New Beta rules are coming to 40k now in the White Dwarf as Games Workshop is hitting us with more reasons to buy February’s issue!
Games Workshop is bringing a new beta rule into 40k revolving around bolters and the rapid-fire mechanic. Let’s check out what it is exactly and how it’ll pan out on the tabletop.
Spotted on Imgur it looks like Beta Rules are going to be a thing now according to Robin Cruddace who wrote the following article that featured these Beta rules below:
Beta Bolter Rule Spotted for 40k
A new rule is on the way for Adeptus Astartes and Heretic Astartes. Not that even though Sisters of Battle use bolters, they aren’t mentioned at all here.
Traditionally, rapid fire was only triggered when the target was in half-range. However, there are more exceptions to the rule now.
You’ll be able to use a model’s rapid-fire mechanic when:
- the model is within half range (like it’s always been)
- The firing model remained stationary during the previous movement phase.
- the firing model is a Terminator, (Biker), Centurion, or Vehicle.
This rule also applies to relics that have the Bolt word as well as the rapirapid-firee. (Primarch’s Wrath, Fury of Deimos, etc.)
What Does this Mean for In-Game Play?
The first thing that came to mind for us is that things like Land Raider Crusaders and Stormravens will always be spitting out twenty-four boltgun shots.
Centurions are slow but come packed with dakka. They’ll be able to pump out a bit more lead as they always fire the rapid fire variant now. (They also got their points cut in half from Chapter Approved so they may be a really good choice now).
Also, important is this probably isn’t the last we’ll be seeing BETA rules in the White Dwarf:
At the end of the day, Loyalist Space Marines and Heretic Astartes got better with this free rule. Like we said before, tactical squads may be a real threat to aggressive hordes that try to foot-slog their way up the board.
What do you think about this new beta rule? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group.
About the Author: Wesley Floyd
Wesley Floyd
Job Title: Staff Writer
Joined: 2018
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About Wesley Floyd: Wes has been in the Warhammer hobby since 2015 and joined the Spikey Bits writing team in 2018. He is known for his satirist takes on trending topics and imaginative yet amazingly affordable hobby solutions to painting Warhammer miniatures.
Imperial fanboy, tabletop fanatic, and the self-proclaimed King of Sprues. He knows for a fact that Mephiston red is the best-tasting paint and is the commission painting equivalent of a Wendy’s 4 for $4. If you like what he writes and want to contact him or have your tabletop minatures painted (to a mostly okayish standard), message him on Instagram.
