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Scythe Combat Rules
Resolve combat strength, ties, worker movement and defeated units.
Resolve combat strength, ties, worker movement and defeated units.
Scythe combat is largely deterministic: both players secretly commit power and optional Combat cards, then reveal simultaneously.
When does combat happen?
Combat occurs when your character or mech moves into a territory containing an opponent’s combat unit. Resolve each combat after movement according to the rulebook sequence.
Power dial
Each player secretly selects an amount of power on a combat dial, up to the amount currently available to them and within the combat limit.
Combat cards
You may also add Combat cards, limited by the number of eligible combat units you have in the territory. Reveal the selected cards with the power dial.
Who wins a tie?
The attacker wins ties. This makes initiating a close combat materially different from defending one.
What happens to the loser?
The losing combat units retreat according to the normal retreat rules. Scythe does not eliminate those units from the game.
Workers and popularity
Workers do not fight as combat units. An attacker who forces opposing workers to retreat can lose popularity, subject to faction abilities such as Polania’s Camaraderie.
Combat stars
Winning combat can place a star on the Triumph Track. Base factions are normally limited to two combat-victory stars; faction abilities can create exceptions.
Related Scythe guides
Publisher source
Rules checked September 2026.