Gang Busters: A Comprehensive Guide to Warhammer 40k 8th Edition's Gang Busters Rule

Introduction

The gang busters rule, introduced in Warhammer 40k 8th edition, is a powerful ability that allows players to enhance their units' combat effectiveness. By carefully managing their command points, commanders can activate this rule at strategic moments to gain an edge in battle. This guide will delve into the specifics of the gang busters rule, discuss its mechanics, provide tactical tips, and showcase its potential impact on the game.

Understanding the Gang Busters Rule

The gang busters rule allows a unit to make an additional attack with every model in the unit when it charges into melee combat. This bonus attack is made at the same strength and attack value as the unit's normal attacks. However, it is important to note that gang busters can only be activated once per phase and only for a single unit.

Mechanics of the Gang Busters Rule

When can it be used?
- The gang busters rule can only be used when a unit charges into melee combat.
- It can be activated before or after any attacks are made in the Fight phase.

How does it work?
- For each model in the charging unit, an additional attack is made.
- These bonus attacks are made at the same strength and attack value as the unit's normal attacks.

Limitations:
- The gang busters rule can only be activated once per phase.
- It can only be used on a single unit per phase.

Tactical Tips for Gang Busters

Identify Ideal Units:
Not all units benefit equally from gang busters. Prioritize units with high attack values, such as Space Marines or Orks, to maximize the bonus attacks.

Target Priority:
Consider the target unit carefully. Gang busters is most effective against units with lower toughness values, as the bonus attacks are more likely to wound.

Combine with Other Abilities:
Look for opportunities to combine gang busters with other abilities that enhance melee combat, such as rerolls to hit or additional attacks on unmodified hit rolls of 6+.

Impact of Gang Busters on Warhammer 40k

The gang busters rule has significantly altered the melee combat landscape in Warhammer 40k. Units that previously relied on volume of attacks, such as Cultists or GEQ (Guardsmen, Eldar Guardians, and Ork Boyz), now have a greater potential to damage elite units in close combat. This has led to a shift in tactics, with players emphasizing melee combat as a viable offensive strategy.

Stories of Gang Busters in Action

• Ork Nobs Triumphant: An Ork warboss activated gang busters on his mob of Nobs as they charged into a squad of Space Marines. The Nobs unleashed a flurry of attacks, overwhelming the Space Marines with superior numbers and killing several models in a single turn.
• Tau Stealth Suits Outmaneuvered: A Tau player used gang busters on a unit of Stealth Suits to engage a squad of Terminators. Despite the Terminators' superior armor, the Stealth Suits' mobility and hit-and-run tactics allowed them to maximize the bonus attacks, crippling the Terminators without taking any losses.
• Custodes Conundrum: A loyalist player activated gang busters on a squad of Custodian Guard as they charged into a unit of Chaos Terminators. The Custodians' devastating attacks and invulnerable saves combined with gang busters proved too much for the Terminators to handle, resulting in a resounding victory.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Units that Benefit from Gang Busters

Table 2: Recommended Targets for Gang Busters

Table 3: Abilities that Synergize with Gang Busters

Pros and Cons of Gang Busters

Pros:

• Significantly enhances melee combat capabilities.
• Allows low-attack units to compete with elite units.
• Provides a tactical advantage to players who prioritize melee.

Cons:

• Costs command points to activate.
• Can only be used once per phase.
• Limited to a single unit per phase.

FAQs on Gang Busters

1. Can the gang busters rule be used on multiple units per phase?
   No, only a single unit can benefit from gang busters each phase.

2. Can the gang busters rule be used after the unit has made its initial attacks?
   Yes, gang busters can be activated at any point in the Fight phase, even after attacks have been made.

3. Do the bonus attacks from gang busters benefit from abilities that enhance melee attacks, such as rerolls?
   Yes, the bonus attacks from gang busters receive all the same benefits as normal attacks.

4. Can the gang busters rule be used on a unit that has already charged in a previous turn?
   No, gang busters can only be used on units that charge in the current turn.

5. Does gang busters work with multiple charges from a single unit?
   Yes, if a unit makes multiple charges in a single phase, gang busters can be activated on each charge.

6. Can the gang busters rule be used on units that have the fly& keyword?
   Yes, flying units can still benefit from gang busters.

7. Does gang busters work against units that have the titanic& keyword?
   No, gang busters does not affect units with the titanic& keyword.

8. Does gang busters work against units that are in a transport?
   No, gang busters cannot be used on units that are inside a transport or other vehicle.

Call to Action

Harness the power of the gang busters rule to enhance your melee strategies in Warhammer 40k 8th edition. Carefully select your units, target your attacks wisely, and combine gang busters with other abilities to maximize its impact. Through skillful use of this rule, you can gain an edge in close combat and dominate your opponents on the tabletop.