Core Rules

Critical Damage

Critical Damage is a powerful damage result that replaces the attack's normal damage where the rules say it applies. In a standard ranged attack, an unremoved successful Target Lock roll of 1 triggers it.

Last updated 9 August 2026

How it works

Critical Damage is a special damage outcome that replaces normal damage resolution where stated.

When Critical Damage occurs

In standard ranged attacks, a successful Target Lock roll of 1 causes Critical Damage unless that result is removed by Cover or another rule.
If the triggering result is removed, no Critical Damage occurs.

What Critical Damage does

When Critical Damage is applied:

do not roll normal damage unless another rule explicitly states otherwise
apply damage equal to the attack’s full Force value unless another rule explicitly states otherwise
resolve any resulting model removal immediately where the damage outcome reduces a model to 0 HP

Immediate Resolution

Critical Damage is always resolved immediately.

This occurs before:

non-critical damage removal
completion of the shooting engagement
resolution of responding commands where relevant timing allows

Cover Interaction

Cover may remove the triggering result that would have caused Critical Damage.
If the triggering result is removed, Critical Damage does not occur.
If a rule states that its Critical Damage ignores Cover, resolve that rule as written.

Damage Interaction

Critical Damage is resolved through the damage rules but replaces the normal damage roll.
Critical Damage is treated as a damage roll of 6 where another rule requires a damage roll value.

Command Interaction

Commands may allow, modify, prevent, or force Critical Damage, but command declaration, timing, and restrictions are not defined here.

Notes

Snap Fire and Covering Fire interact with Critical Damage through their own command rules.
Critical Damage is the primary driver of immediate casualty removal in VoidSiege.

Example

During a battle, the players reach a situation covered by Critical Damage. Critical Damage is a special damage outcome that replaces normal damage resolution where stated. Once those steps are complete, play continues normally.

Frequently asked questions

When does Critical Damage matter?: Critical Damage is a special damage outcome that replaces normal damage resolution where stated.
What is the main result of Critical Damage?: Critical Damage is a powerful damage result that replaces the attack's normal damage where the rules say it applies. In a standard ranged attack, an unremoved successful Target Lock roll of 1 triggers it.
What limits should I remember for Critical Damage?: When Critical Damage occurs In standard ranged attacks, a successful Target Lock roll of 1 causes Critical Damage unless that result is removed by Cover or another rule. What Critical Damage does When Critical Damage is applied: do not roll normal damage unless another rule explicitly states otherwise apply damage equal to the attack’s full Force value unless another rule explicitly states otherwise resolve any resulting model removal immediately where the damage outcome reduces a model to 0 HP Immediate Resolution Critical Damage is always resolved immediately.
What happens after Critical Damage is resolved?: Finish any remaining steps of the current command, attack or timing window, apply the restrictions or lasting effects stated in Critical Damage, and then continue play.

Rule topics

core