Charging Into the Fray: A Deep Dive into Engagement Range and Charging in Warhammer 40,000

The grim darkness of the far future is a place of brutal combat, and the Charge phase in Warhammer 40,000 is where armies collide in a furious melee. A question that often arises among players, from seasoned veterans to fresh recruits, is: Can you charge while in engagement range in 40k? The definitive answer is no, you cannot charge a unit if you are already within Engagement Range of it. The Charge phase is designed for closing the distance between your units and the enemy, not for initiating a second charge against an already engaged foe.

However, the intricacies of the Engagement Range rules and the mechanics of the Charge phase mean that the interaction of these concepts requires a more thorough understanding. Let’s dissect the rules and explore some common scenarios.

Understanding Engagement Range

Before diving into the nuances of charging, it’s crucial to grasp the concept of Engagement Range.

• Definition: Two models from opposing armies are within Engagement Range of each other if they are within 1 inch horizontally and 5 inches vertically of each other.
• Implications: Being in Engagement Range has several significant effects:
  • Units cannot normally shoot at targets within Engagement Range of friendly units.
  • Units cannot normally fall back if there are any enemy units within Engagement Range.
  • Units in Engagement Range are prime targets for the Fight phase.

The key here is to understand that Engagement Range is a state of being, not an action. Being within Engagement Range prevents a unit from performing certain actions, including attempting to charge the same unit again. You cannot use a second charge to, for example, improve positioning within the fight.

The Charge Phase: Closing the Distance

The Charge phase is all about aggression and initiating close combat. Here’s a rundown of how it works:

1. Declare Charges: You choose which of your units will attempt a charge, and declare which enemy units they will target. You can declare charges against multiple enemy units.
2. Roll Charge Rolls: For each charging unit, roll two dice and add the results. This is the charge distance.
3. Move Charging Units: Move each charging unit the distance rolled, attempting to get as many models as possible into Engagement Range of the target(s).
4. Successful Charges: If your unit can get within Engagement Range of the target(s) while maintaining unit coherency, the charge is successful. Models must move into base-to-base contact if possible.

Notice that the very definition of a successful charge involves entering Engagement Range. If you’re already there, you can’t “enter” it again.

Charging into Different Units While Engaged

A key subtlety arises when dealing with multiple enemy units. Suppose your unit is in Engagement Range of one enemy unit (Unit A). Can it charge a different enemy unit (Unit B) in the Charge phase?

Yes, with certain caveats. You can declare a charge against Unit B, even if you are engaged with Unit A. However, the charge move must adhere to the following rules:

• No Movement Through Engagement Ranges: The charging unit cannot move through the Engagement Range of any other enemy unit (including Unit A) during the charge move.
• Unit Coherency: The charging unit must maintain unit coherency throughout the charge move.
• Legal Charge Move: The rolled charge distance must be sufficient to get models from the charging unit into Engagement Range of Unit B.

This scenario is common when dealing with tightly packed formations or multi-unit combats. Successfully navigating such a charge can be strategically advantageous, allowing you to shift your focus of attack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Charging and Engagement Range

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify various aspects of charging and Engagement Range in Warhammer 40,000:

1. Can a unit that is already in Engagement Range declare a charge against the same unit?

No. The purpose of a charge is to move a unit into Engagement Range. If a unit is already in Engagement Range with an enemy unit, it cannot declare a charge against that same unit.

2. Can you shoot while in Engagement Range?

Generally no, but there are exceptions. Units within Engagement Range in the Shooting Phase cannot shoot, unless they are:

• a VEHICLE or MONSTER and can therefore use the Big Guns Never Tire rule.
• armed with Pistol type weapons.

3. Can you pile in if not in Engagement Range?

No. The Pile-in move is a 3″ move that, if made, must result in the unit being in Unit Coherency and within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units. It is designed to consolidate your unit’s position in close combat.

4. Can you heroically intervene into Engagement Range?

Yes, under certain circumstances. A Character unit can perform a Heroic Intervention if it is within 3″ of an enemy unit that has recently charged. The Character moves 3″ and must end the move closer to the enemy unit that charged. A character already in engagement range cannot heroically intervene.

5. Can you fight a unit you didn’t charge?

Yes, but only if you are within Engagement Range of that unit during the Fight phase. Units that Charged can always fight, even if there are no units within Engagement Range. Units that didn’t charge though need to have an enemy unit within Engagement Range at the moment you want to fight with them.

6. Do you need line of sight to charge?

No. You do not need line of sight to declare a charge. However, if the enemy unit has Overwatch, they will need line of sight to the charging unit to fire.

7. Does charging give fight first?

No, not by default in the current edition of Warhammer 40,000. Certain abilities or stratagems might grant a “Fight First” effect to a charging unit, but it is not an inherent benefit of charging itself.

8. What is the Rule of Three in 40k?

The Rule of Three is a tournament restriction limiting the number of identical datasheets (with some exceptions) that can be included in a single army list. This prevents “unit spam” and promotes army diversity.

9. Can you charge from Deep Strike?

Yes, but it can be tricky. When deploying from Deep Strike, units must be set up more than 9″ away from enemy models. Therefore, a successful charge from Deep Strike requires a charge roll of 9 or higher.

10. What counts as Engagement Range in 40k?

Engagement Range is defined as when two models from opposing armies are within 1” horizontal and 5” vertical of each other.

11. Can you shoot and charge in the same turn?

Yes. Unless a unit Advanced during the Movement phase or disembarked from a Transport that moved that turn, it can typically shoot and then charge in the same turn.

12. Can you charge and advance in 40k?

No. If a unit makes an Advance move, it cannot declare a charge in the same turn.

13. Can you pile in to combat?

Yes. Any unit eligible to fight can make a Pile-in move, fight and consolidate.

14. Can you fight through walls 40k?

Line of sight is not required for close combat attacks. Units can fight through walls if they are within Engagement Range.

15. What is the engagement range in Warhammer 40k?

Engagement Range is a Core Rule affecting primarily the Movement Phase and Charge Phase. 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 are within Engagement Range of each other.

Strategy and Tactics: Maximizing Your Charges

Understanding the limitations and possibilities of charging when already in Engagement Range is crucial for strategic play. Here are a few tactical considerations:

• Target Prioritization: If engaged with a weaker unit, consider charging a more valuable target to shift the momentum of the battle.
• Flanking Maneuvers: Use charges to outflank enemy formations, targeting vulnerable units at the edges of their lines.
• Multi-Charging: When facing multiple enemy units, carefully plan your charges to maximize the number of targets engaged and minimize exposure to enemy fire.
• Character Protection: Use Heroic Interventions to protect vulnerable Characters from enemy charges.

By mastering the nuances of Engagement Range and the Charge phase, you can gain a significant advantage on the battlefield. Remember to always consult the most recent Warhammer 40,000 rulebook and FAQs for the latest updates and clarifications.

The Educational Value of Wargaming

Beyond the thrills of strategic combat, games like Warhammer 40,000 also offer significant educational benefits. The need for critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning are all enhanced. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org recognizes and promotes the educational value of gaming. They champion how these activities foster essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning that are crucial in various academic and professional fields. These organizations highlight the potential of gaming to enhance learning and develop vital cognitive abilities.