Yes—under Warhammer 40,000’s 11th-edition rules, some units can shoot while engaged in combat. They must not have Advanced that turn and must be eligible for close-quarters shooting. Ordinary units are limited to close-quarters weapons and enemies their unit is engaged with; MONSTER and VEHICLE units have broader weapon options, but usually take a penalty to hit with other ranged weapons.
What counts as being in combat?
The rules use the term engaged. A model is within engagement range when it is within 2 inches horizontally and 5 inches vertically of an enemy model. A unit is engaged when at least one of its models is within that range. Being nearby is not enough by itself.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
WARHAMMER 40000 RULEBOOK (ENGLISH) | $50.91 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Warhammer 40,000 Rulebook | $48.09 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Warhammer 40000, Wrath & Glory Core Rulebook, Roleplaying Game, 2+ Players | $55.73 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Warhammer 40,000 Rulebook | $1,329.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Games Workshop - Warhammer 40,000: Core Book (10th Edition) | $26.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The current 11th Edition Rules Index reproduces the close-quarters shooting eligibility wording as “Engaged and did not make an advance move this turn.” In other words, an engaged unit that Advanced cannot use this shooting rule that turn.
Which weapons and targets can you use?
The answer depends on whether the shooting model is an ordinary model or belongs to a MONSTER or VEHICLE unit.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
| Unit type | Weapon eligibility while engaged | Target eligibility | Hit-roll effect | Blast restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary models (not MONSTER or VEHICLE) | Can make attacks only with [CLOSE-QUARTERS] weapons. | Can target only enemy units their own unit is engaged with. | No additional penalty is specified for eligible close-quarters attacks. | Not separately stated for this case; ordinary models are already restricted to close-quarters weapons. |
| MONSTER or VEHICLE models | Can use [CLOSE-QUARTERS] weapons and other ranged weapons. | Can target enemies their unit is engaged with using close-quarters weapons. The cited rules reference does not state a general target restriction for their other ranged weapons here. | Subtract 1 from the Hit roll for other ranged attacks, except close-quarters attacks targeting an enemy their unit is engaged with. | A [BLAST] weapon cannot target a unit the MONSTER or VEHICLE is engaged with. |
The table reflects the close-quarters rules reproduced by the 11th Edition Rules Index. Do not carry over older-edition wording such as “Big Guns Never Tire” as a substitute for the current rule.
How to check a shooting decision
- Check engagement: Is at least one model in the unit within 2 inches horizontally and 5 inches vertically of an enemy model?
- Check movement: Did the unit make an Advance move this turn? If so, it does not meet the stated eligibility condition for close-quarters shooting.
- Check the unit and weapon: An ordinary model needs a [CLOSE-QUARTERS] weapon. A MONSTER or VEHICLE model can also use other ranged weapons, subject to the Hit-roll and Blast rules above.
- Check the target: An ordinary model can target only an enemy unit its own unit is engaged with. For a MONSTER or VEHICLE, do not target an engaged enemy with a [BLAST] weapon.
What about [PISTOL] weapons?
The 11th-edition rules tables and terms reference says [PISTOL] and [CLOSE-QUARTERS] are identical for all rules purposes. It describes [PISTOL] as an existing ability expected to be superseded by [CLOSE-QUARTERS] as the edition progresses. For a particular model, check its current weapon profile and any applicable updated rules rather than assuming its terminology has already changed.
Rank #2
Which edition’s rule should you use?
Warhammer 40,000 11th edition launched in June 2026. Games Workshop’s 1 June 2026 announcement says the Core Rules are available to download for free. It also says a physical rulebook was included in the Armageddon box, with a standalone book to follow.
Older 10th-edition rules pages may use different wording. For current rules and updates, check Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40,000 downloads page. The secondary rules index cited here links to the official Core Rules PDF and showed an edition sync date of 6 September 2026.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Best Value
- Games Workshop - Warhammer 40,000: Core Book (10th Edition)
- The definitive guide to games of Warhammer 40,000, including Core Rules and Combat Patrol missions
- Everything you need to know to collect, build, paint, and play with Citadel miniatures
- Explore the grim darkness of the far future through immersive lore, stunning illustrations and photography
Rank #4
Rank #3
- The new Rulebook focuses on the Gilead System, allowing you to tell your own stories in a society beset by daemonic invasion and internal corruption
- Character Creation has been streamlined, with a focus on Frameworks. With so many choices of who and what you can play, you’ll want to decide the focus of your game early
- The Factions Chapter is a primer on life in the 41st Millennium, detailing each of the organisations vying for supremacy in the Warp-torn Gilead System
- English Version | 2+ Players | Ages 14+ | 60 to 90 Minute Playing Time
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
