Russ back from new prey.
WHEN: Your Movement phase, just after an ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army makes a Fall Back or Advance move.

TARGET: That ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit.

EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, your unit is eligible to shoot even though it Fell Back or Advanced this phase. If the Saga of the Warrior Born has been completed by your army, until the end of the turn, your unit is also eligible to declare a charge.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Champions of Russ – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerency of the Adeptus Astartes, combined with their transhuman physiology, makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
Hazardous

Weapons powered by unstable and dangerous energy sources pose a substantial risk to the wielder every time they are used.

Weapons with [HAZARDOUS] in their profile are known as Hazardous weapons. Each time a unit is selected to shoot or fight, after that unit has resolved all of its attacks, for each Hazardous weapon that targets were selected for when resolving those attacks, that unit must take one Hazardous test. To do so, roll one D6: on a 1, that test is failed. For each failed test you must resolve the following sequence (resolve each failed test one at a time):
  • If possible, select one model in that unit that has lost one or more wounds and is equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
  • Otherwise, if possible, select one model in that unit (excluding CHARACTER models) equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
  • Otherwise, select one CHARACTER model in that unit equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
If a model was selected, that unit suffers 3 mortal wounds and when allocating those mortal wounds, they must be allocated to the selected model.
If a unit from a player’s army is selected as the target of the Fire Overwatch Stratagem in their opponent’s Charge phase, any mortal wounds inflicted by Hazardous tests are allocated after the charging unit has ended its Charge move.

Example: A unit of five models make five attacks with ranged weapons with the [HAZARDOUS] ability. After the unit has finished shooting, its controlling player rolls five D6. One of the results is a 1, and so one of those models suffers 3 mortal wounds.

  • After a unit shoots or fights, roll one Hazardous test (one D6) for each Hazardous weapon used. For each 1, a model equipped with a hazardous weapon suffers 3 mortal wounds, that must be allocated to the selected model.
Mortal Wounds

Some attacks are so powerful that no armour or force field can withstand their fury.

Some rules inflict mortal wounds on units. Each time mortal wounds are inflicted on a unit, each of those mortal wounds inflicts one point of damage to that unit, and they are always applied one at a time. Each mortal wound is allocated to a model in the same manner as allocating an attack. Excess damage from mortal wounds is not lost if the damage can be allocated to another model. Instead, keep allocating damage to another model in the target unit until either all the damage has been allocated or the target unit is destroyed.

If an attack inflicts mortal wounds in addition to any normal damage, do not make a Wound roll or saving throw (including invulnerable saving throws) against those mortal wounds. If those mortal wounds are inflicted by an attack that has the [PRECISION] ability, the attacking model’s controlling player can allocate those mortal wounds to a CHARACTER model in that unit.

If mortal wounds are being inflicted as a result of the [HAZARDOUS] ability or by an attack with the [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] ability that scored a Critical Wound, each time those mortal wounds are allocated to a model, if that model is destroyed as a result of those mortal wounds, the remaining mortal wounds from that attack are lost, just as with a normal attack.

If, when a unit is selected to shoot or fight, one or more of its attacks can inflict mortal wounds on the target, resolve any normal damage inflicted by the attacking unit’s attacks on that target before inflicting any mortal wounds on that target. If an attack inflicts mortal wounds in addition to any normal damage, but the normal damage is subsequently saved, the target unit still suffers those mortal wounds, as described above.

  • Each mortal wound inflicted on a unit causes one model in that unit to lose one wound.
  • Unless the source of the mortal wounds is the [HAZARDOUS] ability or an attack with the [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] ability, damage from mortal wounds is not lost if it can be allocated to another model.
  • No saving throws can be made against mortal wounds.
  • Mortal wounds inflicted by attacks always apply after any normal damage, even if that damage was saved.
Feel No Pain
FEEL NO PAIN

Some warriors refuse to be laid low, even by what should be fatal wounds.

Some models have ‘Feel No Pain x+’ listed in their abilities. Each time a model with this ability suffers damage and so would lose a wound (including wounds lost due to mortal wounds), roll one D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the number denoted by ‘x’, that wound is ignored and is not lost. If a model has more than one Feel No Pain ability, you can only use one of those abilities each time that model suffers damage and so would lose a wound.

  • Feel No Pain x+: Each time this model would lose a wound, roll one D6: if the result equals or exceeds ‘x’, that wound is not lost.
Psychic Weapons and Abilities
Some weapons and abilities can only be used by PSYKERS. Such weapons and abilities are tagged with the word ‘Psychic’. If a Psychic weapon or ability causes any unit to suffer one or more wounds, each of those wounds is considered to have been inflicted by a Psychic Attack.

SAGA OF THE BEAR

  • This Saga is completed if one or more ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER models from your army were reduced to below half of their starting number of wounds during that turn, but were not destroyed at the end of that turn.
  • Benefit Once Completed: ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army have the Feel No Pain 6+ ability.

RUNIC WARDS
1CP
Champions of Russ – Wargear Stratagem
Imbued as they are with the cunning psychic might of the Rune Priests, shamanistic totems, tattoos and fetishes are a potent shield against baleful attacks and the foul sorcery of witches.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, models in your unit have the Feel No Pain 5+ ability against mortal wounds and Psychic Attacks. If the Saga of the Bear has been completed by your army, until the end of the phase, models in your unit have the Feel No Pain 4+ ability against mortal wounds and Psychic Attacks instead.
Consolidate
After a unit has finished making all of its melee attacks, it Consolidates. Each time a unit Consolidates, you can move each model in that unit that is not already in base-to-base contact with an enemy model up to 3" – this is a Consolidation move. For a Consolidation to be possible, a unit must be able to end these moves within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units and in Unit Coherency. If these conditions cannot be met, then each model in that unit can instead make a Consolidation move towards the closest objective marker, but only if, after doing so, that unit is within range of that objective marker and in Unit Coherency. If these conditions also cannot be met, no models in the unit can make Consolidation moves this phase and that unit’s fight ends.

If a unit can end its Consolidation within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, then each time one of its models makes a Consolidation move, it must end that move closer to the closest enemy model. If it can also end that move in base-to-base contact with one or more enemy models while still satisfying all of the conditions above, it must do so. The controlling player chooses the order in which to move their models.

  • Consolidation Move: Up to 3".
  • Every model that moves must end closer to the closest enemy model, and in base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible. The unit must end in Unit Coherency and within Engagement Range of at least one enemy unit if possible.
  • If the above is not possible, each model can move towards the closest objective marker, but this must result in the unit being within range of it and in Unit Coherency.
  • If the above is also not possible, no models can Consolidate.
Unit Coherency
A unit that contains more than one model must be set up and end any kind of move as a single group, with all of its models within 2" horizontally and 5" vertically of at least one other model from that unit. While a unit has seven or more models, all of its models must instead be set up and end any kind of move within 2" horizontally and 5" vertically of at least two other models from that unit. This is called Unit Coherency.

If for any reason a model cannot be set up in Unit Coherency, or cannot be set up following any restrictions stated by other rules (e.g. while setting up using the Deep Strike ability), that unit cannot be set up. If a unit cannot end a move in Unit Coherency, it cannot make that move and its models are returned to their previous positions.

At the end of every turn, each player must remove models, one at a time, from any of the units from their armies that are no longer in Unit Coherency, until only a single group of models from each of those units remains in play and in Unit Coherency. Models removed in this way count as having been destroyed, but they never trigger any rules that apply when a model is destroyed.

  • Unit Coherency: Within 2" horizontally and 5" vertically of:
    • One other model from the same unit (in units of 2-6 models).
    • Two other models from the same unit (in units of 7+ models).
  • At the end of every turn, if a unit is not in Unit Coherency, the controlling player must remove models until that unit is in Unit Coherency again.

SAGA OF MAJESTY

  • This Saga is completed if you controlled one or more objective markers in your opponent’s deployment zone at the end of that turn, and one or more ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER models from your army were within range of that objective marker.
  • Benefit Once Completed: Improve the Objective Control characteristic of ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army by 1.

DEATH HOWL
1CP
Champions of Russ – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Having stalked their prey or run them to ground, all that remains is to go for the enemy’s weakest points, to rip them apart in a furious bloodletting. Onlookers are stricken with terror at the bloody spectacle, an instant before the sons of Russ pounce upon them.
WHEN: Fight phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that destroyed one or more enemy units this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a Consolidation move, it can move up to 6" instead of up to 3", provided your unit ends that Consolidation move in Unit Coherency and within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units. In addition, if the Saga of Majesty has been completed by your army, each enemy unit within 6" of your unit when it ends that Consolidation move must take a Battle-shock test

SAGA OF THE BEASTSLAYER

  • This Saga is completed if one or more ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER models from your army destroyed one or more enemy MONSTER or VEHICLE models during that turn.
  • Benefit Once Completed: Melee weapons equipped by ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army have the [LETHAL HITS] ability.

Lance

Lance weapons are deadly on the charge.

Weapons with [LANCE] in their profile are known as Lance weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if the bearer made a Charge move this turn, add 1 to that attack’s Wound roll.
GO FOR THE THROAT
1CP
Champions of Russ – Battle Tactic Stratagem
With the scent of blood in the air and the rushing joy of battle surging through every true warrior’s hearts, even the greatest quarry can be brought down.
WHEN: Fight phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of melee weapons equipped by models in your unit by 1. If the Saga of the Beastslayer has been completed by your army, until the end of the phase, such weapons have the [LANCE] ability as well.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Company Of Hunters – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerence of the Adeptus Astartes combined with their transhuman physiology makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Firestorm Assault Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerence of the Adeptus Astartes combined with their post-human physiology makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
Torrent

Torrent weapons shoot clouds of fire, gas or other lethal substances that few foes can hope to evade.

Weapons with [TORRENT] in their profile are known as Torrent weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, that attack automatically hits the target.
IMMOLATION PROTOCOLS
2CP
Firestorm Assault Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Salvo after salvo of burning promethium unleashed in synchronised waves will leave almost any foe as smouldering ash.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, Torrent weapons equipped by models in that unit have the [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] ability.
ONSLAUGHT OF FIRE
1CP
Firestorm Assault Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Armed with targeting data supplied by their transport's augury gheists, warriors erupt from the assault ramps with weapons blazing in ruthless eradication patterns.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that disembarked from a TRANSPORT this turn and has not been selected to shoot this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack that targets the closest eligible target within 12", add 1 to the Hit roll. If one or more enemy models are destroyed as the result of any of those attacks, select one of those destroyed models; that destroyed model’s unit must take a Battle-shock test.

Devastator Doctrine

The Codex Astartes details the strategic value of overwhelming firepower applied to key targets while advancing into position to eliminate threats.

This unit is eligible to shoot in a turn in which it Advanced.

Tactical Doctrine

As the warring armies close upon one another and vicious fire-fights erupt, the Codex lays out strategies for swiftly seizing the initiative and combining versatility with firepower.

This unit is eligible to shoot and declare a charge in a turn in which it Fell Back.

Assault Doctrine

The Codex Astartes leaves no doubt that the killing blow in most engagements must be delivered with a decisive close-quarters strike. It presents plentiful tactical means to achieve this end.

This unit is eligible to declare a charge in a turn in which it Advanced.

ADAPTIVE STRATEGY
1CP
Gladius Task Force – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
The tenets of the Codex Astartes allow for unorthodox use of combat tactics and the employment of divergent strategic doctrines if doing so will lead to victory.
WHEN: Your Command phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army.

EFFECT: Select the Devastator Doctrine, Tactical Doctrine or Assault Doctrine. Until the start of your next Command phase, that Combat Doctrine is active for that unit instead of any other Combat Doctrine that is active for your army, even if you have already selected that doctrine this battle.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Gladius Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerency of the Adeptus Astartes, combined with their transhuman physiology, makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
STORM OF FIRE
1CP
Gladius Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
There is no escaping the wrath of the Space Marines, and they use their weapons to bring swift death to their foes wherever they may hide.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [IGNORES COVER] ability. If your unit is under the effects of the Devastator Doctrine, until the end of the phase, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of such weapons by 1 as well.
HONOUR THE CHAPTER
1CP
Gladius Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Every Chapter has forged its own tales of heroism, and none of its battle-brothers would see that noble record besmirched.
WHEN: Fight phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, melee weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [LANCE] ability. If your unit is under the effects of the Assault Doctrine, until the end of the phase, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of such weapons by 1 as well.
ONLY IN DEATH DOES DUTY END
2CP
Gladius Task Force – Epic Deed Stratagem
Imminent death does not prevent a Space Marine from enacting his final justice upon the enemies of the Imperium.
WHEN: Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit is destroyed, if that model has not fought this phase, do not remove it from play. The destroyed model can fight after the attacking model’s unit has finished making its attacks, and is then removed from play.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Inner Circle Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerency and transhuman physiologies of the Adeptus Astartes make them unyielding foes.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
Starting Strength
The number of models a unit contains when it is added to your army is known as its Starting Strength.
UNBOWED CONVICTION
1CP
Ironstorm Spearhead – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Space Marines exemplify obdurate tenacity. Even injured, they will never abandon their oaths.
WHEN: Command phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that is below its Starting Strength.

EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, your unit can ignore any or all modifiers to its characteristics and/or to any roll or test made for it (excluding modifiers to saving throws).
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Ironstorm Spearhead – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerence of the Adeptus Astartes combined with their post-human physiology makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
MERCY IS WEAKNESS
2CP
Ironstorm Spearhead – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Once a foe is marked for destruction, the Angels of Death must not relent until the target is annihilated.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase or the Fight phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack that targets a unit that is below its Starting Strength, that attack has the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability, and when making such an attack, if the attacking model is a VEHICLE, a successful unmodified Hit roll of 5+ scores a Critical Hit.
ANGELIC GRACE
1CP
Liberator Assault Group – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Sanguinius' sons are blessed with the spiritual fortitude of their Primarch.
WHEN: Any phase, just after an ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army has a mortal wound allocated to it.

TARGET: That ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, models in your unit have the Feel No Pain 5+ ability against mortal wounds.
Red Thirst
Liberator Assault Group Detachment

Though they strive to restrain it, the murderous ferocity of the Blood Angels simmers beneath the surface of their thoughts. In battle, this rage drives them towards the foe and lends great strength to their blows.

Each time an ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army is selected to fight, if that unit made a Charge move this turn, until the end of the phase, add 1 to the Attacks characteristic and add 2 to the Strength characteristic of melee weapons equipped by models in that unit.
AGGRESSIVE ONSLAUGHT
1CP
Liberator Assault Group – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
The Blood Angels enact a sweeping advance.
WHEN: Your Movement phase, just after an Adeptus Astartes unit from your army has Advanced.

TARGET: That ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit.

EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, your unit is eligible to either shoot or declare a charge, even though it Advanced. You can instead choose for your unit to give in to the Red Thirst; if it does, it becomes Battle-shocked (but the effects of this Stratagem still apply to it) and until the end of the turn, your unit is eligible to both shoot and declare a charge, even though it Advanced.
RELENTLESS ASSAULT
1CP
Liberator Assault Group – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
When Blood Angels execute a tactical withdrawal it is but a prelude to a renewed assault.
WHEN: Your Movement phase, just after an ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army Falls Back.

TARGET: That ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit.

EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, your unit is eligible to either shoot or declare a charge even though it Fell Back. You can instead choose for your unit to give in to the Red Thirst; if it does, it becomes Battle-shocked (but the effects of this Stratagem still apply to it) and until the end of the turn, your unit is eligible to both shoot and declare a charge, even though it Fell Back.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Liberator Assault Group – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerency of the Adeptus Astartes combined with their transhuman physiology makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
SAVAGE ECHOES
1CP
Liberator Assault Group – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The Sons of Sanguinius may embrace the Red Thirst but for a moment, if the need arises.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Charge phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was just charged by an enemy unit.

EFFECT: Select either the Strength or Attacks characteristic of melee weapons equipped bg models in your unit. Until the end of the turn, add 1 to the selected characteristic. You can instead choose for your unit to give in to the Red Thirst; if it does, it becomes Battle-shocked (but the effects of this Stratagem still apply to it) and until the end of the turn, add 1 to the Strength and Attacks characteristics of melee weapons equipped by models in your unit.
RED RAMPAGE
1CP
Liberator Assault Group – Battle Tactic Stratagem
In times of great desperation, fury and ferocity can be a warrior's strongest allies.
WHEN: Fight phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.

EFFECT: Select either the [LANCE] or [LETHAL HITS] abilities. Until the end of the phase, melee weapons equipped by models in your unit have the selected ability. You can instead choose for your unit to give in to the Red Thirst; if it does, then it becomes Battle-shocked (but the effects of this Stratagem still apply to it) and until the end of the phase, melee weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [LANCE] and [LETHAL HITS] abilities.

Accept Any Challenge, No Matter the Odds

Melee weapons equipped by models in this unit have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability.

NO ESCAPE
1CP
Righteous Crusaders – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Glowing blades and revving chainswords close off the foe’s every avenue of escape.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Movement phase, when an enemy unit (excluding VEHICLES and MONSTERS) is selected to Fall Back.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that is within Engagement Range of that enemy unit.

EFFECT: Roll one D6, adding 1 to the result if the Accept Any Challenge, No Matter the Odds vow is active for your army. On a 4+, that enemy unit cannot Fall Back this phase and must Remain Stationary. Otherwise, that enemy unit can Fall Back this phase, but if it does, all models in that unit must take a Desperate Escape test.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Righteous Crusaders – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerency and transhuman physiologies of the Adeptus Astartes make them unyielding foes.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
Invulnerable Saves

Whether shielded by force fields, enveloped in mystical energies or simply possessed of preternatural senses and lightning-fast reflexes, some warriors are protected by more than mere physical armour.

Some models have an invulnerable save listed on their datasheet. Each time an attack is allocated to a model with an invulnerable save, the controlling player must choose to use either that model’s Save characteristic or its invulnerable save, but not both. If a model has more than one invulnerable save, it can only use one of them – choose which it will use.

Unlike armour saving throws (which use a model’s Save characteristic), invulnerable saving throws are never modified by an attack’s Armour Penetration characteristic, but otherwise follow the normal rules for saving throws.

  • Invulnerable Save: Never modified by an attack’s AP.
  • The controlling player can choose to use either a model’s invulnerable save or its Save characteristic.

Abhor the Witch, Destroy the Witch

Models in this unit have a 4+ invulnerable save against Psychic Attacks and melee weapons equipped by models in this unit have the [ANTI-PSYKER 4+] ability.

DEVOUT PUSH
1CP
Righteous Crusaders – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
With a zealous cry, the Black Templars press forward towards victory.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase, just after an enemy unit has shot.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that had one or more of its models destroyed as a result of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Your unit can make a Normal move of up to D6", but it must end that move closer to the enemy unit that just shot. If the Abhor the Witch, Destroy the Witch vow is active for your army, your unit can make a Normal move of up to 6" instead, but it must end that move either closer to the enemy unit that just shot, or closer to the closest enemy PSYKER unit.

Suffer Not the Unclean to Live

Melee weapons equipped by models in this unit have the [LETHAL HITS] ability.

CRUSADER'S WRATH
1CP
Righteous Crusaders – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The Black Templars channel their fervour into a hate-fuelled flurry of blows.
WHEN: Fight phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a melee attack, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1. If the Suffer Not The Unclean to Live vow is active for your army, add 1 to the Strength characteristic of that attack as well.

Uphold the Honour of the Emperor

Models in this unit have the Feel No Pain 6+ ability and a Leadership characteristic of 5+.

VICIOUS RIPOSTE
1CP
Righteous Crusaders – Epic Deed Stratagem
Every blow struck against a Black Templar is answered in kind. Even as they are laid low, their blades still lash out at the enemies of the divine Emperor.
WHEN: Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit is destroyed, if that model has not fought this phase, roll one D6, adding 1 to the result if the Uphold the Honour of the Emperor vow is active for your army. On a 4+, do not remove the destroyed model from play; it can fight after the attacking model’s unit has finished making its attacks, and is then removed from play.
WIND-SWIFT EVASION
1CP
Stormlance Task Force – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Space Marines are loathe to be brought into combat on any others’ terms, especially the warriors of Stormlance Task Forces, whose battlefield tactics revolve around speed and precise, ferocious assaults.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Movement phase, just after an enemy unit ends a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that is within 9" of that enemy unit.

EFFECT: Your unit can make a Normal move of up to 6".

RESTRICTIONS: You cannot select a unit that is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Stormlance Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerence of the Adeptus Astartes combined with their post-human physiology makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
BLITZING FUSILLADE
1CP
Stormlance Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Warriors of Stormlance Task Forces can suddenly pour heavy and accurate fire into the enemy even as they race to finish off any survivors.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [ASSAULT] ability. If such a weapon already has this ability, until the end of the phase, that weapon has the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability as well.
UNBRIDLED ARDOUR
1CP
The Angelic Host – Epic Deed Stratagem
The Sanguinary Guard exemplify the noble heritage of Sanguinius, leaping to avenge their battle-brothers without hesitation.
WHEN: Any phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was just destroyed. You can use this Stratagem on that unit even though it was just destroyed.

EFFECT: Until the end of the battle, each time a friendly SANGUINARY GUARD unit makes an attack that targets the enemy unit that just destroyed your unit, you can re-roll the Hit roll and you can re-roll the Wound roll.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
The Angelic Host – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerence of the Adeptus Astartes combined with their enhanced physiology makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit's attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
The Lost Brethren – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerence of the Adeptus Astartes combined with their enhanced physiology makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit's attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
INTRACTABLE
1CP
Unforgiven Task Force – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Even the Dark Angels must give ground occasionally, y but their stubborn determination ensures they never do so for long, or without a fight.
WHEN: Your Movement phase, just after an ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army Falls Back.

TARGET: That ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit.

EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, your unit is eligible to shoot and declare a charge in a turn in which it Fell Back.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Unforgiven Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerency and transhuman physiologies of the Adeptus Astartes make them unyielding foes.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
UNFORGIVEN FURY
1CP
Unforgiven Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
With focused aggression, the Dark Angels relentlessly punish the foe.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase or the Fight phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [LETHAL HITS] ability. In addition, if one or more ADEPTUS ASTARTES units from your army are currently Battle-shocked, until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack, a successful unmodified Hit roll of 5+ scores a Critical Hit.
Heavy

Heavy weapons are amongst the biggest guns on the battlefield, but require bracing to fire at full effect and are unwieldy to bring to bear at close quarters.

Weapons with [HEAVY] in their profile are known as Heavy weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if the attacking model’s unit Remained Stationary this turn, add 1 to that attack’s Hit roll.

  • Add 1 to Hit rolls if the bearer’s unit Remained Stationary this turn.
FIRE DISCIPLINE
1CP
Unforgiven Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
There is no escaping the Unforgiven’s wrath when they bring their disciplined firepower to bear.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, ranged weapons equipped by models in that unit have the [ASSAULT], [HEAVY] and [IGNORES COVER] abilities.
GRIM RETRIBUTION
1CP
Unforgiven Task Force – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Stern and vengeful as they are, the warriors of the Unforgiven Chapters deliver swift retribution to any foe foolish enough to try to lay them low.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase, just after an enemy unit has shot.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that had one or more models destroyed as a result of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Your unit can shoot as if it were your Shooting phase, but it must target the enemy unit that just attacked it, and can only do so if that enemy unit is an eligible target.
Charging with a Unit
Once you have selected an eligible unit to declare a charge, you must select one or more enemy units within 12" of it as the targets of that charge. The targets of a charge do not need to be visible to the charging unit.

You then make a Charge roll for the charging unit by rolling 2D6. The result is the maximum number of inches each model in that unit can be moved if a Charge move is possible. For a Charge move to be possible, the Charge roll must be sufficient to enable the charging unit to end that move:
  • Within Engagement Range of every unit that you selected as a target of the charge.
  • Without moving within Engagement Range of any enemy units that were not a target of the charge.
  • In Unit Coherency.
If any of these conditions cannot be met, the charge fails and no models in the charging unit move this phase. Otherwise, the charge is successful and the models in the charging unit make a Charge move – move each model a distance in inches up to the result of the Charge roll. When doing so, each model in the charging unit must end its Charge move closer to one of the units selected as a target of its charge. If you can also move a charging model so that it ends its Charge move in base-to-base contact with one or more enemy models while still enabling the charging unit to end its move satisfying all of the conditions above, you must do so. The controlling player chooses the order in which to move their models.

  • Charge Roll: 2D6".
  • Targets of a charge must be within 12" but do not need to be visible.
  • If the distance rolled is insufficient to move within Engagement Range of all targets while maintaining Unit Coherency, the charge fails.
  • Cannot move within Engagement Range of any unit that was not a target of the charge.
  • If the charge is successful, each model makes a Charge move less than or equal to the Charge roll, and must move into base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible.
UNBREAKABLE LINES
2CP
Unforgiven Task Force – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Countless assaults have faltered against the unbreakable ceramite wall that is the Unforgiven standing their ground.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Charge phase, just after an enemy unit ends a Charge move.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army within Engagement Range of that enemy unit.

EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, each time an attack targets your unit, subtract 1 from the Wound roll.
ARMOUR OF CONTEMPT
1CP
Vanguard Spearhead – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The belligerence of the Adeptus Astartes combined with their post-human physiology makes them unyielding foes to face.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.

TARGET: One ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.

EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, worsen the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
Combat Doctrines
Gladius Task Force Detachment

The Codex Astartes has proven its worth as a superb treatise on warfare over countless battlefields, and has remained so even after ten thousand years. Many Space Marines hold its wisdom in awe, and exemplify its teachings, employing a flexible set of combat doctrines to eliminate their enemy. Few opponents can withstand the fury of such an onslaught.

At the start of your Command phase, you can select one of the Combat Doctrines listed below. Until the start of your next Command phase, that Combat Doctrine is active and its effects apply to all ADEPTUS ASTARTES units from your army. You can only select each Combat Doctrine once per battle.

Devastator Doctrine

The Codex Astartes details the strategic value of overwhelming firepower applied to key targets while advancing into position to eliminate threats.

This unit is eligible to shoot in a turn in which it Advanced.

Tactical Doctrine

As the warring armies close upon one another and vicious fire-fights erupt, the Codex lays out strategies for swiftly seizing the initiative and combining versatility with firepower.

This unit is eligible to shoot and declare a charge in a turn in which it Fell Back.

Assault Doctrine

The Codex Astartes leaves no doubt that the killing blow in most engagements must be delivered with a decisive close-quarters strike. It presents plentiful tactical means to achieve this end.

This unit is eligible to declare a charge in a turn in which it Advanced.

Shield of the Imperium
Anvil Siege Force Detachment

Across blood-drenched battlefields, within towering citadels and isolated orbital stations, the Angels of Death throw back tides of traitors, mutants, xenos and heretics, and purge enemy holdings of foes thanks to their disciplined strategies and fighting skills. All who oppose them are met with volleys of deadly accurate firepower long before they reach the battle-brothers’ razor-sharp blades.

Ranged weapons equipped by ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army have the [HEAVY] ability. If such a weapon already has this ability, each time an attack is made with that weapon, if the attacking model’s unit Remained Stationary this turn, add 1 to the Wound roll.
Armoured Wrath
Ironstorm Spearhead Detachment

An Ironstorm Spearhead’s commanders guide their assault with pre-cogitated fire solutions, cycling data-gheist inloads and whispered binharic auguries. These ensure their warriors, and the belligerent machine spirits inhabiting their war engines, deliver their fire with inescapable accuracy.

Once per phase for each ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit in your army, you can re-roll one Hit roll, one Wound roll or one Damage roll made for a model in that unit.
Close-range Eradication
Firestorm Assault Force Detachment

The Space Marines are the Emperor’s finest shock troops, striking at the foe before they can react. In their rapid, mechanised assaults, Space Marines smash aside the enemy, destroying them at close quarters without mercy.

Ranged weapons equipped by ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army have the [ASSAULT] ability, and each time an attack made with such a weapon targets a unit within 12", add 1 to the Strength characteristic of that attack.
Lightning Assault
Stormlance Task Force Detachment

The warriors of a Stormlance Task Force employ high-speed tactics and hit-and-run warfare. They do battle on the move, wrong-footing their enemies with breakneck manoeuvres and melting away one moment only to crash home like a thunderbolt the next.

ADEPTUS ASTARTES units from your army are eligible to declare a charge in a turn in which they Advanced or Fell Back.
Shadow Masters
Vanguard Spearhead Detachment

The warriors of a Vanguard Spearhead slip through the shadows, half-seen spectres barely visible to the foe. Enemies blaze away into the gloom with increasing panic, their shots flying wide as covert specialists encircle their victims and prepare to level the killing blow.

Each time a ranged attack targets an ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army, unless the attacking model is within 12", subtract 1 from the Hit roll and the target has the Benefit of Cover against that attack.
Oath of Moment

In battle, Space Marines swear mighty oaths to destroy the enemies of the Emperor and uphold the honour of their Chapter, and such vows are sacrosanct. When the Angels of Death strike, they do so with the precision of a surgeon and the force of a thunderbolt. Experience and strategic expertise help them to read the shifting shape of the battle with post-human speed and clarity, directing their wrath towards one priority target after another. Command assets are annihilated, leaving the enemy reeling leaderless. Heavy armour, potent artillery and the vaunted elites of the foe’s forces are laid waste with horrifying speed, until the Emperor’s Angels of Death stand victorious over a field of smouldering wreckage and bolt-riddled corpses, and honour is finally satisfied.

If your Army Faction is ADEPTUS ASTARTES, at the start of your Command phase, select one unit from your opponent’s army. Until the start of your next Command phase, that enemy unit is your Oath of Moment target. Each time a model with this ability makes an attack that targets your Oath of Moment target, you can re-roll the Hit roll.
Extremis-level Threat
1st Company Task Force Detachment

The 1st Company’s veterans have fought at the forefront of their Chapter’s wars for many mortal lifespans. Experience has taught them to identify the foe’s lethal threats and to lead their battle-brothers to purge them from existence.

Once per battle, in your Command phase, you can use this ability. If you do, until the start of your next Command phase, each time a model from your army with the Oath of Moment ability makes an attack that targets your Oath of Moment target, you can re-roll the Wound roll as well.
Mission Tactics
Black Spear Task Force Detachment

Thousands of years of collated strategic data and hard-won combat experience have provided the Deathwatch with the ultimate battlefield tactics to combat almost any foe.

At the start of your Command phase, you can select one of the Mission Tactics listed below. Until the start of your next Command phase, that Mission Tactic is active and its effects apply to all units from your army with this ability. Each Mission Tactic can only be selected once per battle.

FUROR TACTICS

When the enemy horde grows close, the Deathwatch will be tasked with the decimation of their core. Aiming not for clinical kills but for maximum destruction over a wide area, they tear the heart from the enemy army.

While this Mission Tactic is active, weapons equipped by ADEPTUS ASTARTES units from your army have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability.

MALLEUS TACTICS

When the giants of war lumber forth, the Deathwatch will adopt Malleus tactics. Even the largest behemoth has a weak point, and the archives of the Deathwatch number them all.

While this Mission Tactic is active, weapons equipped by ADEPTUS ASTARTES units from your army have the [LETHAL HITS] ability.

PURGATUS TACTICS

By adopting Purgatus tactics, the Deathwatch focus their deadly ire upon the commanders of the enemy host, assassinating them one after another with pitiless head shots and killing thrusts of the blade.

While this Mission Tactic is active, each time an ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army makes an attack, if a Critical Hit is scored, that attack has the [PRECISION] ability.

Templar Vows
Righteous Crusaders Detachment

On the eve of battle, the warriors of a Black Templars crusade gather together to be led in prayer and contemplation by their Chaplains. In their righteous zeal, united in their hatred of the foe, they swear a mighty vow to uphold in the battle ahead.

At the start of the first battle round, select one of the four Templar Vows below to be active for ADEPTUS ASTARTES units from your army until the end of the battle.

Suffer Not the Unclean to Live

Melee weapons equipped by models in this unit have the [LETHAL HITS] ability.

Uphold the Honour of the Emperor

Models in this unit have the Feel No Pain 6+ ability and a Leadership characteristic of 5+.

Abhor the Witch, Destroy the Witch

Models in this unit have a 4+ invulnerable save against Psychic Attacks and melee weapons equipped by models in this unit have the [ANTI-PSYKER 4+] ability.

Accept Any Challenge, No Matter the Odds

Melee weapons equipped by models in this unit have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability.

Deeds Worthy of Saga
Champions of Russ Detachment

Legendary deeds in the midst of battle are an intoxicating mead. Those who witness them are inspired to greater feats of daring and valour, determined to prove themselves worthy of their champions.

At the start of the first battle round, select one of the Sagas listed below (excluding Saga of Majesty); that Saga is considered to be completed by your army, and all ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army gain the associated benefit until the end of the battle.

At the end of each player’s turn, you can select one of the Sagas listed below (excluding the Saga you selected at the start of the first battle round). If that Saga was completed by your army during that turn, all ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army gain the associated benefit until the end of the battle. You can only select each Saga once per battle.

SAGA OF THE WARRIOR BORN

  • This Saga is completed if one or more ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER models from your army destroyed one or more enemy CHARACTER models during that turn.
  • Benefit Once Completed: Melee weapons equipped by ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability.

SAGA OF MAJESTY

  • This Saga is completed if you controlled one or more objective markers in your opponent’s deployment zone at the end of that turn, and one or more ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER models from your army were within range of that objective marker.
  • Benefit Once Completed: Improve the Objective Control characteristic of ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army by 1.

SAGA OF THE BEAR

  • This Saga is completed if one or more ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER models from your army were reduced to below half of their starting number of wounds during that turn, but were not destroyed at the end of that turn.
  • Benefit Once Completed: ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army have the Feel No Pain 6+ ability.

SAGA OF THE BEASTSLAYER

  • This Saga is completed if one or more ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER models from your army destroyed one or more enemy MONSTER or VEHICLE models during that turn.
  • Benefit Once Completed: Melee weapons equipped by ADEPTUS ASTARTES models from your army have the [LETHAL HITS] ability.

Grim Resolve
Unforgiven Task Force Detachment

The Dark Angels are renowned for their unshakeable resolve, enduring tenacity and strict discipline in battle. They are tactically astute, able to prosecute their wars on any front. On the offence, they strike with all the martial pride of the Lion, while in defence they are stalwart, determined to accomplish their mission no matter the cost.

While an ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army is Battle-shocked, change the Objective Control characteristic of models in that unit to 1, instead of 0. In your Command phase, select one ADEPTUS ASTARTES unit from your army; until the start of your next Command phase, add 1 to the Objective Control characteristic of models in that unit.

RESTRICTIONS
Your army can include DARK ANGELS units, but it cannot include any ADEPTUS ASTARTES units drawn from any other Chapter.
Masters Of Manoeuvre
Company of Hunters Detachment

The Ravenwing are fearsome and daring hunters, relentless in pursuit and furious on the assault When they lead the Dark Angels to war they inspire their battle-brothers with their strategic and tactical mastery of high-speed warfare, knightly bike-mounted venators leading every charge and rapidly outmanoeuvring the foe.

ADEPTUS ASTARTES units from your army are eligible to shoot in a turn in which they Advanced or Fell Back.

RESTRICTIONS
Your army can include DARK ANGELS units, but it cannot include any ADEPTUS ASTARTES units drawn from any other Chapter.

KEYWORDS
OUTRIDER SQUAD units from your army gain the BATTLELINE keyword.
Attached Units
Some CHARACTER units have the Leader ability, which lets them merge with other units (known as Bodyguard units) to form an Attached unit.

The Starting Strength of an Attached unit is equal to the combined Starting Strengths of all of its units (i.e. the number of models in the Leader unit added to the number of models in the Bodyguard unit). If either the Leader unit or the Bodyguard unit in an Attached unit is destroyed, the Starting Strength of the remaining unit is changed to be equal to its original Starting Strength.

Example: A Primaris Captain (Starting Strength 1) is attached to a unit of Intercessors (Starting Strength 5). This Attached unit has a Starting Strength of 6. If all the Intercessors are destroyed, the remaining Primaris Captain would revert to having a Starting Strength of 1.

For the purposes of rules that are triggered when a unit is destroyed, such rules are still triggered when one of the individual units that made up an Attached unit is destroyed (the Leader or the Bodyguard unit).

Example: If a rule awards you with 1VP each time an enemy unit is destroyed, and you target an Attached unit, you would gain 1VP if the Bodyguard unit is destroyed and 1VP if the Leader unit is destroyed (for a total of 2VP).
Embark
If a unit makes a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move, and every model in that unit ends that move within 3" of a friendly TRANSPORT model, they can embark within it. A unit cannot embark if it has already disembarked from a TRANSPORT model in the same phase. Remove the unit from the battlefield and place it to one side – it is now embarked within that TRANSPORT model. Unless otherwise stated, units cannot do anything or be affected in any way while they are embarked.

  • A unit can embark within a friendly TRANSPORT if all of its models end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within 3" of that TRANSPORT.
  • A unit cannot embark and disembark in the same phase.
Benefit of Cover

Shattered ruins and twisted wreckage afford much-needed shelter from enemy salvoes. Even heavily armoured warriors unfazed by small arms fire are thankful for such cover when foes bring their biggest guns to bear.

Models can sometimes gain a measure of protection from terrain features. The rules below detail the conditions under which a terrain feature confers the Benefit of Cover on a model.

Each time a ranged attack is allocated to a model that has the Benefit of Cover, add 1 to the saving throw made for that attack (excluding invulnerable saving throws). Models with a Save characteristic of 3+ or better cannot have the Benefit of Cover against attacks with an Armour Penetration characteristic of 0. Multiple instances of the Benefit of Cover are not cumulative – a model cannot benefit from this rule more than once at any one time.

  • Benefit of Cover: Add 1 to armour saving throws against ranged attacks.
  • Does not apply to models with a Save of 3+ or better against attacks with an AP of 0.
  • Multiple instances are not cumulative.
Indirect Fire

Indirect fire weapons launch munitions over or around intervening obstacles – nowhere is safe from their fury.

Weapons with [INDIRECT FIRE] in their profile are known as Indirect Fire weapons, and attacks can be made with them even if the target is not visible to the attacking model. These attacks can destroy enemy models in a target unit even though none may have been visible to the attacking unit when you selected that target.

If no models in a target unit are visible to the attacking unit when you select that target, then each time a model in the attacking unit makes an attack against that target using an Indirect Fire weapon, subtract 1 from that attack’s Hit roll, an unmodified Hit roll of 1-3 always fails, and the target has the Benefit of Cover against that attack. Weapons with the [TORRENT] ability cannot be fired using the [INDIRECT FIRE] ability.

Example: An enemy unit is targeted by an attacking model equipped with a weapon with the [INDIRECT FIRE] ability. No models in the target unit are visible to the attacking model, so when resolving the attacks made with that weapon, subtract 1 from that attack’s Hit roll an unmodified Hit roll of 1-3 always fails, and each time an attack is allocated to a model in the target unit, it has the Benefit of Cover against that attack.

  • Can target and make attacks against units that are not visible to the attacking unit.
  • If no models are visible in a target unit when it is selected, then when making an attack against that target with an Indirect Fire weapon, subtract 1 from that attack’s Hit roll, an unmodified Hit roll of 1-3 always fails, and the target has the Benefit of Cover against that attack.
Re-rolls
Some rules allow you to re-roll a dice roll, which means you get to roll some or all of the dice again. If a rule allows you to re-roll a dice roll that was made by adding several dice together (e.g. 2D6, 3D6, etc.) then, unless otherwise stated, you must re-roll all of those dice again.

You can never re-roll a dice more than once, and re-rolls happen before modifiers (if any) are applied. Rules that refer to the value of an ‘unmodified’ dice roll are referring to the dice result after any re-rolls, but before any modifiers are applied.

  • Unmodified Dice: the result after re-rolls, but before any modifiers.
  • A dice can never be re-rolled more than once.
  • You must re-roll all dice if several need adding together (e.g. 2D6).
  • Re-rolls are applied before any modifiers.
DEEP STRIKE

Some units make their way to battle via tunnelling, teleportation, high-altitude descent or other extraordinary means that allow them to appear suddenly in the thick of the fighting.

During the Declare Battle Formations step, if every model in a unit has this ability, you can set it up in Reserves instead of setting it up on the battlefield. If you do, in the Reinforcements step of one of your Movement phases you can set up this unit anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models. If a unit with the Deep Strike ability arrives from Strategic Reserves, the controlling player can choose for that unit to be set up either using the rules for Strategic Reserves or using the Deep Strike ability.
  • Unit can be set up in Reserves instead of on the battlefield.
  • Unit can be set up in your Reinforcements step, more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models.
Unit Visible
If one or more models in a unit is visible to the observing model, then that model’s unit is visible to the observing model.

STEALTH

Some warriors are masters of disguise and concealment.

If every model in a unit has this ability, then each time a ranged attack is made against it, subtract 1 from that attack’s Hit roll.
Charge Bonus

Many warriors thunder headlong into combat, using the impetus of their charge to bring swift death to their foes.

Each time a unit makes a Charge move, until the end of the turn, that unit has the Fights First ability.

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