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Can someone tell me how these work?

Combi-weapons are 2 handed weapons that are essentially bolters with a 'one shot' (or one-use, for multi shot weapons such as Plasma or Grav) weapon built into them, denoted by the name. Combi-Flamer for instance is a bolter with a built-in one-shot flamer.

During one shooting phase in the game, you can declare that you are using the one-shot weapon instead of firing it as a bolter. It fires using the one use weapon instead. This uses any rules for that weapon such as Wall of Death in the Combi-Flamer I mentioned above, provided you haven't already fired it once prior to being assaulted.

Some of my preferred combi-weapons are Combi-Plasma, as well as Combi-Flamer, as inside of their ideal range they get more than one shot, or hit automatically. Odds of missing both plasma shots on the one-use weapon are pretty low.

Combi-Grav is also a good option, but ideally used on a Relentless platform such as Terminator Sergeants, or a Biker Sergeant since they will be able to fire the salvo weapon at the maximum number of shots even if they moved.

My least favorite combi-weapon is the Combi-Melta. I love the concept but it's a one shot weapon and only one shot, if you miss, you just wasted your melta shot for the game. Your mileage may vary, of course, but I'd avoid them in lieu of Grav or Plasma personally.

Personal favorite is the Combi-Flamer as you literally cannot flub the to-hit roll. It hits automatically with the flamer template. That said, I can understand that some might prefer other weapons instead.

Once the one-use weapon is fired, it reverts back to being a standard bolter for the remainder of the game. They make decent 'alpha strike' for a unit of tactical marines, allowing a small squad to double their output of whatever special weapons fire they're putting on target for that shooting phase. Conversely, they make Sternguard much much more dangerous as having a squad hit in a drop pod and pile out with 10+ plasma shots is pretty terrifying for most any squad that isn't rocking insane cover saves or re-rollable shenanigans.

Just my opinion on that. Hopefully this was helpful.

Take it easy.

-Red__Thirst-

 Red__Thirst wrote:
Combi-weapons are 2 handed weapons...

Combi-weapons do not have the 'Two-handed' special rule.

A bolter with a single shot of the combinations part at that weapons profile.

The 30th anniversary space marine model has a combi weapon which isnt restricted to 1 use only as well.

 Ghaz wrote:

 Red__Thirst wrote:
Combi-weapons are 2 handed weapons...

Combi-weapons do not have the 'Two-handed' special rule.

Not 2 handed as in the 2 handed special rule. I mean the weapon does not confer a bonus attack in melee like a pistol.

Hopefully that clarifies things sufficiently.

Take it easy.

-Red__Thirst-

 Red__Thirst wrote:

 Ghaz wrote:

 Red__Thirst wrote:
Combi-weapons are 2 handed weapons...

Combi-weapons do not have the 'Two-handed' special rule.

Not 2 handed as in the 2 handed special rule. I mean the weapon does not confer a bonus attack in melee like a pistol.

Hopefully that clarifies things sufficiently.

Take it easy.

-Red__Thirst-

It doesn't provide an extra attack in close combat due to the following rule (pg. 40 of the main rulebook, last sentence under 'Type'):

A shooting weapon can only be used to make shooting attacks.

A combi-weapon won't provide an extra attack in close combat due to it being a shooting weapon and not having a Melee profile (e.g., Pistols). Making up reasons why a combi-weapon wouldn't provide an extra attack in close combat by claiming it has a rule it doesn't leads to confusion and doesn't really help clarify matters for new players.

It's a bolter with an attatched special weapon like a Plasma Gun or a Flamer. Once per game you can fire the special weapon bit instead of the bolter. Use the profile for the special weapon when firing it. Example: A Combi-plasma can fire two shots once a game due to rapid fire. Hope this clears up the confusion.

Threads like this are the main reason why I don't post in here much any more.

Offer some input or try to provide a thorough answer, then sit back and watch as it's nit-picked to the nth degree.

OP's question is sufficiently answered, despite the condescending replies. C'est-la-vie.

Take it easy.

-Red__Thirst-

 Red__Thirst wrote:
Threads like this are the main reason why I don't post in here much any more.

Offer some input or try to provide a thorough answer, then sit back and watch as it's nit-picked to the nth degree.

OP's question is sufficiently answered, despite the condescending replies. C'est-la-vie.

Take it easy.

-Red__Thirst-

That guy is just a troll. Your response was very informative and clear.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

You are being purposely dense and obnoxious. It isn't cute, it isn't clever, and it isn't funny in any way.

That's just Ghaz, man. It helps if you image all his posts being read by Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons.

This tangent isn't really getting us anywhere useful.

Combi-weapons are a bolter.
But, for 1 use, they get to act as if you had that other weapon instead.
You are getting assaulted? It's lucky you have a combi-flamer.
Drop-pod assault next to a Wraithknight? Fire that single-use Melta at it.
etc.