Can Ultramarines Fall Back and Shoot? A Tactical Deep Dive

The short answer, as of the current 10th edition of Warhammer 40,000, is no, Ultramarines cannot inherently Fall Back and shoot. The iconic Chapter Tactic that allowed this in previous editions is no longer a standard rule for them. However, don’t despair, Commanders! While the direct ability is gone, the Ultramarines’ adaptability and strategic doctrines offer alternative pathways to achieve similar battlefield dominance.

The Evolving Ultramarines Tactics: From 8th to 10th Edition

The Ultramarines, renowned for their tactical flexibility and adherence to the Codex Astartes, have seen their Chapter Tactics evolve with each edition of Warhammer 40,000. In past editions, the ability to Fall Back and shoot, and even Fall Back and charge through stratagems, was a defining characteristic. This made them exceptionally difficult to pin down, allowing them to disengage from unfavorable melee engagements and unleash devastating firepower.

However, the design philosophy of 10th edition has shifted, aiming for a more streamlined and accessible game experience. As a result, the unique Chapter Tactic granting the Fall Back and shoot ability has been removed. Now, the core rules state explicitly that units that Fall Back cannot shoot or manifest psychic powers in the same turn, unless they possess the Titanic keyword (meaning massive war engines like Imperial Knights are exceptions).

This change significantly alters the Ultramarines’ playstyle, requiring players to adopt new strategies and leverage their other strengths to achieve victory.

Ultramarines Strengths in 10th Edition

Despite losing the direct Fall Back and shoot ability, the Ultramarines remain a formidable force. Their strength lies in their versatility, strategic flexibility, and powerful characters like Roboute Guilliman, the Primarch himself. Here’s how you can still play a highly effective Ultramarines army:

• Leverage Tactical Flexibility: The Ultramarines excel at adapting to different battlefield conditions and enemy tactics. Utilize your Command Points wisely to activate Strategic Ploys and Tactical Doctrines that provide situational advantages.

• Focus on Superior Firepower: While you can’t shoot after Falling Back, prioritize positioning and unit selection to maximize your firepower output. Utilize units with excellent range and high damage potential to eliminate threats before they can engage you in melee.

• Utilize Stratagems for Tactical Maneuvering: Explore the Ultramarines’ specific stratagems to enhance your movement, resilience, and offensive capabilities. Some stratagems may indirectly grant similar advantages to the old Fall Back and shoot tactic, such as allowing units to reposition more effectively or providing defensive bonuses to survive enemy assaults.

• Characters as Force Multipliers: Ultramarines characters, especially those with aura abilities and command traits, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your units. Use them to buff your squads, improve their accuracy, and provide tactical support.

• Embrace Combined Arms: A well-rounded Ultramarines army should incorporate a mix of infantry, vehicles, and support elements. This allows you to adapt to various battlefield challenges and exploit enemy weaknesses.

Mastering the New Ultramarines: Adapting to the Change

The key to success with the new Ultramarines lies in adapting your playstyle and embracing their remaining strengths. Focus on:

• Preemptive Positioning: Place your units in advantageous positions before the enemy can close in. Utilize terrain to your advantage and create firing lanes that maximize your firepower output.

• Screening Units: Use cheap, expendable units to screen your more valuable assets from enemy charges. This will buy you time to eliminate threats before they can engage your key units in melee.

• Counter-Charging: Instead of relying on Falling Back, consider counter-charging enemy units that attempt to engage you in melee. This can disrupt their plans and allow you to dictate the terms of engagement.

• Strategic Reserves: Utilize Strategic Reserves to keep some of your units off the board initially and deploy them later in the game to exploit enemy weaknesses or reinforce key positions.

Conclusion

While the direct Fall Back and shoot ability is no longer a defining feature of the Ultramarines, their core strengths of tactical flexibility, superior firepower, and powerful characters remain. By adapting your playstyle and leveraging these strengths, you can still lead the sons of Guilliman to victory on the battlefields of the 41st millennium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Ultramarines use a stratagem to Fall Back and shoot in 10th edition?

   As of the current rules, there are no generic stratagems or Ultramarines-specific stratagems that directly allow a unit to Fall Back and shoot. Always check the latest Codex and FAQs for any updates or changes.

2. Can vehicles Fall Back and shoot in 10th edition?

   No, unless they possess the Titanic keyword. Standard vehicles that Fall Back cannot shoot in the same turn.

3. What happens if an Ultramarine unit is Locked in Combat?

   A unit that is Locked in Combat cannot shoot unless it either breaks free by Falling Back (and forfeiting its shooting phase) or engages the enemy in melee combat.

4. Can Ultramarines Advance and shoot?

   No, units that Advance cannot shoot or charge in the same turn.

5. What is the Ultramarines Chapter Tactic in 10th Edition?

   The Ultramarines Chapter Tactic focuses on strategic redeployment and battlefield control, not specifically on Fall Back and shoot. Consult the latest Codex for the exact details of their current Chapter Tactic.

6. Are there any Space Marine Chapters that can Fall Back and shoot in 10th edition?

   Some Chapter-specific rules or stratagems might grant similar abilities, but there are no widely available rules that allow it. Check individual Chapter rules in their respective codexes.

7. Can Knights Fall Back and shoot?

   Imperial Knights, due to the Titanic keyword, are an exception to the rule. They can Fall Back and shoot.

8. What are some general strategies for dealing with melee-focused armies as Ultramarines?

   Maintain distance with superior firepower, use screening units, and focus on eliminating threats before they can engage you in melee. Consider counter-charging to disrupt enemy assaults.

9. How does the “Rule of Three” affect Ultramarines army building?

   The Rule of Three limits the number of identical datasheet units you can include in your army. This encourages diversity in your unit selection and prevents “spamming” the same unit repeatedly.

10. Can I use models from Horus Heresy (30k) in my Ultramarines 40k army?

    Generally, yes, but you need to find the 40k equivalent datasheet for the unit. Some 30k-specific units may not have direct 40k equivalents and may require conversion or proxying.

11. Where can I find the most up-to-date rules and FAQ for Warhammer 40,000?

    The official Warhammer 40,000 website and the Warhammer 40,000 app are the best sources for the latest rules, FAQs, and errata.

12. What are the Ultramarines’ weaknesses?

    Historically, a reliance on standard tactics and a lack of extreme specialization could be considered weaknesses. However, in 10th Edition, adaptability can be a strength, but proper execution is crucial.

13. Who deploys first in Warhammer 40,000?

    Players roll off to determine who deploys first. The winner also decides who takes the first turn.

14. What is the “Fights First” rule in Warhammer 40,000?

    Units that charged in the current turn or possess the Fights First ability get to fight first in the Fight phase.

15. Where can I learn more about game-based learning and the educational applications of games?

    You can find valuable resources and information on the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.