Combat Patrol
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Combat Patrol is a way to play games of Warhammer 40,000 with smaller forces comprised of infantry and vehicles. It was introduced during the 3rd Edition in 2002[1], and renewed for the 9th[5a] and subsequent editions of the game.[6a]
Contents
Publication History
Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition (2002)
- '40k in 40 minutes'
In the issue #274 of White Dwarf, published in october 2002, a set of rules named 40k in 40 minutes, was designed as a short-form Warhammer 40,000 in which players command a small force of no more than 400 points and other restrictions. The games were designed to take around forty minutes to play (or less) and meant to be fast-and fun. This set of rules is designed to help players get a regular game when time is the most limiting factor.[1] The same set of rules was used for what would become the Combat Patrol game mode in the 4th Edition Rulebook.[3]
- 'Patrol Clash'
In The issue #284 of White Dwarf, the rules were updated for the Eye of Terror campaign, with 3 scenarios and a teamplay (2 vs 2) mode. The ruleset was also renamed as Patrol Clash[2]
Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition (2004)
The 40k in 40 minutes/Patrol Clash ruleset was renamed as Combat Patrol in the 4th Edition Rulebook; the rules were mostly identical to those found in the 40k in 40 minutes article.[3]
Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition (2020)
Combat Patrol was reintroduced during the 9th Edition, as the smallest level of army size according to the Core Rules (500 points of models) [5a], and played on a 44'x30' battlefield allowing players to play with smaller armies in games that take around a hour to complete. An army for Combat Patrol is based on a single Patrol Detachment, which gives flexibility and choice for the size of battle.[4][5b]
Three Matched Play Missions[5c] and three Crusade Missions[5d] were tailored specifically for the Combat Patrol army size.
Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition (2023)
Combat Patrol was refined for the 10th Edition as a quick and simple way to start playing Warhammer 40,000, where each player commands a small army of miniatures in fast-paced, one-hour tactical clashes.
The game typically used the contents of a Combat Patrol box, removing the need for list-building and determining the point value of the force, designed to make it an ideal starting point for new players.[6]
Specifically tailored missions provided various challenges and objectives to score Victory points. The balanced nature of Combat Patrol missions was aiming for fairness, making it great for casual play and friendly competitions.[6]
Combat Patrol also allowed players to experiment with different factions, helping them learn each army’s strengths and weaknesses, and build the skills needed for larger battles.[6]
- A list of Combat Patrols can be found here : Combat Patrols
See Also
- Apocalypse, a way to play Warhammer 40,000 with massive armies;
- Boarding Actions, a way to play Warhammer 40,000 with infantry-only forces;
- Kill Team, pitching small forces of a dozen infantry miniatures against each others.
Sources
- 1: White Dwarf 274 (UK), pgs. 40-41
- 2: White Dwarf 284 (UK), pgs. 28-33
- 3: Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook, pgs. 182-183
- 4: Warhammer Community: Join the Combat Patrol (Posted 6/26/2020) (saved archive page, dated 30/06/2020, last accessed 08 January 2025) Original link: https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/06/26/join-the-combat-patrolgw-homepage-post-1fw-homepage-post-3/
- 6: Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition Rulebook, pg. 204
