- [7.0]? STACKING
Having more than one unit in the same hex is called stacking, and all units in that hex are part of the same stack. The maximum number of units allowed in a hex is its stacking limit. This limit may vary because of terrain, mode, and unit type. Markers have no effect on stacking and are not counted against stacking limits. If the number of units in a hex exceeds the stacking limit, those units are overstacked. An overstack must be corrected using friendly movement as soon as possible. Units may not end their movement overstacked. Overstacked units will suffer movement and combat penalties.
Units with a battalion symbol (II) above their unit-type box or silhouette are battalion-sized units. Battalions with step losses are still treated as battalions for stacking purposes. Hybrid units with three companies are also treated as battalions, even after suffering step losses. All HQs? are considered battalions for stacking.
- [7.1.0]? Stacking Limits
Up to three units may stack together in the same hex (only two may be battalions), unless the hex contains constricted terrain (see TEC). No more than two units may stack together in a constricted terrain hex, and only one may be a battalion.
Number of units in a hex:
The Stack on the left is composed of a battalion, a battalion-sized Hybrid unit, and a two company hybrid unit. It has reached its stacking limit. The stack on the right shows maximum stacking for a constricted terrain hex.
- [7.1.1]? When Stacking Limits Apply
- Stacking limits are only in effect when a unit finishes its movement. Retreating units may overstack, but the overstack must be corrected as soon as movement allows.
- [7.1.2]? German Heavy Bridge Columns
- Heavy Bridge Column units may not stack with any other Mech unit (nor can a Mech unit using Road Movement enter their hex) unless they have been flipped over to their completed bridge side or are under construction. Exception: one Army level Mech engineer unit may stack and move with a Bridge Column.
- [7.2.0]? Stacking Limits & Movement
Units are moved individually, not in stacks. See Rules 5.4.4, 5.5.3 and 5.5.4 for the effects of moving through friendly units.
Play Note: Remember towed artillery units that are In Battery, static SP artillery units In Battery, static Mech engineer units stacked with a deployed Bridge Column and static HQs? are treated as Leg units for stacking purposes (5.3.3, 15.2.3 & 5.8.1).
- [7.3.0]? Stacking & Strategic Mode
- Units in Strat Mode may not stack with any other Mech unit.
- [7.4.0]? Stacking & Combat
- In an overstacked hex, the owning player chooses which units (within normal stacking limits) will participate in combat if that hex attacks, or is attacked. A stack that is overstacked suffers a one column shift against it during Ground Assault (attacking or defending). Overstacked units may not contribute their strengths towards combat (either offensively or defensively), but they are affected by combat results.
- [7.5.0]? Other Overstack Penalties
- No unit in an overstacked hex may enter Prepared Assault Mode or use Road Movement.
- [7.6.0]? Stacking & Fog of War
- When more than one unit is present in a hex, the owning player is free to choose any non-HQ unit to be the topmost unit in the stack. A stack of unobserved units may not be examined by the enemy player (see 8.0).
