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In the 11th-edition Warhammer 40,000 Core Rules, Lone Operative keeps a unit from being visible to enemy models beyond its stated range and limits attacks from Indirect Fire weapons from beyond that same range. The standard range is 12 inches, but an ability written as Lone Operative X” uses its printed value instead. The protection does not apply while the unit is part of an Attached unit.
What the current Lone Operative rule says
The 11th-edition Core Rules give the standard ability this wording:
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“Unless part of an attached unit, this unit is not visible to enemy models unless they are within 12" of this unit, and it cannot be targeted by [INDIRECT FIRE] weapons unless the attacking model is within 12" of this unit.”
In practical terms, the rule has two protections: enemy models outside the distance cannot see the unit, and an Indirect Fire weapon cannot target it unless the attacking model is within that distance. For the official current rules, see the 11th-edition Warhammer 40,000 Core Rules.
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Can you shoot a Lone Operative from more than 12 inches away?
Not if the attack depends on seeing the unit: enemy models beyond the stated range cannot see it. Indirect Fire has its own explicit restriction: an Indirect Fire weapon cannot target the unit unless the attacking model is within the stated range. These are the current rule’s specific protections; Lone Operative should not be treated as a universal rule that forbids every possible way of targeting a unit.
How the range and Attached-unit exception work
Standard Lone Operative
The standard wording uses 12 inches. Apply that distance to both the visibility clause and the restriction on Indirect Fire targeting.
Lone Operative X"
If the ability is written as Lone Operative X", use the printed X-inch value in place of 12 inches for both clauses. Do not assume every version uses the standard range.
Part of an Attached unit
The rule begins “Unless part of an attached unit.” If the unit is part of an Attached unit, Lone Operative’s visibility and Indirect Fire protections do not apply to it in that state.
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Lone Operative is not Stealth
These are separate abilities. Lone Operative concerns visibility and the specified restriction on Indirect Fire targeting. Stealth changes the hit roll for attacks, as described in this Warhammer Community tactica. An older explanation of Lone Operative may describe it using different wording, so use the current Core Rules when resolving a game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which edition’s wording should you use?
Games Workshop announced the 11th edition’s Core Rules on 1 June 2026. The official downloads page showed an update date of 30 September 2026 when checked. Its announcement says the Core Rules are available to download, with a physical rulebook included in the Armageddon box and a standalone rulebook to follow. Check the official Core Rules announcement for availability details. Older articles may use earlier-edition wording; for current play, follow the current Core Rules text.
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