Action Points
Section 137 of 608
Every activated unit receives 2 AP to spend on Move, Fire, Shields Back Online, Aim, Brace, Scan, Board or Ram.
The Rule
Each activated unit receives 2 AP. Each action may only be performed once unless a rule states otherwise. Move (1 AP): move up to the unit's movement value; a unit with #/# may spend another AP to move again using the second number, or spend 2 AP to combine values into one long movement. Fire (1 AP): fire any or all weapon systems; only 1 AP per turn may be spent on Fire.
Explanation
Shields Back Online — 1 AP: see the dedicated Shield Recharge rule. Aim — 1 AP: pick one weapon system and improve BS by 1 for the next Fire action (never beyond 3+). Brace — 1 AP: improve AC by 1 until the next activation. Scan — 1 AP: make an LD roll to reveal Stealth units by beating their Stealth Difficulty, interact with objectives by beating their Objective Difficulty, or resolve mission effects. Board — 1 AP: requires CR, a target within 3", and the target's SH reduced to 0. Ram — 1 AP: requires Tonnage and base contact.
Example
A Frigate spends 1 AP to Move 6" and 1 AP to Fire both weapon systems.
Designer Commentary
Two AP forces a real choice every activation: reposition, shoot, or protect.