Can You Fire Pistols in Combat 40k? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, you can fire pistols in combat in Warhammer 40,000. However, like many aspects of the game, it’s not quite as simple as that. This article will delve into the nuances of using pistols in close-quarters engagements, exploring the rules and restrictions that govern their usage. We will break down the specific mechanics, and tackle frequently asked questions to give you a clear understanding of how this works on the battlefield.
The Basics of Pistol Usage in Engagement Range
In Warhammer 40k, the battlefield is a dynamic and often brutal place. Engagement Range, typically considered 1 inch, dictates when melee combat happens. Units cannot generally shoot while in engagement range. This rule, designed to prevent a simple “shoot then bash” strategy, is a core element of the game. However, pistols are an exception.
How Pistols Bypass the Normal Shooting Restrictions
Pistols possess a special ability that allows them to be fired even when a unit is within Engagement Range of enemy units. This functionality is crucial for certain units and strategies, offering a vital means of inflicting damage when locked in a brutal close-quarters fight. The key here is to understand when and at whom they can be fired.
Targeting Rules for Pistols in Combat
The most important thing to remember is this: when firing a pistol in engagement range, you must target an enemy unit that is also within engagement range of your own unit. You can’t use a pistol in combat to shoot at someone on the other side of the battlefield. If you are engaged with three enemy units, you can split your pistol fire between any combination of those enemy units you choose. This targeting restriction is paramount for maintaining balance within the rules of Warhammer 40k, ensuring that pistols are a tool for close-quarters combat, not an escape from it.
Firing Pistols Outside of Combat
While pistols excel in close combat, they can also be used at range. However, there’s a notable trade-off: if you choose to fire your pistol outside of combat during the Shooting Phase, you cannot fire any other ranged weapons that turn. This restriction limits the versatility of units with both pistols and other ranged weapons, forcing players to make tactical choices in how they will utilize their arsenal each turn.
Understanding the Core Rulebook
The ability of pistols to fire in combat is clearly defined in the Core Rulebook. It is part of the Pistol Weapon Ability rule which states you can fire pistols while in engagement range of enemy units. It’s worth always double checking the rules to ensure there haven’t been any changes or updates.
15 Frequently Asked Questions About Pistols in 40k
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the use of pistols in Warhammer 40k, complete with detailed answers:
1. Can I shoot with a pistol and a rifle in the same turn?
Yes, you can, but not at the same time. If you choose to fire your pistol while outside of combat, you cannot fire any other ranged weapons on the same model during the Shooting Phase. This restriction is per model, not per unit. If you are in engagement range however you can fire your pistol, and also fire other weapons if you get out of the engagement range.
2. Can I shoot a pistol after advancing?
Yes, if the pistol is also classified as an Assault weapon. Units equipped with Assault weapons can still shoot during the Shooting Phase of a turn in which they have Advanced, however they may only fire Assault weapons at that time, so any pistols with the Assault keyword are legal. Note you cannot fire regular pistols after an advance.
3. Can vehicles and monsters shoot pistols in combat?
Yes, vehicles and monsters are able to fire their weapons in combat, including pistols if they are equipped with them. However, in this case, they can only target the units they are engaged with, according to the rules.
4. What happens if I am engaged with two enemy units?
If a unit is engaged with two or more enemy units, it can fire its pistols at any combination of those engaged enemy units.
5. Can I shoot at an enemy in combat with another one of my units?
Yes, but only if your unit has a ranged weapon that isn’t a pistol, and if it is not engaged in combat itself. Additionally, you may shoot at engaged vehicles and monsters, with the exception of units that are engaged with your own units.
6. If my unit has multiple pistol-wielding models, do they all have to shoot at the same target in combat?
No, models in a unit can split their fire between different targets. This flexibility is crucial in melee when engaged with multiple different enemy units. As long as it’s within engagement range of your unit, you can pick and choose.
7. If I charge and end up in Engagement Range of the enemy can I fire my pistols?
No, you cannot fire your pistols after the charge phase if you have made a charge. You must wait till your next shooting phase to make your attacks. You are in engagement range after the charge so you can use them in your next turn.
8. Can I fire pistols if I am falling back?
No, units are not eligible to shoot if they Fell Back this turn. The rules for falling back state that the unit can only move and cannot shoot any weapons, no matter if they are pistols.
9. Can I fire my pistol while engaged with a vehicle or monster?
Yes, you can, as long as you are within Engagement Range of the vehicle or monster and the monster or vehicle is also engaged with your own unit. Note that vehicle or monster units are not affected by the rule that stops units from firing if they are locked in combat.
10. Can I shoot a pistol from a unit that is embarked in a transport?
No, embarked units cannot shoot. However, once a unit disembarks from a transport it can shoot in the shooting phase, unless the transport Advanced or Fell Back during the Movement phase. They cannot charge however.
11. Does “Stealth” affect pistols in combat?
Yes, the Stealth ability reduces the hit roll of a unit firing at the unit with the Stealth ability by one. This applies to all shooting, even in close combat with pistols.
12. What if a pistol has a “Hot” rule?
If a pistol has the Hot rule, each time you roll a 1 during a shooting attack, that operative will suffer three mortal wounds. This applies whether in combat or not.
13. Can Cypher fire both of his pistols at the same time?
Yes, Cypher is a special case. He can fire both his pistols at the same time in the same shooting phase. Moreover, he can even choose to fire them twice in the shooting phase, or wield them in close combat.
14. What is the benefit of using a pistol in combat rather than a close combat weapon?
Pistols provide ranged attacks in close combat, potentially giving your unit a way to deal damage before going into melee, or to pick off units before they reach your own. This is the main benefit, however, some melee weapons are far superior to pistols in damage output.
15. Can a character with the “Look Out Sir” rule fire pistols in combat?
Yes, characters with the Look Out Sir rule can fire pistols in combat just like any other unit. The “Look Out Sir” rule is designed to protect them from being targeted by enemy ranged attacks, it has no bearing on their own actions in combat.
Conclusion
Pistols are a unique type of ranged weapon in Warhammer 40k, offering units the flexibility to attack in close combat. Understanding their nuances and restrictions is essential for effective gameplay, and mastering the rules surrounding their usage can give players an edge. While they have specific constraints, especially when not fired in combat, they remain a valuable tool in the 40k arsenal. This guide should provide a comprehensive view on pistol usage and allow you to utilise your pistol wielding units to their full potential on the battlefield. Remember to always consult the Core Rulebook for the most up-to-date rules.