Hello everyone,
Boarding Actions has made its grand return in 10th Edition with a much-welcome update for Warhammer 40,000. Let’s get straight to the point: Games Workshop is hitting hard with this 296 pages compendium. While the foundations remain similar to the previous version, the rules have been modernized, expanded, and optimized for the new game system.
What is Boarding Actions?
Boarding Actions is a smaller, more tactical version of Warhammer 40k:
- Armies are limited to 500 points
- The battlefield is smaller (28″ x 48″)
- Battles take place in the narrow corridors of a spaceship
Everything is designed to encourage close-quarters combat, tight strategy, and a fast-paced game. However, be aware : this is not a standalone game. You’ll need the core rules of Warhammer 40,000 to play, as Boarding Actions is an adaptation of the main system, not a separate game.
What’s New?
The complex restrictions are gone : each army now has its own specific Detachments, complete with unique rules, Stratagems, and permitted units.
Units with the Fly ability are now allowed, though their movement is capped at 9″.
Pre-game moves have been removed.
A multiplayer mode has been added, offering even more variety.
A tighter, more intense gameplay experience:
In Boarding Actions, visibility, positioning, and smart use of the environment are crucial.
- Strict line of sight : no shooting through walls or friendly models, only visible targets can be attacked.
- Tighter charge phase : you can only charge or consolidate towards units you can see.
- Isolated characters : they no longer join squads, but can project their effects using specific Stratagems.
Tactical Maneuvers and Stratagems
Boarding Actions introduces new exclusive tactical maneuvers that significantly enrich gameplay. Some of these grant bonuses, such as a +1 to hit in melee when in a defensive position, emphasizing the importance of smart positioning and forward planning. Interactions with the environment are also expanded. Players can now open or close doors, with a resistance mechanic allowing the opponent to try and counter the action. Objective control has become more strategic as well : objectives can now be secured permanently, but only if held by a Battleline unit that remains in position.
On the Stratagem side, classic tools like re-rolls are still present, but new options tailored to the tight, enclosed environment of spaceship corridors have been added. These include, for example, enhancements to Blast weapons, making them especially deadly in confined spaces.
Enhancements and Detachments
The enhancements available in Boarding Actions are simple, effective and completely free. Each player has access to six basic upgrades, independent of any Detachment, allowing characters to be boosted without spending additional points. On top of these general upgrades, each Detachment offers two faction-specific enhancements, providing even more flexibility and customization based on the army you play. This system strikes a balance between accessibility and tactical depth, without making list-building more complex. Players can choose from 55 Detachments to build their army list. However, you’ll need the appropriate faction Codex to use them in-game.
A Total of 55 Missions… and More!
The book includes 55 missions, organized by type:
- Symmetrical – Balanced, classic head-to-head battles
- Asymmetrical – Different objectives and deployment zones for each player
- Narrative – Immersive scenarios focused on pure fun
- Siege of the Rock Campaign – Interconnected missions for campaign-style play
- Breach Operations – Includes wall destruction and terrain customization
- Dark Depths – Highly strategic missions
- Multiplayer – Yes, you can play with more than two players!
Final Verdict
The return of Boarding Actions is a clear success. The format is better balanced, thanks to well-designed and more accessible Detachments. Playing on a larger surface than Kill Team: Into the Dark is definitely a plus, though you’ll need to budget for a proper game board. If you already own Into the Dark boxes, don’t worry : the core set plus one expansion is more than enough to cover most of the map layouts included.
The Detachments offer interesting options for every faction, although some armies are still slightly lagging behind in terms of number. The format feels smoother and more dynamic without completely overhauling the core mechanics, making it a solid middle ground between Kill Team and classic Warhammer 40k.
White Dwarf publications have continued to support the format throughout 10th Edition with new missions, further enriching the base pool of 55.
The main issue lies in the timing between the release of this compendium and our review. With 10th Edition coming to a close, many codexes have already been released, which has led to the removal of certain units from the book, like the Death Guard Terminator Sorcerer. An update would be welcome, though with 11th Edition on the horizon, it’s likely we’ll see a new printed version rather than a downloadable patch.
For the same reasons, you’ll need to adjust your army lists accordingly, as the point values for many units have changed several times since this supplement’s release.
We hope you enjoyed this review, and we’ll see you again very soon.
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