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Hi all

When targeting a character, is it possible to target the character (below 10w) with shooting attacks if it is the nearest eligible unit? For example, there are nearer enemy units but they are locked in close combat.

If you follow the RAW, then no. Characters must be the closest unit to be shot at. However, you can bypass this based on LoS and equidistance or using someone that has the SNIPER ability or equivalent.

I think it also got FAQ'd, you cannot shoot the character.
Wondering if the same thing applies to LOS, for example if another unit is closer, but inside a building so you cannot see it.

IIRC, LoS is a requirement for making a unit eligible unless you have weapons that don't need LoS to shoot. In which case, I would assume the character would be the closest eligible target. I could be wrong tho.

Aeri wrote:
I think it also got FAQ'd, you cannot shoot the character.
Wondering if the same thing applies to LOS, for example if another unit is closer, but inside a building so you cannot see it.

That's in the Core rules.
The character must be the closest visible enemy unit.

You cannot target Characters, in the shooting Phase, with Weapons that dont need LOS, unless he is the closest enemy Model. And you cannot target a Character, in the shooting Phase, if an enemy Unit is closer, but in CC. You would have to shoot that Unit in CC, but you cant, because its in CC. Both is covered in the FAQs.

Warhammer 40000 Rulebook Update 1.0

UNIT AND WEAPON ABILITIES
Q. If I have a weapon that can target enemy units that are not
visible to the firer (such as a mortar), can I shoot at an enemy
Character that has a Wounds characteristic of less than 10
if it is not the closest enemy model?
A. No.

Designers Commentary

Q: If a model cannot shoot at the closest visible enemy
unit for some reason (e.g. it is within 1" of one of
your units) but the next closest visible enemy unit is a
Character, can that model then target the character?
A: No.

Outside the shooting Phase you can target Characters which are not the closest enemy Unit.