Does the range measurement rule need to be updated?

[drail14me 1,255]

With the increasing amount of multilevel terrain, does the rule on measuring range need to be changed?

Specifically, “Range is always measured horizontal to the battlefield, on a two-dimensional plain. If two minis are on different elevations, to measure range, the player should hold the range ruler above both minis, level with the battlefield, and look down from above to determine range.“

I’ve seen this rule result in some controversial  calls on range. Couldn’t this section of the rules be deleted and range simply be measured from base to base no mater what difference there is in vertical height?

[arnoldrew 1,713]

I don't see any "increasing amount of multilevel terrain." We've had tall stuff on the battlefield since the game came out. I'm honestly fine with it either way. There's something to be said for simplicity, but it's not that hard to just hold the range measurement tool at an angle.

[Darth Sanguis 6,327]

I think the current rules for range are probably fine.

Base to base could end up being more problematic than horizontal range bands in practice. There's just so much variance with custom terrain and unit positioning. Could make it even more difficult to determine the range when trying to measure around awkward terrain or if the unit on the higher piece of terrain is too far back from the edge they're shooting over to measure base to base accurately.

If FFG's goal is to have easy, accessible rules, then maintaining a simple range band would be the way to go. 

Personally, I think it'd be interesting if they released a more comprehensive rule set as an optional play system. Something that tries to narrow the abstract nature of the game at the expense of some of the easier rules.

 

[Caimheul1313 2,990]

@drail14me This rule was changed specifically to avoid measuring range from base to base. Base to base measuring was in the initial rules, and then changed. 

[Mokoshkana 752]

TLDR: No