Most chariots are heavy and solid constructs, which cause considerable damage when crashing into the serried ranks of the enemy. In addition to this, the crew and steeds pulling the chariot may attack, making a chariot extremely dangerous in combat when it charges.

When a chariot charges a unit, it causes D6 hits with its own Strength. The number of hits is increased by +1 if the chariot is equipped with scythed wheels. These hits are inflicted at the very beginning of the combat, even before challenges are declared and before any model gets to attack. Any wounds caused by the charging chariot count towards combat resolution as normal. Remove any casualties as detailed in the Close Combat section Like other casualties of close combat, models killed by impact hits do not get to fight.

The main danger from a chariot comes during its charge, so it is vitally important that it isn't outmanoeuvred and charged by the enemy. Chariots caught out in this way get no impact hits and are likely to be overwhelmed.

Impact hits against a unit of troops are distributed like shooting. See the section on Characters for details on how to distribute them among the models of a unit containing one or more characters.

Obviously, if a chariot charges against a character that is fighting on his own, all the impact hits will strike the character. If the character is riding another chariot or a monster, all the impact hits will strike his chariot or mount and never the character itself. Crew and creatures pulling the chariot are however free to attack the character as normal. If a unit of chariots charges into combat, only chariot models that are in base contact with the enemy will cause impact hits.