Overwatch Mode is a combat state entered by performing the Overwatch action. While in Overwatch Mode, you are focused on watching a specific area and will automatically fire on enemies who enter or act within your Overwatch Zone.
Entering Overwatch Mode
You enter Overwatch Mode by performing the Overwatch action as a Final Action on your turn. When you do:
- Choose your firing mode (Single Fire or Burst Fire).
- Determine your Overwatch Attack allowance based on remaining ⚡ AP and firing mode.
- Declare your Overwatch Zone based on your equipped weapon (see Overwatch Zones below).
- Your turn ends immediately.
While in Overwatch Mode
- You are committed to watching your Overwatch Zone. You may not take any other actions until your next turn.
- Overwatch is a 😮 Reaction. While in Overwatch Mode, you may not use any other 😮 Reactions (including 🤺 Opportunity Attacks). Your Overwatch Attacks are your sole reactive capability.
- Overwatch Attacks are triggered automatically when an enemy meets the trigger conditions within your Overwatch Zone (see Overwatch Attack).
- You may choose not to fire at a creature that triggers your Overwatch (for example, to conserve attacks for a higher-priority target).
Exiting Overwatch Mode
Overwatch Mode ends when any of the following occur:
- Your next turn begins. You exit Overwatch Mode and act normally. Any unused Overwatch Attacks are lost.
- You expend all Overwatch Attacks. You remain in your position but can no longer fire until your next turn. You are still considered to be in Overwatch Mode for the purposes of effects that reference it.
- You are Stunned, Knocked Prone, or otherwise Incapacitated. Overwatch Mode ends immediately.
- Your weapon is broken (Condition reduced to 0). Overwatch Mode ends immediately.
Overwatch Zones
Your Overwatch Zone is a projected area originating from your position. The size, shape, and range of the zone depend on the weapon you are using.
| Weapon Type | Zone Shape | Zone Size |
|---|---|---|
| Pistols | Cone | Close range (up to 15m) |
| Rifles | Cone | Medium range (up to 30m) |
| Long Rifles | Narrow cone | Long range (up to 45m) |
| Shotguns | Narrow cone | Close range (up to 15m) |
| SMGs | Wide cone | Close range (up to 15m) |
| Big Guns | Wide cone | Medium range (up to 30m) |
| Energy Weapons | Varies by weapon | Varies by weapon |
Note: The exact dimensions of Overwatch Zones (cone width in tiles, line width in tiles) should be defined per weapon or weapon category. The above table provides general guidelines. GMs should adjudicate edge cases based on the weapon’s characteristics and the battlefield layout.
Overwatch Zone Placement
- The Overwatch Zone projects from your position in a direction you choose when entering Overwatch Mode.
- You may not rotate your Overwatch Zone after declaring it. If enemies approach from outside your zone, you cannot fire on them.
- Your Overwatch Zone does not move if you are forcibly moved (Knockback, etc.). If you are moved, Overwatch Mode ends.
Interactions with Other Mechanics
Cover and Overwatch
- You may enter Overwatch while in Cover. The Cover provides its normal benefits against attacks made against you while you are in Overwatch Mode.
- Bracing Rule applies when entering Overwatch with 🔥 Big Guns. If you are in Cover or Prone, Bracing is free.
Recoil Rule and Overwatch
- The Recoil Rule applies to Overwatch Attacks. If you chose Burst Fire, your first Overwatch Attack has no penalty. Your second Overwatch Attack suffers -4 🎯 Accuracy. Your third would suffer -8 🎯 Accuracy, and so on.
- The recoil penalty from Overwatch Attacks is cleared at the start of your next turn.
Cancelling Enemy Overwatch
- Any effect that prevents an enemy from using 😮 Reactions will also cancel their Overwatch Mode. If an enemy in Overwatch Mode is affected by an effect that states “cannot use 😮 Reactions,” their Overwatch Mode ends immediately and they cannot make Overwatch Attacks.