S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game · Board game rules
When do enemies move forward into Anomaly?
Quick answer
Enemies move into Anomalies when their Activation card instructs them to move toward a target or area that includes Anomaly spaces, following the shortest path unless interrupted by gaining Line of Sight to a target.
Details
Enemies move based on the instructions on the Enemy Activation card resolved during the Enemies & Zone Phase. Key rules include:
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Activation directives: If the card specifies movement (e.g., "Move up to X toward Y" or "Go forward up to X"), enemies will move in the direction or toward the specified target. If this path includes Anomaly spaces, they will enter them unless interrupted. [p.30 — Enemy Activation]
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Movement rules: Enemies follow the shortest route to their target. If this route passes through Anomaly spaces, they will traverse them. However, if during movement they gain Line of Sight to a target (e.g., a Stalker), their movement interrupts, and they may Attack instead. [p.32 — Enemy Movement Rules]
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Anomaly interaction: Entering an Anomaly space may trigger its effect (via a dice roll), but this does not inherently stop enemy movement unless the Anomaly’s effect explicitly immobilizes or kills them. [p.36 — Anomalies]
Watch out: Enemies with "Go forward" directives move straight ahead without regard for Anomalies unless blocked by obstacles. Ensure Anomaly symbols are blocked (e.g., with Bolts) if you want to safely bypass them, as enemies will not avoid Anomalies unless their Activation card or specific ability states otherwise.